DeKalb: A semi-rural college community
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11/15/2007
As a 37 year resident of DeKalb - an escapee of the Chicago suburbs, I am pleased to write a bit about my hometown. Originally a college town in a farming community, DeKalb (where barbed wire was developed and marketed) has evolved into a more suburban, yet still rural community. Surrounded by corn and soybean fields (a friend once said, "DeKalb has two seasons - Corn Up and Corn Down"), DeKalb has a combination of family owned businesses and national and regional chains that over time has dissolved some of our uniqueness. About 60 miles due west of Chicago, DeKalb residents can still access the great attributes of Chicago without too much trouble (the train which used to travel regularly between DeKalb and Chicago now only goes as far as Elburn, 20 minutes away) yet are able to avoid many of the negative aspects of the city and suburbs (congestion, traffic, pollution, etc.). To be happy in DeKalb weather-wise, you must enjoy the change of seasons as we can have extreme hot and cold (with the relief or consternation of frequent windy days), but have wonderful spring and fall weather.
Northern Illinois University is the premier institution of higher education in Northern Illinois and provides many opportunities for growth, education, culture and diversity.
A traditionally Republican stronghold with pockets of fiercely Democratic and Independent residents, DeKalb has become more moderate politically. University students have not been overly involved in local politics in recent years (to this writers dismay).
A downtown revitalization program has begun - results pending.
Steve | DeKalb, IL