Storage Units Near DeKalb

Moving and storage go hand in hand. Whether traveling across town or the country, Moving is an exciting and fresh start. While we are here to help you with all your storage needs, we also want to help you get familiar with the area. That's why we put together this resource guide for DeKalb.

About DeKalb, IL

According to the U.S. Census (2020), Dekalb has a population of 40,290. The majority of them are students attending Northern Illinois University. The City of DeKalb is located in the county of the same name. Back in 1856, what started off as just a cozy farming community blossomed into an energetic city. Yet, despite its growth spurt, it never lost that warm, small-town feel.

DeKalb is where you feel that sweet small-town vibe right alongside the buzz of city life. Picture walking through its charming downtown, with buildings that tell tales from years gone by, and then finding yourself in lively markets filled to the brim with everything local and delicious. In this place, you can hear the whispers of history blend perfectly with today's vibe. It’s like a living artwork that celebrates how far we've come while holding onto the rich stories that shaped the experience.

DeKalb is more than just a pretty face; it beats with a vibrant energy of creativity and innovation. With Northern Illinois University in the mix, this city is buzzing with a spirit of learning and innovation that you can feel just walking down the street.

What To Do in DeKalb, IL

DeKalb offers many attractions and activities.

• Museum: Take a journey back in time with a visit to the Ellwood House Museum. Imagine walking through an old mansion from the 1800s, preserved just as it was and packed with history at every corner. When you drop by, make sure to wander through the stylish rooms and vibrant gardens. You'll also stumble upon some captivating exhibits that peel back layers on what life was like for the Ellwood family - a name that's left its mark all over DeKalb's rich history.
• Farnsworth House: Marvel at the architectural masterpiece that is the Farnsworth House, a modernist gem designed by renowned architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Just a stone's throw from DeKalb, there’s this standout house that catches everyone's eye. It’s famous for its sleek design and clever build, not to mention how it seems like part of the natural scenery around it.
• Farmer’s Market: Enjoy the bustling energy of the DeKalb Farmers' Market, where you'll find a lively mix of local farmers, crafty artisans, and unique vendors, all eager to share their best with you. At the market, you're in for a treat with everything from straight-from-the-farm veggies and unique crafts to homemade treats and fancy foods that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Outdoor Recreation: Whether you're hiking along the scenic trails of Russell Woods Forest Preserve, paddling down the Kishwaukee River, or cycling through the picturesque countryside, there are endless opportunities for outdoor recreation in DeKalb.

Working in DeKalb, IL

DeKalb's economy benefits from health care, education, retail, hotels/restaurants, and manufacturing. At 7%, the city's unemployment rate is high. The median annual household income is $45,591, which is about $13,500 lower than the national average of $69,021.

The economy is growing at a slower pace than the national average. DeKalb’s predicted job growth rate for the next decade is 30.1%, compared to the rest of the country expected to be 33.5%.

Industries offering the most jobs are education (24.2%), hospitality8 (9.8%), healthcare (5.9%), professional, scientific, and tech. services (3.8%), finance/insurance (3.8%), building construction (3.4%), and administration & waste management (3.2%).

DeKalb, IL Neighborhoods

The best neighborhoods are Wineberry (median price is $360,431), Dekalb West (median price is $349,453), and Devonaire Farms (median price is $290,065). Here are some other areas to consider that are less expensive:

• Tilton Park / Heatherstone: The median price for a home is $289,096. The average rent is $1,773, with a vacancy rate of 5.2%.
• Summit Enclave / Cortland Estates: This area has the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport. The median price for a home is $260,175. The average rent is $1,907, with a vacancy rate of 4.8%.
• DeKalb Northwest: This neighborhood has Welsh Park. The median price for a home is $226,561. The average rent is $1,293, with a vacancy rate of 14.6%.
• Northern Illinois University: For those who are going to the university or those who love to live around college students, this is the area that they will appreciate.** The median price for a home is $226,561. The average rent is $1,732, with a vacancy rate of 12.7%.

DeKalb, IL School District

The local school district is DeKalb Community Unit School District 428. The school district invests $17,704 yearly on each student for educational services. The student-to-teacher ratio is reasonable at 15 to one, making a nice class size.

In addition to public schools, DeKalb has three private schools, which are St. Mary School (NS to 8th), Camelot-nwca (Special Education K), and Hillcrest Drive KinderCare (NS to PK).

Northern Illinois University is in town, and there are 37 other colleges and universities within 50 miles. Other schools with four-year programs include Aurora University (24 miles away) and Judson University (25 miles away).

Moving to DeKalb, IL Resource Guide

The City of DeKalb local government has an elected mayor and seven members serving on the City Council. More information can be found on the City of DeKalb's website.

The DeKalb Park District manages the public parks, programs for youth/adults, and community events.

DeKalb, IL Housing

The median home sales price is $245,000. The price is trending up by 11.4% yearly. The housing market is a seller’s market. Housing costs are 9% less than in other parts of the country. The cost of living is 3% lower than in other cities in the state and 7% higher than the national average.