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

DeKalb, nestled in the heart of DeKalb County, Illinois, buzzes with energy thanks to its colorful past, bustling economy, and tight-knit community vibe. Established in 1856, DeKalb has evolved from its agricultural roots into a diverse and dynamic urban center with a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. DeKalb is buzzing with life, thanks to its historic spots, cultural gems, and fun activities. Whether you're just visiting or lucky enough to call it home, this place offers a warm welcome alongside endless opportunities for work and play. There are 40,290 residents, according to the U.S. Census (2020).

DeKalb truly has it all, from the lively beats of its downtown heart and green escapes in beautiful parks to schools that are top of their class and an arts vibe that keeps things fresh. There's a little slice of joy here for anyone who looks. Heading to a local event, exploring the unique finds in a boutique store, or savoring flavors at an intimate eatery? DeKalb is your go-to spot for enjoying suburban charm right up north in Illinois.

What To Do in DeKalb, IL

DeKalb is a college town for Northern Illinois University. It offers a variety of attractions and activities.

• Downtown: Stroll through the heart of DeKalb, and you'll quickly fall for its old-world charm, where every corner boasts unique boutiques, tempting local food spots, and buildings that tell stories from days gone by. Downtown DeKalb is where it's at if you're into cool boutiques, art galleries that pop with creativity, chill cafes, and restaurants run by local families. This spot truly brings out the city’s quaint vibes and bursts of creative energy in a shopping and dining scene like no other. Strolling through downtown DeKalb, you're in for a treat. Enjoy hunting down unique handmade crafts, sipping on your favorite flavored coffee, and diving into the local culture.
• Park: Immerse yourself in nature at Hopkins Park, a scenic green space located along the Kishwaukee River in DeKalb. At the park, you're in for a treat with activities galore! Spread out your picnic blanket, cast a line into the river, or explore hiking trails. And that's not all - there are sports fields ready for action, playgrounds bustling with laughter, and verdant walking paths.
• Egyptian Theatre: Dive into a world of arts and entertainment at the Egyptian Theatre, right in the heart of DeKalb. This place isn't just any venue; it's a piece of history where you can catch some amazing performances. Throughout the year, there's always something happening here - from rocking out at concerts and getting lost in theater productions to enjoying film screenings or diving into special events.

Working in DeKalb, IL

DeKalb's economy benefits from education, healthcare, retail, hospitality, and manufacturing. The city's unemployment rate is high at 7%. The median household income in DeKalb is $45,591 per year, which is about $13,500 lower than the American average of $69,021.

The economy is growing a bit slower than the national average. DeKalb’s predicted job growth rate for the next ten years is 30.1%, compared to the national rate expected to be 33.5%.

Industries offering the most jobs are education (24.2%), accommodation & food services (9.8%), health care (5.9%), professional, scientific, and technical services (3.8%), finance/insurance (3.8%), construction (3.4%), and administrative/support/waste management services (3.2%).

DeKalb, IL Neighborhoods

Here are a few neighborhoods to consider for beautiful homes and attractive rentals.

• Wineberry: This neighborhood is northwest of the NIU campus, a short drive away. The median real estate price is $360,431. This amount is higher than 69.1% of all other places in Illinois. Most of the properties are rented. The average rent is $2,223. The vacancy rate is 12.2%, so it is not difficult to find a place to rent.
• DeKalb West: This area contains nice smaller lakes and surrounds the NIU campus. The median real estate price is $349,453. The average rental price is $1,566. The vacancy rate is 9.8%.
• Devonaire Farms: This area is on the southern side of the city. The I-88 freeway passes through it. The median price for a home is $290,065. The average rent is $1,644. The vacancy rate is 0%, so it is hard to find a place.
• Tilton Park / Heatherstone: This area is north of the city. The median price for a home is $289,096. The average rent is $1,773, with a vacancy rate of 5.2%.

DeKalb, IL School District

The DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 manages the public schools. The school district spends $17,704 annually on each student. The student-to-teacher ratio is reasonable at 15 to one.

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

Northern Illinois University is in DeKalb, and there are 37 other colleges and universities within 50 miles. Aurora University is 24 miles away. Judson University is 25 miles away.

Moving to DeKalb, IL Resource Guide

DeKalb’s municipal government has an elected mayor and seven aldermen serving on the City Council. Find more information on the City of DeKalb's website.

DeKalb Park District manages the parks, youth athletics, adult programs, Hopkins Swimming Pool, the golf course, and community events.

DeKalb, IL Housing

The median home price is $245,000. The price trend is up 11.4% year-over-year. The housing market is a seller’s market. Housing costs are 9% lower than the national average. The cost of living is 3% lower than in other Illinois cities and 7% higher than the rest of the country.