Ring, ring. Hey, operator - Morris was the first location in the United States where a computerized electronic telephone system was utilized for telephone service. This town has your number!
Morris offers a robust population of over 13,600 per the 2010 census and is the county seat of Grundy County
Ring, ring. Hey, operator - Morris was the first location in the United States where a computerized electronic telephone system was utilized for telephone service. This town has your number!
Morris offers a robust population of over 13,600 per the 2010 census and is the county seat of Grundy County. Perched along the scenic Illinois River, the community is packed with small parks, playing fields, tennis courts, golf courses and even a public swimming pool. There's also the serene forests and open space of Gebhard Woods State Park and the William G. Stratton State Park. The town is only an hour from Chicago.
Moving to Town
If you're considering apartment rentals in Morris, IL, start with a look in the Morris Daily Herald, where you can find serviced apartments, studio apartments and even apartments with paid utilities, as well as houses and townhomes listed to rent.
When Should I Start Looking?
Give yourself a few weeks to find a rental you'll enjoy. There are often vacancies in the city center, but outlying areas have less rentals available, so it search time will depend on where you want to live as to how many properties are accessible. Driving through the community and checking bulletin boards in downtown coffee houses can also help you find the right spot. When you do find it, remember that most landlords nationwide, as well as here in Morris, will want identification and proof of income, and may either ask to see or process a credit report.
Neighborhoods
The town has a charming, small town feel, especially in its downtown shops and with its pleasant, wooded parks. Boating is a big pastime here.
Morris City Center: This is a suburban neighborhood by density, and it's just off I-80, allowing convenient commutes. The Illinois River runs along the southern end of the neighborhood, and there are variety of small creeks dotting the area. From medium to small single family homes and smaller apartment complexes, both renters and owners enjoy these quiet streets. Most homes were built in fairly recent times - between 1970 and the present.
Langham / Paytonville: Bordering the Illinois River, this community has plenty of green space and a rural vibe. Mainly single family homes and small apartment buildings form the housing stock here.
Old Stage Rd / Briar Ln: This suburban neighborhood includes lushly forested Gebhard Woods State Park, perfect for a hike, walk or nature gazing. You'll find a range of single-family homes in many different sizes as well as apartment complexes. Owners and renters both live in this part of town, which also touches on the banks of the Illinois River.
E. Washington St / Armstrong St: Suburban in feel, with plenty of small ponds dotting the area, you'll find single family homes and townhomes, occupied by a mix or owners and renters. Most homes are older here, built between 1940 and 1969, with some historic residences in the mix.
Life in Morris
In 1834, the very first log cabin was built in Morris, and in 1839, villagers built Shakey Bridge to cross Nettle Creek. The I & M Canal and the arrival of the steam engine powered railroad made Morris a draw for settlers. And it's a draw today, too, with a hearty manufacturing industry nearby and attractive green space and spacious homes within.
Festivals and Music
Corny but true - Morris is home to the annual Corn Festival, now in its 66th year. Got an ear? From a farm fair to a chili supper, live music, games, carnival rides, an art show and a corn grain and flower show, there's an activity for just about everyone to enjoy over a seven day fun fest.
Is music your thing? Morris has been hosting twenty five years of the Dulcimer and Traditional Music Festival in both Gebhard Woods, and this year, in Goold Park in town.
Parks and Recreation
The 30 acre Gebhard Woods State Park includes excellent hiking along the, surprise, wooded, Shabbona Trail. This bucolic green space borders the Illinois and Michigan Canal and Nettle Creek, bringing birds and other wildlife, so bring your camera and binoculars along with your hiking shoes when you traverse this area. Large trees include oak and maple, sycamore, hawthorn and more. Look out for wildflowers! Every spring, epic colors dot the meadows here, including phlox,bluebells and lilies. Best of all the park is centrally located,in a vast natural area in the heart of town. You don't have to drive far to find nature.
Fishing and canoeing are also enjoyable activities here in the park. Gebhard Woods is but a footbridge across from historic Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail -- 61 miles of trail to be exact. If you like a long hike, there is plenty of scenery and historic properties along the way. It's a great biking trail too, with signage describing canal era facts and history. In the winter, after snowfall, snowmobiling is allowed. Also, this is a town that gives you all four seasons, so you'll want boots and coats in the snowy winter season and summer togs for the warm spring and summer months. Fall foliage makes autumn colorful. Also, water enthusiasts may prefer the William G. Stratton State Park along the Illinois River, allowing access to the river for kayakers, canoe enthusiasts and more through its capacious landing area.
Shopping and Restaurants
And what about shopping? The downtown area of Morris has been described by none other than the Chicago Tribune as having the feel of a Norman Rockwell painting. If you don't know your art, that means quaint, serene and old fashioned. Locally owned boutique shops, spas and restaurants ranging from Italian to American cuisine offer a relaxing retail and dining experience. The Joliet Town News, Morris' newspaper, is headquartered in this part of town. When you get tired of shopping, this area is located along the I and M canal, which perfect for a stroll.
Transportation
You'll want to bring a car as well as kayak to this community. While there is public transportation, most area residents commute to work in a private vehicle. Drive times, however, are short, usually under 15 minutes each way, due to the many business and manufacturing positions located in or just outside of Morris.
