Diamond is an Illinois village that’s part of two counties
The Village of Diamond is southwest of Joliet and Chicago, by about 23 and 54 miles, respectively. It's in two counties: Grundy and Will. "About 99% of people live in the Grundy County portion," says Terry Kernc, the mayor of Diamond. According to U.S. Census estimates, the population is about 2,900.
Kernc says people are drawn to Diamond's high quality of life. "They love the fact that we have corn fields out here, and it's a rural atmosphere, but close enough to Chicago and Joliet. They love the schools, and that it's a safe community that's a nice place to raise children."
Ranch-style homes, split levels, contemporaries and senior townhomes
Some of the oldest homes in Diamond date to the 1950s. Types include ranch-style, split-level and contemporary homes in various subdivisions. Most new construction, including single-family and duplex homes, is to the west and south. Prices typically range from about $250,000 to $470,000. "The older homes you can get into much more reasonably in terms of prices. I actually like when they turn over because this can bring new families into starter homes," Kernc says. Options for those 55-and-up include the Country Meadows community, which has townhomes in the $200,000s.
A mining past and a future with ongoing development
In the early 1870s, the community was formed around mining. Despite the eventual village name, this mining was not for diamonds, but for coal, also known as black diamonds. The neighboring village to the west was named Coal City. In 1883, the tragic Diamond Mine Disaster, a mine shaft flood, killed 74. After that, mining continued, and the village was incorporated in 1895. The mines closed in the early 1900s, after which Diamond lost its luster for a time. The village was reincorporated in 1949 and began to grow again.
Today, shiny new things are coming to Diamond. The village established the Diamond I-55 Corridor Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District and the Diamond Enterprise Zone as catalysts for economic development.
Division Street is the commercial corridor for Diamond
Though Diamond doesn't have a downtown, there are retail and dining options along the commercial corridor SR 113, which is also known as Division Street. The Whistle Stop Cafe, which has been open for more than 20 years, is recognizable by the train-themed mural on its exterior. Other restaurants include Los 3 Burritos and Zenshi Handcrafted Sushi; more are already in the works or anticipated.
The Jewel-Osco that opened in 2024 has been successful. According to Kernc, the supermarket chain usually wouldn't put a store in an area of this size, but the village has a much bigger service area than its population. "Once we convinced Jewel-Osco, that opened the floodgates. It put us on the map."
Well-ranked schools and a $5-million improvement plan
The Coal City Early Childhood Center, for prekindergarten through first grade, earns a B-minus grade from Niche. Coal City Elementary School, which serves second and third grade, receives a B. Coal City Intermediate School, for fourth and fifth grades, and Coal City Middle School, for sixth through eighth, are both rated A-minus. Coal City High School has a B.
The Coal City Community Unit School District #1 passed a $5-million improvement plan in 2023, to include new athletic facilities for the high school and upgrades for other schools. "They put in turf for the football field, a grandstand, and added a huge LED sign that flashes. It's very impressive. The high school also has an excellent theatrical group that puts out multiple plays a year," Kernc says.
Community parks, area clubs, a golf course and a trap range
Diamond Park has a playground, a picnic shelter and has hosted Movies in the Park in June. Recreational sites known as area clubs are especially popular. They were created after strip mining left open land and areas that filled in with water. "They have beaches, boating, camping, restaurants and playgrounds. It depends on which one you join. We are surrounded — within 10 minutes, you can hit about five area clubs," Kernc says. The Braidwood Recreation Club, about 5 miles away, includes the 9-hole Silver Oaks Golf Course.
Another point of interest is the Diamond Indoor Trap Range. It sells hunting and fishing licenses and offers classes on topics like marksmanship and safety. It also supports the high school's trap shooting club.
The Fall Fun Fest, Festival of Trees and more going on in Diamond
The Fall Fun Fest, held in September, brings the community together. "Everything is free, we have entertainment, and rent a giant state fair slide. We have magicians, games, face painters and cotton candy. There's no alcohol – it's really great for children and families," Kernc says, noting that Christian Life Assembly has been instrumental in the success of the event. "They are a very active church in town. They have been wonderful in helping us."
Other events include community-wide garage sale days in May and the Festival of Trees, a two-day December fundraiser and entertainment showcase, put on by the Coal City High School Promfest Committee.
Highway access, public transportation and new bike paths
There's convenient access to SR 113, and Interstate 55, which is on the east. The Grundy Transit System offers public transportation throughout the county for $4 and into portions of Joliet for $6. Service is available on weekdays and only by reservation. Morris Hospital Diamond-Coal City Campus is on East Division Street.
In recent years, the village has undertaken more than $4 million in roadway and sidewalk improvements. "We are putting in connecting bike paths for all of our subdivisions. We're trying to make it very convenient to bicycle, take walks, and take the strollers out," Kernc says.
Written By
Robin Silberman
