Just off the iconic Route 66, Granite City, Illinois, offers a charming blend of small-town hospitality and urban convenience. This modest community boasts vibrant parks, lively festivals, and a growing arts scene. A variety of shops and businesses operate in the scenic downtown area. Take a short tour of the area, which includes eclectic shops, restaurants, and public sculptures. Enjoy the warmth of a close-knit neighborhood while experiencing the excitement of neighboring St. Louis. With its wealth of attractions and events, it’s no wonder many Explorers are launching their U.S. healthcare careers in Granite City.
Steel City
Part of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area, Granite City was originally a steel town. U.S. Steel Granite City Works plant employed a large number of residents and is still operating today; however, the city has greatly expanded and diversified its employment opportunities. There are several top-ranked nearby hospitals and healthcare facilities, including No. 1 ranked Barnes-Jewish Hospital, tied at No. 2 Mercy Hospital and Missouri Baptist Medical Center, and No. 3 ranked Mercy Hospital South, all in neighboring St. Louis. Granite winters are cold and snowy with January being the coldest month of the year. Average highs are 40°F (4.4°C) and lows are 23°F (-5°C). Summer’s hottest month is July, with highs of 90°F (32.2°C) and lows of 71°F (21.6°C).
Quality of Life
- Cost of Living: 17.5 percent below the national rate
- Population: 27,549 based on 2020 Census
- Average Rent: $850 (1 bedroom)
- Median Household Income: $58,681
- Per Capita Income: $29,239
- Live below the poverty line: 18.6 percent
- Median Age: 38.8 years
- Average commute time: 22.8 minutes
Education
Explorers can enroll younger family members in the Granite City Community Unit Schools District No. 9. The district has an overall Niche.com grade of C+ with an 17:1 student-teacher ratio. There are several colleges and universities in the Granite City-St. Louis area offering Explorers and family members an opportunity to further their education. Southwestern Illinois College, St. Louis Community College, and St. Charles Community College are just the start.
Madison County Transit has public bus routes throughout Granite and the extending county, while Metro provides public transportation services around the great St. Louis metropolitan area, including Granite City.
St. Louis Lambert International Airport provides direct flights to cities across the country, including Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Miami.
Top Attractions:
The Gateway Arch Take a tram 630 feet up to the top of the Gateway Arch, the tallest monument in the United States. Made of concrete and stainless steel, the Gateway Arch symbolizes the United States’ 19th century Westward Expansion.
St. Louis Cardinals Second, only to the New York Yankees for the most World Series wins, the St. Louis Cardinals and their fans are one of the reasons why The Sporting News rated St. Louis the “Best Sports City.” The Cardinals play from April, often into late October, and sometimes November at Busch Stadium.
Saint Louis Art Museum Join the half million visitors to the Saint Louis Art Museum annually. The museum has three floors dedicated to paintings, sculptures, cultural objects, and ancient masterpieces.
Missouri Botanical Garden Walk 79 acres of beautiful horticultural displays at the Missouri Botanical Garden. An oasis in the middle of the city, the garden is one of the oldest in the country, opening its doors to visitors more than 160 years ago.
Six Flags St. Louis Thrill seekers can indulge their senses on the Screaming Eagle Wooden Coaster, Batman the Ride, Catwoman Whip, and other rides at Six Flags St. Louis. There are also live shows, concerts, food, and more.
Budweiser Brewery Get face-to-face with a legendary Clydesdale, take a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process, and enjoy a beer and food pairing dinner at the Budweiser Brewery.
MedPro International’s American Dream tour is headed to a city near YOU in 2024!
Ready to start YOUR American Dream? Learn how MedPro International assists qualified candidates through all the necessary steps to qualify for and work in the United States, including Green Card sponsorship for a candidate and their family. MedProU prepares candidates for success in their licensure and English exams as well as life and work in the US. Candidates receive a premium hourly wage with periodic pay raises, a comprehensive benefits package, and a sign-on bonus at the start of their U.S. assignment.
Kick-start your American dream. Visit MedPro International to complete a brief application, and a Recruiter will contact you right away.