Kankakee, IL Homes for Rent

Kankakee, Illinois, located 60 miles south of downtown Chicago, offers a quieter lifestyle compared to the bustling city and its suburbs. With a population of just over 24,000, Kankakee is known for its access to the Kankakee River and numerous parks, including over a dozen riverfront parks with boat launch access. The Kankakee Valley Park District operates more than 30 parks, featuring amenities like the Ice Valley Centre Ice Arena, pickleball and basketball courts, and River Run Dog Park. The Riverview Historic District showcases homes from the late 1800s and early 1900s, including two Frank Lloyd Wright-designed houses. Unlike other historic districts, Riverview does not enforce strict renovation rules, encouraging residents to maintain their homes with care. Downtown Kankakee features older buildings, with the Executive Center housing offices and a branch of the Kankakee Public Library. The area hosts a farmers’ market from May to October and the Merchant Street MusicFest in July. Schuyler Avenue is lined with locally owned businesses, boutiques, and restaurants, while larger chain stores are found at Meadowview Shopping Center and Riverstone Plaza. Public transportation is provided by the River Valley Metro Mass Transit District, with bus services extending to nearby communities. Amtrak connects Kankakee to Chicago and Champaign, and the Greater Kankakee Airport serves general aviation needs.