Located 55 miles south of Chicago, the village of Bourbonnais has a population of over 18,000 people and was rated the Best Place to Live in Kankakee County for its outdoor recreation and family-friendly amenities, according to Niche.com. Named after one of the earliest French-Canadian fur trappers, Francois Bourbonnais Sr., the area has Potawatomi roots, with tribes calling the area "Te-yar-ac-ke," which means "wonderful land." That rings as true today as it did in the 1800s, though Bourbonnais now goes by a different name – "The Village of Friendship." "I absolutely adore Bourbonnais," says Angelina Gear, a Bourbonnais native and sales and marketing director for the Kankakee County Convention and Visitors Bureau. "People actually care and help one another. You know your neighbors, you wave to them in the grocery store. It's a good community vibe."
The village of Bourbonnais has a population of over 18,000 people.
Bourbonnais was rated the Best Place to Live in Kankakee County.
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A growing housing market
With over 6,000 homes built over the decades, Bourbonnais has diverse architectural styles, from classical to contemporary. Most of the ranch-style houses dotting the landscape were built after 1970 and have a median sale price of $281,500, but there are also many townhomes available at a median sale price of $274,000. The village continues to add new development, with new residential units rising on the northwestern end. "It's growing in a really great way," Angelina says. "Bourbonnais is definitely getting its place on the map."
There are many townhomes in Bourbonnais available at a median sale price of $274,000.
Most of the ranch-style houses dotting the landscape of Bourbonnais were built after 1970.
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Going out to The Grove
Located alongside the Kankakee River, Bourbonnais has over 100 acres spread across 22 public parks, each with amenities such as playgrounds, tennis courts and baseball fields. Families will also regularly bring their children to Perry Farm, which has over 4 miles of walking trails, farm animals and a medieval-themed children's museum. On top of the existing parkland, the village unveiled a new 12.5-acre venue called The Grove last year that hosts live performances, community events and a skate plaza that transforms into an ice rink in the winter months.
Bourbonnais unveiled a new 12.5-acre venue called The Grove last year that hosts live performances.
Perry Farm in Bourbonnais has over 4 miles of walking trails, a playground, and farm animals.
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A mix of public and private school options
Kindergarteners through middle schoolers have five public schools they may attend in Bourbonnais School District 53, rated a B-plus by Niche. Private educational opportunities exist in Kankakee Valley Montessori, St. Paul's Lutheran and Bishop McNamara Catholic School. Neighboring village Bradley shares a campus with Bourbonnais' high school population at Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School, graded a B. Olivet Nazarene University is a religiously affiliated university that serves around 3,500 students on its 275-acre campus and employs hundreds in the community.
Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School has 1,921 students in grades 9-12.
Students may attend in Bourbonnais School District 53, rated a B-plus by Niche.
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Building community connections
The village's premier shopping district is Northfield Square Mall, which has around 30 stores anchored by a Cinemark Theatre. In addition to various retailers and boutique stores, the village partners with local chocolatiers for its annual Chocolate Tour. Residents also come together for the Friendship Festival, a community-wide celebration with live performances, food trucks and a carnival. "It's always been a tradition for the whole county to go and experience that together," Angelina says. "It's like a high school reunion for everybody.”
Bourbonnais village's premier shopping district is Northfield Square Mall.
Cinemark Theater in Bourbonnais has the latest movies.
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An industry driven by manufacturing
Bourbonnais is a business-friendly community home to many manufacturing companies. The biggest employer is the Nucor Corporation, which is the 15th largest steel producer in the world and employs over 400 people, as does All Star Management, which oversees a chain of Wendy’s Restaurants throughout the county. Ardex also has an adhesives and cement warehouse that employs around 40 people. Major grocery chains include Meijer, Jewel-Osco and Walmart.
The biggest employer in Bourbonnais is the Nucor Corporation, a steel manufacturer.
Kroger is one of several large grocery store chains operating in Bourbonnais.
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From the metro to the midway
Three major thoroughfares — Interstate 57 and Highways 52 and 102 — connect Bourbonnais to neighboring cities. The River City Metro provides bus services throughout Bourbonnais and Kankakee County, even offering rides to the Metra train station at University Park and Chicago-Midway Airport 70 miles north. Local emergency care options include the First Family Clinic and Midwest Express.
Weather and crime
Residents experience a chilly climate, with average summer high temperatures being 80 degrees and average winter low temperatures being 21 degrees. In the winter, the public works department will remove snow and treat the roads on a 24-hour basis. Both violent and property crime rates are below the national average, with the Bourbonnais Police Department reporting a 16% decrease in crime overall between 2023 and 2024.
Written By
David Dunn
Photography Contributed By
Chris Jeong
Video By
Patrick Johnson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Bourbonnais, IL sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Bourbonnais, IL over the last 12 months is $350,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Just 50 minutes from Chicago, this stunning home combines space, style, and serenity in a highly desirable location. Nestled on a large, tree-filled lot, the 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home boasts 2 fireplaces, an open floor plan with a formal dining area and a spacious living room featuring extra space perfect for a piano or cozy sitting area. The luxurious primary suite is a true retreat, complete
This lovely 3-bedroom home features a cozy family room with a fireplace, a formal dining room, and a spacious kitchen with a pantry. It offers 2 full baths for convenience. Recent upgrades include newer flooring, windows, exterior doors, and garage floors with epoxy, enhancing both style and durability. The newer concrete driveway provides easy access and parking. The nicely landscaped, fenced-in
** NEW PRICE** Incredible opportunity to own your stunning 3 bedroom 4-bath HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM BUILT home on a secluded 5 Acre private lot! Welcome Home for the Holidays~ You'll be impressed with all the attention to details and top notch designs. The front porch welcomes you or you can sit and relax to enjoy the day. Don't miss your chance to schedule a private showing today! Seller has paid
One-of-a-Kind Custom Home on 15+ Acres in Rural Bourbonnais, IL Proudly offered by its original owners, this one-of-a-kind custom-built home has been lovingly maintained since the day it was built. Nestled on over 15 peaceful acres surrounded by mature trees, this property showcases quality craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and true country charm. Inside, you'll find a spacious layout featuring
This spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home offers over 1700 square feet of comfortable living space. The expansive living room features a cozy fireplace, while the primary suite impresses with double doors, a walk-in closet, and a private bath with dual sinks. The kitchen shines with new flooring and plenty of space for cooking and dining. Enjoy the outdoors on your private deck and take advantage
Need Space for the Holidays! Here you go! This 6 Bedroom 4.5 Bath home sits on a corner lot with a fenced in backyard. Inviting front porch! A cute hall cubby setup as you enter the front door leads to the family room/eat in kitchen with an open floor plan. Get ready to cozy up with the family room fireplace this winter! Kitchen has a breakfast bar and pantry closet with ample cabinet space.
New construction unit for rent! Solid brick, ranch style duplex on a quiet street. Unit has 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, Shaw vinyl plank flooring and quartz countertops. The master bathroom is suite-style, offering a separate sink area, with a huge walk-in closet. There is a large mudroom with a utility sink and washer and dryer hook ups. The 2 car attached garage has attic access with 5 foot
Completely remodeled first-floor condo for rent! This move-in ready unit has been fully updated and offers modern comfort with charming details. Enjoy hardwood flooring, a cozy fireplace, and a spacious primary suite featuring a full bath and walk-in closet. The kitchen includes all appliances, and a washer and dryer are conveniently in-unit. Extra-wide hallways and a designated handicap parking
Available October 1st, beautiful, newer, modern upscale 2 story townhome for rent in Bourbonnais with 3bedrooms, 2 full bath, 2 car attached garage, mostly brick, it has a great Contemporary open floor plan, beautiful floors, Huge eat in kitchen with pantry walk in closet and all appliances staying, Neutral paint and recessed lighting. Large master suite on second floor with own bath and walk in
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