Just outside the Chicago suburbs, 60 miles south of downtown, is the city of Kankakee. Though outside of the metropolitan area of Chicago, the town of just over 24,000 serves as a respite from the big city and the suburbs. “Kankakee is like small-town living by comparison,” says Berry McCracken, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty. “One of the draws to the area is access to the Kankakee River and the number of parks on the water.”
60 miles south of downtown Chicago, Kankakee is a respite from the big city and the suburbs.
Kankakee has gorgeous parks scenically located on the Kankakee River.
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Kankakee parks
The Kankakee Valley Park District has over 30 parks in the city, including about a dozen on the riverfront, some with boat launch access. The park system operates Ice Valley Centre Ice Arena, an NHL-style rink for public skating, youth and adult hockey leagues, and even curling. The KVPD Rec Center also offers pickleball and basketball courts, as well as children and adult programs. River Run Dog Park is part of the park of the same name and has a separate play area for large and small breeds.
Ice Valley Centre Ice Arena is home to an NHL-style rink for public skating.
River Run Dog Park has separate play areas for large and small breeds.
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Riverview Historic District
The median price for a house in Kankakee is about $160,000, well below the national median and typical values in nearby communities like Bradley and Bourbonnais. “With the remote aspect of work these days, there are people who live in Kankakee and work in Chicago,” McCracken says.
Most homes were built from the 1950s on, except for the late 1800s and early 1900s houses in the Riverview Historic District. There are two Frank Lloyd Wright-designed houses in the neighborhood. “This is the only place where there are multiple Frank Lloyd Wright houses outside of Oak Park,” Germano says, referring to the Chicago suburb with a historic district consisting entirely of Wright-designed houses. Unlike other historic districts, there aren’t stringent rules when it comes to renovations. “We don’t have any legal measures to enforce,” says Joan Germano, who’s on the board of directors for the Riverview Historic District. “We welcome people who move into the area and remind them they’re in a historic district. They are encouraged to treat their house with the utmost care.”
Both property and violent crimes were above the Illinois and national average in 2021, the latest numbers available from the FBI. “Kankakee got a new police chief recently, and I think he’s done more to reach out and meet with the community,” McCracken says. “I think it’s an improving situation.”
There are two Prairie style homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in Kankakee.
There are many examples of Colonial Revival homes in Kankakee’s Riverview Historic District.
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Downtown Kankakee buildings
For the most part, the buildings in downtown Kankakee are old. There was one block where the buildings were in such bad shape that the whole section was taken down. In its place is an office building called the Executive Center, which was built in 1993 and is home to various offices and a branch of the Kankakee Public Library. The downtown area is also the site for the farmers’ market on Saturdays from early May through the end of October. The Merchant Street MusicFest happens near the Amtrak station for two days in late July.
Located in downtown Kankakee, the Executive Center is home to the Kankakee Public Library.
Downtown Kankakee hosts the weekly farmers’ market occurring from early May through October.
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Shopping and dining options in Kankakee
Various locally owned businesses, boutiques, and restaurants line Schuyler Avenue, the main road through downtown. Larger chain retailers and grocery stores are in other parts of the city and close to Interstate 57. The Meadowview Shopping Center has retail chain stores and a movie theater, while Riverstone Plaza is on the city's south end.
Mason's Novelties & Giftworks sells unique gifts and souvenirs in the heart of Kankakee.
Classic Cinemas Meadowview XQ features new releases and options for concessions in Kankakee.
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Kankakee School District 111 has middle-grade schools
Kankakee School District 111 earns a C-plus rating on Niche. Kankakee High School is the district's lone high school with a C-plus rating. “The schools get a bad rap sometimes, but there are some good programs, especially at the high school,” McCracken says. “They have a growing Junior ROTC, and students can be taught how to run a small business, like a food truck.”
Taft Primary School has 345 students in grades K through 3.
Kankakee High School has 1,513 students with a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1.
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Public bus serves the Kankakee area
The River Valley Metro Mass Transit District provides public bus transportation in the region. The bus runs in Kankakee and the surrounding communities of Bradley, Bourbonnais, Aroma Park and Manteno. Amtrak provides service north into Chicago and south to Champaign. The Greater Kankakee Airport is a general aviation facility in the southern part of the city. Midway International Airport is about 50 miles away, while O’Hare is about 70 miles north. Interstate 57 runs on the south and east sides of the city and leads into Chicago.
Written By
Jeff Stapleton
Video By
Alex Finneran
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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On average, homes in Kankakee, IL sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Kankakee, IL over the last 12 months is $180,000, up 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
New Listing in Historic Riverview! Welcome to the most charming home in one of the area's most sought-after neighborhoods - directly across from Cobb Park with tennis courts, river views, and gorgeous park-like scenery. This beautiful brick home features 9-foot first-floor ceilings, large windows that fill the home with natural light, and a cozy four-season room overlooking the backyard. Inside
This all brick home displays charm and beauty from the moment you open the door! Spacious LR with 2 large windows to bring in plenty of light and an arched doorway that opens to the kitchen and dinng room. The kitchen has new quartz countertops, a snack bar, stainless steel appliances, a lot of cabinets, and a pantry. The dining room is open to the kitchen with 2 walls of windows for even more
Stunning Fully Renovated Riverview Home on a Spacious Lot This home offers four bedrooms-including a convenient first-floor bedroom, one and a half stylish baths, and an open floor plan that seamlessly connects spacious living and dining areas to a Mondern inspired kitchen with all new cabinetry, quartz countertops, and new appliances. A striking industrial covered front porch welcomes you in,
Peter GrantBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Speckman Realty
Welcome to this stunning all-brick ranch nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac with serene waterviews in Kankakee. This 3 bed, 2 bath home has been completely rehabbed with top-to-bottom upgrades in 2020 including a new roof, furnace, A/C, electric, plumbing, drywall, flooring, kitchen, and bathrooms. The stylish kitchen features white cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a
Prime commercial corner lot opportunity on S Schuyler Ave in Kankakee! This property includes three vacant lots, totaling 23,562 sq. ft. (0.54 acres), perfectly positioned near the exciting new riverfront development. With a stunning water view of the Kankakee River, this corner location offers exceptional visibility and access, ideal for businesses aiming to benefit from increased traffic and
Charming 3-bedroom home in West Kankakee featuring a light-filled living room, a cute kitchen, and updated LVP flooring in the living room, kitchen, and bath, with hardwood floors in the bedrooms. One bedroom is currently used as a laundry room but can easily be converted back, with original hookups still in the basement. The home includes a full basement with laundry area, a large fenced
Peter GrantBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Speckman Realty
Property Id: 1247161Check out this lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bath single family home available in Kankakee! Nice sized yard with children's playhouse, 1 car detached garage with remote opener. 2 Bedrooms on the first floor with hardwood floors and entire upper level is master bedroom! Full basement. Come see it today!
Kick back & relax after a long day in this serene home. Located in Limestone, minutes from the Med Centers, Kankakee River & beautiful State Park. Bright & airy modern townhome. Lots of natural light. Views from every window. Open kitchen with beautiful island. If you're a nature lover this home is for you!
Property Id: 2063131This comfortable 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit has been recently updated to make it a great place to call home. The flooring and bathroom have been refreshed, and the kitchen includes newer appliances for added functionality. Also has its own laundry facilities, making it a convenient choice for tenants.
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