$155,751Average Value$112Average Price per Sq Ft51Homes For Sale
Quiet change of pace south of Chicago
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.
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On average, homes in Kankakee, IL sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Kankakee, IL over the last 12 months is $150,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A marvelous completed renovation project, this unique and inspiring space which was brought back to life from abandonment is ready for its next proud owner or investor. A built out 3 unit space in a rapidly up and coming neighborhood. Main Church floor has a grand entrance, original, restored hardwood floors throughout, open concept primary bath with custom fixtures and Italian plaster walls,
Check out this stunning, fully updated 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath home that is truly move-in ready! This beautifully refreshed home features a newly remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, fresh flooring on the main level, and brand-new carpet in all upstairs bedrooms, creating a clean, modern feel throughout. Enjoy true peace of mind with major updates already completed, including a new furnace and A/C (2025)
BACK ON MARKET! Buyer's financing fell through. Their bad luck could be your good fortune! BE AMAZED at the UNIQUENESS of all the homes in the area and HOW WELL KEPT the homes are! DEEP RIVERVIEW is a very POPULAR AREA next to the river and 2 large RIVERFRONT PARKS filled with large, AFFORDABLE, WELL BUILT HOMES! Walk to the front door with a peak over the ORIGINAL FRONT DOOR and stone
A marvelous completed renovation project, this unique and inspiring space which was brought back to life from abandonment is ready for its next proud owner or investor. A built out 3 unit space in a rapidly up and coming neighborhood. Main Church floor has a grand entrance, original, restored hardwood floors throughout, open concept primary bath with custom fixtures and Italian plaster walls,
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
DISCOVER THIS MOVE-IN READY 1.5 STORY- GEM BOASTING 3 BEDROOMS, 1 BATH, AND 1,950 SQ FT OF LIVING SPACE. ENJOY THE SPACIOUS LIVING ROOM, DINING AREA, AND,AND DEN, PLUS AN UNFINISHED BASMENT PERFECT FOR CUSTOMIZATION. THE EXPANSIVE 2.5- CAR GARAGE COMPLETES THIS IDEAL PACKAGE. DON'T MISS OUT! PROPERTY IS BEING SOLD AS IS.
Welcome Home! This 2 bedroom and 1 bathroom Kankakee ranch provides practicality designed for everyday living! Stepping inside is the a large foyer that leads to the spacious living room featuring hardwood flooring, and a cozy wood burning fireplace-- perfect for winter evenings. Across of the hall is the kitchen, that has great space for an eat-in table and chairs, ample cabinetry, and all
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
Investor Special - Opportunity in the Heart of Kankakee! Massive 2600 sq ft two-unit property offering a rare opportunity for real estate investors looking to rehab, reposition, and maximize rental income. Each unit features 3 generously sized bedrooms with spacious room layouts, providing strong potential for future long-term tenants once renovated. The full basement offers an excellent
Discover your dream home in this beautifully updated residence, perfectly situated on a spacious 0.75-acre lot in Kankakee, surrounded by mature trees and lush green space. This move-in ready home boasts approximately 2,400 sq ft of well-designed living space, with a partially finished basement. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by an inviting layout that features five bedrooms, each with
Yes you can OWN THIS HOME to live in for almost $112,000! Take a look inside this MOSTLY BRICK HOME. The LIVING ROOM is rather spacious with it being OPEN TO THE DINING ROOM. The hardwood floors blend the 2 rooms into 1 LARGER ROOM. The kitchen is almost LARGE ENOUGH for a table and is large enough to prepare the food for all residents. Down a short hallway are 2 BEDROOMS and a full bathroom.
Fantastic Opportunity! This 3 bedroom, 1 bath home is ready for you to settle in and make it your own. The charming exterior, with new front steps, leads through to the fully enclosed front porch-- a perfect spot to enjoy quiet mornings! The living room features beautiful original dark wood trim and gorgeous custom built-in cabinets. This flows right into the connected dining room that flooded
Charming 2-Bedroom Brick Townhome in a Convenient Kankakee Location! Welcome home to this well-maintained 2-bedroom brick townhome offering comfort, convenience, and worry-free living! Perfectly situated near Kankakee Elementary Schools, Kankakee High School, Dollar General, Casey's, beautiful local parks, and the scenic Kankakee Museum-this home places everything you need just minutes away. Step
Property Id: 1324830Welcome to your cozy 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom single-family home in Kankakee, IL. Don't miss out on this gem - schedule a viewing today!
Recently refurbished 2-bedroom, 1-bath unit on upper level. $850 monthly rent $1700 deposit. Approval requirements: minimum monthly income of $2500; 600 minimum credit score; no prior evictions. Tenant pays gas and electric. No pets. $50 application fee for 1 adult and $90 for 2 Adults.
Property Id: 1115560Welcome to your new home at 319 S Fifth Ave in Kankakee, IL! This charming 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment is perfect for a single tenant, unit is available From March 15, 2026.
WINTER SPECIAL - 1 MONTH FREE IF APPROVED AND MOVED IN BY MARCH 1ST - Great 1BR apartment close to downtown, St. Mary's Hospital, and next to Washington Park! Ready for move in! Walking distance to great shops, restaurants, and bars. Agent owned. Before completing an application and paying the application fee, please make sure that you: - Have a monthly "take home" income of at least $2750 - Have
Property Id: 1253398This is a two bedroom apartment with one bathroom currently available for lease at $1450 a month person has to have three times the rent and we collect first last and deposit all equal to the rent required No pets allowed subject to background and approval Tenant responsible forElectric, Water, Sewer and Trash .
Welcome to this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home located in the heart of Kankakee, IL. This unit offers a spacious layout with generously sized bedrooms and plenty of room for comfortable living. The updated kitchen and bathroom feature ceramic tile finishes, a stylish backsplash, refinished cabinets with crown molding, new countertops, and updated vanity, sink, and fixtures. Freshly
Property Id: 1119470PLEASE FILL OUT PRESCREENER TO MOVE FORWARD IF YOU ARE INTERESTEDThis is a newly available 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment located at 319 S Fifth Unit 1. It is available for move-in NOW. The tenant is responsible for electric service. Additionally, the tenant will be responsible for paying a portion of the water, trash, and sewer bill, which is estimated to be
Recently rehabbed and move-in ready, this spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers modern updates and flexible living space. The home features a full basement with two bedrooms below grade, providing added room for guests, office space, or storage. Enjoy updated bathrooms with new ceramic tile backsplashes, modern vanities, and updated shower fixtures. The kitchen has been refreshed with refinished
Move right in and enjoy easy living in this beautifully rehabbed 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath single-family home located in the heart of downtown Kankakee. Designed with tenants in mind, this home offers durable LVP flooring, updated cabinets and hardware, new countertops, a new vanity, and ceramic tile finishes for low-maintenance living. Freshly painted throughout in a modern three-tone color palette,
Beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath rental with a fresh, modern feel. Enjoy a newly updated kitchen and bathroom, refinished cabinets with elegant crown molding, ceramic tile flooring, and a stylish backsplash. New light fixtures brighten the space, while updated vanity and shower fixtures add comfort and convenience. A clean, move-in-ready home you'll love coming back to
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