$155,480Average Value$111Average Price per Sq Ft27Homes 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 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Kankakee, IL over the last 12 months is $148,750, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
One of the most STATELY HOMES in the Riverview Historic District! Your family may be the 4TH FAMILY to own this historic home in 90+ years! This DISTINGUISHED STONE Colonial Revival style home sits on a DOUBLE LOT with a majestic LIMESTONE WALL welcoming you to this home. Walking through the COVERED FRONT ENTRY into the spacious foyer sport HARDWOOD FLOORS from the entry if you turn left you will
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
Impressive 4 bedroom, 3 bath ranch that instantly feels like home. Designed with today's most sought after modern finishes, this beautifully crafted home offers an inviting split floor plan and an open concept layout perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The spacious kitchen flows seamlessly into the dining and living areas, creating the ideal gathering space for family and friends.
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
Escape to your own private river retreat in the heart of the boatable portion of the Kankakee River! This waterfront home offers the perfect blend of relaxation, recreation, and year-round comfort - an entertainer's dream with breathtaking river views and endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Unwind on the spacious screened-in porch while taking in the peaceful surroundings, or make use of
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
Welcome to 5690 W State Route 17, a 4-bedroom home on a 0.47-acre lot in the highly sought-after Herscher School District. This move-in-ready property offers 1 full bath, 2 half baths, and a large unfinished area above the garage with potential for an in-law suite, office, or recreation space. The home backs to open farmland for added privacy and includes a 4-car garage plus a separate workshop,
Nice home for any investors looking for a new projector or a homeowner looking to buy low and sell higher. Either way, this home has the potential to be a great investment. 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a full unfinished basement with more possibilities. Nice sized lot that is mostly fenced in as well.
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
Come and enjoy the easy living of this spacious Tri-Level in Limestone Township, offering fully utilized square footage throughout. This 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath home features a cozy, wood burning fireplace with gas starter. Farmland views, creating a truly private outdoor oasis. Situated on just under 1/2 Acre with mature trees in Heil Estates Subdivision, this property offers comfort, space and
Beautiful HUGE lot for sale in the upscale Indian Meadows subdivision in Limestone/ Herscher School District. With all utilities up to site! Nestled in a serene, quiet street, this spacious lot offers the perfect blend of privacy and community charm, surrounded by meticulously maintained homes and lush landscaping, this huge lot is close to the Kankakee River, State Park, Hospitals and min to the
SINGLE FAMILY HOME SOLD AS-IS AND READY FOR A NEW FAMILY. THIS HOME IS OFFERED WITH A MOTIVATED SELLER. THIS IS NOT A BANK SHORT SALE OR FORECLOSURE. GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR OWNERSHIP AT THIS PRICE. VACANT AND EASY TO SHOW. PLEASE INSPECT PRIOR TO SUBMITTING AN OFFER SINCE WE ARE SELLING "AS-IS". NO SURVEY. DISCLOSURES UNDER ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS. AGENT HAS AN OWNERSHIP INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY.
Property Id: 1253398This is a 2 bed 1 bath apartment with washer and dryer hookups! No pets, no smoking, subject to background and approval Tenant responsible for utilities.
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
Property Id: 1569032 4 Bedroom 2 bathroom homeFull basement GaragePets allowed on case by case basisAvailable June 1st 2026Whole house newly renovated!Sewer, trash, lawn maintenance and security system included with rentListing curtesy of Jennifer Deardorff with Village Realty BourbonnaisPhone:
Property Id: 1611385This is a one-bedroom apartment with one bathroom on the first floor, currently available for lease. This unit required the first month's rent and a deposit equal to one month's rent. No pets no smoke allowed, subject to background check and approval. Tenant responsible for electricity. Split Water, sewer, and trash $70. First-time renters require a cosigner.
West Kankakee 55 and older. Safe and quiet. Close to hospitals. 2 bedroom. 1 person 980/mo. Gas, water, sewer, garbage pickup & taxes included. Tenant pays light bill ComEd.
INCOME TAX SEASON SPECIAL - 1 MONTH FREE IF APPROVED AND MOVED IN BY APRIL 15TH - 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
INCOME TAX SEASON SPECIAL - 1 MONTH FREE IF APPROVED AND MOVED IN BY APRIL 15TH - Nice 2 BR unit - recently renovated! Located in a nice, quiet neighborhood. Laundry on site. 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 of $3,500 - Have no Pets - Will not smoke or vape in the apartment -
Welcome to your new home! This beautifully renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom property offers modern comfort and convenience in a cozy, inviting space.Property Highlights:Freshly updated interiors with new flooring, paint, and fixturesBright, open living area perfect for relaxing or entertainingModern kitchen with updated appliances and ample cabinet spaceTwo spacious bedrooms with closet
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