Kirkland offers laid-back living near major metro areas
Established in 1882, Kirkland is a village set 17 miles north of DeKalb, far on the outskirts of the Chicago area. Kirkland once made most of its money from raising sheep, and it was a main stop along the railroad for those heading into Chicago. Today, the village is appreciated for its convenience to larger metro areas and its laid-back lifestyle. “Kirkland is a very small community, and I think it’s appealing to a lot of people because it has that rural setting but a great location,” says Amy Smith-Heine, a local Realtor with Re/Max Classic with two decades of experience selling homes. “People can jump on the interstate pretty quickly, and a lot of people living in Kirkland like how close they are to DeKalb. It’s a smart outskirt spot.”
Renovated homes retain value in this quiet village setting
Housing in Kirkland spans a wide range of architecture and construction eras, and spacious lots ensure that neighbors have a bit of breathing room. “There’s not much new construction happening in Kirkland. It’s mostly going to be renovated homes, but they retain their value well,” Smith-Heine says. “The newest homes will be in the small subdivisions around the village center. They put those up between 2000 and 2006.” The oldest homes in Kirkland date back to the early 20th century, taking the form of classic farmhouses and cottages. Midcentury ranch-style homes and split-levels are common in the area. Houses built before the 21st century typically sell between $100,000 and $260,000. More contemporary properties, vintage renovated homes, and custom builds sell between $280,000 and $570,000. The village's CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
River access, parks and forest trails offer outdoor recreation
Kirkland has several green spaces spread throughout the community, from the Pioneer Park Disc Golf course to the playground and picnic areas at Franklin Township Park. The South Branch Kishwaukee River flows along the north side of the village proper, and locals head to the banks to fish and launch kayaks. Kayakers can float down the river and into the Potawatomi Woods. At 300 acres, it is the second-largest forest preserve in DeKalb County and popular with hikers and bird-watchers.
Kirkland's vibrant Fourth of July festival
While Kirkland has small events throughout the year, from holiday gatherings to craft fairs, the village’s community is at its most vibrant in the summertime. “Their Fourth of July festival is a huge deal, especially since it’s got one of the biggest fireworks shows in DeKalb County,” Smith-Heine says. “There’s a big carnival and a huge parade, it’s kind of their claim to fame around here.”
Local schools offer hands-on learning and nature programs
Hiawatha Community Unit School District No. 426 serves Kirkland, and the district. Kids living in the area can start at Hiawatha Elementary School, which earns a B from Niche, and offers several hands-on learning opportunities for students through arts and technology. The elementary school runs the Hiawatha Children’s Garden, where faculty organize learning events for children to engage with nature. Students move on to C-rated Hiawatha Jr/Sr High School to complete sixth through 12th grade.
Main Street has essentials and locally loved restaurants
Settled along Main Street are a few essentials, such as Dollar General, a pharmacy and a gas station. Kirkland’s dining scene is highly local, with no fast-food or chain restaurants in sight. Instead, residents head to the Red Brick Inn Bar & Grill for traditional American fare or Farmers Inn, the village watering hole for beer on tap and games of pool. "They also have the 'good' Dollar General. Every little village has a DG, so we end up ranking them, and Kirkland definitely wins. We’re pretty sure they buff the floors every day," Smith-Heine says. For big-box shopping at stores like Target or Walmart, as well as grocers and national retailers, residents can drive 16 miles south to DeKalb’s north side.
Major highways and medical care are both within quick reach
The community is intersected by Route 72, a major east-west state highway that runs 110 miles from start to finish. It is one of seven state highways that connect to Interstate 90, running straight into the heart of downtown Chicago, 74 miles east of Kirkland. The closest medical plaza, anchored by the Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital, is 15 miles south in DeKalb.
