$312,014Average Value$172Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Large lots and farmland scenery highlight this Wheatfield neighborhood
Kankakee Township is charmingly agricultural, with antique farm equipment adding rustic flair to yards, fields across the way and silos in sight. Residents can enjoy rural Indiana living with convenient amenities in an environment that once was marsh and wetlands. The Potawatomi tribe called the area Aukiki — land of wolf and river — among other names.
Don't confuse this Kankakee with others in Indiana or Illinois. Though considered part of greater Chicago, it keeps its Hoosier identity. With the Kankakee River flowing over 130 miles westward from Indiana into Illinois, that name shows up along the way.
Low inventory in Kankakee and Wheatfield
Lynda Anderson, broker/owner for Boulder Bay Realty Group, specializes in northwest Indiana and services Wheatfield. She says $200,000 is the average sales price for the area. "Prices here have gone along with the real estate market as a whole." At the end of 2023, Wheatfield's inventory was very limited. "There are 15 homes on the market. And year-to-date, about 30 have closed." In Kankakee Township, there tend to be even fewer.
Anderson says there aren't a lot of planned subdivisions in the area. Properties come with land and ample space between residences. "Most lots are large; some are over an acre," she says. In addition to ranch-style houses, Kankakee architecture includes Cape Cods and farmhouse-style homes.
A newer home sits next to a Cap Cod inspired home in Kankakee.
Some Kankakee homes have large, expansive lawns.
This Kankakee home has a bright blue front door.
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Dunn's Bridge river access and wetlands nearby
The only Porter County site with public access to the Kankakee River, Dunn's Bridge County Park is a spot for canoeing and kayaking. The bridge, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is believed by some to have been constructed using leftover metal from Chicago's 1893 World's Fair. Another aspect of history: Dunn's Original KKK Pleasure Resort once had its home on the riverfront here.
Kankakee Township Park offers pavilions, picnic tables, a playground and walking areas. For a wilderness environment close by, the 650-acre Aukiki Wetland Conservation Area is a site where visitors like hiking and hunting. To the south, the 507-acre Prairie Border Nature Preserve also works to restore natural habitats.
Aukiki Wetland Conservation Area is a 650-acre parcel in Kankakee.
Aukiki Wetland Conservation Area in Kankakee is available for hiking and hunting.
Hike the beautiful trails at Aukiki Wetland Conservation Area in Kankakee.
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Shops are in Wheatfield and beyond
A few miles to the west in the center of Wheatfield, there are stores, the public library, the fire and police departments, a bank and some eateries. Heather's Diner serves breakfast all day; don't miss the chalkboard specials. Stowers & Son Market, a family owned mainstay for fresh produce and meat, celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023.
Anderson says residents may go a bit farther, depending on what they are looking for. "If they want to do major shopping, they'll probably go to Valparaiso or DeMotte." The city of Valparaiso, also known as Valpo, is about 20 miles north; the town of De Motte is about 15 miles west.
Heather's Diner in Wheatfield is a local favorite for residents of Kankakee.
Stowers and Son Market is near Kankakee and is a great place to get fresh produce and meat.
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Four Jasper County schools lead to graduation
Kids may attend public schools like Wheatfield Elementary, graded A-minus by Niche and serving kindergarten through third grade. Kankakee Valley Intermediate, with a B-plus, is for fourth and fifth grade, and Kankakee Valley Middle, for sixth through eighth, has an A-minus.
Kankakee Valley High, with a B, features a full lineup of teams, including swimming and bowling, golf and wrestling. Dual credit courses with Kankakee Community College are available. According to the Indiana Department of Education, at least 92% of twelfth graders complete their graduation requirements.
Wheatfield Elementary School has an impressive overall Niche score of A minus.
Kankakee Valley Middle School has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1.
Kankakee Valley High School has an overall Niche grade of B.
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Cranes, bowling lanes and automobiles
Area events and gatherings include the Wheatfield's September Sandhill Crane Festival, which includes vendors and a classic auto show. Wheatfield Lanes bowling alley is the spot for April's annual firefighters association event, Bowling with the Badges. About 15 miles north in Kouts, events include the Aukiki River Festival.
There's more open space than roads
Most of Kankakee Township is open space, with the river to the north and state routes 10 and 49 accessible. Kankakee is about 75 miles southeast of downtown Chicago. The trip from the township to the Windy City might speed up once on Interstate 65, which is about 20 miles to the west.
Kankakee Valley Steel is one manufacturer
In addition to agriculture, the area is known for its manufacturing and utilities companies. These include Kankakee Valley Steel, paper and chemical producer Georgia-Pacific Corporation and coal-fired power plants.
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management works with local governments to identify and mitigate problems, including air pollution, odors and water contamination
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Kankakee Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Kankakee, Wheatfield sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Kankakee, Wheatfield over the last 12 months is $315,000, up 40% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Just south of Wheatfield and minutes from Tippecanoe River State Park, this 10-acre wooded parcel offers peaceful privacy, natural beauty, and so much potential! With the easy access of State Road 49, the land is perfect for those looking to build a home, enjoy the outdoors, or both! The property features mature trees, electric at the street, and an old concrete pad near the road that could be
Beautiful subdivision with a great location! Jasper County living at its best! Great Layout, lots offer 1 Acre up to 2 Acres! Wooded, Culdesac lots and possible basement lots too! All soil tests are complete. Certainly take a stroll through the peaceful Rustling Oaks on the Ridge before deciding where to build your New Home! Schools and shopping are near by! Easy access to State Road 10 (Just 1
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
