Why Live in Kankakee
Kankakee Township in Wheatfield, Indiana, offers a rural lifestyle with agricultural charm, featuring antique farm equipment and expansive fields. The area is known for its large lots, often exceeding an acre, and a variety of home styles including ranch, Cape Cod, and farmhouse. The Kankakee River, flowing over 130 miles, provides a scenic backdrop and recreational opportunities at Dunn's Bridge County Park, where visitors can canoe and kayak. The park also features a historic bridge believed to be constructed from materials from Chicago's 1893 World's Fair. Kankakee Township Park offers pavilions, picnic areas, and playgrounds, while the nearby Aukiki Wetland Conservation Area and Prairie Border Nature Preserve provide hiking and hunting opportunities.
Local amenities in Wheatfield include stores, a public library, fire and police departments, a bank, and eateries like Heather's Diner and Stowers & Son Market. For more extensive shopping, residents often travel to Valparaiso, about 20 miles north, or DeMotte, 15 miles west. The area is served by highly rated schools such as Wheatfield Elementary, Kankakee Valley Intermediate, and Kankakee Valley Middle.
Kankakee Township hosts events like the Sandhill Crane Festival and Bowling with the Badges, while nearby Kouts features the Aukiki River Festival. The local economy includes agriculture, manufacturing, and utilities, with companies like Kankakee Valley Steel and Georgia-Pacific Corporation. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management addresses local environmental concerns. Kankakee Township is approximately 75 miles southeast of downtown Chicago, with Interstate 65 about 20 miles west, facilitating travel to the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kankakee a good place to live?
Kankakee is a good place to live. Kankakee is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. Kankakee has 3 parks for recreational activities. It has a median age of 47. The average household income is $82,373 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 8.1% of residents. A majority of residents in Kankakee are home owners, with 19% of residents renting and 81% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Kankakee can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Kankakee neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Kankakee?
The median home price in Kankakee is $220,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $44,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,140 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $49K a year to afford the median home price in Kankakee. The average household income in Kankakee is $82K.
What are the best public schools in Kankakee?
The best public schools that serve Kankakee are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Kankakee, Wheatfield, IN?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Kankakee, Wheatfield, IN?
Are home prices dropping in Kankakee?
Yes, home prices in Kankakee are down 43% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Kankakee, IN
On average, homes in Kankakee, Wheatfield sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Kankakee, Wheatfield over the last 12 months is $205,000, down 53% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$205,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$205,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$415,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$239
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Last 12 months Home Sales
15
Median List Price
$220,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
7%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-53%