$155,564Average Value$113Average Price per Sq Ft46Homes 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 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Kankakee, IL over the last 12 months is $150,000, up 3% 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,
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
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
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.
Charming 2-Bedroom Brick Condo 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
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
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,
This quality, all-brick 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath ranch was custom built and has been proudly maintained by its original owners. Ideally located near the school in Limestone, this home offers a fantastic layout designed for comfortable living. The stunning double-sided fireplace adds warmth and charm to both main living spaces, and the quality craftsmanship shines through in every detail. NEW ROOF and
Exceptional Find! Welcome to this gorgeous custom-built, all brick, 3 (could easily be 4-5) bedroom and 2.5 bathroom home, located in the Wedgewood Estates subdivision of Limestone! Heading through the front door you are greeted with high cathedral ceilings, hardwood flooring, and a large entrance that begins with an open dining/study area. This leads into the living room, featuring a beautiful
Investment Opportunity! This 2-bedroom, 1 bath home offers solid potential for the savvy investor or owner-occupant looking to build equity. The property is getting a brand-new roof, giving buyers peace of mind on one of the biggest capital expenses. With the right updates, this home could easily be transformed into a cash-flowing rental or a charming primary residence. The layout is efficient
Property Id: 1324830Clean, well-maintained upstairs 1-bedroom unit with open views overlooking downtown Kankakee. Enjoy added privacy with no neighbors above you and great natural light throughout.Located within walking distance to the farmers market, parks, and local amenities, this unit is ideal for someone looking for a simple, reliable, and comfortable place to live.-
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
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.
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
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 .
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: 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
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
Property Id: 2447204Newly renovated and upgraded single family home near downtown Kankakee! Three spacious bedrooms with lots of windows and plenty of natural light. Large backyard and easy access to shopping and transit. Large deck. Updated kitchen, bathroom, living room, all 3 bedrooms and brand new roof. Basement is unfinished but large, great for extra storage. Offsite landlord.
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 -
More photos coming ASAP!-Now available: a bright and spacious main-floor unit in a two-unit home. This inviting apartment features three comfortable bedrooms and a full bathroom, offering plenty of space for living, working, and relaxing.-Enjoy an abundance of natural light throughout the unit thanks to large windows that create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The incredibly spacious
INCOME TAX SEASON SPECIAL - 1 MONTH FREE IF APPROVED AND MOVED IN BY APRIL 15TH - Nice 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
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