Kankakee and Bradley are adjacent and fairly typical small Illinois towns with brick buildings and abundant agricultural land. There are reputedly 600 antiques shops in the area. Kankakee is closer to Chicago’s industrial areas than its attractive ones.

Reaching the Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport can take 1 1/2 hours or more depending on traffic. Of the two, Bradley is where the stronger growth is occurring, with new housing and shopping developments. Cost of living is a bit high for a town with Kankakee’s profile, but the area has reported a lower crime rate than in years past, and recent job growth has turned positive.

The area sits in a flat agricultural plain, with cornfields spreading across the horizon. Climate is similar to Chicago to the north, but with diminished lake effects, bringing more harsh weather at times. Summers are variable but mostly warm and humid, with occasional afternoon showers and thundershowers. Winter is cold and variable, with bitter cold snaps and periods of snow accumulation. First freeze is late September, last is early May.