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What BestPlaces Users Say about Kankakee
Kankakee, Illinois is a small city located about an hour south of Chicago. It has a population of approximately 26,000 and is known for its historic downtown area and recreational activities along the Kankakee River. Many people have chosen to call Kankakee home and have shared their experiences living in this particular place on the Best Places website. Here are some excerpts from four different user reviews that provide insight into what it's like to live in Kankakee, as shared by Rachel, Tim, Lisa, and Jerry.
- Rachel says, "I've lived in Kankakee for almost 10 years now and I absolutely love it here. The community is welcoming and there are so many local events to get involved in. Plus, the cost of living is very affordable compared to nearby cities."
- Tim shares, "Kankakee may be a small town, but it has a lot to offer. There are great restaurants, parks, and local shops that give it a charming, small town feel. The only downside is the job market, which can be difficult for some."
- Lisa comments, "I grew up in Kankakee and have always loved it. The schools are excellent and there are plenty of recreational activities for families. It's a safe and friendly community."
- Jerry adds, "Kankakee has its ups and downs. It's a nice place to raise a family, but the crime rate can be concerning at times. Overall, I enjoy living here and appreciate the affordable cost of living."
based on 5 ReviewsGet to know Kankakee with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Kankakee
Kankakee is not a pleasant town... from a lifelong - 7/5/2011
Kankakee was always a blue-collar city. My father had a business, and now I carry it on. That's the only reason I live in Kankakee anymore.
Forty years ago, the factories were humming, but they are all gone.
Crime is high in Kankakee, as well as the surrounding areas. Shopping, dining, the fine arts are negligible. Liquor stores and fast food joints predominate. Newer homes are in the neighboring Bourbonnais area, but the amenities are still lacking.
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Can you spell twiglight zone? - 4/24/2011
Honestly, quite depressing. The people are rude, the place is very unkept - not sure if they have a City Planner or if they really understand the concept. Even the State highways going through town are designed recklessly. No wonder I hear so many sirens in such a small city. The smell of chemicals and sewer are to much for me. Seeing children swim and fish in the "river" is very disturbing. The namesake river is quite gross. run off from chemical and manure treated corn fields. Corn fields everywhere. I lived here 19 months and simply could not take it any longer. Only reason ANYONE would live here for any length of time would be for family - which would be sad. The people here do not like outsiders at all. I guess it is all just a little to embarrassing for them. The grade schools do not have air conditioners folks!!!! There are more liquor stores than schools, churches, medical facilities combined. I can see where this town was once (30 years ago) a dynamo industrial
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This is not a place to move to but wind up... - 4/24/2011
Moved here from AR 19 months ago. This is the most depressing area I've ever been to and I have been in almost all 50 States - big City and small (this includes all three major villages here.) I moved here for short term economic reasons and was counting the days to leave soon as I arrived. The smell of chemicals in the air is as often as the sewer plant. Folks here are "ok" as much as they can tolerate outsiders - especially anyone from anywhere South or West of here. If one was born here (God forbid) and the entire family is still here (God forbid) then I suppose one would have to stay - as many I have worked with do. The "river" that runs through town is disgusting. Anyone that swims or recreates, eats the fish (wow) has no idea what they are doing. It is the most nasty (almost) river I've ever seen or smelled. I came here for a purpose and am leaving to move out West now.. It is not a friendly place and the long timers are very protective of their area here for reasons I
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NOT RECOMMENDED! - 2/26/2011
I have lived in the Bradley/Bourbonnais/Kankakee area for 6 years.it is a mix of farmland and industrial. We live in the farmland part. It stinks. Literally. You can smell the factories throughout the entire county. Kankakee County has the 2nd highest cancer rate in the state. The farmers use sludge(human waste) on their fields. Our local school constantly has problems with their water. There are 2 hospitals, and most of the doctors/medical providers are a joke. You r better off diagnosing yourself. Tons of empty buildings/abandoned and broken down businesses that are left to sit while the city tries to focus attention on building new establishments that end up not getting filled. There are no jobs unless you are a doctor, farmer, fast food worker or don't mind working in a nasty factory in the bad side of town or you don't mind working at a grocery store. There is no culture. The Bourbonnais Police are useless. They will not help you. They will tell you to call County or the
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poor quality of life - 12/27/2009
I was born and raised in kankakee and now live in louisville ky, thank goodness. there is nothing to do in kankakee, there aren't any jobs. the unemployment rate is unnecessarilly high. most of the people are
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