Thinking of building in Rual St. Anne. Help. (Chicago, Kankakee: 2009, violent crime)

[Datadase97]

Hello everyone. I seeing if any one here is from or knows about St. Anne and the area. I looking at some land 2 miles north of downtown St. Anne and 5 miles west of Hopkins Park. I know Hopkins is a no-go zone but I’m thinking I'm safe since I'm surrounded buy farm field and country roads. Its in the sticks- 3000S road to be exact. There is only 4 houses within 2 miles of the land. That’s what I want. But how safe am I? Anyone think I will get shot by the Hopkins park people? I’m going to be working in Bradley/Kankakee anyway. Thanks

[Jons99]

If you have kids, would be a horrible mistake as St. Anne HS is amongst the worst in the state, though the grade school district there is ok.

As far as safety and worrying about Hopkins Park, I think you have heard bad info.. I have lived in Kankakee County for 41 years and have never heard of a Hopkins Park resident committing a violent crime in St. Anne.. They are very poor, but for the most part very nice people.

Just comes down to if you think you would enjoy the rural lifestyle.

[Datadase97]

I see. Well I have heard that the schools are not so good over there. But that’s ok. Im only 19 and don't plan on having kids anytime soon. Well, I love to hear that about Hopkins park. I was tiring to find something bad that happened that way in online news articles and on crime reports but could not find anything. So that makes sense. I always loved the rural life! I wouldn't be looking down there if I were not! Thanks For the info!

[Mamama Mia]

Travel a bit north and try Monee.

[knitgirl]

You might want to post this in the IL section, not the Chicago suburbs section

[Jons99]

If you are looking for a rural area, I would suggest western Kankakee County.. Though you have no kids, a good school district is important in case you sell your house or eventually have children.

[Datadase97]

Thanks every one for the input. I love Monee, But I just wont be making that kind of money to live there. As far as schools, I hear schools on the west side of Kankakee are very good but again I cant afford anything that way. Any more info on Hopkins Park I may have found a nice 5 acre lot 2-2.5 miles SE of the town. Any one else know of any crime related issues?

[OwnerOfSt.AnneLand]

I thoroughly researched the area of St. Anne and Hopkins Park prior to purchasing 20 acres there in July, 2009. I currently live with my husband in Manhattan, IL (we have lived in this town for 19 years) on 6 acres, but prices have really gotten high in this area.
I wanted a fairly large tract of land for growing hay, grazing my horses, and riding with my friends. Kankakee State Park is a wonderful place to ride, but it is closed to horses at the start of hunting season, and does not re-open until spring.
I am very happy with my little 'farm' in rural St. Anne, just a little southeast of Hopkins Park. The neighbors have been WONDERFUL! I was warmly greeted the first day I took possession of the land, and the hospitality has continued. Yes, some of the residents in the area are poor, but certainly not all are poor. There are many organic farms in the area, and the people I have met take great pride in living in this beautiful, rural area. This area is also enjoying a kind of renaissance, as people are realizing the bargains that are available.
My children are grown, so I have not researched the schools, but if you are looking for rural land at an unbelievably good price, along with low taxes and friendly neighbors, then this is the place for you!

[css9450]

Originally Posted by Datadase97

Anyone think I will get shot by the Hopkins park people?

LOL I had to laugh at that one. Does Hopkins Park have, shall we say, a "reputation"?

[OwnerOfSt.AnneLand]

I guess it does have a reputation, but I think it has been exaggerated. I have had no problems so far, and I am very happy to have bought my land.