Thoughts about/Experiences with Kanakaee (Chicago, Kankakee: gated, apartment, travel)

[webbesen]

Hello;
I have an interview for a job in Kankakee and wanted anyone's input on either their thoughts and/or experiences living in/near Kanakee. I would be moving from Tallahassee, Florida, but I am born and raised in the upper peninsula of Michigan, so I'm well aware of the weather. More concerned about other aspects of living there.... Thank you.

[Steve-o]

Well, I have been through there a few times and I can tell you that theyre trying to fix the place, but it still remains a dump. If I recall correctly, it was voted the worst city to live in (in the whole USA) a while back. Ill have to find the source. I dont think working there would be that bad, but living there and sending children to school there would be a different story.

[Drover]

Living in the South suburbs and commuting to Kankakee isn't out of the question. Kankakee itself looks like it's still a bit down on its luck.

[MarquettePark]

There are two worlds to kankakee, poor and affluent, the poor part, is just west of where you exit I 57, and the affluent part, is near the hospitals, two huge hospitals, which are constantly adding huge additions to their main campuses.

I was a Cable Guy in kakakee for years, as well as a supervisor, the poor parts have alleys, (thank god) the rich parts, are single level homes, that cover almost a quater acre per lot, (not good for me), it is very scenic, due to the river running thru it.

Drover, and that other guy, are Chicago northsiders, they like living in a sardine can, dont want to own cars...........and complain about buses that dont travel fast, surprise,

I walked every alley, and worked in every backyard in Kankakee, and Comcast Cable has the proof..........My first and last impression of this beautiful little town is "Time Forgot It", the public housing projects they have threw me back, theyre all African American, low rise buildings in excellent condition, and little or no crime, I never locked my truck once in four years, night or day and my truck and equipment are worth more than fifty grand...........the people living in these poor (aka black areas) are like no other in Illinois, they are nice, cordial, listen to country music and work on cars, and watch NASCAR (if you can believe that)

The downtown area, is no big deal very quaint, and mayberry like, but very desolate in the evening,

The affluent area which is west, spanning north and south is populated by huge homes, on huge lots some along the river, and mostly white people, the middle class area, is situated within the rich area, and is very nice, except for the fact, that the average home owner must spend at least three hours cutting the front lawns, and two or three more, cutting the back lawns, and the lots are huge, (huge when carrying a 150 lb ladder and a 40 lb tool belt)

If you get sick, pregnant, car accident, or cancer, or become so ill you need assisted living, then you are in luck, the two huge hospitals are modern and well equipped, and every one of their rooms, has basic cable, ask for Chuck at manor care he will show you around, and ask for Bernice at advocate center she can show you around tell them Bill the Cable Guy sent you,

Traveling around Kankakee is unique, that is you must own a car, nothing is close to anything, the roads are pretty good, speed limits are fantastic, sixty plus. The distance from Midway airport Chicago, to Center/Main street downtown kankakeee is 52.3 miles each way, once your on I 57, you can cover the distance in less than a hour, (half hour for me) I 57 has unofficial speed limit of 75 to 100 mph, (I can vouch for that).

Do you like farms?, Do you like picturesque little buildings dotting the rivers edge? Do you like breakfast cereal?

There are large farms remaining within the city limits, ( these farms are great after harvest time, because you can drive on them to go from one block to another)

Like I said the scenery is great, very old farm and mill buildings dot the landscape, huge river edge parks and rec areas, (I must say during the summer if you like to Canoe or Nature walk you will be in heaven)

Nintey percent of all breakfast cereals, are processed and packaged in Kankakee, (the main plant has ten televisions, and all of them have basic cable)

In conclusion, all of the people in Kankakee can be classified as "Country Folk", very nice, but severely disabled when it comes to a metropolitan/urban lifestyle, Cow tipping, and mail box smashing are probably the most severe crime committed................

PS: under no circumstance should you lease or rent an apartment, if you have too find one near any of the med centers, and pay by the month, dont sign a lease

[Drover]

Originally Posted by MarquettePark

Drover, and that other guy, are Chicago northsiders, they like living in a sardine can, dont want to own cars...........and complain about buses that dont travel fast, surprise,

Aside from being inaccurate (Steve-O lives well out into the suburbs & I own 3 cars, live in an apartment bigger than some people's houses, and have never complained about buses here), what the bloody hell does this have to do with anything?

[MarquettePark]

I notice you only comment on things I said about you, and not Kankakee,


DONT HIJACK THREADS

[Drover]

Thanks for answering my question. Meanwhile here's a tip on keeping things on topic: stay on topic yourself and don't throw in irrelevant personal digs at people that prompt defensive responses.

[MarquettePark]

I'll keep that in mind all day seven days a week, I only have a twenty hour work week, not including my sheriff's pension, and investment dividend checks,

Stay warm while going to work today,

And Im only 36 years old, wow what a great life I have...................

[Jons99]

Just remember that there is much more to Kankakee County than just Kankakee, only about 20% of the people in the area live in Kankakee itself.. Live in most of Bourbonnais, Bradley, Manteno or Limestone and you will find yourself very happy.

[nickz]

Jeez ignorance must be bliss. Let me give you the low down on Kankakee from someone who actually lives in the area. Not the northern suburbs. Those yokes dont have a clue what theyre talking about. Everyone just sees Kankakee as a horrible, dingy, nasty little place along the Kankakee River. But heres what its really like:

1.) Kankakee is a very broadly used term. It often encompasses the two neighboring cities of Bradley and Bourbonnais. People say that Kankakee is a bad place. They often forget out Bradley and Bourbonnais. Bourbonnais is actually a fairly nice city I go there about 3 or 4 times a week for the Dairy Queen and other little shops they have there. Olivet Nazarene University is also a very nice local college and is located in either Bradley or Bourbonnais. I cant recall which one. The school system is not bad at all. Children can choose to receive education if it is available, which it is. Theyre just unmotivated. They dont seem to care. That is not the fault of the public school system Id just like to add.

2.) I think its hilarious when people say "Ohh. My son or daughter goes to Mac (the private school referred to in a previous post). This school might be private and expensive but it is also over packed and drug rampant. Students have had to share lockers in the past because of over crowding. I would choose BBCHS (Bradley Bourbonnais Community High School) over Mac anyday.

3.) Kankakee is an area to stay away from at night ofcourse, but they do have the two main hospitals of the area and some nice parks along the river. Bird Park is an example along with Alpiner Park (host to most of the cities youth baseball games) Butterfield Park is home to a majority of the youth softball leagues.

4.) The main problem with Kankakee is that people always want to build out. Instead of revitalizing the city center with new housing developments. They take the safer chance at success and just continue to expand. This is like a virus. As the drugs and crime from the city center start to rub off on the suburbs they too turn into drug and crime ridden places. Then more suburbs are built away from the danger. And it spreads again. If they want to fix the problem they need to strike at the source. The heart of Kankakee, out by the Industrial Park and North and Western Suburbs. The area by the Paramount and Public Library (also known as "downtown") isnt so bad.

5.) Kankakee also has a thriving Historical District. One of the lesser seen sides of the city. I love going there and taking walks along the river or going to one of the many parks, equipped with tennis courts, basketball courts, and along the river, jetties for boat service. Naturally, Kankakee knows how to take care of its upper class just like any city. Historical District is definitely a safe place to walk around at night.

6.) The metro area is also trying to make changes to improve the city. This includes nightly classes in English at KCC (Kankakee Community College, another College of the area) for the Spanish Population. Kankakee has opened its arms to new business and as I speak there are already two new Wal-Marts open, a Target, Avenue, multiple Starbucks. Public libraries galore. Many new eating establishments can also be seen driving down one of the local avenues. Examples such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Olive Garden, and many others. The city is already home to a mall which although doesnt have many "popular" stores, it is on the rise. Huge houses are continually going up on the outskirts. Nice little gated communities with green lawns and long drive ways. Low housing prices continue to draw in more and more people from the Northern Suburbs.

7.) Metra Rail is supposedly extending a rail line down to Kankakee's Train Station, which is currently served by Amtrak. The city has also started a public transportation system which includes busing for citizens and a few cabs can also be seen dotting the roads. By the way, senior citizens ride the bus for free if they choose to do so.

8.) I live in Herscher, a small city roughly 20 miles outside of the Kankakee area and I really like going to the city for a night out on the town at one of the many hip new restaurants. They have some decent shopping for middle class people and in general the people are pretty nice. They put on a tough exterior but if you actually take the time to stop and talk to some of them youll find that everyones really friendly.