The town used to be known as North Kankakee -- until it was rescued from the Great Depression by David Bradley of Bradley Plow Works. He started "the Bradley Plan" for the city, and the rest, as they say, is history. By 1989 a new shopping center was built called the Bradley Square to commemorate Bradley's achievements for the town. Shortly after that, one of the largest malls in the area, the Northfield Square Mall opened. The town of Bradley was poised for bigger things.
Now with over 15,000 residents, the town of Bradley is an employment haven with many businesses inhabiting the community. Bradley's convenient access to seventeen townships in the County, plus its reach into major cities such as Chicago, creates even more incentive to make Bradley your home. If you are looking for places to live in Illinois, Bradley just might be the place for you. If you're not yet convinced, consider this neighborhood guide:
Your Hunt for an Apartment Starts Here
Bradley has the full range of apartment options, many of which appeal to a variety of home hunters. When selecting your ideal home, consider the following.
First, proximity to your place of employment should be a top priority before you settle on any one neighborhood. Cost and quality of living is always a consideration as well. The good news is, real estate in Bradley is affordable and available. The cost of living in this community is lower than the state's average. The fact that Bradley is a "suburbia" (not too close to major cities) works in your favor as it helps calm the housing market. Bradley enjoys a more rural, natural, and slightly remote vibe. Though, for those who don't mind a bit of a commute, it's still a viable daily distance from The Second City.
Documents Check
To relocate successfully, have your credit card report, references, and personal identification documents safely in an accessible file. If you are moving from another state, now is the time to research property tax differences, income tax laws, and driver's license transfer procedures.
Bradley Neighborhoods
Bradley is the principal town of the greater Kankakee-Bradley area. It has a strong influence on 11 other towns that lie within its geographical region. These neighborhoods are bound by substantial economic connections to Bradley; however, each town has its own verve and cultural spirit that matches the variety you tend to see in home styles. These 11 towns are: Bourbonnais, Kankakee, Aroma Park, Sun River Terrace, Manteno, Irwin, Momence and Bornfield, Limestone, Yellowhead and Rockville.
Bourbonnais: Sports lovers will be happy to hear that Bourbonnais is home of the summer training camp for the Chicago Bears. Go Bears! On top of that, Bourbonnais is located conveniently near Chicago and Lake Michigan.
Kankakee: This centrally located city contains a large population of residents who enjoy a high quality of life. The community has been rated among the best in the country according to Reader's Digest. Homes run from modest to sprawling elegant designs.
Aroma Park: One of the smaller towns east of Kankakee, Aroma Park is only an eight minute drive into the city on the Highway. Ranch style homes are the norm in this neck-of-the woods. Apartments and rental houses are also optional choices.
Sun River Terrace: A small village of over 380 residents just east of Kankakee city and southeast of Bradley, Sun River Terrace contains homes range from traditional to modern styles with several pre-fabricated structures included.
Manteno: This mid-sized town is within an easy commute to Bradley, Bourbonnais and Kankakee on State Routes. Homes were built with elegant Arcadian designs, and many are constructed in stone cut pieces on well-manicured lawns. Apartments and townhouses are also popular in this neighborhood.
Irwin: Conveniently accessible from Route 115. The neighborhood features cozy older homes with inviting front lawns and a pleasant environment.
Momence: The Kankakee river runs right through it, making this neighborhood a convenient place to live for river lovers. A variety of styles of homes can be found in this community, including older roomy and attractive types with shady trees landscaping the neighborhood.
Bonfield: A small farming village west of the city of Kankakee (just 18 minutes away) with just one gas station. Their claim to fame comes from a shot of the town being featured in Steve McQueen's film The Hunter. Bonfield features a nice array of older to contemporary style homes, sprawling and multi-level homes with expansive plots of land.
Limestone: This tiny neighborhood is just 2.18 square miles wide, and one of six original townships in the county. It's located just west of Bradley, and easily accessible on the highway. This vibrant town offers a collection of eye-catching homes throughout the area and in pleasant, natural surroundings. Condos and studio apartments are also available.
Yellowhead: A small charming town south of Momence, located near Mussman Airport and Love Field landing strip. The natural setting of the community plus the appealing warmth of the homes are winning combinations in this neighborhood. Homes and newly constructed apartments and townhouses are available, many of which are constructed in country styles.
Rockville: One of six original townships in the neighborhood, and located conveniently near Neiner airport. Homes in Rockville are older, large homes on lovely "green" properties. Apartments and studios can also be found with a little effort.
Life in Bradley
Residents go about their daily business, commuting on what _Metro Magazine _dubbed the "fastest growing transit system" in North America. The local service, called The River Valley Metro Mass Transit District, operates regular schedules and serves District communities including Bradley, Bourbonnais and Kankakee. Since transportation is no hassle, finding things to do in and around the community is a breeze. The city is inundated with area parks and special events that cater to residents and visitors of all ages. The County boasts over 60 outdoor parks with a wide range of activities plus "the Mother" of all parks, the Kankakee River State Park - in which you'll frequently see residents walking, biking hiking, and enjoying everything mother nature has to offer. With all 4,000 acres of activities geared toward campers, canoeists, hikers, hunters, cyclists, golfers, picnickers and music lovers residents have a jolly good time taking advantage of this unsurpassed "nature unspoiled" life in Bradley.
