If you’re considering a move to Kansas, you might first think of bustling cities like Wichita or Topeka. However, Kansas has so much more to offer beyond its cities. From charming downtowns to community festivals, the small towns of Kansas provide a quieter and more relaxed way of life. In this Redfin blog post, we’ll explore 8 delightful small towns in Kansas, each with its own distinct charm and reasons to call it home.
1. McPherson, KS
Median Sale Price: $285,000
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McPherson, located in central Kansas, is a peaceful small town with the beautifully restored McPherson Opera House serving as a cultural center. The town is also famous for the All Schools Day Parade, a longstanding celebration that includes parades, carnivals, and concerts. Residents enjoy spending weekends at Lakeside Park, a serene spot with walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
2. Ottawa, KS
Median Sale Price: $201,000
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Ottawa, situated along the Marais des Cygnes River, exudes small-town charm with attractions like the historic Plaza Cinema, the oldest operating movie theater in the world. The town hosts the annual Ol’ Marais River Run Car Show, drawing car enthusiasts from across the Midwest. Ottawa’s downtown area is perfect for leisurely strolls, with boutique shops and local eateries like Zelda’s Bakery offering delicious pies and pastries.
3. Arkansas City, KS
Median Sale Price: $113,000
Homes for sale in Arkansas City | Apartments for rent in Arkansas City
Arkansas City, near the Oklahoma border, hosts the annual Arkalalah Festival, a fall tradition featuring a lively parade, carnival rides, and a food fair. History enthusiasts can explore the Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum, which showcases the town’s role in the 1893 land rush. The town’s Paris Park offers a peaceful retreat by the Walnut River, with playgrounds and social gathering spots.
4. Newton, KS
Median Sale Price: $168,000
Homes for sale in Newton | Apartments for rent in Newton
Newton’s rich railroad history is preserved at the Harvey County Historical Museum, showcasing its role as a major rail hub in the late 19th century. The town celebrates its cultural diversity with events like Taste of Newton, an annual food festival. Residents enjoy biking along the scenic Sand Creek Trail, a peaceful path through parks and along the creek.
5. Great Bend, KS
Median Sale Price: $190,000
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Great Bend, known for its connection to nature and wildlife, is near the Cheyenne Bottoms, the largest inland marsh in the U.S. Birdwatchers flock to Great Bend to see migratory birds like sandhill cranes. The town’s Wetlands Education Center educates visitors about the unique ecosystem. Each June, Great Bend hosts the June Jaunt, a festival with live music, food vendors, and a classic car show.
6. Coffeyville, KS
Median Sale Price: $101,500
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Coffeyville is famous for being the site of the Dalton Gang’s demise in 1892. The Dalton Defenders Museum commemorates this event with exhibits honoring the townspeople who stopped the gang. Coffeyville’s Dalton Defenders Days festival features reenactments, parades, and carnival rides. Residents enjoy scenic views at Walter Johnson Park on weekends, a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities.
7. Lansing, KS
Median Sale Price: $304,000
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Lansing, home to the Kansas State Penitentiary, showcases its unique history at the Lansing Historical Museum. The town honors its military heritage with the annual Veterans Day Parade, drawing participants from across Kansas. Angel Falls Trail offers outdoor enthusiasts a peaceful escape with a waterfall, walking paths, and wildlife spotting opportunities.
8. Council Grove, KS
Median Sale Price: $225,000
Homes for sale in Council Grove | Apartments for rent in Council Grove
Council Grove, a key stop along the Santa Fe Trail, is steeped in frontier history. Landmarks like the Kaw Mission State Historic Site and the 500-year-old Council Oak Tree reflect the town’s past. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy boating, fishing, and camping at Council Grove Lake.
Methodology: The median home sale price is from the Redfin Data Center.