Abilene keeps a strong connection to the cattle industry
Once home to Old West cattle drovers, legendary lawmen and a future president, the small city of Abilene takes pride in its rich history. “We’re a historic town and the home of Dwight D. Eisenhower, who is buried here,” says Rebecca Schwab, an associate broker with NextHome Unlimited who has sold nearly 100 homes in the area. Since its founding in 1857, Abilene has been the quintessential cow town, and the transportation of cattle and agricultural products still forms the backbone of its economy. “We still have the cattle drive that comes through once a year,” Schwab says. “People come out just to watch the animals as they’re loaded up on the trains, which take them down the road to Enterprise.” Adjacent industries, like farming equipment suppliers and veterinarian services, support the agrarian economy. The population of just under 6,500 has remained steady since the 1960s, as cultural institutions, a small dining scene and annual events continue to bring the community together.
A handful of new homes add variety to a vintage housing stock
Most of Abilene’s homes were built between the 1870s and the 1950s, including original Victorians as well as saltbox and ranch-style properties. “We have a lot of large, older homes that were built in the early 1900s and two main streets where there are a lot of historic mansions,” Schwab says. The western edge of town also includes plenty of homes built in the past few decades. Properties below 2,250 square feet in size have sold for $50,000 to $330,000, while larger residences go for $120,000 to $580,000. Condos tend to sell for $140,000 to $210,000.
Downtown Abilene has a historic feel and modern conveniences
Brick storefronts in downtown Abilene still look the same as they did over a century ago. “Abilene has a quaint little downtown area with lots of antique stores, Realtors, beauty shops and more,” Schwab says. “We have a couple of newer establishments like a barbecue place down the street, a tap house and plenty of little shops. We also have the railroad right down the street, and it offers train rides to the nearby towns.” Amanda’s Bakery & Bistro serves hot drinks, sandwiches, ice cream and more in a small, artsy eatery. At Abilene’s northern edge, M&R Grill specializes in burgers, while Fuji Asian Kitchen offers a mixture of Thai curries, Japanese ramen and Chinese chicken dishes. Grocery options include West’s Plaza Country Mart in northern Abilene and AC Westside Market to the southwest.
A park and a rodeo celebrate the legacies of local legends
President Dwight D. Eisenhower grew up in Abilene, and his presidential library is located in town. Eisenhower Park commemorates the commander-in-chief with its rose garden and display of decommissioned military vehicles. The large park also includes baseball fields, a skate park, a public swimming pool and tennis courts. The neighboring Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo is named for the legendary lawman who patrolled Abilene’s wild streets back in the 1870s. The world’s largest belt buckle welcomes rodeo fans who come to watch steer wrestling, bull riding and other events every August. “Abilene’s rodeo and fair host national finalists, so we’re on the main circuit,” Schwab says. “We have one of the bigger rodeos in the state, and, on the weekends, we also have the demo derby, where the guys get crazy with their vehicles.” Just beyond the city limits to the south, Brown Memorial Park has hiking trails along Turkey Creek, a waterfall and disc golf. Abilene is also home to the Greyhound Hall of Fame, and greyhounds train for competitive racing at Abilene Greyhound Park. North of the city, Abilene Golf and Fitness offers a nine-hole golf course and fitness center open to the public.
Abilene High has a long history of producing leaders
Students start their education at Kennedy Elementary School from kindergarten through first grade before attending McKinley Elementary School for second and third, followed by Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary School for fourth and fifth. These schools, along with Abilene Middle School and Abilene High School, all receive B ratings from Niche. Abilene High, President Eisenhower's alma mater, offers students the opportunity to build their own leadership skills through a policy debate club.
Interstate 70 connects Abilene to major cities
Interstate 70 runs past Abilene’s north side and connects the city to Salina and Junction City, about 25 miles away. "Because we're right off of I-70, we’re also two and a half hours from Kansas City and one and a half hours from Wichita," Schwab says. Residents don’t have to travel far for health care, as Abilene is home to the Memorial Health System hospital.
Written By
Jacob Adelhoch
