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.
Stop by to see the world's largest belt buckle at Eisenhower Park.
Abilene’s landscape is shaped by hard work and history, still rooted in the rhythms of its agricultural past.
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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.
Neighborhoods in Abilene offer a steady, down-to-earth comfort that people grow up with and come back for.
Homes in Abilene feel spacious and welcoming, built for long evenings on the porch and peaceful surroundings.
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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.
Locals frequent Fuji Asian Kitchen for a unique dining experience.
M-R Grill is a lunch and dinner staple in Abilene.
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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.
Watch a local rodeo at the Wild Bill Hickock Rodeo arena.
Abilene holds tight to the traditions that give the town its character and identity, such as the Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo.
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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.
Older students are served by Abilene High School, which receives a B rating from Niche.
Children in grades 6 through 8 can attend Abilene Middle School.
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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
Photography Contributed By
Logan Cox
Video By
Samantha Houtchens
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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On average, homes in Abilene, KS sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Abilene, KS over the last 12 months is $166,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This charming two bed, two bath located in Historic Abilene Kansas offers a unique opportunity to experience history in a modern way. The property was built in 1885 and is known as the D.G Smith building which is on the Historic Home Register. The home has been beautifully renovated with new cabinetry, great counter space, farm sink and eat in kitchen. The living room and dining room are filled
New Construction Duplex – Live In One Side, Rent the Other! Opportunity meets convenience with this brand-new duplex, perfect for investors or buyers looking to offset their mortgage by living in one side and renting the other. Each unit offers 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and 1,354 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed living space.The primary suite is a true retreat with its private bath
This spacious lot is located on the corner of 3rd and Brady in Abilene, it has water, gas and electrical hookups. If you're looking for a large lot to build on this is the property for you.
This beautiful 4 Bedroom/3 Bath rancher has open concept floor plan, full finished basement. A spacious home you will never outgrow. Beautiful hardwood floors run throughout the main level, complementing the bright and airy living spaces. The convenience of main-floor laundry makes everyday living easy, while tiled bathrooms with new fixtures add a fresh, updated feel. The full basement is a
Beautiful Victorian home located on a large corner lot at the edge of town. This stunning residence features a great kitchen, formal dining room, parlor, and living room, highlighted by a beautiful curved open staircase. The current owner has completely restored the home with great care to preserve its original beauty and character. 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, the home includes main-level laundry,
New Construction with zero entry and an open floor plan offers a seamless, accessible layout perfect for modern living. The inviting covered entry welcomes you into the home, providing shelter and a warm atmosphere right from the start. Stepping inside, you are greeted by a spacious, airy great room with a beautiful tray ceiling that adds height and architectural interest. The open floor plan
New Construction with zero entry and an open floor plan offers a seamless, accessible layout perfect for modern living. The inviting covered entry welcomes you into the home, providing shelter and a warm atmosphere right from the start. Stepping inside, you are greeted by a spacious, airy great room with a beautiful tray ceiling that adds height and architectural interest. The open floor plan
Welcome to this beautifully maintained home on the west side of Abilene. Step inside to an inviting open-concept that maximizes space and natural light. The living, dining, and modern rustic kitchen flow seamlessly together, highlighted by hardwood floors and custom cabinetry paired with stainless steel appliances and a farmhouse sink—perfect for anyone who loves to cook and entertain. The main
Charming stone exterior ranch home on 1⁄2 acre in town with fenced yard and wonderful screened-in porch. Inside, enjoy an open floor plan featuring a large living room with fireplace, spacious master ensuite, 2 baths, and main floor utilities. There is a one-car attached garage and a carport. Updates throughout include new roof, guttering, flooring, fixtures, appliances, water softener,
This well-maintained all-brick 5-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on a spacious lot and is truly move-in ready. The retro kitchen features classic cabinetry paired with stainless steel countertops, adding both charm and function. New carpet has been installed in the main floor bedrooms. The laundry is currently located in the basement but also has hook-ups on the main level. The finished basement offers
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