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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Darcy Tweady,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Abilene, KS sell after 69 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Abilene, KS over the last 12 months is $180,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This is one property you definitely don't want to miss! Offering over 2,350 square feet of living space, this spacious 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath home provides the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and versatility. With 2 bedrooms on the main level and 3 basement bedrooms featuring egress windows, this is officially a true 5-bedroom home. Luxury vinyl plank flooring runs throughout much of the
Opportunity awaits at 306 N Monroe in Abilene. This 3-bedroom, 1-bath home with a bonus room offers solid potential for investors, first-time buyers, or anyone looking to build equity with a little TLC. The home features great bones along with several important updates already completed, including a newer roof, newer HVAC system, newer siding, and newer gutters. Some bedrooms also feature newer
Welcome home to this beautifully remodeled 2 story charmer with 2-bedroom, (3rd non code bedroom) 1-bath, Every inch of this home has been completely updated. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with brand-new everything—from the flooring and fixtures to the kitchen, bathroom, and major updates throughout. The bright, inviting interior is move-in ready and designed for comfortable living. Whether
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 beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bath home has everything..space, comfort, and convenience. A great kitchen with formal dining room and a cozy breakfast nook, living area showcases a beautiful fireplace, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. You'll appreciate the abundance of storage throughout the home, along with unique built-ins that add both character and functionality. Master
Move in ready 3 Bedroom/2 Bath/detached workshop. This well kept gem has a gorgeous staircase, main level laundry, large kitchen with dining.. Two bedrooms upstairs along with full bath, master bedroom is on main level. Cute front porch. Full basement for great storage and and a safe place during Kansas storms.
Custom-Built Country Retreat on 15 Acres, this one-of-a-kind custom-built 4-bedroom, 2-bath home is fully fenced and ready for horses or livestock with automatic waterer and 50 amp set up. Inside, you'll find exceptional craftsmanship featuring Southern rustic décor, distinctive Aztec hackberry trim, and gorgeous milled hardwood floors. The full basement includes a large game-processing area
MOTIVATED SELLER. This 23-room fully furnished Victorian mansion in friendly, low-crime Abilene, Kansas is a bargain! Filled with charm & history on .9 acres with 10,105 sf of living space and a wrought iron perimeter fence, this home features a secret bookcase door leading to a 23-seat Victorian style basement theater and lobby and the original settler’s stone dugout, oversize claw foot tub,
This residential build site in Abilene, Kansas offers an excellent opportunity to create your ideal home in a quiet, welcoming community. The property is well-positioned with essential utilities—water, power, and sewer—readily available nearby, helping streamline the building process and reduce development costs. The lot provides ample space for a custom home while still allowing for outdoor
This 118 +/- acre tract of productive tillable is ready for you and your operation. The property is located just five miles north of Solomon, Kansas and consists of dirt road frontage. The terraces on this property have been well maintained over the years as well as the waterways. Take a drive by this property to see if it's a good fit for your portfolio!
Whether you're a horse trainer, breeder, or enthusiast, be sure to take a look at this property! With roughly 32 acres +/-, this ranch has a little something for everyone. A 3,000 square foot custom built home with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms has been updated with thoughtful finishes. The unfinished basement provides the new owner with room to add their own personal touch. The 2,000 square foot, 2
Samantha SwearingenHorizon Farm and Ranch Realty, LLC
When it comes to attracting and holding big deer in Kansas, the bigger and denser the cover is, the better and this tract offers both in spades. The northwest corner of this tract offers almost 40 acres of hardwood/cedar tree mix thick enough to make even the wariest of mature bucks feel safe. The ground east of the woods has been strategically planted to tall grasses and rows of brushy woody
This spacious 4-bedroom, 1-bath home offers a wonderful blend of timeless character and modern updates. Beautiful refinished hardwood floors, classic pocket doors separating the living spaces, and a charming butler’s pantry add warmth and functionality, while fresh interior updates create a bright, welcoming atmosphere.The main floor features two bedrooms, with two additional bedrooms
3 bedroom, 1 bath home located on a large lot. Large inviting family room off the kitchen with built in shelving.Rent: 975Deposit: 975*Tenant is responsible for all utilities and lawn carePets considered for additional fees.A FREE application must be filled out PRIOR to showings. Application can be found at
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
