Named after one of this area’s rivers, Arkansas City, Kansas’ name has a twist. It’s pronounced ar-KAN-zizz – like the state of Kansas, not ar-KAN-saw, but most locals just call it Ark City. A town of nearly 12,000 residents, this area began development in the 1890s when the Cherokee turned over land to the U.S. government, resulting in the largest land rush in American history. The city’s Cherokee Strip Land Museum tells the whole story in detail and is open to the public for tours four days a week. Ark City is also known for its affordable housing rates, annual community events like the Arkalalah Festival and its ample job opportunities. Located within 5 miles of the Oklahoma border and about 60 miles southeast of Wichita, "[Ark City also] has a lot of Wichita commuters, and they just head directly west to I-35 to get there,” says Jennifer Owen, Realtor with Summit Realty. “We’re about 20 miles from the highway.”
Arkansas City is named after the Arkansas River that runs along the city's edge.
Learn some local history at the Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum in Arkansas City.
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Kansas taxes vs. Oklahoma
Most of the homes in Arkansas City are from the early 1900s, but a few new construction options are scheduled to be built in the coming years near the Spring Hill Golf Course. “You’ll be able to get a 19-hundred square foot house with three bedrooms for $325,000,” Owen says. The median price for a single-family home in Arkansas City is $125,000, which is the same as in neighboring Winfield, about 15 miles north. However, “The cost of living is cheaper here,” Owen says. “We have higher taxes in Kansas than they do in Oklahoma. The joke is that we may pay more taxes, but they pay more to align their cars. The roads here are in better shape.” The housing stock is mainly single-family homes, but some multi-family dwellings and apartment options can be found close to downtown.
Craftsman and bungalow styled homes are very common throughout Arkansas City.
Most homes in Arkansas City were built in the 1900's.
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Museums, the Arkalalah Festival and casinos
Ark City features several Native American history museums, including the Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum and the Etzanoa conservation site, which can be toured by appointment.
Every year, around the last weekend of October, the population of Arkansas City almost doubles during the Arkalalah Festival, which attracts more than 20,000 people annually. The festival’s name comes from the Native American word for “good times,” and its origins date back to the Great Depression, when the city found it necessary to hold events to lift the community’s spirits. Nearly 90 years later, this four-day festival continues and includes a carnival, food vendors and multiple parades. Just across the border are two large casinos that are big attractions for Kansas residents: the 7 Clans First Council Casino Hotel and the Native Lights Casino. Both offer gaming and music performances and are located on U.S. Highway 77 in neighboring Oklahoma.
The Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum has several different attractions to enjoy.
There are several museums and attractions near Arkansas City.
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Downtown Arkansas City
Over the past few years, deteriorating buildings from the 1800s have been brought back to life, as the city has worked to revitalize its downtown. Today, locally owned businesses line Summit Street and range from boutiques selling jewelry, handmade gifts and antiques. The historic Burford Theatre, which dates back to 1924, is also located here and hosts movies, live music performances and comedy shows. Big-box retailers, like Walmart Supercenter, are more prominent on the north side of town. For groceries, there’s also a Dillons and an Aldi. Fast-food restaurants and locally owned spots also line Summit Street.
Arkansas City is a small city with a population of around 12,000 people.
The historic Burford Theatre, which dates back to 1924, is also located in Arkansas City.
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Warm weather and Wilson Park’s train
This area enjoys a warmer climate than those in Kansas's central and northern parts. “Folks in Topeka and Kansas City get much more snow than we do,” Owen says. Despite the weather, residents can still get outside at Wilson Park. Located north of downtown on Summit Street, "We call it the train park,” says Owen. That’s because it contains an authentic steam locomotive that’s parked there. “Kids can climb on it. It’s very popular.” The park also has tennis and pickleball courts and during the summer months, the park also holds concerts featuring the Arkansas City Community Band under the park’s rotunda. Wilson Park is also the site of the Ark City Farm and Art Market, which runs from early May through late September. Nearby, Paris Park features play equipment, a skate park and the Paris Park Pool. Wilson Park also hosts the Last Run Car Show in late September, where classic cars are displayed after a popular downtown parade.
There is an authentic steam locomotive that’s parked at Wilson Park in Arkansas City.
Kids can enjoy the playground at Paris Park in Arkansas City.
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Home of Arkansas City USD 470 and Cowley College
The Arkansas City Unified School District 470 serves this community’s students from kindergarten through twelfth grade and receives an overall C-rating from Niche. It comprises six elementary schools, one middle school and one high school, Arkansas City High. The high school offers a career pathways program designed to help teens with the transition from high school to postsecondary education. Cowley College, a two-year community college is also located here and has an enrollment of just over 2,100.
Cowley College offers a two year degree in Arkansas City.
Lowell Elementary School is a great option for younger students in the area.
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Major Employers in Ark City, transit and crime
This city’s job market is fueled by major area employers like Creekstone Farms Premium Beef, GE Aerospace and Newell Rubbermaid, which together provide more than 2,400 jobs to this community’s economy. Other area employers range from assorted manufacturing, milling and engineering organizations, as well as the local education systems. For local transit, residents can take North Summit Street to get where they need to be, or they can hop on U.S. Route 77 or Interstate 35 when traveling to neighboring areas. Strother Field is a small private airport, while commercial flights are available at Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Wichita, 65 miles to the northwest. South Central Kansas Health is the closest hospital, a few miles north of downtown.
According to the FBI, some violent crimes were above the national and state averages in part of 2023, and some property crimes, like larceny, were well above both averages.
Written By
Jeff Stapleton
Photography Contributed By
Zach Manwell
Video By
Amon Parson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jamie Graham,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Arkansas City, KS sell after 62 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Arkansas City, KS over the last 12 months is $123,200, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this absolutely adorable, updated, 2 bedroom, 1 bath nestled in the heart of Ark City! This charming property offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience and character. Close to local schools, parks, shopping and dining. Excellent value for a a move-in ready home!
Are you ready for this newness!! This property has been taken back to the studs and basically rebuilt!! Insulation in walls and ceiling, new windows, new roof, new plumbing, new hot water heater, new electrical and new carpet in bedrooms. This is close to Summit Street and the park. Ready to Move Right In ? Convenient location as it is easy access to Summit Street. Call listing Agent today for
Fall in love with this cozy 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom bungalow, ready for the new owner!! The home is centrally located near a college, grade school and the downtown area, All within walking distance!!!The kitchen has been updated and all kitchen appliances stay with the sale of the property. Outside you will find an adorable white picket fence and a back patio perfect for entertaining or just
Move in before the holidays!!!! This lovely homes rest on a corner lot with private parking and attached carport accessible from the alley. There are three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen with eating dining room, laundry and a very large living room. A new roof was just put on the property!! There is a covered porch on the east of the house perfect for morning coffee!!! This property is priced
Welcome to this charming home!!!!! This residence is designed for easy and comfortable living. Three spacious bedrooms and a full bathroom are upstairs. Downstairs are the living room, dining room, kitchen, laundry, office( or another bedroom), entry and the attached garage.The privacy fence in the oversized back yard is a plus. The sewer line has been partially replaced. There is a new breaker
Welcome Home !!! This lovely home has just been totally remodeled from ceiling to floor. Interior has been freshly painted. There are new interior doors, new flooring, new appliances(except refrigerator), new lighting, bathrooms updated and updated kitchen. New ceiling fans!! The roof and hot water heater are about 2 years old. The wood burning fireplace is in the family room and can be enjoyed
This is YOUR dream home!!!! It is a stunning five bedroom residence designed for comfort, convenience and style. Located on a beautiful corner lot with a circle drive to the front door, this property boasts an array of perfect features. Step inside to discover a spacious living room with a cozy fireplace, a formal dining room and huge kitchen that opens to a large breakfast room. The expansive
BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED FULL BRICK 2 STORY WITH ALL THE CHARM OF YESTER YEAR. THE ROOMS IN THIS HOME ARE VERY SPACIOUS, THE LVING ROOM HAS BUILT-IN BOOKSHELVES, LARGE FORMAL DINING ROOM THAT COULD ALSO BE A MAIN FLOOR FAMILY ROOM, THERE IS A NICE OFFICE OR LIBRARY ALSO ON THE MAIN FLOOR. A FULL UNFINISHED BASEMENT HAS LOTS OF POSSIBILITIES, EASILY FINISHED OFF TO FAMILY/REC ROOM AND ROOM FOR ANOTHER
This Trinity Episcopal Education Building has housed many community events and the Montessori School for years. This beautiful stone building sits in a prime location and close to the downtown core area. The property will be getting a new roof in the near future! As you enter thru the double glass doors, you will walk up a few steps to a huge 30x60 open space with gorgeous vaulted ceilings. This
This charming two-bedroom, one bathroom bungalow is well maintained and conveniently located near elementary school, recreation center and downtown area. It features an extra bonus room upstairs, a private patio in the back and two storage buildings.The current owner believes there are hardwood floors under most of the carpeted area. Appliances, including the washer and dryer, wii remain with the
This is the property that you have been waiting for!!!!!! Sitting on 8.01 acres, this gorgeous home has everything that you could possibly want and more!!!! When you enter the foyer, you immediately realize the planning, care, quality and taste of this custom built spectacular home. On the main level is the luxurious living room with a fireplace, gourmet kitchen with an island for extra work
Located minutes east of Arkansas City, Kansas, this 636 acre tract in Cowley County offers a blend of hunting, recreation, and grazing opportunity along the Walnut River corridor. Accessed by a locked gate one mile north of Highway 166 on 121st Road, the property includes two adjoining half-sections and a smaller parcel that borders the Walnut River. A closed county road runs along the east side
Welcome to 1126 N 13th in Arkansas City, Kansas! This is not your typical city listing—you get 2.25 acres right inside city limits, making this property a rare find and a true blank canvas full of possibilities. The property includes a home built in 1900, offering 512 sq ft, 1 bedroom, and 1 bathroom, plus multiple sheds—one of which was once used as an old barbershop. If you’re looking for a
Meadow Walk Apartments in Arkansas City, KS offers one, two and three bedroom apartments for rent. This pet-friendly community is centrally located near a variety of major employers on both sides of the Kansas/Oklahoma state line. Amenities include washer / dryer connections, large closets, and available extra storage. The Meadow Walk Apartments property boasts beautiful landscaping, pool, and
Conveniently located to shopping and dining, easy access to all amenities.Our complex is nested in a low traffic area.We are a pet friendly complex with a dog park, for our tenant's convenience. A non-refundable pet fee is required, and additional pet rent, per month.We offer a basketball court and outside grills.Each of our units are furnished with stove, refrigerator,
Coming soon! Available early March. Discover your new home in this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom house, offering a comfortable 900 square feet of living space. Located near Cowley Community College and Francis Willard Elementary, this property has been freshly updated with modern fixtures that add a touch of elegance to every room. Enjoy the vibrant appeal of new paint and the durability
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