$195,867Average Value$120Average Price per Sq Ft39Homes For Sale
The birthplace of Amelia Earhart
Atchison started out as a 19th century railroad town on the western shores of the Missouri River. Executives of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad built mansions built in the city, where they still stand today. While the railroad put the city on the map, it’s the mysterious legacy of a pioneering female aviator that has taken this city to new heights. “Amelia Earhart was born here, and that’s our claim to fame,” says Elizabeth Hrenchir, the Kansas Room librarian at Atchison Public Library. “We have two Amelia Earhart museums and a festival around her birthday, which is the biggest event of the year.” According to Hrenchir, who has lived in Atchison for more than 30 years, most people move to the small city of nearly 11,000 to work at Benedictine College, the city’s largest employer. She adds that a lot of residents commute to other cities, including St. Louis, St. Joesph and Topeka. Residents enjoy the city’s hundreds of acres of parks and the walkable downtown of local businesses, giving Atchison a strong sense of community.
Atchison is the birthplace of Amelia Earhart, but years before the aviation pioneer took to the skies, the small city started as a railroad town in the 1800s.
Amelia Earhart’s childhood home, now a museum, overlooks the Missouri River in Atchison.
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Eclectic homes and flood risks
The median home price in Atchison is $166,000, less than the national median. Most areas of the city have a suburban feel with an eclectic mix of houses dating from the mid-1800s through today. The city’s oldest houses range from small bungalows to exquisite Victorians. Some are lined on original brick streets, including the house Earhart grew up in on River Road, which is now a museum that overlooks the Missouri River from a steep bluff. Newer houses tend to be built in developments closer to the countryside. The most expensive homes typically reach the high $500,000s. Homes stay on the market for an average of nearly three months.
Nearly 12% of houses are at risk of floods due to the city’s proximity to the Missouri River, which floods when it crests at 25 feet or higher. The most recent flood was in 2019 when the river crested at 31 feet. The weather in Atchison is mild to hot in the summer and can reach below freezing in the winter.
Atchison’s oldest houses range from small bungalows to exquisite Victorians.
Most areas of Atchison have a suburban feel with an eclectic mix of houses dating from the mid-1800s through today.
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Downtown scene on Commercial Street
While Atchison has a Walmart and other national retailers such as CVS and Dollar Tree, the city is most notable for its local shopping and dining scene downtown. The shops and restaurants line Commercial Street in attached buildings, many of which have Italianate architecture built in the early 1900s. A few restaurants are also set up along the Missouri River.
Atchison is most notable for its local shopping and dining scene downtown.
Atchison has a Walmart and other national retailers such as CVS and Dollar Tree to the south of downtown off US-73 Hwy.
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International Forest of Friendship honors Earhart and other aviators
Atchinson’s Parks division maintains nearly 150 acres. Jackson Park is the largest, with about 100 acres, wooded trails and other recreational activities. The International Forest of Friendship is more than just a park. It’s a memorial space honoring Amelia Earhart and others who have explored the skies with new inductees each year. Riverfront Trail draws walkers, joggers and bicyclists to the Missouri River. And there are boat ramps for those who want to head out on the water. Lewis and Clark State Park is also just on the other side of the river.
The International Forest of Friendship is more than just a park, it’s a memorial space honoring Amelia Earhart and others who have explored the skies with new inductees each year.
Riverfront Trail draws walkers, joggers and bicyclists to the Missouri River; and there are boat ramps for those who want to head out on the water in Atchison.
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Amelia Earhart Festival draws crowds to the river for the annual air show
Several small-town events are held throughout the year, from Porchfest, where local musicians play on the porches of historic homes, to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. But the biggest event of all is the Amelia Earhart Festival, a three-day event with an air show on the riverfront, along with other fun activities the week before Earhart’s birthday, July 24. The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum honors the late aviation icon with several exhibits commemorating her legacy.
The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum honors the late aviation icon with several exhibits commemorating her legacy.
A big yearly event in Atchison is the Amelia Earhart Festival, a three-day event with an air show on the riverfront, along with other fun activities.
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Atchison Public Schools and private Catholic education
Atchison Public Schools earns a B-minus grade from Niche. Students are all served by one elementary school, one middle school and one high school. The city is home to several private schools, including Maur Hill – Mount Academy, a Catholic boarding high school that earns an A-minus grade and is ranked the ninth-best private high school in the state. Catholic education is also provided at Benedictine College, which offers more than 50 undergraduate and six graduate degree programs. Highland Community College Technical Center is another option for post-secondary education.
Atchison is home to several private schools, including Maur Hill – Mount Academy, a Catholic boarding high school that earns an A-minus grade and is ranked the ninth-best private high school in the state.
Catholic education is also provided at Benedictine College, which offers more than 50 undergraduate and six graduate degree programs.
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Routes to Kansas City and Topeka
There are no public bus routes in Atchison. Shuttle rides are available by appointment through Northeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging. U.S. Routes 59 and 73 run through Atchison. From U.S. 73, it’s a 50-mile drive southeast to Kansas City. Meanwhile, U.S. 59 begins the 55-mile journey southwest to Topeka. Kansas City International Airport is the closest option for commercial flights.
Crime
Crime statistics for Atchison are not readily available.
Written By
Nicolas Stuart
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Brooke Wasson
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On average, homes in Atchison, KS sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Atchison, KS over the last 12 months is $174,050, up 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this spacious split-level home located on a desirable corner lot in Atchison! Offering 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and over 2,400 square feet of living space, this home provides both comfort and functionality. The open main living area features beautiful hardwood floors, abundant natural light, and a well-appointed kitchen with ample cabinetry, center island seating, perfect for everyday
Welcome to 17527 Bellevue Drive in Atchison, KS! This charming ranch-style home offers 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and a 1-car garage, all at an affordable price of $159,900. Inside, you’ll find a functional layout with comfortable living spaces. Step outside to enjoy the covered back porch - perfect for relaxing or entertaining year-round. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to downsize,
This charming two-story home offers the perfect blend of space, comfort, and convenience. Featuring 4 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, there’s plenty of room for families of all sizes or those who simply enjoy extra space for guests, a home office, or hobbies. The main level welcomes you with a bright and inviting living area, ideal for relaxing or entertaining. The bright and airy kitchen allows
Investor special! Located on a corner lot, this property is full of potential for a renovation project or new construction. The home needs work but offers a great opportunity for investors, flippers, or builders looking for their next project. Plenty of possibilities. Property is being sold as-is. Buyer and buyer’s agent to verify all information including zoning, building requirements, setbacks,
MOTIVATED SELLERS! Seller will consider a RATE BUY DOWN with an acceptable offer. Very convenient neighborhood. This impeccably maintained 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom residence is situated in much-desired Brookdale subdivision. The best of the best with traditional elegance throughout, nestled among beautiful trees with scenic views of woods near the cul-de-sac offering tons of privacy. Step into the
Charming one-level home featuring 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a comfortable and inviting layout. The home offers a large eat-in kitchen with plenty of space for dining and gathering, along with a spacious main bedroom. A bright sunroom for all plant lovers provides the perfect space to relax, enjoy natural light, and grow your favorite greenery.Outside, the super cute yard is filled with
Rare opportunity to acquire a larger vacant parcel in an established Atchison location. This 1.21-acre lot is one of two larger parcels created when three original lots were combined by the seller. A buyer may have the option to pursue re-platting back to three lots (see 803 M St), subject to city approval and buyer verification. The property offers road frontage, open green space, and mature
This gorgeous four-bedroom, two-bath home has been completely renovated and is truly move-in ready! Step inside to an open-concept living area featuring an eat-in kitchen with brand-new appliances. The basement features eight foot ceilings and another 1,008 square feet of space that provide excellent potential for future living space. It’s already plumbed for an additional bathroom. The
Investor opportunity with strong upside. This 2-bedroom, 2-bath ranch-style home is ready for a full renovation and offers a solid canvas for your next project. The property has already been taken down to the studs in several areas, allowing a buyer to reimagine the layout and finishes from the ground up. This home presents an excellent value-add opportunity for investors, flippers, or
Great investment opportunity for fix and flip, rental property or first family home. Huge backyard with storage shed. Newer vinyl windows, 100 Amp service. Some sheetrock up. Selling AS IS. Owner/Agent.
Investment opportunity! Start 2026 off right by adding another investment to your portfolio and cash in on the opportunity to earn IMMEDIATE INCOME. This mostly renovated 4 bedroom 1 bathroom is currently rented for $1285 per month through Sept 2026. It also features a 1 car garage, and sits on a corner lot. Photos were taken prior to current tenant occupancy. This opportunity could be packaged
This vacant lot offers an excellent opportunity to build your future home or make a smart investment. Situated in a desirable neighborhood, the property features 0.46 acres with partially wooded terrain and public utilities available. Enjoy a peaceful setting while remaining conveniently located near shopping, dining, schools, and major highways, providing easy access to city amenities. Whether
A single-family home located in a quiet residential area of Atchison. This property offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and approximately 1,500+ sq ft of living space with a functional layout and spacious living areas. Features include a finished basement providing additional living or recreation space, central heating and cooling, and an attached garage. The home sits on a generously sized lot with
This ALL Brick home features 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, with a non-conforming bedroom and 1670 square feet. Home has hardwood floors, updated bathrooms, plenty of storage space and beautiful woodwork throughout the home. Nice backyard and a awesome front porch. Must See to appreciate.
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