$196,809Average Value$117Average Price per Sq Ft33Homes 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
Photography Contributed By
Brooke Wasson
Video By
Kyo Nguyen
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Atchison, KS sell after 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Atchison, KS over the last 12 months is $185,000, up 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
Discover the perfect canvas for your dream home on this spacious 2.6-acre rural lot nestled in the serene landscape of a charming subdivision with an HOA. Embrace the tranquility of rural living while enjoying the convenience of modern amenities and a welcoming community. Don't miss this opportunity to build your ideal retreat in this picturesque setting. Water meter is already registered to the
Seller offering a $5,000 credit to the buyer with an acceptable offer—perfect for closing costs, interest rate buy-down, or updates of your choice! Step into the charm of this historic 1900 brick home located in the heart of Atchison. Seller is highly motivated and will escrow a new roof with the purchase. Offering 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath, and 1,446 sq ft, this property blends timeless character
This Manufactured home is located on the edge of town. Property has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and open concept living. Great yard and a 30 x 13 attached garage. Priced to sell.
This renovated 1880 brick/vinyl home offers 4 spacious bedrooms, a newer roof, gutters, wraparound porch, and updated kitchen with island. Features include two newer furnaces, central air, new windows, added insulation, and two updated bathrooms. The main floor has a large living room and dining room with pocket doors, potential for a bedroom or office, plus ample attic and basement space.
This 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a spacious double living room, kitchen featuring granite countertops and Butler's pantry, main-level laundry, and a blend of historic character with today's conveniences. Situated on a corner lot across from a park, the fenced backyard features a gazebo, storage shed with electricity, and room to enjoy the outdoors. Currently has a 5.5% VA assumable loan.
Perched on approximately 4 scenic acres overlooking the Missouri River, this one-of-a-kind ranch offers breathtaking panoramic views and a peaceful country setting just minutes from town. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and over 1,700 square feet of comfortable living space, this home combines everyday functionality with unforgettable scenery. The spacious layout includes vaulted
Investment Opportunity with Endless Potential!Currently configured as a multi-unit rental property with both upper and lower tenants in place, this spacious home offers immediate income-producing potential while leaving the door open for future possibilities. Whether you’re looking to expand your investment portfolio or create a large single-family residence, this property provides the
Discover 44 beautiful wooded acres just outside the city limits—perfect for building your dream home, creating a private retreat, or enjoying nature and recreation. A rare opportunity to own a peaceful slice of the countryside with the convenience of nearby city amenities.
Here it is folks! A wonderful log cabin home on over 23 acres. It features a main level Master bedroom/bath and the laundry room is on the main level as well. The land is filled with woods and field and the home is waiting for its next owners to turn into their private sanctuary! It's located 15 minutes north of Leavenworth, right on the Atchison/Leavenworth county line
Property Id: 2616772 Cozy, 2 bedroom, 1bath bungalow on a quiet, cobblestone residential street less than 1 mile from Benedictine College and downtown. Lots of storage in the basement and the detached 2 car garage. The bathroom was recently remodeled. Laundry room, washer/dryer on main floor.
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