$194,877Average Value$117Average Price per Sq Ft37Homes 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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kaleena Schumacher,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Atchison, KS sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Atchison, KS over the last 12 months is $173,800, up 14% 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
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
Beautiful 4 bedroom Brick/Vinyl home built in 1880 brought back to life with significant updates!This Home has a newer roof &Gutters with a wrap around porch added to home.Updated kitchen & island .Two newer furnaces ,central air units . Newer windows And insulation added to home . Two update bathrooms . Large living room and dining room with pocket doors possible downstairs bed room or office. 4
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
Charming and full of potential, this 2-bedroom, 2-bath home at 433 S 8th St. offers comfortable living with practical features throughout. You’ll appreciate the spacious layout, along with the convenience of an attached basement garage—perfect for parking, storage, or a workshop space. This property combines functionality and value in a convenient location.
This property is eligible under the Freddie Mac First Look Initiative thru 5/23/2026.Spacious 3-story home was built in 1865, featuring 7 bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms, and over 3,200 square feet of living space. Enjoy beautiful inlaid hardwood floors, soaring ceilings, an impressive foyer and open staircase, and a full basement for extra space. The modernized kitchen is perfect for today’s
Seller is offering $10,000 to buyer for decor, closing costs or whatever buyer chooses in this Charming Brick Home on a Spacious Corner Lot!Welcome to this inviting 4-bedroom, 2-bath home perfectly situated on a generous corner lot. With its classic brick exterior and welcoming front porch, this property offers timeless curb appeal and the perfect spot to sit back and relax.Inside, you’ll
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
Spanning over 14 acres m/l, this property offers a great opportunity with utilities already in place—ideal for your future build or investment plans. A ranch-style home currently sits on the property and is being conveyed at no added value. The property is accessed by a long-established shared driveway that has been used for decades (without a recorded easement). An easement is in place on this
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
ALL UTILITES PAID, new luxury lower unit of the duplex rental. 100% furnished including, (all utilities, wifi included), bedding, dishes (everything). Unreal river, bridge and valley views. Newer Artic Spa best money can buy. All normal use utilities included for 2 people, if a 3rd person add $100 to rent amount. And 3 would be max number of tenants.This a large 1 bedroom. All lawn work
Beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bath home located on a corner lot in the heart of Atchison, KS. This charming property features a wraparound porch, ideal for enjoying the peaceful neighborhood. Inside, you'll find a meticulously updated kitchen with a formal dining area and spacious family room, perfect for gatherings. Hardwood floors have been restored to their original glory, and the
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