Chanute may be a small city of less than 9,000 in the rural countryside of Southeast Kansas, but it’s a place seen by billions of people each year. That’s because it’s the center of Google Earth — the first place people see when they open the app on Mac computers. It’s all in honor of Dan Webb, a Chanute native and one of Google’s early software engineers. The distinction is captured in a mural of Earth in the middle of downtown Main Street, a hub for local businesses. Chanute was founded in 1873 after Octave Chaunte convinced four rival towns to merge and have a railroad run through the area. Chanute is also credited as the “Father of Aviation” and a mentor to the Wright brothers — a piece of history honored with a downtown memorial. His legacy lives in the city’s many aviation manufacturing plants and the railroad that continues to operate and block traffic from time to time. Ash Grove Cement Company, the sixth largest cement manufacturer in the country, adds to the city’s industrial roots.
There is a Wright Brothers exhibit in downtown Chanute.
There are many great shopping and dining opportunities in downtown Chanute.
1/2
Modestly priced houses from the early and mid-1900s
The median home price is $105,000, nearly 75% below the national median. The city is predominantly made up of single-family homes built between the early and mid-1900s, though some subdivisions on the west side feature houses from the mid-1900s to 2000s. “The sweet spot is usually around $130,000 to $175,000,” says Bobbi Stewart, a Realtor with United Country Real Estate Professionals. “But you could also get a gut job for $20,000 and an executive home with acres of land and a pool in the $400,000s.”
Craftsman designs are another popular home choice in Chanute.
There are few homes in Chanute with 2-3 car garages.
1/2
Shops and restaurants in a redeveloping downtown
Downtown Main Street is a walkable half-mile strip of local shops and restaurants in some of the city’s oldest buildings. “There are some empty buildings, but the city is doing what it can to bring in new businesses,” Stewart says. “They just purchased a row of buildings and are fixing them up to sell them as office spaces.” The north and south sides of Chanute have some shopping centers with a few national retailers.
Stop by K's Place in downtown Chanute to catch up with old friends.
Westco Home Furnishing is a great place to find new furniture for your Chanute home.
1/2
Rail trails and tributes to the city's historic explorers
Chanute maintains five parks, which make up 280 acres of recreational space. Nearly 90% of that acreage is Santa Fe Park, with its lake and athletic fields. There are also several rail trails, including one that runs through downtown past the Chanute-Wright Brothers Memorial, a model of the Wright brothers' first plane. While that memorial honors early sky explorers, the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum is dedicated to the iconic duo from Chanute who explored global lands and wildlife.
Enjoy the outdoors at Santa Fe Lake Park in Chanute.
The Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum is a popular attraction in Chanute.
1/2
Three public schools and the state's best community college
Chanute Public Schools receives a B-minus grade from Niche. There’s one elementary, middle and high school, so all students in the public school system grow up together. Private faith-based education is available at St. Patrick Catholic School (K-6) and Chanute Christian Academy (K-12). Neosho County Community College is ranked by Niche as the best community college in Kansas, offering associate degrees and professional certificates.
Chanute High School receives a B-minus grade from Niche.
Students in Chanute may further their education at Neosho County Community College.
1/2
Current and former residents gather for Artist Alley
Locals have been gathering for Artist Alley since 1969. The event is held the last Saturday of September on Main Street, featuring art vendors, a parade and live music. “Artist Alley draws a lot of people who are from here but moved away,” Stewart says. “It’s like a homecoming. Different high school classes will have their own floats in the parade and they’ll have reunion activities throughout the weekend.” Main Street is also home to a farmers market where local farmers sell their products from May through September. Another farmers market is held at Santa Fe Park from April through October.
Five major cities within two hours
Chanute is a car-dependent city with no public buses. Heading out of Chaunte, Kansas Highway 39 runs east and west, while U.S. Route 169 goes north and south. It’s about a 1.5-mile drive to Joplin and close to two hours to Wichita, Topeka, Kansas City and Tulsa.
Storm shelters and emergency notification systems in case of tornadoes
Crime statistics for Chanute are not readily available. Chanute is in Tornado Alley, a region highly susceptible to tornadoes, especially between March through June. The most recent tornado was in 2008, touching down in open country. Chanute’s CodeRED Emergency Notification system pushes out mobile severe weather alerts to those who sign up. Chanute has two public storm shelters, the former Lincoln School building and Neosho County Community College.
Written By
Nicolas Stuart
Photography Contributed By
Zach Manwell
Video By
Conar McDaniel
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jessica Renfrow,
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 Chanute, KS sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Chanute, KS over the last 12 months is $115,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Fantastic Commercial Opportunity on S Santa Fe with this 5 (+/-) acre property! Great location and plenty of room to develop the location. Situated on the busiest street in Chanute, with 241' of frontage. The area is a mixture of commercial and retail properties. There is an additional 39 acres that adjoins this property that can be purchased as well, listed separately. Call us today for more
Nestled in the Neosho River bottoms just southeast of Chanute lies Lil' Toledo, a remarkable hunting lodge surrounded by an expansive portfolio of premier recreational properties. This outdoor paradise consists of the best Southeast Kansas has to offer, with a long and tremendous history of giant deer, excellent turkey hunting, waterfowl hunting, upland hunting, and fishing in the river or
This 76-acre property in Wilson County offers a mix of income-producing pasture and recreational land. Features include: 33 +/- acres of native vegetation: 13 +/- acres of brome (56 bales in 2025): 30 +/- acres of cedars and mixed hardwoods: Small pond - did not go dry in recent droughts (likely spring fed): Fenced - timber and west pasture, would need maintenance to contain cattle: Formerly
Experience refined country living at 4631 S Country Club Rd in Chanute, Kansas. Set on approximately 13 scenic acres, this exceptional 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath estate offers space, privacy, and elevated comfort just minutes from town. The home features a thoughtfully designed layout with expansive living areas, generous bedrooms, and multiple recent updates that enhance both style and functionality.
Escape the noise and retreat down a long, secluded driveway to a truly rare 147+/- acre southeast Kansas property that combines a well-appointed country home, fully equipped livestock operation, and one of the area’s most exciting waterfowl development opportunities. This is a property that works hard, hunts hard, and lives comfortably.Built in 1990, the home offers 1,450 square feet of
Motivated Seller is ready to make a Deal! Come see this beautiful home that has all the updates already done for you. Spacious and full of character, this 3-story home offers room for everyone! The main floor features an oversized primary bedroom, a full bath, a remodeled kitchen (2020), a dedicated laundry room. The entire home just got fresh interior and exterior paint for a move-in ready feel.
Enjoy the beauty of country living on 73 scenic acres with this classic brick home, thoughtfully designed for comfort, functionality, and style. Overlooking a peaceful pond and surrounded by open fields, this residence combines timeless craftsmanship with modern conveniences. The durable metal roof and solid brick construction ensure long-lasting quality, while the open floor plan creates an
Check out this recently updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a versatile space perfect for an office or playroom! It features a main floor bedroom and bath, plus a spacious walk-in closet. The built-in electric fireplace adds extra warmth and ambiance, while the updated bathrooms include a walk-in shower. The home retains its original woodwork charm and offers great outdoor perks like a screened
This cute and cozy home on a quiet brick street has been very well maintained and is ready for a new owner to call it home! This home features 3 bedrooms and 1 1/2 bathrooms with the 1/2 bath conveniently located off of the primary bedroom. Enjoy year around comfort with a newer central heat and air unit that is only 2 years old. The detached garage includes the added bonus of large garage doors
Situated on a corner lot! The kitchen has been completely gutted and transformed, now featuring new flooring, cabinetry, Saman solid wood butcher block countertops, and a spacious pantry. All kitchen appliances will remain with the home. The living room offers updated flooring, fresh paint, modern light fixtures, and a bonus area that adds extra flexibility to the space. The main floor bathroom
Affordable charm with room to make it your own! This charming 1930 bungalow cottage offers a roomy living area and dining room. Two bedrooms, 1 bathroom, plus an extra bonus room for a home office or playroom. Outside you will find a quaint covered porch, 2 stall detached garage with a fully fenced in yard, ready for the kids, fur babies or entertaining. New kitchen countertops in 2020. New
Welcome home to a property where everything has already been done for you! New Roof New Siding New HVAC New Electrical New Plumbing New Flooring New Fixtures That's just a start to the NEW on this house. Come check it out! This beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home has been thoughtfully updated from the inside out, giving you the confidence of modern construction with the charm of an
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.
