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
John Brocker,
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 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Chanute, KS over the last 12 months is $109,500, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
Welcome to this beautiful 2500+ square foot home featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and updates throughout. The spacious layout offers an open feel with well-defined living areas. The modern kitchen flows seamlessly into both a formal dining room with a cozy wood-burning fireplace and living room. A large family room provides plenty of space for game tables and oversized furniture for relaxing
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
This well maintained and thoughtfully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch offers comfortable one level living with plenty of space to gather, relax, and entertain. The open concept kitchen and living room create a welcoming central location, while the adjacent step-down family room provides plenty of space for movie nights, game tables, and everyday living. The primary bedroom features two
Welcome to this immaculate 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home in one of the most desirable neighborhoods on a spacious half-acre lot. From the moment you step inside, you'll appreciate the care and attention this home has received. The open concept living, dining, and kitchen area offers an inviting space for everyday living and entertaining. A convenient mudroom off the garage adds functionality and
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.
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
Discover the incredible potential of this five-bedroom, two-bath fixer-upper located in a highly desirable neighborhood! Spanning 2,087 square feet, this home offers an abundance of space and endless possibilities. The fenced-in yard provides a safe and private area for families and pets to enjoy the outdoors. Nestled in a great location, this property is surrounded by friendly neighbors and
NEW FENCE ADDED! A new privacy fence has been installed! Showcasing yet another reason you should buy this basically brand new home that has been brought back to life by a talented crew. As another bonus the seller has said he may be able to add a downstairs bedroom if the buyer wanted that and was willing to give up the living space. New Roof New Siding New HVAC New Electrical New Plumbing New
Home features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, with hardwood floors throughout bedrooms, dining area and living room. Situated on a corner lot, it also includes a detached shop, offering extra space for hobbies, storage, or projects. New roof. Cash or conventional loan.
Motivated Seller just improved the price on this charming and well-maintained 2 bedroom, 2 bath home offering comfort, convenience, and great outdoor space! Enjoy cozy evenings by the fireplace and relax year-round on the covered patio overlooking the privacy fenced backyard. The oversized detached garage with alley access provides excellent storage, workshop potential, and easy parking. Major
There is Plenty of Space in this 3/4 Bedroom 2 Story Home with a Unique Attached Building/Home Office on Santa Fe. Enter Thru the Covered Front Porch Into The Living Room. Then Head Back to the Formal Dining Room, Large Den, Eat-In-Kitchen, Laundry Room with Plenty of Extra Storage, and Half Bath. At the Back of the Home You'll Find a Huge Open Room with a Gas Fireplace Insert, Half Bathroom and
Michele LaskerKeller Williams Realty Partners Inc.
CORNERSTONE APARTMENTS is located at 1520 W 4TH ST CHANUTE, KS and is managed by Premier Real Estate Management L.L.C., a reputable property management company with verified listings on RENTCafe. CORNERSTONE APARTMENTS offers 2 to 3 bedroom apartments ranging in size from 885 to 1109 sq.ft. Amenities include Air Conditioner, Availability 24 Hours, Cable Ready, Carpeting, Dishwasher and more. This
1209 S Malcolm, Chanute KSThis well-maintained 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom home offers a peaceful setting in a quiet neighborhood with just the right amount of space and privacy.Property DetailsAddress: 1209 S Malcolm, Chanute KSBedrooms: 2Bathrooms: 1Square Footage: 672 sq ftRent: $850/monthSecurity Deposit: $425Available: July 24, 2026Home
Nice two bed one bath apartment for rent. conveniently located near Chanute‘s main shopping along with college and high school. Property is in very nice condition and is move in ready. No pets. No smoking. Thanks for looking!
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.
