Clay Center has arts, employment and culture outside of the big city
Surrounded by boundless farmland in north central Kansas, Clay Center is the social, economic and governmental hub of Clay County. “People here are very helpful, kind and welcoming,” says Natalie Muruato, executive director of Clay County Tourism. “While we’re close to big-box stores in bigger metropolitan areas, we have two grocery stores of our own where they still bag and carry out your groceries. If you have young kids or a family, there’s tons to do.” The downtown area is home to a growing mural scene, diverse retail offerings and parks for outdoor recreation. “We have 33 murals right now, and we’re about to put up another one,” Muruato says. Nearly 4,200 people call this city home, and many work in public services, medical fields and factory jobs in the community. With easy access to nearby cities and competitively priced homes, Clay Center offers a quieter alternative to fast-growing areas like Junction City and Manhattan.
Clay Center shares in the state's efforts to attract new residents to the Midwest. “There are tons of entrepreneurial opportunities here,” Muruato says. “The state offers tons of incentives, and there’s low-interest funding available. A lot of second-career people retire and start up new businesses in Clay Center.”
Public art draws visitors to Clay Center’s downtown core.
The tower marks Clay Center’s skyline near downtown.
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The median home price in Clay Center is lower than in nearby areas
Clay Center is home to a mixture of century-old residences and brand-new properties. Houses built from 1900 to 2000, including ranch-style homes, Victorians and bungalows, sell for $70,000 to $300,000. Properties from the 2000s through today go for $240,000 to $440,000. Clay Center’s flat, grid-patterned streets are often flanked by trees, sidewalks and small front yards and driveways. This city’s median home price of $245,000 is below Junction City’s median of $284,900 and Manhattan’s at $360,000. Clay Center has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Clay Center’s Victorian homes reflect early‑20th‑century craftsmanship.
Historic homes in Clay Center add character to established streets.
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Historic downtown hosts well-established eateries and celebrations
In downtown Clay Center, early-20th-century brick storefronts surround a small park and the county courthouse. The shops - many decorated with recently painted murals - host boutique shops, hardware and drug stores, insurance agencies and restaurants. “We have a 100-year-old bakery, Tasty Pastry, that’s famous for its nut rolls,” Muruato says. “Downtown is packed in the morning as people go out to get doughnuts.” Happy Hippie Studios specializes in health foods like acai bowls and fruit smoothies. Pizza, locally sourced burgers and craft beers are served at 15-24 Brew House. Grocery options include Ray’s Apple Market and Kiers Thriftway. Every Saturday from April to October, a farmers market convenes at the courthouse square and sells fresh food and handmade crafts. The city has held its Piotique Celebration in the same square every September since 1936, bringing live entertainment to the heart of Clay Center.
Java Junkies pours coffee steps from Clay Center murals and shops.
Clay Center’s main street features boutiques, coffee, and services.
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Local parks feature a zoo, a public pool and seasonal events
Several parks are scattered throughout Clay Center, providing recreational outlets in each neighborhood. Utility Park includes walking paths and a free zoo with bears, foxes, monkeys and many other animals. The western edge of town is home to the Clay Center Aquatic Park, which features a lazy river and a public pool. Huntress Park has a small playground.
The Clay County Fair brings carnival rides, interactive livestock exhibitions, bouncy houses and live music to Clay Center throughout the first half of September. During the holiday season, Courthouse Square comes alive with Christmas spirit. “We have a Christmas square that features a huge tree and 75 individually decorated trees, and Santa even comes down on his sleigh to visit,” Muruato says.
Huntress Park in Clay Center offers playgrounds, trails, and open space.
Clay Center Aquatic Park sits beside Huntress Park for summer recreation.
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Clay Center Community High School offers career prep programs
Students can start at Lincoln Elementary for kindergarten and first grade. This school receives a B-plus rating from Niche. Garfield Elementary serves grades 4 and 5 and gets a B, as do Clay Center Community Middle and Clay Center Community High. The high school offers diverse career training programs from agriculture and business to media and health care.
Northeast Clay Center is home to Clay Center Community Middle School.
Clay County Community High School receives a B grade from Niche.
Lincoln Elementary supports young students starting school in Clay Center.
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Near jobs in larger cities with healthcare options at home
Clay Center’s location at the intersection of U.S. Route 24 and K-15 connects it to nearby cities. The employment hubs of Junction City, Fort Riley and Manhattan are each accessible within 35 to 40 miles. Clay Center has its own health care hub at the Clay County Medical Center. “Healthcare is amazing,” Muruato says. “We have a top-ten critical access hospital that’s bringing in professionals all the time, so you don’t have to go out of town for your health care.”
Clay County Medical Center serves Clay Center with local care.
Clay Center benefits from its proximity to larger job hubs like Manhattan and Fort Riley.
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Written By
Jacob Adelhoch
Photography Contributed By
Stewart Taveras
Video By
Stewart Taveras
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Stacie Danzer,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Clay Center, KS sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Clay Center, KS over the last 12 months is $161,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This quaint and inviting 2-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow in Clay Center, KS, has numerous updates throughout. Recent improvements include floating vinyl plank flooring throughout the main level, a renovated kitchen and laundry area with updated cabinetry, fresh interior paint, several newer windows, and other thoughtful updates that add to the home’s overall appeal. The home offers 2 bedrooms, one of
Opportunity is the key word with this property. The highlight of this mixed used property is an 8000 +/- steel frame shop that can be used in a variety of manners. Use it yourself, add it as an investment concept to your portfolio or a bit of both! Think about what it would cost to put up a building this size and you can understand the math easy enough. Along with the massive shop and great
Spacious two-story home featuring 5 bedrooms (one nonconforming) and 2.5 bathrooms. The updated primary suite offers a private retreat with a walk-in shower. On the main level, you will find a generous living room with a wood-burning fireplace, a convenient breakfast area, a formal dining room, a sunroom perfect for plants, and a dedicated office space. The recently finished basement expands the
Set in the gently rolling landscape of Clay County, Kansas, this 305-acre farm offers a versatile blend of agricultural productivity and rural charm. The property features a 1.5-story home with 1,600 square feet of living space, including three bedrooms and one bathroom. A full basement provides additional storage or potential for expanded living or workspace. The land itself is a diverse mix,
Here is a very well kept, and diverse farm in the heart of Clay County with well maintained county roads on two sides. There are around 97 tillable acres, with the remainder in grass. Soils are mainly Crete silty loam and with some Hobbs silt soam along the creek.The pasture is fenced and has a very clean stand of mixed brome/native grasses, and a large watershed pond in the middle of the
Discover a great opportunity on the south side of Clay Center, Kansas! This 1.2-acre property offers two convenient access points, completely enclosed by a chain link fence making it ideal for parking, storage, or future development. With plenty of space and strong potential, this versatile lot is perfect for investors, small business use, or anyone looking for extra room in a great location.
Adorable ranch home for sale in Clay Center, Kansas. This beautifully updated 4 bedroom,3 bath home is truly move-in ready! Spacious Master suite features a farm tub, walk in shower and walk in closet! You will love all the updates, paint, carpet, tile, plex plumbing, master suite. Formal dining, living room, updated 2nd bath, spacious kitchen and laundry are all on the main level. Finished
This is a wonderful new listing in Clay Center, KS. The 4 bedroom, 2 bath home has over 2,000 sqft of living space with an additional family room in the walkout basement. There is a deck and a screened in patio area along with a fenced yard that make the outdoor area useable for entertaining. Come take a look and see if this fits your family today. Call Angie Frigon at 785-317-0799 to set up a
5 Bedroom 3 bath home with 2 car garage and shop area, great space for storage and or hobby toys. This beautiful home offers sharp hardwood flooring throughout, formal dining area, nice family room right off the kitchen that has amazing cabinetry throughout. The primary suite is on the main floor with ample windows, sliding door that leads out to the deck (just needs a hot tub), master bath with
Beautiful country property south of Clay Center, KS only 1/2 mile off a paved road. This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home situated on 1.7 acres with 360* panoramic views. The main floor has a large open family room with a bay window that faces south and a bar area. The family room is open to a large dining room with an electric fireplace great for entertaining. The galley kitchen is perfectly
Ranch home with 1-2 bedrooms and a full basement. There is a large room that could be used as a flex space as well that is not necessarily designated for living room or dining room depending on your needs. There are two garages. One garage has cement floors and doors on both ends for a pull through from the alley. The previous owner was a mechanic and used it to work on cars. The second garage is
Rent shown is maximum rent. Modern, safe, affordable maintenance free living where rent is based on your income. Only small breed dogs under 15 pounds.
Rent shown is maximum rent. Modern, safe, affordable maintenance free living where rent is based on your income. Only small breed dogs under 15 pounds.
Rent displayed is the HUD Section 8 contract rent. The actual household's rent payment is determined by the income of the household. There is a $15 monthly utility fee and a $34.35 monthly cable fee for this apartment and we pay the rest of the utilities. We rent to everyone who qualifies. Everyone is welcome to apply. Our website has additional information including an application for
Welcome to this charming 3 bedroom home located in the peaceful town of Clay Center, KS. This lovely house offers a covered front porch, perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or watching the sunset. The fenced yard provides a safe and private space for outdoor activities. With a detached garage, you'll have plenty of room for parking and storage. Step inside and be greeted by a
$699 per month
Large 1 bedroom remodeled apartment, washer/dryer hookups
Spacious 1 bedroom apartment in a triplex. TONS of kitchen cabinets. Eat-in kitchen. High ceilings, washer/dryer hook-ups Refrigerator and stove provided. Pictures are old, we are painting the whole apartment, adding new flooring, new counter top and more. Nice neighborhood. Yard care and snow removal provided. Updated most electrical, new ceiling fan in bedroom. 1 block from
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