In the late 1800s, cowboys traveling the Chisholm Trail often stopped at the Ninnescah River, which was known for its fresh, clear water. The community of Clearwater grew up to the north of the river, and when railroads came through the area, they brought even more settlers. Today, the city is home to more than 2,500 residents. “People seek it out because it has a rural feel and the convenience of small-town living, but it’s only about 20 miles into Wichita,” says Carrissa Wells, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Realty, who has lived in the region all her life. Local businesses provide access to groceries and other essentials, and the city offers a variety of parks and activities.
The city of Clearwater's water tower marks the skyline.
Quiet neighborhood streets are common across Clearwater.
1/2
Homes range from 1800s Victorians to newer builds in subdivisions
Some Clearwater homes date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, although the median build year is 1975. Bungalows and ranch-style houses are common, and there are a few ornate Victorians and large, custom-built residences. “We’ve also had quite a few new developments going in,” Wells says. In the Indian Ridge and Park Glen Estates subdivisions, owners typically pay between $150 and $300 in HOA initiation fees, plus monthly dues of about $25. The majority of homes sell between $80,000 and $430,000, but houses on multiacre lots may range from $450,000 to $630,000. Most homes in Clearwater are connected to city water and sewer. Homeowners in more rural parts of the community maintain their own wells and septic systems. Properties near creeks and other waterways may be prone to flooding, so lenders may require flood insurance. The area’s CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, well below the national average of 4.
Newer ranch-style homes appear in subdivisions like Indian Ridge.
Victorian details appear on select historic homes in Clearwater.
1/2
Clearwater has a small district with B-plus-rated schools
The Clearwater Unified School District serves local children and earns a B-plus Niche rating. With around 1,100 students enrolled, the school district is relatively small, which appeals to some buyers, Wells says. Clearwater Elementary West serves prekindergarten through third grade, and Clearwater Intermediate-Middle offers fourth through eighth grades. Clearwater High School has a range of clubs and extracurricular activities, including several vocal groups and Future Farmers of America. All three schools hold B-plus ratings on Niche.
Younger students in the city can attend Clearwater Elementary West.
After elementary school, students may attend Clearwater Intermediate.
Clearwater High is a popular schooling option in the city.
1/3
Shops and restaurants along Ross Avenue and Fourth Street
Most businesses rest along Ross Avenue or North Fourth Street. Mize’s offers a full range of groceries, and Clearwater Farm & Garden is the local feed store. Some residents begin their day with a boba latte or a cold brew coffee from Brew’d Awakening. The Cornerstone of Clearwater is a casual sit-down restaurant with a shaded patio, while Armando’s Mexican Grill is known for its fajitas. For more retail options, people drive into Wichita, where there are big-box stores, the walkable Old Town shopping district and several indoor malls.
Clearwater Farm & Garden supplies feed and hardware on Ross Avenue.
Families stock up at Mize’s Grocery near Fourth Street.
1/2
From line dancing for seniors to youth sports, residents stay active
In the summer, many people spend their free time at Clearwater Aquatic Center, which features waterslides and a wading pool, along with swimming lessons for kids aged five to 16. Throughout the rest of the year, the Clearwater Recreation Commission organizes youth sports leagues. Residents can explore the fishing ponds and ball fields at the Chisholm Trail Sports Complex, and City Park has three playgrounds and shaded picnic areas. At the nearly 30-acre Hammers Prairie Park & Nature Center, visitors can walk trails through native prairie grasses. The Senior Center hosts weekday meetups and activities, including line dancing, quilting and bunco.
Clearwater City Park has plenty of outdoor activities for families to enjoy.
Madeline’s Studio of Dance hosts classes for all ages in Clearwater.
1/2
Annual events include the Clearwater Fall Festival
Clearwater has several annual events that bring the community together. In April, an art walk along Ross Avenue showcases local talent. December’s Christmas Comes to Clearwater celebration kicks off the holiday season with kid-friendly activities around downtown. In the fall, many people make a trip to the Klausmeyer Dairy Farm & Pumpkin Patch to pick pumpkins and stroll through fields of sunflowers. October brings the annual Clearwater Fall Festival, which spans three days and features carnival rides, a chili cook-off and live music.
Driving back roads to get to Wichita services
While a few downtown streets have sidewalks, the community is fairly car dependent. City streets and major thoroughfares are paved, but drivers may need to travel along dirt roads to access farms and rural homesteads. Freight trains occasionally pass through the city, which slows traffic, Wells says. A few hospitals are within a 25-mile drive, including Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph in downtown Wichita. The Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport is less than 15 miles away.
Written By
Ginny West
Photography Contributed By
Max Gilmore
Video By
Taylor Gilbert
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lindsey Jarvis,
an experienced agent in this area.
Step into effortless living with this brand-new 2-bedroom, 2-bath home that pairs clean, modern design with true Kansas practicality. The bright, open kitchen features stunning quartz countertops and plenty of prep space — ideal for weekday meals or hosting friends — while durable luxury vinyl plank runs throughout for beautiful, low-maintenance floors. Unwind in the spacious primary suite with
This beautiful home sits on a desirable corner lot in Clearwater and combines both style and functionality. The main floor offers 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a stunning kitchen with granite countertops. A cozy living room with a woodburning fireplace provides the perfect setting for relaxing evenings or entertaining guests. The finished basement adds even more living space,
Step into effortless living with this brand-new 2-bedroom, 2-bath home that pairs clean, modern design with true Kansas practicality. The bright, open kitchen features stunning quartz countertops and plenty of prep space — ideal for weekday meals or hosting friends — while durable luxury vinyl plank runs throughout for beautiful, low-maintenance floors. Unwind in the spacious primary suite with
Welcome to your own 7-acre rural retreat on blacktop! This charming brick home blends classic character with modern updates, offering space both inside and out. Original details like arched doorways and wood floors bring timeless appeal, while the spacious primary bedroom, two additional bedrooms with generous closets, and a large light-filled family room addition make it ideal for everyday
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the 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.
