The Heartbeat of the High Plains balances agricultural history with diversified growth
Garden City lies north of the Arkansas River in the High Plains region of the Great Plains. It is a rural, remote, dry and flat city of about 28,000 diverse residents. Its settlers found no trees, much less gardens, when they arrived in the 1880s. Despite that humble welcome, they built homes, businesses, farms, schools and churches and secured Kansas's position as the leading meat-packing state in the country. Today, the city is known for its agricultural roots, historic sites, stable employment and low cost of living. Garden City has also become a tourist destination for pursuits as varied as pheasant hunting, fine arts, true crime history and golf.
Much of Garden City consists of farmland.
Enjoy a round of golf at one of the several golf courses in Garden City.
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The nation’s largest meat-packing center welcomes new industries
The population reached about 15,000 by 1980 and then jumped by 54% between 1980 and 2000 with the opening of two massive meatpacking plants in the area, considered the world’s largest. Despite a fire at a ConAgra beef plant in 2000 that put more than 2,300 employees out of work, the city’s unemployment rate of 2.5% today is lower than the state’s rate of 3.5% and the national rate of 4.1%. “Garden City’s leadership is pretty smart about new-business development,” says James Janda, a Realtor with MBA Real Estate for more than eight years. “They know that our agricultural roots make sense for more processing plants to open here, which has happened recently. But they also know we have room to welcome companies such as the Dairy Farmers of America who opened a new plant here recently.”
Empirical Foods is a large employer in Garden City.
The agriculture industry is the heart-beat of Garden City.
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A housing shortage, but new construction is underway
“There is a housing shortage in Garden City,” says Janda, “thanks to new businesses coming here. City leaders are promising that we’ll build about 4,000 new homes by 2030. Despite the news, there are homes for sale, and many are brand new.” The median home price is $245,000, below the national figure. One-story ranch-style homes are easy to find. One of the newest subdivisions, Chappel Heights, offers buildable lots and brand-new mid-sized homes.
Many homes in Garden City were built in the 1900s.
Chapel Heights is a new community offering luxury homes in Garden City.
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The Big Pool is a regional destination
Garden City Parks and Recreation operates more than 10 city parks, sports complexes, and the 104-year-old destination, The Big Pool. The Lee Richardson Zoo is the largest in western Kansas. Buffalo Dunes and Southwind Golf Course draw tourists and locals to their challenging and scenic fairways.
Cool off during the hot summer days at The Big Pool in Garden City.
Lee Richardson Zoo is a popular attraction in Garden City.
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Garden State Community College helps students get degrees from K-State
“Garden City Community College just announced a new initiative,” says Janda. “Students can now take classes from Kansas State University at GCCC. It allows students to complete their bachelor’s degree in one location.” Garden City Unified School District operates 20 public schools and has a B-grade from Niche. Says Janda, “Garden City schools are ethnically diverse. For example, 35 different languages are spoken at Garden City Senior High. That drives native English-speaking students to want to become bi-lingual, which is exceptional.”
Garden City High School is a popular schooling option in the area.
After high school, students can get their degree from Garden City Community College.
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Tree-lined streets welcome shoppers to the Historic Downtown shopping district
Historic Downtown Garden City welcomes shoppers to stores, restaurants and art galleries. Public art including murals, banners and sculptures, showcases the talent of local artists. The Garden City Flea Market is held on the second Saturday of July and welcomes more than 100 vendors to downtown.
Downtown Garden City offers a plethora of shops and restaurants.
There are several sculptures and art pieces throughout downtown Garden City.
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Tornado risk is lower than for the state of Kansas
The climate is known for hot and clear summers and cold, snowy winters. There is a very low risk of flooding from the Arkansas River, as it is in a historic drought stage. The risk of tornadoes is lower than for the state as a whole but higher than the national average. On March 24, 2024 an EF1 tornado touched down in east Garden City, causing power outages and limited property damage, but no loss of life. Since 2020, Garden City’s reported rates of violent and property crimes have been slightly higher than the national and state rates, but periodic spikes above and below have occurred.
Finney County Transit offers multiple bus services
Garden City is about 50 miles northwest of Dodge City, 200 miles west of Wichita and 300 miles northwest of Oklahoma City. Finney County Transit operates City Link, a public bus service with four routes across the city. Major east-west highways U.S. Route 50 and U.S. Route 400 meet U.S. Route 83, a north-south highway on the southeast side of the city. Garden City Regional Airport is the closest commercial airport. In addition to being one of the city’s largest employers, St. Catherine Hospital serves the city and offers four specialty care centers.
Written By
Sarah Albiston
Photography Contributed By
Zach Manwell
Video By
Derek Fowler
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Fred Askren,
an experienced agent in this area.
Quiet rural living just 20 minutes from Garden City! This 9.84 acre property is a true 4-H family or agricultural business oasis. Featuring a home, income producing 1 bedroom rental property, farm buildings, and plenty of room to grow, several buildings were used for Southstar Barn Event Center-ready for new opportunities?
Don’t miss your chance to own this fabulous updated 4 bedroom, 3 bath home nestled on 4+ acres in the desirable Sagebrush Estates area! Step inside to find spacious living with modern updates, perfect for both everyday comfort and entertaining. The open layout flows seamlessly, while large windows bring in plenty of natural light. Outside, enjoy room to grow—whether you dream of building a barn,
Charming and move-in ready! This updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers modern comfort and convenience in a great location. Step inside to find a bright and welcoming layout with recent updates throughout. The kitchen comes fully equipped with appliances included, making it easy to settle right in. A brand-new roof adds peace of mind and long-term value.
Quiet rural living just 20 minutes from Garden City! This 9.84 acre property is a true 4-H family or agricultural business oasis. Featuring a home, income producing 1 bedroom rental property, farm buildings, and plenty of room to grow, several buildings were used for Southstar Barn Event Center-ready for new opportunities?
Don’t miss your chance to own this fabulous updated 4 bedroom, 3 bath home nestled on 4+ acres in the desirable Sagebrush Estates area! Step inside to find spacious living with modern updates, perfect for both everyday comfort and entertaining. The open layout flows seamlessly, while large windows bring in plenty of natural light. Outside, enjoy room to grow—whether you dream of building a barn,
The former Continental Inn is now Continental Apartments, a completely remodeled community ready for your long-term stay – and all Utilities are included! Our convenient proximity to five-points offers access to everything from grocery shopping to dining.Inside you’ll find high-end finishes including brand new LVP flooring and a modern paint scheme. The kitchen is equipped with shaker
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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.
