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
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Garden City, KS sell after 77 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Garden City, KS over the last 12 months is $252,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this immaculately maintained all-brick ranch featuring 3 spacious bedrooms on the main level with room to grow in the unfinished basement. Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac, this home offers the perfect blend of privacy and convenience.Step inside to a generous dining room, perfect for entertaining family and friends. Step outside to your fenced backyard oasis, complete with lush
Nice Home on a quiet cul de sac. Close to Schools & Parks. 2 bedrooms + 2 bonus rooms. 2 remodeled bathrooms. Kitchen has an eating bar as well as a combination dining room that exits to the patio. There is a 2 car attached garage and a 20x28 detached garage/shop. This building was added in 2017, is finished and heated. Newer fence with metal posts and concrete footers. Double rolling
Beautiful 5 bedroom 3 bath home in Chappel Heights. Built by John Chappel (Casco Homes). The open Living, dining & kitchen areas leading to the upper deck provide great natural light and a spacious feel. The Primary bedroom with Full Bath also opens to the deck. There is a 2nd bedroom and full bath on the main as well as the Laundry room. The basement is a Walk Out and features a generous family
Property Id: 20040792 bedroom, 1 bathroom, laundry room with washer and dryer hook up, one car garage, fenced yard, central air and heat. $1050 per month$1050 depositTenant is responsible for utilities and yard maintenance.Single family only.Ask me about pets policy.
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