Gardner is a small, historic city about 35 miles southwest of Kansas City. Founded by settlers from the East Coast along the Santa Fe and Oregon trails in 1857, it has become the 62nd fastest-growing city in the United States. Rural land is quickly being converted into developments, with a burgeoning housing market and easy commute along Interstate 35 attracting more residents from Kansas City's metropolitan area.
"I grew up doing the Johnson County Fair there with 4-H. People token Gardner as the gem of Kansas City for its country vibe and smalltown atmosphere. It's really a one-road-in, one-road-out kind of place," says Paul Galbrecht, a Realtor with Keller Williams who has been selling throughout Kansas and Missouri for nine years.
Gardner is a small, historic city about 35 miles southwest of Kansas City and is the 62nd fastest-growing city in the United States.
With a rural setting in Johnson County, Gardner balances new homes and access to the big city with a small-town atmosphere.
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New homes in Johnson County amidst a growing market
With a population of 25,300 as of 2023, Gardner has grown more than five times as large as it was in 1993. This boom has been driven by a wealth of new construction that's valued for its relative affordability and spaciousness. "The Kansas part of the metro is growing really quickly. You run out of space in more central locations, so Gardner has definitely taken off recently and there are deals to be had there," Galbrecht says.
With a median sales price of $425,000, homes in Gardner are more expensive than the Kansas City average, but in line with national norms. Ranch-styles and split-level homes from the 1950s through '70s are common in older parts of the city. New development from the 2000s and onward often features two-story construction, with 2,500-square-foot floorplans and between a fifth and half-acre lot being typical.
New development from the 2000s and onward focus on modern construction and 2 to 3 car garages.
Split-level homes can be found in older parts of Gardner, a city that has grown 5 times its size in the last 30 years.
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Gardner public schools and Trailblazers football
Gardner Edgerton Unified School District receives a B-plus rating from Niche. With 11 schools and nearly 6,000 students, the district's only high school is Gardner Edgerton High. The school boasts a stand-alone Advanced Technical Center to help students with trade programs and a TRAILS Facility that transitions college-age students with special needs. The school is also known for its competitive football program. "It's the kind of place where you can go to the local high school on a Friday night and the whole town is there watching the Trailblazers play," Galbrecht says.
Gardner Edgerton High School is a fully accredited high school located in Gardner, Kansas.
Trail Ridge Middle School is well loved by students in Gardner, Kansas.
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Commuting on I-35 and Kansas City International Airport
Gardner is 30 miles southwest of Kansas City, but Interstate 35 makes it possible to get downtown in 35 minutes. The closest hospital, Olathe Medical Center, is also about 8 miles northeast along Interstate 35. For flights around the U.S., Canada and Mexico, Kansas City International Airport is about 46 miles north with service from 10 airlines.
Main Street shopping with a smalltown feel
Main Street has a majority of the shopping and dining options within Gardner, with locally owned staples such as A Cup Above Coffee House, Goodcents Sandwiches and Full Draw Bar & Grill lining the thoroughfare. Blazers Restaurant is named after the high school football team and is an old-fashioned burger joint that has been open since 1976. Groceries and errands can be completed at the local Walgreens and Cosentino’s Price Chopper, as well as Scott's One Stop Shop, a thrift store that opened in 1906.
Blazers Restaurant, an old-fashioned burger joint, is named after Gardner Edgerton High School's football team.
Goodcents offers Gardner cold and hot subs, salad and pasta.
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Gardner parks and a moderate climate
Gardner Parks and Recreation oversees 18 parks throughout the city, ranging from a senior center and public golf course to the Gardner Aquatic Center, complete with water slides and a kiddie pool. In addition to a skate park and playground at Glendell Acres Park, Gardner is known for its proximity to nearby boating and fishing lakes such as Edgerton City Lake and Bridgewater Lake.
Gardner goes through four seasons throughout the year, with cold winters and hot summers, as is typical of the Midwest. According to WeatherSpark.com, the city has a moderate risk for severe storms, and average snowfall is about a foot.
Edgerton City Lake is a peaceful place that locals go to fish, picnic and use small non-gasoline powered boats.
Glendell Acres Skate Park is the perfect place to sharpen your skills in Gardner.
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The Johnson County Fair and other community events
The Johnson County Fair is a main event in Gardner, hosted by the Johnson County Fair Association and 4-H every July and August. The fair has been a tradition since 1939, with carnival rides and stage events ranging from musical acts to poultry showmanship.
The Edgerton Library is also a center for community events, with programs from the Tales for Tots storytelling session to community dances and an escape room put on by Edgerton Parks and Recreation. The Full Draw Bar & Grill is a popular spot for live music throughout the year.
Inspire Dance Academy is located in downtown Gardner and welcomes dancers of all ages.
The Edgerton Library is also a center for community events, with programs from the Tales for Tots storytelling session to community dances.
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Important to know
According to FBI data, Gardner's reported violent and property crime rates are both about half of the national average.
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