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.
Written By
Bayley Malo
Photography Contributed By
Brooke Wasson
Video By
Jason Jacot
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jeff Yacos,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Gardner, KS sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Gardner, KS over the last 12 months is $360,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This amazing two-story home is located in the highly sought-after Symphony Farms subdivision. From the moment you step inside, you’ll appreciate the bright, open, and sun-filled layout. The formal dining room offers wonderful flexibility and could easily serve as a home office or play area. The kitchen opens seamlessly to the living room, making it perfect for everyday living and entertaining
Elevated Home TeamKeller Williams Realty Partners Inc.
The Monterey by Ventura Homes on lot 14 is an AMAZING 2 story plan, perfect for family, and in a GREAT location! Close to Nike elementary, quick and easy access to I35 all with a private country feel! Inviting open main floor plan with a 5th bedroom or optional office/formal dining area! The kitchen, breakfast and living area flow together making it perfect for easy family living or entertaining!
The Milan plan is a brand-new amazing ranch plan built by our premier Ventura Homes builder on lot 1! Featuring PELLA Windows and sliding glass door, carefully crafted stone, with a welcoming entry and a fully finish basement! The great room is absolutely huge with a wall of windows! The kitchen has a stand-alone hood, upgraded sink, expanded island, ceiling height cabinets and a separate
37.25 acres located on the West side of Gardner. Can Annex into Gardner. Sewer can be brought onto the property from the East/NE. 2 outbuildings. 1 pond. 1 hand dug water well that continues to provide water. Rural water #7. Approximately 464 feet of 56 Highway frontage. Approximately 761 feet of gravel frontage along 183rd Street. Currently has crop production. Great location for multifamily,
Excellent Location!! 29.64 Acres West of Gardner. 12" Water line on Four Corners Road. New development bringing sewer closer to property. Property located on Four Corners Road South of 175th - North of 56 Highway. Close to schools. Perfect property for residential/multi-family development
57± acres in prime development location. North of 167th Street on Waverly Road. On the North side of Megan Valley subdivision. Next to Kill Creek where walking trails are being laid to connect with Johnson County trails. Excellent location.
Great Location - South of 175th Street on Clare Road. Property has been annexed into Gardner. Property is in the process of getting sewer. Excellent for development. Seller will entertain a property split.
#1 Industrial Property in KC. 162.25 Acres. Approximately 1 Mile to I35 - Approximately 2.8 Miles to the BNSF Intermodal. Across the street from Hostess and Kubota Warehouses. Roads were built to support semi traffic - Homestead Bridge on Homestead was built to support Semi Traffic. Information on sewer, water and gas is available. Property can be annexed and rezoned to Industrial -
Amazing Opportunity! 79.91 acres on 167th Street. Surrounded by subdivisions on all four sides. Close to schools. All utilities are close to property. Perfect for residential development.
This new two-story home is host to an inviting open-concept floorplan on the first level, blending the kitchen, living and dining areas to maximize interior space. A nearby covered patio provides simple indoor-outdoor living. A first-floor owner’s suite offers a serene retreat, complete with a full bathroom and walk-in closet. A versatile loft and game room space share the second floor with two
This convenient single-story plan opens to a sprawling family room with shared access to the modern kitchen and dining area, ideal for seamless modern living. A rear covered patio expands the layout for outdoor activities. At the opposite side of the home, all three bedrooms enjoy peace and privacy, including the tranquil owner’s suite with an attached bathroom. A two-car garage rounds out the
This new single-story home is designed to provide ample room to grow and entertain. Off the entry is a hallway leading to three versatile bedrooms centered around a convenient full-sized bathroom. At the back is a cohesive open layout shared between the spacious living room, intimate dining room and well-equipped kitchen. The owner’s suite is a peaceful retreat with an attached bathroom and
This new single-story home offers ample space to live and grow with two bedrooms and a luxurious owner’s suite at the back of the home, complete with a full bathroom and walk-in closet. An open-concept main living area includes a multifunctional kitchen, a spacious family room and a dining room, which enjoys direct access to a covered patio for simple indoor-outdoor living. A two-car garage
This new single-story home offers ample space to live and grow with two bedrooms and a luxurious owner’s suite at the back of the home, complete with a full bathroom and walk-in closet. An open-concept main living area includes a multifunctional kitchen, a spacious family room and a dining room, which enjoys direct access to a covered patio for simple indoor-outdoor living. A two-car garage
New high-end luxury apartments in Gardner, Kansas. Every floor plan maximizes space while feeling warm, comfortable, and beautiful. GO BIG AND GO HOME Treadway at New Trails is refined, well-crafted, and designed for our future residents. Every detail was devised to ensure ease, comfort, and luxury—from our community amenities to our apartment features and convenient location. Explore all of our
Welcome to your dream home! Step inside this pet-friendly home featuring modern finishings and a layout designed with functionality in mind. Enjoy the storage space found in the kitchen and closets as well as the spacious living areas and natural light throughout. Enjoy outdoor living in your yard, perfect for gathering, relaxing, or gardening! Take advantage of the incredible location, nestled
Welcome to TALLGRASS. Our modern farmhouse inspired community offers spacious one and two bedroom apartment homes with beautifully crafted modern interiors. Enjoy open floor plans featuring stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, large walk-in closets, and so much more!Enhance your lifestyle with the convenient community amenities offered at Tallgrass. Relax in one of two
Welcome to your dream home! Step inside this pet-friendly home featuring modern finishings and a layout designed with functionality in mind. Enjoy the storage space found in the kitchen and closets as well as the spacious living areas and natural light throughout. Enjoy outdoor living in your yard, perfect for gathering, relaxing, or gardening! Take advantage of the incredible location, nestled
A luxury apartment community in Gardner, Kansas. Beautiful new clubhouse and amenity under renovations currently. At the end of the day escape to a peaceful place you'll love to call home. We are located just minutes from Olathe and everything Gardner has to offer. Our convenient location puts you only one minute from I-35 and a short drive from shopping, dining, and entertainment venues
Beautiful, pet-friendly home coming soon! Apply now, Move-In is available on or after the listed date. Upon approval, $500 reservation deposit to reserve (applied to security deposit and/or refundable). Application fee: $50 per adult. Security Deposit: one month’s rent. Pet fees: $250 + $35/mo per pet. Some homes may include pool ($150/mo), septic ($15/mo), and/or HOA fees; other fees may apply.
This home is professionally managed by Tricon, dedicated to creating exceptional rental experiences. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and approximately 2,208 square feet, this well-maintained home offers a high standard of rental living, supported by a team that puts residents first. As a Tricon resident, you'll enjoy access to Tricon Vantage — a program designed to support your rental
Beautiful, pet-friendly home coming soon! Apply now, Move-In is available on or after the listed date. Upon approval, $500 reservation deposit to reserve (applied to security deposit and/or refundable). Application fee: $50 per adult. Security Deposit: one month’s rent. Pet fees: $250 + $35/mo per pet. Some homes may include pool ($150/mo), septic ($15/mo), and/or HOA fees; other fees may apply.
Gardner-Edgerton, a historic neighborhood about 35 miles from downtown Kansas City that was originally planned in 1870, maintains a small-town and rural ambiance.<br><br>On this community’s streets, which are arranged in a grid pattern, you’ll find split-level and ranch homes, as well as homes with two-car garages. Many homes were built in the 1970s, with more being developed in the 2000s.<br><br>Martin Creek Park, a 20-acre green space on Gardner-Edgerton east border, includes three baseball fields, a basketball court, a volleyball court and a dog park. <br><br>Edgerton Elementary School serves much of the community and is part of the Gardner Edgerton School District.<br><br>Manor Park, tucked into Gardner-Edgerton's streets, offers a small respite with swings and a slide in the center of the area. Glendell Acres Park, located in one of the neighborhood's subdivisions, has skate equipment and a playground. <br><br>Gardner-Edgerton is also known for its lakes. Residents can fish and boat at Edgerton City Lake and Bridgewater Lake.<br><br>You can grab a sandwich at Goodcents, pick up your coffee at A Cup Above Coffee House, or pick out a new outfit at Scott's One Stop Shop, a local thrift store. Full Draw Bar & Grill serves bar food along with some Tex-Mex dishes.<br><br>The neighborhood puts on regular events. Tales for Tots is a storytelling session hosted at the Edgerton Library, you can enjoy an escape room put on by Edgerton Parks and Recreation, or show your moves at a community dance. You can also stop by Full Draw Bar & Grill for live music.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Gardner Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
25,321
Median Age
35
Population under 18
30.4%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$82,785
On par with the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$95,839
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95%
Above the national average
89%
College Graduates
31.8%
Advanced Degrees
9%
% Population in Labor Force
81.5%
Above the national average
64.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
21°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
9''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®®
72/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®®
61/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
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.
