Goodland draws former residents with its familiar charm
Goodland is a rural city with a laid-back community and a backbone in agriculture and ranching. "If you want to get away from the rat race, Goodland is a nice and quiet place to do that," says Donna Moore, broker at Richardson's Homestead Realty, and a resident since 1987. The area's population is slowly shrinking, but according to Moore, some people move back to Goodland after years away. "They grew up here, they moved away, they did their thing, and now they're coming back to raise kids, retire or be close to family again." Goodland's appeal lies in its close-knit, friendly people and returning to familiar streets with country charm.
Older homes dominate a market where listings move quickly
Victorian cottages, ranch-style homes and Cape Cods range between $80,000 and $300,000. "Ninety percent of sales in Goodland are recycling through the existing housing," Moore says. She explains that the local market is slow due to rising prices and interest rates. "We have some houses worth more than half a million dollars, which is tough for a small farming community." Most of the area's housing is over half a century old. Still, a few New Traditional and Modern Craftsman homes and townhouses are around. The newer styles rarely go on the market but have estimated values as high as $550,000. With limited new construction, demand is high, and homes sell fast; On average, they sell after only two weeks from listing – about one-third the national average.
Farming and production still anchor a diversifying local job market
The city has come a long way from its earliest days regarding job opportunities and industry. "The biggest employers are probably the hospital and the school district," Moore says. "Still, farming and ranching are the mainstay of the area. Without the farmers, there would be no Goodland." Retail and wholesale trade are other leading industries, and more residents work from home than ever. "A lot of them work remotely for technology companies, and we have the high-speed internet facilities needed to do that," Moore says.
High schoolers can apply for dozens of local scholarships
West Elementary School is rated B by Niche and teaches prekindergarten through second grade. Third through sixth-grade students learn at North Elementary School, rated C-plus. The two schools offer an enrichment and learning-focused after-school program. Goodland Junior/Senior High School, for seventh grade through graduation, is rated B-minus. Graduating students are encouraged to apply to the almost 50 scholarships offered by local programs, individuals and memorial funds. The scholarships are awarded for several reasons, including pursuing specific career paths, academic excellence, athletic excellence and community involvement.
Fort Hays Tech, formerly Northwest Kansas Technical College, is a technical college with 19 academic programs.
A unique attraction and an almost 150-year-old county fair
Steever Park has a water park and pool, a disc golf course, a skate park and courts for tennis and sand volleyball. Dogs can run around at Pioneer Park's dog park, next to an interesting tourist attraction. An 80-foot-tall reproduction of Van Gogh's Sunflowers in a Vase painting, called the World's Largest Easel, stands in Pioneer Park. Little Leagues play at Centennial Park and Memorial Field.
Goodland hosts the Northwest Kansas District Free Fair. The first fair occurred in 1886 at a different location, but Sherman County Fairgrounds has hosted since 1888. Events include a parade, 4-H animal shows, a carnival with thrill rides, game booths and vendors.
From quirky diners to big-box stores near the interstate
Locally owned restaurants, cafes, diners and bars are along Main Avenue, which is made of red bricks and has an interesting story. "They were laid by one single Native American many years ago," Moore says. Crazy R's Bar & Grill serves burgers and other American staples and is decorated top to bottom with sports, racing and old-school memorabilia. Funny signs and posters line the walls, and bikes and carts hang from the ceilings. Fast-food chains, Walmart and Tractor Supply Co. are at the area's southwest corner, near Interstate 70.
Goodland is isolated but connected by two main highways
Interstate 70 is south of Goodland, and Kansas Highway 27 runs along its western border. Goodland Regional Medical Center is in the area, and McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport in Nebraska, about 110 miles away, has domestic flights. The nearest airport with international flights is 200 miles west in Denver.
Tornado activity has been limited and low in impact
Though the state is in Tornado Alley, Goodland is at minor risk from wind and storms that cause wind-related damage. According to First Street, Goodland's most severe wind event was an F1 tornado that caused about $10,000 in damage in 2006.
Written By
Heather Haggerty
