Rural Grantville gives homeowners a piece of the Kansas countryside
About 9 miles from Topeka, Grantville is a small community in the Kansas countryside, surrounded by fields and farmland. "It's in Jefferson County and it's got a small-town, country feel," says Tracy O'Brien, a Realtor with KW One Legacy Partners who has been selling homes for nearly 30 years. "It's just a small little community, and that's what a lot of people are looking for. They want to get out of the hustle and bustle." Grantville is home to under 200 people and consists of a few residential blocks with farms on all sides. While the area's tranquility is a big draw, U.S. Route 24 offers a quick drive west to Topeka, putting shopping, dining and employment all within quick reach.
Modest homes in rural Jefferson County
Most houses in Grantville are cottages or ranch-style homes. They often sit close together on small lots. Towering maples and other leafy trees cast plenty of shade over the community, adding a natural feel to the area. Some properties are set away from the central part of the community on larger lots, surrounded by cornfields. These homes typically come with outbuildings like detached garages and workshops. Houses rarely come on the market in Grantville; two homes have sold in the past year, ranging from $120,000 to $130,000.
Community and state parks provide lots of recreation
Grantville has a small park in the middle of the community with several features. Kids can enjoy playing on the playground, jungle gym and swings. A baseball field and basketball court offer room for sports fans, while a picnic shelter provides a space for gathering with friends and family. Perry Lake is a nearby reservoir with 160 miles of shoreline. Several recreational sites sit on the lake, including Perry State Park. This natural area has campgrounds, 25 miles of equestrian trails and 20 miles of hiking and biking trails. The lake is a popular spot for boating, fishing and hunting, with large populations of species like catfish and crappie.
Topeka's shopping and dining are just minutes away
Highway 24 leads west to North Topeka, where residents can find shopping and dining destinations. "North Star Steakhouse is pretty close, and it's a popular local restaurant. Pad is also pretty famous," says Amber Smith, a Realtor and team leader with KW One Legacy Partners, who has a decade of experience. North Star is located in an unassuming building on NW 25th Street. The restaurant has been around since the 1940s and is known for its quality steaks and customer service. Pad is a locally owned fast-food restaurant that has been selling burgers and pork tenderloin sandwiches since 1961. Groceries are available at Dillons on NW 25th Street. Other stores in the area include Walmart, Dollar General and Ace Hardware.
Major highways offer commutes through Kansas
Highway 24 is the main road connecting Grantville to nearby communities. It leads about 9 miles southwest to downtown Topeka and 10 miles east to Perry. Interstate 70 is about 9 miles from the community, offering an east-west highway across Kansas. The University of Kansas Health System and Stormont Vail Hospital are each about 10 miles away in Topeka.
Career and college prep at Perry-Lecompton High School
Students might attend Perry Elementary School, which is unrated by Niche, for prekindergarten and kindergarten. Lecompton Elementary School serves first through fourth grade and gets a B-minus. Perry-Lecompton Middle School and Perry-Lecompton High School both earn a B-minus. The high school offers career pathways in agriculture, health and business. Students can also take dual credit courses through the Highland Community College Perry Center or study career programs at Washburn Institute of Technology in Topeka.
Neighbors gather at Grantville United Methodist
Grantville United Methodist Church is in the heart of the community on South Street. The church was founded in 1855 and has served the area ever since. It is involved in several local nonprofits and hosts an annual Vacation Bible School program.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
