From rowdy origins as an 1870s cattle depot, Great Bend today attracts a broad range of professions to central Kansas. The city of about 14,700 relies on the agriculture and manufacturing industries to support a lifestyle that Kevin Keller, a local broker with the Keller Agency, says is quieter than the nearest large city, Wichita. Still, residents enjoy a downtown scene and gather for community events all year long..
Agriculture makes up most of the industry in Great Bend.
Great Bend residents enjoy activities in the downtown district.
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Home prices lower than the national median
The median home price is below the national median at around $150,000. Homes average 36 days on the market, which is also less than the national average. Single-family homes are predominant throughout the city. However, there are some townhouses, condominiums and manufactured homes. “We’ve got about everything,” Keller says. “You can find entry-level housing starting at $60,000 and really nice properties for up to $1 million.” Homes built in the late 1800s and early 1900s can be found closer to downtown. A few miles out are subdivisions with houses from the mid-1900s. Meanwhile, even more contemporary homes are built in developments on the outskirts of town or on acreage in the countryside.
Most have basements, which serve as storage, extra living space and shelter from severe weather. Tornados are most likely March through June. “Some people take shelter and others think they want to be storm chasers,” Keller says.
Craftsman and bungalow styled homes make up much of the Great Bend housing market.
In Great Bend, The median home price is below the national median at around $150,000.
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Local shops and restaurants on Main Street
10th Street (U.S. Route 56) and Main Street (U.S. Route 281) intersect in Great Bend, both with their own shopping and dining experiences. 10th Street is lined with most of the city’s big-box retailers and national chain restaurants. Downtown Main Street has more of a local flare, with small businesses set up in attached buildings. “Right now, it’s been a little quieter here,” says Keller. “We may get a new restaurant or two, but not much has changed over the past few years.”
Downtown Main Street has more of a local flare, with small businesses set up in attached buildings in Great Bend.
Find some local jewelry in Great Bend at Dawson Jewelry.
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2,000 acres maintained by the Park Department
The city’s Park Department maintains more than 2,000 acres across 10 municipal parks. Two of the biggest are Veterans Memorial Park and Brit Spaugh Park. The latter is home to the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo and Wetlands Waterpark. Despite its significance to the city, the adjacent Arkansas River often runs low in the summer, restricting its recreational uses. A small monument marks the location of the Santa Fe Trail, which settlers and cattle drivers used for their journeys west.
Practice your skating skills at Brit Spaugh Park in Great Bend.
Kids love to run around at Veteran's Memorial Park in Great Bend.
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Great Bend Unified School District 428 serves surrounding communities
The Great Bend Unified School District 428 earns a B-minus grade from Niche. It serves the city and surrounding rural communities. Students are split between five elementary schools before feeding into Great Bend Middle and Great Bend High. Barton Community College offers dozens of associate degree programs and professional certifications.
Great Bend High School is one of seven public schools in the city.
Barton Community College in Great Bend offers dozens of associate degree programs and professional certifications.
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Local events at Veterans Memorial Park
Great Bend sponsors monthly events, many at Veterans Memorial Park. Some annual favorites include Party in the Park during the summer and winter’s Home for the Holiday Festival. The Barton County Fair is held annually at the Great Bend Municipal Airport.
U.S. Routes 56 and 281 are the main thoroughfares
Great Bend is a car-dependent city with no public bus routes. The city’s Commission on Aging offers Mini-Bus and C.A.B. rides by appointment. Air travelers have a few options. They can drive 65 miles to Hays Regional Airport, which has the closest commercial flights, all of which go to Denver. There’s also Wichita National Airport about 110 miles away.
Crime
Crime statistics for Great Bend are not readily available.
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.
