Holcomb offers a peaceful pace just outside Garden City
Holcomb is a small, quiet city just a few miles west of Garden City , Kansas. Surrounded by corn and wheat fields in every direction, and little more than homes and schools on its streets, the place with fewer than 2,300 people is truly rural. "As far as Holcomb goes, most people go to Garden City for everything," says Brian Crockett, managing broker at Crockett & Co. Real Estate, LLC and lifelong resident of nearby Garden City. "It's got all the local amenities, shopping and employers." Holcomb's rustic character, however, leads to a laid-back way of life and a know-your-neighbor vibe. Families are attracted to the area, and the number of children living in Holcomb is very high, more than 35% of the population. According to the most recent census, that's more than 12% above the national average and 7% more than in neighboring Garden City. "It's a very family oriented place with a strong community," Crockett says. "It's all about the small-town charm."
Cape Cods and ranch-style homes at lower prices than in Garden City
Residential streets branch off the area's two main roads, East Railroad and Jones avenues. The area has predominantly Cape Cod and ranch-style homes. However, other designs like bungalows and small Colonial Revivals are around. Prices range between $120,000 and $300,000, with a median sale price of $220,000 – almost $50,000 less than Garden City's. One new subdivision has Modern Craftsman homes, but they rarely go on the market. In general, houses in Holcomb sell infrequently, and Crockett says there is a higher demand for housing than it may seem. "There's a mix of people moving here," he continues. "Young professionals are coming here for healthcare positions in Garden City, retirees are downsizing and people are moving back here after some time to be with family or to start a family."
Basics errands covered in town, but shopping and dining are elsewhere
Residents run their most basic errands at Holcomb's bank, post office, corner store and liquor store. Dollar General and Ron's Market are available, along with El Rancho Café, a no-frills Mexican restaurant. Residents head about 7 miles east to Garden City's growing downtown area for more retail and diverse dining. "I always say that it's a melting pot, and you will find every cuisine from Haitian to Filipino to German and Korean," Crockett says. "There are 43 languages spoken in Garden City, and that diversity bleeds into the surrounding communities." Garden City also has Walmart, fast-food chains, department stores and shopping strips.
Students can join clubs, sports and leadership programs
Children learn from prekindergarten through second grade at Wiley Elementary School, rated B by Niche. Holcomb Elementary School for third through fifth grade is rated C-plus. Holcomb Middle School also earns a C-plus, while Holcomb High School earns a B-plus. High school students can participate in various afterschool clubs and activities, including the forensics club, National Honor Society and Hispanic American Leadership Organization (HALO). There are many sports programs as well. The school has an Esports team and traditional sports like volleyball and basketball.
Sports courts, walking trails and a zoo are close to home
Holcomb Community Park has a small playground and walking trails around an ample green space. Sonnie Baird Park is the place for sports, with baseball diamonds and a basketball court. Residents cool off in the Holcomb Community Swimming Pool, equipped with a three-story waterslide. Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City has big cats, bison, reptiles and endangered species like the black rhino and the red panda.
Farming and production jobs dominate the local economy
Holcomb has limited employers, and much of the local industry is related to farming and manufacturing. "We're an agriculture and production-based area," Crockett says. "We have Tyson, an ethanol plant, dairy plants and production companies." St. Catherine Hospital is about 7 miles east via Railroad Avenue or U.S. Route 400. The highway continues past the city to Garden City Regional Airport, which has daily direct flights to and from Dallas-Fort Worth Airport.
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Written By
Heather Haggerty
