Independence draws buyers to rural living in eastern Kansas
The historic town of Independence was settled in 1869 amid prairie grasslands of Southeast Kansas. Located along the Verdigris River, south of its confluence with the Elk River, the small city has long been considered a classic Kansas spot. So much so, The Little House on the Prairie Museum, honoring the life of pioneer writer Laura Ingalls Wilder, is 12 miles west. Natural beauty surrounds the city, from waterfalls and prairie land to vast parks and the Elk City Reservoir.
Historic red brick buildings define downtown, landmarks from the late 1800s, along with American flags flying outside retailers along Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. “Independence’s family-oriented atmosphere is really what sets it apart,” says Debbie Johnson with Coldwell Banker Pasternak Johnson. “Everything that gets attention has a link to families, from our schools and parks to our amazing zoo and Main Street.” Manufacturing, healthcare and education are the city's leading industries. A new $375 million soybean processing plant opened in 2023, creating about 50 jobs in the area.
Soybean processing plant opened in 2023, boosting jobs near Independence’s rural edge.
Historic red brick buildings line Main Street in Independence’s downtown district.
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From classic Victorians to midcentury ranch-style homes
The median home price in Independence is $125,000, about half the state median and even lower than the national figure. Recent sales have ranged from $20,000 for fixer-uppers to more than $1 million for country estates. Suburban family homes range from about $200,000 to $425,000.
“Prices today reflect both the rural nature of the city, but also the slower housing economy we’ve had for several months,” says Johnson, a Realtor for more than 40 years in Kansas. In 2024, 67 homes sold in the city, most after about 50 days. “Lack of supply in Independence is a challenge today, but city leaders are committed to bringing new housing,” says Johnson. “Still, we have a good mix of properties, and with some patience, most buyers can find what they want.”
Colorful homes add character to Independence’s residential streets.
Two-story home with classic design is common in Independence neighborhoods.
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Parks, festivals and Little House on the Prairie
Riverside Park overlooks the Verdigris River and attracts locals to its baseball stadium, bandstand and tennis courts. Its 1950s vintage carousel is a statewide attraction. The Ralph Mitchell Zoo is nationally known for its Monkey Island exhibit. The Elk Reservoir welcomes boating, fishing, hunting, camping and hiking. Attracting about 25,000 visitors annually, the Little House on the Prairie Museum is the official historic site of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s famous book of the same name. It operates daily during its season, March through November.
There are a plethora of sports available at Riverside Park.
Visitors explore the historic Ingalls home at the Little House on the Prairie Museum.
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Independence Unified School District serves 1,800 students
Niche grades the Independence School District a B. All schools in the district have been either upgraded or newly constructed within the past 20 years. Independence High has a B-plus grade from Niche and was recently ranked 24th of all Kansas high schools by U.S. News & World Report. Independence Community College celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025.
Independence Senior High School has plenty of activities for students to enjoy.
Independence Community College campus offers modern facilities in Southeast Kansas.
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Historic buildings house retail, restaurants and new businesses along Main Street
Independence is a member of the Kansas Main Street Program, which emphasizes downtown preservation, and has spent more than $20 million in renovations over the past 40 years. Retailers and restaurants occupy red brick buildings from the early 1900s. The Old Post Office/Federal Building houses the Independence Museum, while the federal-style Independence Public Library was awarded the Best Small Library in America Award in 2012.
Independence Museum occupies the former Post Office on Main Street.
Diners frequent family-owned restaurants along Independence’s Main Street.
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Year-round events celebrate the city’s cultural heritage
The William Inge Theater Festival celebrates the city’s famous playwright for a weekend each April. The annual Neewollah (“Halloween” spelled backward) Festival is the largest in Kansas and brings thousands of visitors with attractions including craft shows, live music, a carnival and parades.
Windy weather and a risk of tornadoes are common in Independence
Windy weather is a hallmark of the Great Plains. Summer temperatures can stay in the 90s in July and August, while winter temperatures dip into the teens, but snowfalls are minimal. Southeast Kansas has a high risk of tornadoes. On April 27, 2024, 11 tornadoes were spotted in Cowley County, about 60 miles west of Independence, but no fatalities were reported. According to the FBI, reported rates of violent and property crimes have been above the state and national average since 2020.
Joplin Regional Airport is the closest to Independence
Independence is located at the intersection of US 75 and US 160 in Southeast Kansas. Tulsa, Oklahoma, is 85 miles south, and Wichita is 113 miles west. Car travel is the primary form of transportation. Although there is no public transportation, private shuttles, cabs and Uber are available. Joplin Regional Airport is 73 miles east of Independence and is the closest commercial airport to the city.
Joplin Regional Airport, 73 miles east, is the closest commercial airport to Independence.
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