More than just a place where -- as the name implies -- major highways intersect, Junction City is also a spot where civilian and military life cross paths near the geographic center of Kansas.
Fort Riley, the training center for the U.S. Army's First Infantry Division, employs about 15,000 active-duty soldiers and officers, along with more than 5,500 civilians about 8 miles from the city center. Another 30,000 retirees live in the region. All told, according to the U.S. Army, the economic impact on the city and surrounding region was about $1.8 billion in 2022.
"So It’s pretty easy to figure out why people come here,” says Realtor Kyrsten Ross of Homefront Real Estate Group.
Junction City's housing costs remain below national norms, and the community offers a gamut of outdoor activities and seasonal celebrations, many with a patriotic flair.
Fort Riley, located by Junction City, is the training center for the U.S. Army's First Infantry Division.
Junction City's housing costs remain below national norms.
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Accessibly priced three-bedroom homes
Junction City’s residential streets form a neat patchwork, filling in the space between converging highways U.S. Route 77, highway K-57 and Interstate 70. The city's median price is less than half the national median at $189,000. Prices range between $70,000 and $280,000, depending on size, vintage and overall condition.
Bungalow and craftsman homes make up much of the housing market in Junction City.
Most homes in Junction City were built in the 1900s.
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Hiking, fishing and all sorts to do
Hiking trails meander through the countryside in and around the city. The Republican River Trail, ranked easy by Alltrails, is about a 10-mile trek along the waterway that flows past Junction City. Fishing along the river yields catfish, bass and walleye. Fishing is also available on the south side at The Bluffs Park, which has a nature trail along its tiny lake. Other smaller parks closer to downtown have the usual outdoor amenities, like a playground at Fifth Street Park and a ball field at Cleary Park.. “There’re a lot of things to do over here,” says Ross. “We have a lot of parks and lakes and all sorts.”
For military history buffs, the U.S. Cavalry Museum occupies a former military hospital building, and is open to the public, at Fort Riley.
The Arkansas River runs throughout Junction City.
The Republican River Trail is one of several trails in Junction City.
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Events bring Junction City neighbors together
Events in Junction City tend to be community-oriented. Freedom Fest takes place downtown for five days leading up to Independence Day, with carnival attractions, food, music, crafts and more. The Cups of Culture, in May, is designed to serve as a crossroads of the area's international influences. Main Street Market is a recurring event on Saturdays, May through September.
Global taste at locally owned joints
Many of Junction City’s restaurants are downtown, making for a centrally located night out. Residents have globally inspired options from block to block, whether they’re in the mood for Mexican, Italian, Indian or American dishes. The nearby Walmart Supercenter and Aldi hug Interstate 70, so folks don’t even have to leave town for the weekly basics.
Junction City residents may get their groceries from Aldi.
Blu Restaurant & Bar is a popular dining option in Junction City.
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The Geary County Unified School District
Students in Junction City can attend schools within the Geary County Unified School District, rated B-plus overall by Niche. Some 7,300 students go to class every day across 15 schools. With a student-teacher ratio of 11-to-1, the district has a lower ratio than the national average.
Many younger kids attend Lincoln Elementary in Junction City.
Junction City High School is the largest school in the area.
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Commutes to Downtown Junction City are quick
Junction City measures approximately 6 miles from north to south, with Interstate 70 and its business spur running east-west, and U.S. 77 running north-south. K-57 becomes North Washington Street on its way through town. The Flint Hills aTa bus routes connect to Fort Riley. Stormont Vail Hospital lies 1.5 miles southwest of downtown. Manhattan's airport is 13 miles away, the nearest such facility with airline service.
Crime and fires in Junction City
Crime in Junction City is higher than both the state and the country’s rates by population. This is true for most categories of crime, including both violent and property-based offenses. The former generally occurs around at least twice the rate of the rest of Kansas and the United States. .
Homes in Junction City and the greater Geary County area are at risk of wildfires. Past years have seen blazes that have consumed thousands of acres and done thousands more in property damage.
Written By
Malcolm Longerbeam
Photography Contributed By
Zach Manwell
Video By
Chris Norton
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Stacie Danzer,
an experienced agent in this area.
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