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
Andre Mehrens,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Junction City, KS sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Junction City, KS over the last 12 months is $215,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this charming one-and-a-half-story, 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath property full of character and potential! Step inside to a cozy living room featuring a gas fireplace, with a formal dining room just off the kitchen — perfect for family meals and entertaining friends. Wood flooring flows throughout, adding warmth and timeless appeal. The basement offers a convenient multi-generational suite
Amber CritesCrites Real Estate, Auction & Appraisal Service
**Presented by Anthony Medina | 785-226-4389** Set in an established neighborhood—no HOA, no special taxes to pay. Welcome to 417 Maple, where elegance flows with ease— a 5-bedroom, 2-bath home designed to please. Fresh paint shines & new basement floors bring space, warm, inviting comfort you’ll love to embrace. A sleek walk-in shower adds spa-like flair, plus a second living room for space to
Another Hidden Gem presented to you by Anthony Medina 785-226-4389! Get ready to fall in love with this spacious and charm-packed 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath beauty that checks all the boxes and then some. The dreamy primary suite is your own private escape, complete with an en-suite bath and walk-in closet fit for all your treasures. The main-level laundry room keeps things easy and
Welcome home to this beautifully updated, move-in ready gem featuring 3 bedrooms, a 4th non-conforming bedroom, and 2 bathrooms. Enjoy new flooring, fresh paint, and a brand-new kitchen complete with a full suite of new appliances. The open-concept design creates a seamless flow between the living room and kitchen, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. You’ll love the abundant counter
Welcome to your new happy place! This warm and inviting 4-bedroom charmer sits in a beautiful, established neighborhood with mature trees that create a sense of peace and privacy. The stylishly updated kitchen boasts gleaming granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, generous prep space, and a handy pantry for all your essentials. Upstairs, two bedrooms share a convenient Jack & Jill half
Situated in a charming, well-kept neighborhood with inviting curb appeal, this well-maintained 2-story home offers a comfortable and thoughtfully designed layout. The main level features an open living and dining area, a well-appointed kitchen with ample cabinet space and pantry, and a convenient half bath. The second floor includes two bedrooms, a full bathroom, and second-floor laundry for
Well maintained 5 bedroom 3 bath home with space and flexibility throughout. The main level offers 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths including a primary suite with walk in closet and private bath, plus convenient main level laundry. The kitchen features reverse osmosis water filtration and a whole home water softener. The finished walk out basement includes 2 additional bedrooms, a full bath, large
This beautifully maintained ranch-style home offers 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac just minutes from shopping and dining and easy access to Ft. Riley. Inside, you’ll find an inviting open-concept layout that seamlessly connects the living, kitchen, and dining areas, complete with an eat-in bar. The split floor plan provides added privacy, featuring a spacious
Specials Ending 1/1/2027! 5-bedroom split-level home with vaulted ceilings, gas fireplace, and spacious open living areas designed for comfort and entertaining. The updated kitchen features abundant counter space, storage, and open dining, and newly installed appliances. Upstairs offers 3 bedrooms, with large walk-in closets. The beautiful primary suite with tray ceiling, private deck access, and
Welcome to 1005 Meadowbrooke Ln in Junction City, KS, a well-maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bath home in Spring Valley neighborhood offering approximately 2,112 square feet of functional living space. This split-level layout features a spacious living area with natural light that flows into the dining room and kitchen, perfect for everyday living and entertaining, with a deck just off the dining area
Welcome to 420 W 13th St! A charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home in Junction City that offers a floor plan that flows nicely and offers great natural lighting! The home features a detached garage, providing extra storage, workspace, or parking convenience. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, looking to downsize, or searching for an investment opportunity, this property offers great potential
Motivated Seller, ideally situated for a growing family and just minutes from Elementary Schools, this 4-bedroom home offers space, comfort, and flexibility. The former garage has been thoughtfully converted into additional living space, complete with a wood-burning stove that creates a cozy atmosphere on chilly evenings. A conveniently located laundry room sits just off the family room, making
Welcome home to this impressive 6-bedroom, 4.5-bath home offering over 5,000 sq. ft. of living space in the sought-after Greenhills community. The main floor features a spacious primary suite, private office, formal dining room, and a bright living room that opens to the family room with a beautiful see-through fireplace. The kitchen is designed for everyday comfort and entertaining, complete
Apartments at The Bluffs offer stunning views of Junction City, KS along with an impressive package of amenities designed for you. Every spacious home delivers a relaxing living experience with convenient features and comfortable finishes. Outside your home, take advantage of the sparkling zero-entry swimming pool or one of the two twenty-four-hour fitness centers. Across the street from the
Patriot Pointe Townhomes offers the ideal blend of comfort and value in Junction City, KS. Choose from spacious two and three-bedroom layouts with open floor plans, large closets, and convenient attached garages. Select homes include unfinished basements for extra storage.
A quiet community situated on Junction City's North Park Dr., Hunter's Ridge is conveniently located just minutes from Ft. Riley and I-70. The community consists of one, two and three bedroom apartments and townhomes offering magnificent views of the Flint Hills.Spacious floor plans, walk in closets, modern appliances and washer/dryer hook-ups provide comfort and convenience. With a full-sized
Located in the off of Ash St. in the southwest corner of Junction City, Ashton Place is within minutes from downtown JC and the Geary County Hospital. Fort Riley is just a short 10 minute drive, while Milford Lake, the state's largest lake, is 15 minutes away.In these 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, residents enjoy affordable rent, spacious closets and storage, off-street parking, and a 24 hour
Pet Friendly Apartment Complex that just opened in March of 2009 with close proximity to Fort Riley and next to Junction City's middle school and only 1 mile from new High School. The 3 bedroom 2 bath apartment includes fully equipped Kitchen, washer-dryer hook-ups with units available to rent for $899 a month. This new floor plan includes a nice living room and dining room with glass doors to
You will experience value and commitment to customer service satisfaction as it was meant to be! Our pattern of ownership, development and management enables us to provide you with consistent, reliable and dedicated service. You will find Geary Estates is the best value with carefully thought out floor plans that will exceed your expectations. Furry friends are welcome too! We invite you to come
Property Id: 1926966For Rent - $850/month2 Bed | 1 Bath | No CatsAvailable first week of June Spacious and updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath home available first week of June.The bathroom has been completely renovated, and the kitchen is currently being updated with brand-new appliances + cabinets - photos coming soon. Beautiful hardwood floors run throughout the home, adding
Beautiful and updated 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with attached two car garage and large fenced yard. This home offers an easy 10-15 minute commute to all areas of Fort Riley and Junction City. Main level has a large living room with hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, and gas fireplace. Walk up a half flight of stairs to the kitchen /dining area with stainless steel appliances, pantry closet, and a
This spacious 5-bedroom, 2-bathroom home at 1013 Cedar St offers 2,246 square feet of living space. The main level features a living room, dining room, and a well-equipped kitchen with a refrigerator. Bathroom includes a tub/shower combination, and the bedrooms provide ample storage space. Additional amenities include a washer/dryer, air conditioning, and ceiling fans for comfort. The exterior
Charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home located on a corner lot with a spacious yard! Step inside to a large living room featuring vaulted ceilings and a beautiful built-in shelving wall that adds character and charm. The kitchen offers plenty of cabinet space, a small bar area, and opens to the dining room filled with natural light.The home includes two spacious spare bedrooms along with a large
Charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home situated on a desirable corner lot. This property features beautiful hardwood floors throughout and a bright, inviting living room filled with natural light and accented by a decorative fireplace. The kitchen offers abundant cabinet space and flows seamlessly into the dining area, creating an open and functional layout. A basement provides additional storage or
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