Military base helps make Knob Noster a convenient destination
Knob Noster is a small Missouri community flying high on the wings of next-door Whiteman Air Force Base. The base has a considerable impact on this area of just under 3,000 people, which is named for its signature grassy hills, known as knobs. Local Realtor Bobby Hall estimates over 90% of the population here has some connection to Whiteman. “Either people coming to the base, retiring at the base or coming back to the Knob Noster area,” says Hall, who’s with Keller Williams Platinum Partners and has 20 years of real estate experience. The area offers them a quiet place to live, where locally owned restaurants dot downtown, recreation opportunities are available at the nearby state park and the public schools are well-rated.
Housing options are expanding with Whiteman
Some of Knob Noster’s homes date to the turn of the 20th century, including Victorian-style options. However, the area is garnering more and more modern homes, too. “For newer homes there’s a pretty good mix of slab homes, split-level and ranch, with basements,” Hall says. Hall says Whiteman is a catalyst for the new construction — the installation is known as home of the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber fleet and will become one of three initial bases for the Air Force’s new B-21 Raider bomber. The community is primarily residential outside the base, lined with quiet streets and lots stretching at least one-fifth of an acre apiece. Homes sell for $110,000 to $590,000 based on square footage and condition, with a median of about $260,000.
Local restaurants provide a range of flavors
Knob Noster’s quaint downtown stretches along State and McPherson streets, at the center of town. The classic brick buildings in this area house eateries, including Mama Pin’s Thai & Asian Cuisine, known in part for its curries. Jack's Legacy across the street is a spot for pizza and breadsticks. Those needing a caffeine boost can get one with a flavor twist at Coffee Sknobs, which offers homemade syrups from caramel to lavender. The pulled pork is a hit at Belly Down BBQ, whether on nachos or sandwiches.
Meyer’s Market carries housewares, books, clothes, limited grocery items and houses the Bread & Brew café with sandwiches, pastries and coffee. In The Attic Designs Boutique is another place to shop for clothing. Knob Noster also has several houses of worship, including First Christian Church, which dates to 1911. Warrensburg, just to the west, is a place for big-box stores like Walmart and Lowe’s. “Knob Noster is kind of in the center of everything,” Hall says. “So it’s very easy to get to Warrensburg, Sedalia, Lake of the Ozarks and Kansas City.”
Community events are spooky and bright
Downtown hosts multiple gatherings, including a Fall Festival in early October with live music, games, and chili and pie cooking contests. Late October brings a community trunk-or-treat. There’s also an annual tree lighting after Thanksgiving in November. The Knob Noster Fair in late May and early June features carnival rides, food and a parade. The Open Air Market takes over downtown on the third Saturday of the month from May through October, a farmers market with over two dozen vendors.
Knob Noster offers extracurricular opportunities early
The Knob Noster Public Schools system carries an A-minus rating from Niche. Knob Noster Elementary earns a B-plus grade, and its fourth and fifth graders can participate in the district’s Lego robotics team. The A-minus-rated Knob Noster Middle has chess and math clubs, and its students can also take part in the robotics group, which is open to those in grades 4 through 8. The B-plus-rated Knob Noster High has integrated academies in agriculture, bioscience and engineering, business, and human services.
State park accommodates an assortment of activities
This area is home to the Knob Noster State Park, an almost 4,000-acre expanse on the south side of the community. “A lot of people actually just come here for that state park,” Hall says. The park’s over 300,000 annual visitors can choose from two fishing lakes, six trails and dozens of reservable campsites. Knob Noster’s Mitch Franklin Park features a playground, a basketball court and a skate park. The 54,000-acre Lake of the Ozarks, roughly 80 miles southwest, is an option for more water sports.
Bigger cities bound Knob Noster
Knob Noster is located between Warrensburg and Sedalia, two cities with populations of around 20,000. Warrensburg is about 11 miles west, while Sedalia is 19 miles east. The Western Missouri Medical Center in Warrensburg has a 24-hour emergency room. Travelers can head to Kansas City International Airport, 90 miles northwest, for nonstop commercial flights to cities from Albuquerque to Washington.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
