Lansing offers small-town living with lots of new development
The small Kansas town of Lansing is about 30 miles northwest of downtown Kansas City. The new subdivisions around town might seem out of place because it may not look like there's much here. However, Lansing is located within a 10-mile drive of Fort Leavenworth — the oldest active U.S. Army post west of the Mississippi River. Military personnel and other buyers coming to this mostly rural area often gravitate to Lansing's compact, small-town setting and good schools. "When people are looking in the Leavenworth area, they come to Lansing specifically for the school district," says agent Quinn Whimley with Reilly Real Estate, a resident of the area who's been selling here since 2020. "The city is really involved in the quality of the schools and other community things, which makes it attractive in this area." Lansing is still very much a small town, but the new developments and larger homes popping up around town are signs that it's gaining popularity. "We're seeing a ton of new homes being built all over Lansing," says Whimley. "So there will be a lot more options, but the prices are still low."
Early 1900s prairie-style homes and new subdivisions
U.S. Route 73, also known as Main Street, is Lansing's main artery. Small subdivisions lie to the east and west. Some old, some new and others still being laid out. "The home options here are getting bigger and nicer, but the prices are still lower than anything similar in Kansas City," says Whimley. "And, in the big picture, Midwest prices always seem low compared to the coasts." Most of these suburban homes sit on grassy lawns with mature trees providing privacy and decoration. Small 1960s ranch-style homes and simple 1930s builds start around $150,000. Larger new traditional homes in recently built communities like Wyndham Hills can cost over $400,000. More acreage is available just outside of town for up to $500,000. These larger options range from ranch-style homes on 1-acre lots to 1910s prairie-style homes on over 15 acres. Overall, the median price for a single-family home in Lansing is around $320,000.
Lansing Unified School District and the University of Saint Mary
The Lansing Unified School District is rated a B-plus by Niche. All students begin at Lansing Elementary for kindergarten to third grade. Fourth and fifth grade are completed at Lansing Intermediate. These neighboring schools, separated by Sevenmile Creek, both earn a B. Lansing Middle covers sixth through eighth grade students, receiving an A-minus. They finish at B-plus-rated Lansing High. The University of Saint Mary, 2 miles north of Lansing, provides higher education in the area. This small Catholic institution offers bachelor's, master's and doctorate programs.
Fort Leavenworth is less than 10 miles north
Some residents might commute to Kansas City, but many drive less than 10 miles north to Fort Leavenworth. Established in 1827, Fort Leavenworth is the U.S.'s oldest active Army post west of the Mississippi River, and it's still the area's major employer. Facilities like the Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center — just north of Lansing — serve the local military population. Lansing Correctional Facility is another employer in town. Many nonmilitary residents commute to Kansas City, home to a number of corporations. Downtown Kansas City is 30 miles southeast by taking Route 73 and Interstate 70. Kansas City International Airport is 30 miles east.
Games at Lansing City Park and hiking along Sevenmile Creek
Lansing City Park is the primary gathering place for sporting events and recreation in the town center. It has a playground and multiple Little League fields where local sluggers face off. Some residential clusters have their own play spaces, like Willow Park and Highland Playground. Sevenmile Creek runs through Lansing, creating a vein of wooded space. Residents can stroll along the shady banks or follow established paths like Angel Falls Trail, which leads to a small waterfall. Kelly Grove Park is another option for wooded nature trails on Lansing's south side.
The Youth Fishing Derby and annual Independence Days Celebration
Outdoor activity is also a staple of Lansing's social calendar. The annual David Trinkle Jr. Youth Fishing Derby has allowed young anglers to showcase their talents for over 20 years. It's held at Kenneth W. Bernard Community Park every late spring or early summer. The entry fee is $5, and there's a picnic lunch after the fishing has concluded. The Independence Days Celebration at Lansing High is the town's other signature event. The community gathers at the school to play games, listen to live music, eat, drink and cap it off with a fireworks show.
Barbecue and groceries on U.S. Route 73
There isn't much commercial activity in Lansing, but what's there is along Main Street. It has a mix of small businesses, locally owned eateries and fast-casual chains. There are coffee spots like Scooter's Coffee and Ten & Two Coffee on the south end. Farther up Main, there are restaurants like Low-N-Slow Midwest BBQ, which gives a taste of the Kansas City area's signature style. Then, there are bars like the Groggery. Essentials can be found on the north end of town at a plaza with an Aldi and Home Depot. Dillons and Walmart are just west of Aldi. The Legends Outlets are less than 15 miles south. This huge mall has factory outlets, department stores and recognizable sit-down chain eateries. It's also where people go for entertainment. It's next to the Kansas Speedway — which hosts an annual NASCAR Race, the Kansas City Monarchs minor league baseball diamond and Sporting Kansas City's Major League Soccer stadium.
