Rising from the banks of the Missouri River, Leavenworth holds the distinction of being Kansas’ first city. This area is steeped in history, from its 19th-century homes to its various museums. Yet, with a close relationship to U.S. Army Base Fort Leavenworth and a housing market that’s easier on the pockets than some other Kansas City suburbs, it also offers present-day appeals. “We definitely have something affordable for everyone, and all different price points,” says Realtor Quinn Whimley of Reilly Real Estate, who is based in the region. “The city has homes built anywhere from the 1800s to brand-new construction.”
According to U.S. Census figures, Leavenworth’s population has grown by almost 9% since 2010 to 83,500. Residents live and work in a community with an expansive downtown commercial district, about 425 acres of park space, and a robust calendar of public events.
Rising from the banks of the Missouri River, Leavenworth holds the distinction of being Kansas’ first city.
U.S. Army Base Fort Leavenworth has a huge presence in Leavenworth and focuses on leadership development and training.
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Housing inventory ranges from classic to contemporary
Leavenworth has six historic districts, including Arch Street and Union Park, where homes have Victorian, Tudor and Craftsman inspirations. Pockets like these have homes that date back to around the time when the city was founded and blossomed into a key spot for manufacturing. Classic properties go for between $20,000 and $300,000, depending on the size and condition. The city has many midcentury-style properties available for $75,000 to $500,000. Many of Leavenworth's more recently constructed homes are clustered on the south side of town, including new construction in the Branches subdivision, and those sell for $200,000 to $600,000.
The city’s proximity to the 5,600-acre Fort Leavenworth has a significant impact on the housing market. “It keeps the real estate market here very busy,” Whimley says. “There’s always people coming and going. We also have the VA as well, so that’s a pretty big location people want to be at for healthcare and employment.” Still, Leavenworth’s average sale price is about $269,000, lower than some other communities in the Kansas City metro.
Mid Century homes are scattered around downtown Leavenworth historic districts including Union Park and Arch Street.
Some Tudor homes set on shaded corner lots may have off street parking.
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Fort Leavenworth drives the city’s economy
Fort Leavenworth is by far the largest employer with more than 9,200 employees. The installation is the site of the U.S. Army's Combined Arms Center, which focuses in part on leadership development and training. The base is the oldest U.S. Army base west of the Appalachian Mountains. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center is another significant employer offering services from cardiology to neurology. Leavenworth is also about 30 miles from both Kansas City, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri, where there are headquarters for major companies like H&R Block and Russell Stover.
Fort Leavenworth is by far the largest employer in Leavenworth with more than 9,200 employees.
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center is another significant employer in Leavenworth, offering services from cardiology to neurology.
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Riverfront Park is a front-row seat to recreation
The city has 20 parks in total, which combine for 14 playgrounds plus dozens of athletic fields, several courts and more. Riverfront Park rests along the Missouri River, and is one of the popular spots within Leavenworth’s hundreds of acres of recreation space. “They’ve got walking trails, and you walk right along the river, so that’s really pretty,” Whimley says. Hawthorn Park, is a smaller option with a play area and splash pad. Leavenworth’s Riverfront Community Center is a place for indoor recreation, with a fitness center and a pool.
Spaces like the First City Museum and the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum are other ways to spend free time indoors. First City focuses on Leavenworth's history, and the carousel museum is dedicated to carnival-style carousel rides. Carousel museum visitors can ride a carousel that dates to 1913. “The carousel museum is really fun for both adults and kids,” Whimley says.
The city is in a region that experiences all four seasons. Humid summers eventually give way to chilly winters, with an average of 17 inches of snow. Tornadoes are a risk in the region, too — Kansas averages 87 of them annually, according to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center.
The views of the Missouri River at Riverfront Park are a wonderful way to relax in Leavenworth.
Leavenworth has a Carousel museum where visitors can ride a carousel that dates to 1913.
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Downtown offers plenty to do
and Dining
Leavenworth has a walkable downtown district across 28 blocks, with over 70 shops and restaurants filling a mix of classic brick buildings. “There’s a lot of locally owned shops, and not a lot of chain stores,” Whimley says. “So you’re helping support local business owners and able to buy unique things.” Downtown is home to events including a St. Patrick’s Day Parade in March and a lighted holiday parade in November.
Many of the city’s big-box stores and chain restaurants are south of downtown, off Missouri Route 73 and Eisenhower Road. Also, in addition to the Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center, the city is home to the Saint John Hospital off Route 73.
Leavenworth has a walkable downtown district across 28 blocks, with over 70 shops and restaurants filling a mix of classic brick buildings.
Many of Leavenworth's big-box stores, like Walmart and chain restaurants are south of downtown, off Missouri Route 73 and Eisenhower Road.
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Ride LV is on-demand travel
Metropolitan Avenue connects to Missouri Route 45 for trips to Kansas City, Kansas, or Kansas City, Missouri. Those thoroughfares are also links for drives toward the Kansas City International Airport, a 15-mile trip. Leavenworth residents of all ages can request rides within the city on weekdays through the Ride LV Micro Transit service. Rides are $2 per direction and facilitated by a three-van fleet.
Leavenworth district has a long history
Leavenworth Unified School District 453 carries a B on Niche, and serves many city students for preschool through 12th grade. The district has roughly 3,700 students across nine campuses. Leavenworth USD 453 includes the Third Avenue School, a dedicated facility for students with special education needs.
Fort Leavenworth Unified School District 207 serves students around the military base for elementary school through junior high, and rates an A on Niche. Since the district doesn’t have a high school, students enter Leavenworth USD 453’s Leavenworth High School.
The University of Saint Mary’s main campus is in Leavenworth. The private four-year school’s popular programs include exercise science and nursing and its total enrollment is 1,200 students.
Leavenworth Senior High School is a public school that students in Leavenworth attend.
The University of Saint Mary’s main campus is in Leavenworth and the private four-year school’s popular programs include exercise science and nursing.
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Crime
According to the Leavenworth Police Department’s 2023 annual report, the city saw a drop in violent crimes, including assault and homicide, from 2022 to 2023, but an increase in property crimes like auto theft and burglary. The city’s violent crime rate has ranked above national levels in recent years, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer.
Wayne has been a Realtor for 30 years and has benefited from many roles. He has won awards as the top Keller Willliams agent in the City, has served as a Managing Broker and Franchise Owner. In addition to real estate sales, he uses his experience as a Real Estate Coach in helping other agents build successful businesses. Wayne has completed hundreds of Buyer and Seller transactions and uses that experience to provide 5-Star service to his clients. Over the last several years, none of Wayne's clients have given a negative review. Here's just a sample of what's most common: "Wayne found my wife and I a beautiful home to purchase. His quick response to the seller & expert advice allowed us to get the home in a very competitive market. His team will guide you through all aspects of the home buying process from finding the right home to being there at closing and everything in between. I would highly recommend Wayne Janner for your real estate needs." Jim & Pam, Olathe, KS. Wayne uses team members as support staff. When you contact Wayne, you'll meet with Wayne. Not a team member or any other agent. 913.515.3339
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
