A Southwest Kansas city in the Golden Triangle of Meatpacking
The city of Liberal, Kansas, sits on the topside of the Oklahoma panhandle, just over the border. Surrounded by the countryside of Seward County, the city and its economy are driven by agriculture. The National Beef Packing plant, its largest employer, puts the city in the Golden Triangle of Meatpacking. “Liberal, Garden City and Dodge City are the three big towns in an otherwise empty region,” says Steven Sitz, a reference librarian at Liberal Memorial Library who has lived in the city since 2000. “All three of us have the biggest industry of meatpacking plants in the state.”
Though there are around 19,000 residents today, Liberal started with just one. In the 1870s, Seymour S. Rogers was known for giving weary travelers free water as they passed through. Their common response — “That’s very liberal of you” — gave the city its name. In 1888, the Rock Island Railroad drew many Mexican workers. Their culture remains prevalent today, with about 68% of residents being of Latino descent. “When you speak two languages in this town, you’re never out of a job,” Sitz says.
Liberal is a small town located in Kansas along the Oklahoma border.
The National Beef Packing Plant is the largest employer in Liberal.
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Liberal averages one home sold per month
Homes in Liberal rarely hit the market, averaging one home sold per month. The median sale price is $138,000, with ranch-style houses making up the vast majority of homes throughout the city, most built in the early to mid-1900s. The city’s oldest homes are closer downtown, many sitting on century-old brick streets.
Ranch styled homes make up much of the housing stock in Liberal.
Most homes in Liberal are single-story dwellings.
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Racing on International Pancake Day
International Pancake Day is one of the city’s most beloved traditions. “Here, it’s a holiday,” says Sitz. “Everything shuts down for Pancake Day, including the schools and county offices.” Liberal and the English city of Olney compete against each other in a race that features women running while holding a skillet with a pancake. The city’s Mexican culture is celebrated during Cinco de Mayo and the annual crowning of the Cinco de Mayo Queen. As a museum dedicated to "The Wizard of Oz," Dorothy’s House and the Land of Oz replicates Dorothy's home from the movie and celebrates Ozfest twice a year.
Visit a replica of Dorthy's house in Liberal.
Tortilleria Tapacolmes is one of several Mexican shops and restaurants in Liberal.
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Arkalon Park brings life to a nearby ghost town
Light Park is notable for its Adventure Bay Family Water Park. Liberal also maintains Arkalon Park, about 12 miles away from city limits. It’s in the ghost town of Arkalon, which became uninhabited in the 1920s following floods from the Cimarron River. Flooding is no longer an issue as irrigation has caused the water to dry up. “Out here, a river just means a dry riverbed,” Sitz says.
Enjoy some camping in Liberal at Arkalon Park.
Take an afternoon walk through Light Park in Liberal.
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Mexican restaurants all over the city
Kansas Avenue is the city’s main commercial corridor. Shopping centers with big-box retailers can be found on the north and south ends of Kansas Avenue, while downtown is at the center with local shops and restaurants. Kansas Avenue intersects with Pancake Boulevard, named in honor of International Pancake Day and lined with even more retailers and restaurants. Mexican food is a mainstay in Liberal, where there are dozens of Mexican restaurants and grocery stores to choose from.
El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant is a popular restaurant in Liberal.
Find new furniture for your Liberal Home in the downtown shopping district.
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Education through Liberal USD 480
Liberal Unified School District 480 earns a C grade from Niche. Students are divided between five elementary and two middle schools before merging into one student body at Liberal High School. Fellowship Baptist Academy earns a B-minus and is the city’s only private school. It serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Students can continue their education at Seward County Community College to earn associate degrees and professional certificates.
Students can continue their education at Seward County Community College in Liberal.
Liberal High school is part of the USD 480.
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Public transportation by City Bus
City Bus is a public shuttle bus system with three routes around Liberal. Drivers can take U.S. Route 54 over 200 miles east to Wichita or 160 miles south to Amarillo. The Liberal Mid-American Regional Airport offers flights via United Express to Denver, where travelers can catch a connecting flight.
A city in Tornado Alley
Crime statistics for Liberal are not readily available. The city is in Tornado Alley, a Midwest region with high tornado activity between March and June. Because of this, many houses are built with basements, known to be one of the safest places in a home during severe weather. The most recent tornado was in 2023, which caused no injuries or property damage.
Written By
Nicolas Stuart
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Liberal, KS sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Liberal, KS over the last 12 months is $180,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The home you have been looking for is now available. This ONE OWNER brick home was purchased as a NEW CONSTRUCTION HOME built by Bill Blake, in 1986. It is a well maintained brick ranch home. The main floor features: A front living room with a fireplace. a dining room a spacious kitchen and a Main Floor Laundry Room. The Master Bedroom has a walk in closet, and a full bath. There are nice PELLA
Gorgeous 2 story home on the lake with a covered patio, unique stamped concrete, big yard with a storage shed, dog run, garden area, dock and boat slip. Inside you will find a remodeled kitchen with appliances included, formal dining room, 5 nice sized bedrooms, 3 full baths and 1 1/2 bath. Large living room on main level and even bigger family room in the basement gives lots of room for
Discover modern living in this brand new brick and stucco home featuring 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with a spacious open-concept floor plan designed for both everyday comfort and entertaining. The heart of the home is the stunning kitchen with a huge island and beautiful granite countertops throughout, offering both style and function. The large master suite provides a relaxing private retreat
Charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home ideally located in the heart of town! Just steps away from local school and park, this property offers both convenience and community. The converted garage provides a versatile oversized space-perfect for a fourth bedroom, second living area, or family room Enjoy a spacious backyard featuring a swimming pool-perfect for relaxing or entertaining. A great opportunity
Wow! This house is FUN! Recently updated LVP flooring, paint and fixtures. This large home is great for entertaining 4 bedrooms (exercise room is 5th bedroom) 3 baths, big family room, large, open living/dining/kitchen combo and a 12 x 24 covered patio. Located close to schools, park, splash pads and rec center. To give you a head start on the fun, the seller is including basketball game, pool
Beautifully updated and move-in ready, this spacious 5-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience! Featuring a 1-car garage and a full basement, there's plenty of room for storage, hobbies, or additional living space. The home has been thoughtfully updated, providing a fresh and inviting feel throughout.Located in a quiet, established neighborhood, you'll enjoy
Here's a dandy 2-bedroom, one bath home sitting right across the street from a city park where you can enjoy lots of shade and playground time! This home has been completely painted inside and out and has brand new carpet throughout most of the house. The bathroom was remodeled in 2023. A lovely faux fireplace with rock accents the large living room with big windows and the dining room is
My Company, in conjunction with the Lund Company, is pleased to present 2,188.41 acres m/l located in Seward and Stevens Counties, Kansas. The farms will be offered in six tracts ranging in size from 157.75 acres m/l to 629.30 acres m/l and will be sold using the multi-parcel auction format, allowing bidders the opportunity to purchase individual tracts or any combination of tracts. All tracts
Check out this move in ready 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with a bonus room offering flexible space for an office, playroom, or guest area. This home features a full basement, providing plenty of storage or additional living potential. Enjoy the fenced backyard perfect for pets, kids, or entertaining, and a detached one-car garage. With recent updates already completed, this home is ready for its next
Beautiful 4 bed 2 bath 1999 double wide sets on 4.3 ACRES! Has a shed, car port and a 36x24 Workshop and is entirely fenced for privacy. Animals are allowed,A 10 min drive from town, accessible right off Hwy 54 quiet. Doublewide currently has metal skirting, no FHA loans, seller currently working on setting on block foundation and title elimination for better financing options. Hwy 54 and
You will be pleasantly surprised to see the inside of this home! What appears to be a small cottage from the front, is actually a spacious home with a 29 x 45 hidden gem in the backyard! One step into the quaint living room and you will fall in love with the arched doorways that lead to a cozy dining area or two bedrooms separated by a full bathroom. The efficient kitchen opens to the large den
Stunning 5-Bedroom Brick Home on a Private Lakefront Lot. This beautifully crafted all-brick home offers 5 spacious bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, perfectly designed for comfortable family living and entertaining. Situated on a peaceful private lake, the property provides tranquil water views and a serene natural setting right in your backyard.Step inside to soaring vaulted ceilings that span the
The former Ranch Motel is now Pancake Flats Apartments, a completely remodeled community ready for your long-term stay – and all Utilities are included! Our convenient proximity offers access to everything from grocery shopping to dining.Inside you’ll find high-end finishes including brand new LVP flooring and a modern paint scheme. The kitchen is equipped with shaker cabinets, an
Cottonwood Apartment Homes is located at 821 Millwood Circle Liberal, KS and is managed by Premier Real Estate Management L.L.C., a reputable property management company with verified listings on RENTCafe. Cottonwood Apartment Homes offers 2 to 3 bedroom apartments ranging in size from 943 to 1032 sq.ft. Amenities include Air Conditioner, Carpeting, Dishwasher, Large Closets, Laundry Facilities
When you call Cottages of Liberal home, youll be part of a 55 and Better community, set in a quiet location enhanced with a variety of unique amenities. Our community offers one and two bedroom floor plans spaciously designed with comfort in mind. The professional, on-site management staff will assist you in meeting all of your needs.
This a 2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom Garden townhouse apartment for rent. Everyone appreciates the safety, security of living on a private street and the fact that they have their own private carport with a driveway, an outdoor storage unit, a walk in closet and a private 140 X 40 square foot yard and we are pet friendly. We also have 24 hour onsite maintenance We are next to other nursesand less than 2
This property at 1209 Krause Ct features 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom within a total living space of 930 square feet. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and is designed for easy furniture arrangement. The bathroom is equipped with standard fixtures and provides essential amenities. Each bedroom is adequately sized, suitable for various furniture layouts. The property includes a washer
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