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.
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On average, homes in Liberal, KS sell after 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Liberal, KS over the last 12 months is $178,250, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located in Seward County, Kansas, this 156.83 +/- acre tract offers productive native grass and immediate grazing potential. Featuring strong native pasture, the property is well laid out for efficient cattle movement, making it a practical addition to an existing operation or a dependable standalone grazing investment. Access is a key advantage! With solid road frontage and located just 2 miles
Welcome home to this stunning new construction located on a desirable corner lot. This thoughtfully designed home features a sleek stucco exterior and an attached 2-car garage. Step inside to an open and airy layout with vaulted ceilings that elevate both the kitchen and living room.The kitchen showcases granite countertops, soft-close cabinetry, and ample workspaceperfect for everyday living and
Welcome to this beautiful brick home located in a great neighborhood.This home features 3 bedrooms and 1 3/4 bath, across from Cottonwood Elementary School.This ranch-style home is waiting for a new family to call it home.Call Juanita McCord to schedule your appointment today at (620)655-8316.
This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home located in a established neighborhood, close to the hospital, shopping, and schools. Perfect for anyone looking for comfort and convenience, this home has it all.Inside, you?ll find a spacious layout with plenty of natural light, and all appliances stay, making your move-in simple and stress-free. The home also features a 2-car garage,
BRAND NEW ROOF! Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, this spacious 5-bedroom, 3-bath stucco home offers the perfect blend of comfort and functionality. The generous floor plan features a large master suite complete with a walk-in closet and luxurious en suite bath, including a relaxing jacuzzi tub. Each of the additional bedrooms also boasts walk-in closets, providing ample storage throughout. A
Discover modern living in this brand-new home, designed with an open floor plan and high-grade construction materials throughout. Featuring 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, this home offers both style and functionality. The kitchen, dining, and living areas flow seamlessly together, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy outdoor living on the large covered patio, which
This stylishly updated 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers a spacious layout with new flooring throughout the main living areas. Highlights include a large master bedroom with a walk-in closet, bright natural lighting, and three versatile additional bedrooms. Outside, the home features a charming stucco exterior, a one-car garage, and a heated workshopideal for hobbyists or DIY projects. Perfect
Don't miss this four bedroom 1 bathroom home featuring a basement, generous backyard, and flexible layout. A solid first starter home or a great opportunity for investors looking to add value. Motivated seller!! Give me a call today to schedule private showing! 620-417-0978🏡
Located in Seward County, Kansas, this 156.83 +/- acre tract offers productive native grass and immediate grazing potential. Featuring strong native pasture, the property is well laid out for efficient cattle movement, making it a practical addition to an existing operation or a dependable standalone grazing investment. Access is a key advantage! With solid road frontage and located just ±2 miles
Great investment opportunity! The ground is just East of the AT&T Store and Edward Jones. There is high volume of traffic due to Wal-Mart and other retail stores nearby, This lot measures 200 x 200 roughly and is zoned C2 General Commercial.
Have you been looking for an investment property? This 3 bedroom, 1 bath has fresh new paint, new floor coverings and a brand new central air conditioning system. Call Tanya with Leon Tabor today at 620-482-6876 to set up your private showing.
Welcome to this solid all-brick, 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offering 1,257 square feet in a highly desirable central location. The spacious yard is surrounded by mature trees, creating a peaceful, family-friendly setting with plenty of room to play or relax. The primary bedroom includes its own private bathroom and the carport adds everyday convenience. While the home is a little dated, it's full of
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.
Furnished Townhouse Apartment 1 mile from the Southwest Medical Center and next to other Regitered Nurses2 bedroom apartment one (1) furnished with a King Size BedDresser with Mirror and Night standIron & Ironing BoardHangersBed LinensAlarm Clock with Cell Phone ChargerTowelsRefridgeratorStoveMicrowaveToasterCoffee MakerCooking
Wheel Chair Handicap Apartment in Liberal Kansas 2 bedroom 1 bathroomLiberal Kansas Garden Apartment Homes specially designed Kitchen, open wheel chair accessible shower lower light switches and have newly painted interiorsThis is a private street as well as your own driveway with a carport to protect you in bad weather.You also have your very own front and rear yard with with a private
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
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