$203,568Average Value$122Average Price per Sq Ft28Homes For Sale
An oil town with a strong community spirit
At one point in time, McPherson, Kansas, was in a competition to be the state's capital city. Although it lost the battle—Topeka eventually claimed the title—McPherson still became a hub for trade, arts, and culture thanks to railroad lines like the Union Pacific and Rock Island. Late 19th-century attractions like the McPherson Opera House still stand on Main Street today, and residents continue to learn about local history at the McPherson Museum, where exhibits celebrate everything from the invention of the automobile to the early days of the Globe Oil & Refining. Now home to nearly 14,000 residents, many of whom still work in the oil industry, the area also has a significant student population thanks to McPherson College and Central Christian College. Quaint residential neighborhoods border Main Street shopping, and it takes about an hour to drive to Wichita, the nearest major city. Overall, local Sheets-Adams Realtor and longtime resident Julie Wenthe says McPherson is a "giving" community, a place where families tend to stick around for generations. "If there's someone in need, we help them out. It's a city where people really take care of their own," she says.
Quaint residential neighborhoods border Main Street shopping in McPherson.
McPherson residents continue to learn about local history at the McPherson Museum.
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Early 20th-century bungalows and mid-century homes for below the national median
In McPherson, homes span decades. The city's oldest properties date back to the late 1800s, and prospective buyers will also find 1920s and '30s-era bungalows on gridded streets branching off from Main Street and Kansas Avenue. Lots are relatively compact, and detached garages are the standard. In outlying neighborhoods, mid-century homes have larger front yards, and there are also pockets of 2000s-era New Traditionals in planned subdivisions. According to Wenthe, however, "There's not a ton of new builds in town." The median price for a single-family home in McPherson is less than half of the national median, hovering around $180,000.
Prospective buyers in McPherson will find 1920s and '30s-era bungalows on gridded streets.
There are a few new home developments throughout McPherson.
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Oil refineries, big pharma and Witchita 60 miles away
CHS Refinery, once known as Globe Oil & Refining Company, brought hundreds of jobs to McPherson in the early 1930s. It saved the city from experiencing the worst of the Great Depression and even sponsored an amateur basketball team; the McPherson Globe Refiners sent six players to the Berlin Olympics in 1936. The oil industry still thrives in McPherson today, and other major employers include Pfizer and Viega. Industrial parks border Interstate 135, and there's also McPherson Center for Health, a nonprofit facility with a few hundred employees. The nearest major city is Witchita, about 60 miles—or an hour—south via the I-135, and Salina is home to a regional airport about 30 miles north.
McPherson Hospital is a major employer in the city.
Oil industries thrive in McPherson, providing for much of the city's economy.
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McPherson Unified School District and two four-year colleges
Families can enroll their children in the McPherson Unified School District, which earns an overall B-minus grade from Niche and includes four elementary options, one middle school and one high school. Hutchinson Community College offers adult education opportunities, and the city is also home to two four-year colleges: McPherson College and Central Christian College. The former is famous for its automotive restoration program, the largest of its kind in the country. "Jay Leno frequently comes to visit because he's a big car fan," says Wenthe, and every year in May, the college's C.A.R.S. Club welcomes hundreds of vintage automobiles from around the country for the Car & Motoring Festival.
McPherson High school is one of six public schools in the city.
McPherson college is famous for its automotive restoration program, the largest of its kind in the country.
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Main street shopping and a historic opera house
The majority of McPherson's retail and entertainment is found along Main Street, where cars park diagonally and occasionally stop for passing trains. Historic buildings house an eclectic mix of restaurants—everything from casual Mexican joints to pizza parlors—and store windows display antiques and hardware. New movies are screened at McPherson Theater, and the McPherson Opera House—which first opened its doors in the late 1880s—shows classics. Shoppers will also find a Walmart Supercenter and chain restaurants near Hutchinson Community College.
The majority of McPherson's retail and entertainment is found along Main Street.
The McPherson Opera House, which first opened its doors in the late 1880s, shows classic movies.
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Fishing, playgrounds and waterslides in local parks
According to Wenthe, one of McPherson's best qualities is its outdoor recreation. The city manages 16 public parks, many of which feature playgrounds for children of different age groups and covered picnic shelters. Fishermen can cast their lines for trout in Lakeside Park, where paved trails border lagoons and the bandshell hosts family movie nights throughout the summer months. Nearby, McPherson Water Park opens on Memorial Day weekend and features a lazy river, a splash pad, and a spiraling water slide. Grant Sports Complex on North Main has space for soccer and baseball tournaments. Summertime temperatures typically average in the 80s in McPherson, and snow can collect on the ground several inches at a time during the winter season.
Enjoy a round of disc golf at Lakeside Park in McPherson.
There are several lakes and ponds for McPherson residents to enjoy some fishing.
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All Schools Day festivities in May
May Day— known locally as "All Schools Day"—has been going strong in McPherson for more than 100 years. "Thousands of people travel here from surrounding areas," says Wenthe, adding, "We have a parade with all sorts of floats and bands." A May Queen and King are crowned during the festival, and a carnival sets up shop for several days in Wickersham Park. Residents can look forward to other annual events like trolley tours past Christmas lights during the holiday season, fireworks on Independence Day and the Kansas Barn Sale in October, when more than 100 vendors set up in Lakeside Park to sell vintage and handmade goods.
Decreasing crime rates
According to FBI data, overall crime in McPherson has decreased in the last few years. Violent crime experienced a slight surge in 2021, but rates have since fallen. Property crime, in particular, is at an all-time low; there were 196 reported incidents in 2023, compared to 508 in 2015.
Written By
Sara Caskey
Photography Contributed By
Zach Manwell
Video By
Joshua Kassabian
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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On average, homes in McPherson, KS sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in McPherson, KS over the last 12 months is $205,000, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Take a look at this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home that offers a low maintenance lifestyle and a comfortable, functional floor plan. The main floor features 3 bedrooms, full bathroom, nice living and dining room spaces, a well designed kitchen with attractive cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. The finished basement provides even more space with a large family room, bonus room with walk-in closet,
This beautifully maintained 4 bedroom, 3 bath, all electric home truly reflects pride of ownership. Home was built in 2012 and offers a thoughtful design, generous living spaces and excellent functionality throughout. The main level features an open concept floor plan with a spacious living room that flows seamlessly into the kitchen and dining area. The kitchen is well appointed with beautiful
Charming bungalow perfect for versatile living. This cozy home features three spacious bedrooms and two bathrooms, ideal for comfortable family living. This property also has 2 kitchens, as well as a double-car detached garage and a fenced backyard, providing both privacy and security. Previously used as a rental, the home is well- suited for multi-generational living, with seperate electric and
Take a look at this move-in-ready 3-bedroom, 2-bath home that has been beautifully updated. This remodeled property features a nice floor plan with awesome upgrades, including newer flooring, paint, and light fixtures throughout, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere from the moment you walk in. The kitchen is well-equipped with sleek appliances, beautiful cabinetry, countertops, and a
Owners' pride is evident in this better-than-new home. This 3-bedroom 2-bath home, built in 2024, showcases modern design, high-quality finishes, and an open, inviting floor plan. The kitchen is both stylish and functional, offering granite countertops, a pantry, and sleek stainless steel appliances, all included. The adjoining living and dining areas provide a seamless flow perfect for everyday
Located just outside of the City of McPherson is 60+/- acres of productive cropland. This farm is entirely tillable comprised of Class II Silty Clay Loam with a weighted average NCCPI of 55. The farm has a history of raising corn, soybeans and winter wheat. This is a manageable sized addition to your farm operation with likely accounting benefits from excess soil fertility. The field is currently
This cozy single-family home, built in 1940, offers a blend of simplicity and comfort in a quiet McPherson neighborhood. With 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and 896 sq ft of living space, it’s a great fit for someone seeking an affordable starter home, downsizing option, or rental investment.
Here is a great development opportunity!! 27.93 acres situated between N. Main Street and N. Hwy 81 Bypass in McPherson. Property is located just south of the new fire station and across Main Street from Eisenhower Elementary School and Grant Sports Complex. The possibilities are unlimited. This property can be purchased with the parcel to the west, across Hwy 81 Bypass.
Stunning New Construction.....even better than brand new! | Built in 2024 This beautifully designed new construction home, built in 2024 by Stan Ratzlaff Construction, offers the perfect blend of luxury, functionality, and modern convenience. Featuring 4 spacious bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, this home showcases thoughtful upgrades throughout. Enjoy an open floor plan ideal for both everyday
This waterfront lot located at Eagle Wings Estates is tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac for the seclusion you're looking for when building a truly custom home. This lot will accommodate a home with a view-out basement which allows for natural lighting and a glimpse of the outside world. It gets even better; this lot also faces east so you can enjoy shady evenings while sitting on your deck
Welcome to Park Ridge in McPherson, KS! Our apartments offer convenient amenities such as a washer and dryer in every unit, a sparkling swimming pool for relaxation, a 24-hour fitness center to help you stay active, and a business center for all your work needs. With 24-hour emergency maintenance and an on-site laundry facility, we strive to make your living experience as convenient as possible.
Located roughly halfway between Wichita and Salina, five minutes west of I-135, Northridge Crossing Apartments is an intimate 68 apartment and townhome community with homes ranging from 720 square feet 1 bedroom apartments to 1080 square feet 3 bedroom apartments. Our apartments have kitchens equipped with oven/range with hood, refrigerator, dishwasher and double basin sink with garbage disposal,
Charming home on cul-de-sac available May 1! This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home is in a great location within walking distance of both Wall and Lakeside parks, as well as McPherson College, Washington Elementary and McPherson Middle School. This home has a 2 car garage, shaded back yard with patio, and plenty of storage space. Water softener is serviced by Culligan, and lawn service is provided.
Available immediately, charming and spacious home in beautiful neighborhood! 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath with half finished basement and garage*New appliances: washer/dryer, refrigerator, stove*New flooring and paint*Plenty of storage: half finished basement and large garage*Large backyard with new deck *Spacious sitting room with deck access and half bath, perfect for
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