Norton has a historic heart and a small-town atmosphere
At the crossroads of two U.S. highways, Norton is an outpost amid the sweeping farmland of northwest Kansas. The city's historic downtown is a remnant of bustling railroad days, retaining an old-school charm with brick-paved roads and the neon lights of the Norton Theatre. The population is just over 2,500, and city clerk Alex McKenna says that Norton's shopping and restaurant options set it apart from other nearby communities. "We're one of the bigger towns in the area," she says. "But I feel like we still have that small town, close-knit community feel, where you feel safe letting your kids run around the neighborhood and play."
An older housing stock is growing to accommodate demand
Most of Norton's properties were built before the 1960s, including vintage bungalows and ranch-style homes. Some of the city's streets are still made of the original brick pavers, and backyards have detached garages or storage barns. Properties have been continuously added over the years, with some contemporary construction. According to McKenna, the city has more demand than available homes. "I feel like a lot of people from the Colorado area have come out this way," McKenna says. "Just those people who are looking to try to get away from city life and get a little more of a rural area."
Norton's average home value is around $115,000. Most properties cost between $100,000 and $300,000, but some larger houses can get up to $425,000, and luxury homes with spacious lots might cost $750,000.
Tight-knit school district with standout sports and clubs
Kids can attend Eisenhower Elementary and Norton Junior High, both of which receive a C-plus grade from Niche. Older students move on to Norton Community High, which gets a B grade. The school district is small, with around 700 total students. Norton has earned state-wide recognition for the high school men's wrestling team, which has won 17 state championships in school history, and the forensics team, which took home the state title in 2025.
Recreation planned for all ages and a nearby state park
The Norton Aquatic Center is a go-to spot in the hot Kansas summers, and the Norton Recreation Center has an indoor gym and regular sports leagues. "They have so many activities going on throughout the year that are available for all ages," McKenna says. "They have a soccer team in the spring, and they do baseball in the summer." The rec center shares a building with the Norton Public Library, and older residents can find community at the nearby Norton County Senior Center. Golfers can also hit the greens at the public nine-hole Prairie Dog Golf Course.
Norton is about 7 miles from Prairie Dog State Park, home to numerous campgrounds and open land around the Keith Sebelius Lake. The park earns its name from the regular sightings of prairie dogs in their natural habitat. "For outdoorsy people, it's a great place to go fishing, hunting, just exploring and getting out into the open," McKenna says.
Options for dining out, and one large grocery store
Norton has a small downtown district where locals can get their morning cup of coffee at Java and run into familiar faces on a Friday night at 110 Bar & Grill. The city's dining selection is relatively limited, but Las Canteras has authentic Mexican food, and Holme Street has chain stores, including Subway and Sonic Drive-In. Jamboree Foods is the main grocery store. McKenna says Norton's retail selection is one of her favorite aspects of the city. "I just like that it's a little bit bigger than most of the communities around here, but you still have that small-town feel — you know a lot of people, everyone's friendly," she says. "But you still have restaurants. I love that if I don't want to cook, I can order Pizza Hut or run down to the Mexican restaurant."
Old-school fun at car shows, carnivals and a vintage theater
Locals gather at Elmwood Park for dirt track car races, high school football games and horse shows. The park gets busy in the summer with Little League baseball games and the Norton Home Owned Carnival. Other old-school fun includes car cruises through downtown and shows at the Norton Theatre. First opened in 1948, the two-screen theater has modern blockbusters and older classics for $5.
Hometown employment and highways to larger cities
Norton is surrounded by farmland, but U.S. Routes 283 and 36 intersect through town, offering high-speed travel in four directions. The closest large cities are Kearney , which is up in Nebraska, and Hays , which is farther south in Kansas. Both cities are just over 90 miles away and have larger shopping options. McKenna says that residents are used to regularly making that 90-minute trip. The nearest airport option is the McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport, 60 miles away, with trips to Denver once or twice most days.
Most of this region is agriculturally based, but Norton's economy is a bit more diversified. In addition to agriculture, major employers include the Norton Correctional Facility, the Norton County Hospital and several manufacturing companies.
![Catherine Lashley]()
Written By
Catherine Lashley
