Osawatomie has some of the Kansas City area's lowest prices
Nestled among the rivers and farmland south of Kansas City , Osawatomie is a small city with a population of over 4,000. The city's history dates back to the Civil War, and its older housing options have some of the lowest prices in the region. "The majority of people who moved down to this area — it's because of money," says Janet Turney, a Realtor with Clinch Realty who lives on the outskirts of town. "It's just getting affordable housing in a nice town."
Justin Neighbors, the owner of Neighbors Real Estate and another area resident, agrees. "I think we are one of the most affordable ZIP codes within a commute to Kansas City," he says. While Osawatomie has struggled in the past with vacant storefronts and dilapidated homes, Neighbors says he has seen steady improvement in recent years as the city invests in newer housing. The city's CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Shifting housing stock with incentives for growth
Osawatomie's early 1900s bungalows and midcentury ranch-style homes sit in neat rows along streets with shady trees. According to Neighbors, the city's housing stock has been modernizing in recent years. "We are currently building some infill properties that are like historic-style bungalows, and there's a lot of older houses being torn down and a lot of vacant lots," he says.
Prices for older homes go for about $80,000 to $200,000. From $200,000 to $300,000, properties are typically completely renovated or were built after 2000. Luxury houses with several acres can reach up to $575,000. Osawatomie's median single-family sale price is around $185,000, which is lower than in some other nearby towns. Paola, for instance, has a median single-family sale price of about $260,000. "The city is really proactive about stimulating growth, so there's a five-year tax abatement if you buy a home in town," Neighbors says. This means buyers will not have to pay property tax for the first year and get a discounted tax rate for the next four years.
Early childhood care and a public fitness facility at local schools
Kids can attend Trojan Elementary School before moving to Osawatomie Middle School and Osawatomie High School. All three schools receive a C-plus grade from Niche. A wing of the elementary school is used as the Swenson Early Childhood Center for prekindergarten and kindergarten classes. The preschool receives a B-minus grade.
The high school is home to the OZone fitness center, a full-service gym with an indoor track, weight room and three indoor and outdoor pools. While high school students occasionally use the fitness center, it's also open to the public during school hours. The pool is especially popular in the summer, and there is a childcare facility for parents who want to exercise.
Golfing, fishing and hiking at nearby lakes
The city has several green spaces, including the Karl E. Cole Sports Complex for youth sports like baseball, soccer, and football. Locals can also head about 5 miles north to Osawatomie City Lake for walking trails and golfing at Osawatomie Golf Course, a public 18-hole course with water views. According to Turney, while the city lake is occasionally used for fishing, locals often make the 15-mile trip north to Hillsdale State Park, a much larger body of water with boating, campgrounds and a beach.
Downtown growth encourages more businesses to move in
In late 2024, the city completed a $7 million overhaul of central roadways, hoping to attract more businesses to the small downtown area. "It's going through a revitalization," Turney says. "We have a lot of investors who are updating all of the old buildings and creating apartments and business opportunities." In 2025, Daylight Donuts opened, and La Nueva Hacienda Fine Mexican Food & Cantina reopened with an updated interior and menu.
But the city still has limited options. There are a few chains like Sonic Drive-In and the local deli, Palace Market and Custom Meats, but the only spot for groceries is the Dollar General. For errand runs, residents typically drive to 8 miles to Paola, which has a Walmart Supercenter and Queen's Price Chopper. Paola Hospital is also the closest option for emergency services.
Historical happenings and family-friendly festivals
Osawatomie's history comes to life during Freedom Fest, which includes a reenactment of the Battle of Osawatomie, a significant moment in the fight for Kansas to become a free state. At the John Brown Museum State Historic Site, locals can walk in the footsteps of one of the most influential Civil War abolitionists. The John Brown Jamboree is a beloved tradition, but it focuses less on the past, with activities like a carnival, petting zoo and cutest-baby contest. Other small-town celebrations include Fourth of July fireworks and an annual barbecue cooking contest.
Highway access to Kansas City and a large local employer
U.S. Route 169 runs right by Osawatomie, connecting north to downtown Kansas City, just over 50 miles away. The suburb of Overland Park is a 40-mile trip, with plenty of shopping and dining activities. Kansas City International Airport is nearly 70 miles away.
Just across the Marais Des Cygnes River, the Osawatomie State Hospital, which was first established as a psychiatric facility in 1863, is still a significant employer for the area.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
