Since its founding as a train depot in 1871, Parsons looks like a standard southwest Kansas town in many ways. However, like a train depot of the Old West, Parsons prides itself on being a center of activity in this rural area. “Parsons is a small town, but it’s a real melting pot,” says Stephanie Reitemeier, an agent with Golden Oak Real Estate who’s lived in Parsons for almost 30 years. “A lot of people come here from other places, so it has more of a mix of people than a typical small town.” Parsons proudly celebrates its history with events like the annual Katy Days Festival honoring the original rail line. Still, it equally invests in its present culture. “The railroad isn’t the center of everything,” says Reitemeier. “People here love to celebrate the arts, and we have lots of entrepreneurs and industry like Kansas State’s research center.” While Parsons has no shortage of small-town atmosphere, it continues to grow beyond the typical rural community.
Blocks of 1920s prairie-style and Craftsman homes
Residential streets cover most of the city. Blocks are lined with mature trees and homes sit on spacious grassy lawns. Parsons’ median home price is just over $100,000, but the full range includes various sizes and styles. “There aren’t brand new homes, but there’s a real mix,” says Reitemeier. “We have old Victorian homes; then the bungalows came along, then the ranch-style homes, and so on.” Relics of the early 1900s, like 1920s Craftsmans and bungalows, cost around the median. Large 1910s prairie-style homes and Foursquares cost closer to $250,000. Relatively newer 1950s ranch-style homes are also around the median price. Outside of town, larger homes with acreage can exceed $500,000.
Historic downtown Parsons
The downtown section of Main Street had fallen to the wayside, but over recent decades, a community-driven revitalization has made it the thriving center of town once again. The design committee upholds downtown’s aesthetic, and shops and restaurants occupy the storefronts of early-1900s buildings along blocks lined with wide red brick sidewalks. “Kitchen Pass and Shredders are a couple of my favorites,” says Reitemeier. “But I’d be afraid to say any restaurants are better than the others because I’ll have to hear about it.” Other downtown staples include Remnant Café and shops like Mustard Seed Bookstore. Even office supply stores like McCarty’s display grand signage. King Cash Saver is also downtown for weekly grocery shopping. During Katy Days, the town’s biggest celebration, the festivities are kicked off with a parade down Main Street, and many of the festivities take place a few blocks away in Forest Park. Katy Days is named after the original rail line running through Parsons, which locals called “The Katy.” The weekend-long festival involves live music, activities and railroad-themed events.
Parsons Unified School District and Kansas State agricultural research
Local students are served by the Parsons Unified School District, rated a B overall by Niche. The district has three elementary schools, including the B-plus-rated Garfield School. All continue to Parsons Middle, given a C-plus, and Parson Senior High, which earns a B. Higher education also has a presence in town. Kansas State University’s Parsons Research Center, formally named the Southeast Research-Extension Center, is in the northwest corner of Parsons. The campus is one of multiple throughout the state. It includes offices, field and chemistry labs and the university’s Life Span Institute. In partnership with local government and farmers, the center conducts research to study and innovate agricultural practices to advance healthy and sustainable food systems.
Community parks and Parsons Arboretum
People get outside in community spaces like the Parsons Arboretum. This 19-acre space has gardens, trails and natural habitats around a visitor center that can be rented out for events. Forest Park is the city’s main recreation area, just off Main Street. It has shady green space, a playground, tennis courts, a community pool and an amphitheater. The amphitheater hosts the Music in the Park Concert Series — free shows every Thursday evening in June and July. On the north side of town, Katy Parsons Golf Club, locally called The Katy, provides 18 holes of golf open to the public.
Over 100 miles to a major city in any direction
Agriculture is the area’s primary business, but Parsons does have a decent amount of industry thanks to the commercial railway running through town. The area has healthcare options, with Labette Health — the local hospital — on the south side. Drivers can take U.S. Route 59 north and south. U.S. Route 400 bends around the north side of town, leading east and west. Joplin, Missouri, is the nearest larger city, over 50 miles southeast. Still, Parsons is a significant drive from any major city. However, it’s almost equidistant between four of them. Kansas City is the largest of them, over 150 miles north. Tulsa, Oklahoma, is 115 miles south. Springfield, Missouri, is 120 miles east. Wichita, Kansas, is 130 miles west.
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