Rural town named after a Native American chief
It’s a slow-paced lifestyle in the rural countryside of Tecumseh, located 6 miles east of Downtown Takoma in Shawnee County. “It’s hometown living,” says Cathy Conn, a Realtor with Platinum Realty who has lived in Tecumseh for more than 30 years, adding it's not unusual for neighbor to know neighbor -- often for unexpected reasons. “One of my neighbors has a dog that always comes to my porch for some reason. She’ll call me and ask if her dog is here and then we catch up.”
Residents enjoy having the option of shopping for produce from local farms or driving five to 10 minutes to stores in the city. The town gets its name from Chief Tecumseh, a warrior of the Native American Shawnee Tribe. It was founded in the 1850s, and a piece of that history remains today at the Hopkins House. “Eli Hopkins, the man who built the house, was one of the first settlers,” says Katie Keckeisen, the history librarian of Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library. “It has Greek Revival architecture, which is not something you find in Kansas.” The church is known for putting on fun events for the small-town community.
Ranch-style homes with basements and spacious yards
Ranch-style houses are the most common throughout Tecumseh. Some are situated in suburban-like subdivisions on half-acre lots, while others are out in the country with up to 10 acres of land and beautiful farm views. Most of these homes were built in the mid-1900s and offer anywhere from 1,000 to 2,600 square feet of living space, selling for $125,000 to $350,000. Prices vary depending on the size and condition of the house and the size of the lot.
According to Cobb, most homes have basements since Tecumseh is located in the Midwest’s “Tornado Alley.” According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the last tornado to touch down in Tecumseh was an EF3 tornado in 1983, which lasted for 19 miles.
Grabbing produce from local farms
Residents can head to local farms to shop for fresh produce. Arkenberg Farms sells seasonal vegetables onsite and can typically be found at farmers markets all over Topeka. Iwig Family Dairy offers traditional milk in glass bottles, along with unique flavors like root beer and cookies and cream that can be purchased at the farm or in grocery stores around Topeka. The closest retailers are about 6 miles away in East Topeka, where there’s a Walmart and Dillons. That’s where the nearest restaurants are as well, including a mix of national chains and local establishments.
Tecumseh Park and nearby water explorations
A large tree sculpture of Chief Tecumseh greets visitors at the entrance of Tecumseh Park. The park has been around since the 1880s, and today, it features a playground, a ball field and a shelter house that locals can reserve to celebrate special occasions. Those who enjoy kayaking, fishing and other water activities can explore the Kansas River from the boat ramp on Seward Avenue. Lake Shawnee, one of Topeka’s premier outdoor destinations, is also less than 5 miles away, where people from all over the region go to fish, hike miles of trails, stroll through gardens and play all types of sports.
Dual enrollment courses at Shawnee Heights High
Most students are zoned to attend Tecumseh North Elementary, which gets a C-plus grade from Niche. Some students farther south attend Tecumseh South Elementary, which receives a B grade. Area students go on to Shawnee Heights Middle, graded a B-minus. Shawnee Heights High is right next to the middle school, earning a B-plus grade while ranked the 25th best college prep public high school in Kansas. According to GreatSchools, 23% of students participate in the dual enrollment program, which offers courses through Washburn University and Allen Community College.
Access to I-70 and U.S. Route 40
With direct access to Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 40, residents can drive several miles west to Downtown Topeka from either highway. They both lead about 60 miles east to Kansas City, though the interstate is typically the faster option.
Community events put on by Tecumseh United Methodist Church
Tecumseh United Methodist Church on Tecumseh Road frequently hosts community events. “They’re always doing stuff for the community,” says Conn. “They host the annual Pancake Feed and Silent Auction and have a Fourth of July parade.” People come out to the Pancake Feed and Silent Auction for all-you-can-eat pancakes and to purchase various items, with all proceeds going to the Tecumseh Kiwanis Club.
