$87,962Average Value$284Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes For Sale
A modest, urban neighborhood near downtown
A few blocks between Downtown Topeka to the northeast and Washburn University to the southwest, Central Park is an urban neighborhood with century-old houses that are some of the most affordable in the city. This is an area where the City of Topeka has worked to help families purchase homes through TOTO (Topeka Opportunity To Own). The program provides grants of up to $30,000 for home repairs to those who qualify for assistance purchasing a $75,000 or less home. It comes as a relief for residents in this community, where the median household income is just over $30,000 compared to the city’s median of around $50,000. Families also receive childcare support through the Central Park Community Center at the heart of the community, a hub for local indoor and outdoor recreation.
While close to the heart of Topeka, Central Park offers some of the city's most affordable homes
Large 2 and 3 story Foursquares are popular in the Central Park neighborhood.
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Some of Topeka's most affordable houses
Central Park’s tree-lined streets feature side-by-side bungalows and American Foursquares built between the late 1800s and 1920s. “There are a lot of beautiful historic homes,” says Amber Smith, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty, who services the neighborhood. “And they’re affordable, which is why most people move here. The prices are significantly lower.” While the median home price in Topeka is $184,500, homebuyers can find fixer-uppers for $35,000 to $75,000 and turnkey properties for around $80,000 to $150,000. They’re typically fixed on lots less than a quarter acre but have many mature trees that add to this historic feel. Most houses have wide front porches in the front, while fenced-in backyards with detached garages are accessible from back alleyways. To qualify for the benefits of the TOTO program, which also can include down-payment assistance, applicants must attend 12 hours of home-buyer and -maintenance classes before closing and buyers are not permitted to own other real estate. Finding is through the federal department of Housing and Urban Renewal.
Most of the homes in Central Park sit on quarter acre lots with unfenced yards.
Some homes start at 35 to 75-thousand dollars for fixer-uppers in Central Park.
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After-school programs at Central Park Community Center
Central Park Community Center offers after-school activities where kids can play in the game room and the gymnasium, where local basketball leagues are held through Shawnee County Parks and Recreation. Outside the community center, there’s a pond with a fishing dock and a walkway that loops around the water. Every evening from Monday through Thursday, Silverbackks, a local non-profit, provides free meals for anyone 18 and under at the community center.
The Central Park Community Center offers many options for after school care, sports and games.
Locals enjoy fishing and walking around the pond at Central Park.
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Robinson Middle next to community center
Students attend Randolph Elementary, which gets a C-plus grade from Niche. They’ll go on to Robinson Middle, which also earns a C-plus and is located right next to the neighborhood’s community center. Topeka High, which receives a B grade, is ranked the fourth-most diverse high school in the state. Built in 1931, Topeka High is well known for its elaborate Gothic-style architecture with a 165-foot bell tower inspired by Henry VIII’s Great Hall at Hampton Court Palace. Students may continue their education at Washburn University, just a few blocks away.
Robinson Middle School prepares students for responsible, productive citizenship.
Topeka High School engages students in the highest quality of learning.
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A 4-mile trip to big box retailers
With Central Park being primarily residential, the neighborhood has one restaurant, which is Fat Shack, known for its cheese fries and other greasy American favorites. But with downtown just a few blocks away, there are always plenty of restaurants nearby. For everyday shopping, the closest big box retailers like Walmart, Target and Sam’s Club are about 4 miles west. They’re all right by the two-story West Ridge Mall, which has more than 50 businesses. Along with retailers and restaurants, the mall is home to a Sky Zone Trampoline Park, a Game Zone arcade and an indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf course.
For makeup and more travel just a few miles to Sephora on Wanamaker Road.
The West Ridge Mall is packed full of big name stores that everyone loves.
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Bus services provided by Topeka Metro
Topeka Metro offers bus routes on all four sides of Central Park along Huntoon Street, 17th Street, Washburn Avenue and Topeka Boulevard. Topeka Boulevard can be taken for a half-mile drive to downtown. That’s where Interstate 70 runs through, which goes west through Kansas and about 60 miles east to Kansas City.
Locals can hop on the Topeca Metro to get around town.
The Central Park area is walkable, alive with people out-and-about, eating, shopping & living.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Patrick Dixon,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Holliday Park
Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site
Chandler Library Pavilion
Yager Stadium
Huntoon Park
Gage Park
Topeka Zoo
Shunga Glen Park
Central Park
Central Park Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Central Park, Topeka sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Central Park, Topeka over the last 12 months is $439,500, down 61% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Great multifamily investment property here! Total rent potential of $3,003 making this a great investment. 4 (1 bedroom units) under one roof. Gas and Electric could be moved back to tenant pay. Additional storage off the alley in a converted garage. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to add a heavy cash flowing property to your portfolio! Current income and lease end dates: Unit A: $831
Seller is in the process of adding water meters so tenants will be resposible for gas, electric and water. Landlord will be responsible for trash. Property is being sold "as-is"
Excellent Investment Opportunity – 3 Total Units! This investor special includes two properties—1401/1403 SW Fillmore St. and 1011 SW Douthitt—offering a total of three units. One unit is currently occupied, providing immediate rental income. The second unit is rent-ready, and the third is a spacious two-bedroom plus bonus room that needs some work but has great potential. All units have
Fall in love with your home!! Whether you are a hard working professional, or a constantly studying student, or looking for somewhere to raise your family, we have your new home ready and waiting for you! College Hill is located a block away from Washburn University and within walking distance to Tortilla Jack's, Henry T's, World Cup, and more! We are within a ten minute drive from both local
University Heights is a beautifully landscaped quiet apartment complex located conveniently near Washburn University. The sister property, College Villas, is directly south of the University Heights site. Both communities are less than two blocks to Washburn University.Centrally located in Topeka, near hospitals, State buildings, and many local businesses.
**READY FOR 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR. Newly remodeled 5 Bedroom house close to Washburn University, bus route, and restaurants. This home has many things to like including hard wood and vinyl plank flooring, new bathrooms, new kitchen, new central heating and air, main floor laundry, stove, refrigerator, upstairs window unit, fenced in back yard. Must pass background screen and
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Patrick Dixon,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,822
Median Age
34
Population Density
14 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.6%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$30,099
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$34,376
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
76.5%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
28.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
12.4%
% Population in Labor Force
63.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
21°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
12''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
62/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
57/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
34/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
