$87,135Average Value$47Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes 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.
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Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site
Chandler Library Pavilion
Yager Stadium
Huntoon Park
Gage Park
Topeka Zoo
Shunga Glen Park
Central Park
Reviews
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Central Park
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
8
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Central Park Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Central Park, Topeka sell after 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Central Park, Topeka over the last 12 months is $54,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
At just over $18 per square foot, this 1,626 sqft 2-story is one of the lowest acquisition costs you'll find in Topeka. Corner lot at 16th and Topeka Blvd, large windows, formal living and dining rooms, and 3 bedrooms upstairs — the kind of layout and character that retail buyers pay a premium for when it's finished right. Sold as-is, includes all personal property, and priced under county
Fully remodeled duplex with separate upper and lower units, each boasting 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Enjoy newer flooring, fresh paint, upgraded plumbing, modern appliances, and numerous additional improvements throughout. Both units are currently being rented as one property for $1,470 per mo.
Welcome to 1603 SW Central Park Ave. This investor special 4 bed 1 bath home features many of the early 1900s charm and with some TLC could be a very nice home. Located just across the street from Central Park and the community center, and walking distance to Washburn University, this home is centrally located making navigating Topeka a breeze. Call us now!
1519-1521 SW Lincoln ST. Great Duplex Investment Opportunity Near Washburn University! This brick side-by-side duplex features two units, each offering a spacious living room, kitchen/dining combo, utility room, one large bedroom, one bath, and central heat & air. Conveniently located close to shopping, dining, and campus. Perfect for rental income on both sides or live in one unit and rent the
Seller is in the process of adding water meters so tenants will be responsible for gas, electric, and water. Landlord will be responsible for trash. This property is being sold "as is". See attached document for rent rolls.
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.
$1,200 per month
**Available Immediately** 4 bedroom / 1 bath home located near Washburn University
Welcome home to this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom rental, available for immediate occupancy! Nestled conveniently close to Washburn University, this freshly renovated gem boasts a brand-new kitchen featuring cabinets and countertops that complement the modern interior paint and plush new carpeting. The spacious living room/dining room combo is perfect for gatherings, and the main floor laundry
Great 3 Bedroom Home! This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence in Topeka, KS features a covered front porch and abundant natural light throughout the living spaces. Located close to Washburn University and just steps from Central Park Community Center, the home offers convenient access to local amenities and outdoor recreation. Ideal for those seeking a well-lit, welcoming property in a central
3 bed, 2 bath home in a convenient location near downtown, Washburn University, and local schools. This home offers a spacious layout with plenty of natural light and great closet space throughout, plus a bonus room in the basement for extra space. Enjoy the huge fenced in backyard and covered back porch, perfect for relaxing or entertaining
This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home blends classic charm with modern updates and spacious living.Step inside to find gorgeous hardwood floors, abundant natural light, and thoughtfully updated finishes throughout. The home features a remodeled kitchen with modern cabinetry and countertops, spacious living and dining areas, and generously sized bedrooms. Both bathrooms have
Welcome to 512 SW 14th Street – a spacious and newly updated 2-bedroom duplex coming available February 20, 2026 (availability subject to change). This renter-friendly home offers great convenience with a refrigerator, stove, and stackable washer and dryer all included in the unit. The layout provides comfortable living space with room to spread out, making it perfect for those looking for both
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