About 3 miles south of downtown Topeka, Jefferson Square is a predominantly residential neighborhood of smaller houses located right next to a railroad. “It was primarily a railroad community when it was developed,” says Cody Whitney, a real estate agent with Better Homes and Gardens Wostal Realty in Topeka. “So, when the railroad came through and started bringing in tons of employees, they kind of settled in that area and just stayed. That’s why there are so many small houses and homeowners who have been there for generations.” With a median home price of around $100,000, Jefferson Square is an affordable option compared to Topeka’s median of $185,000. The neighborhood also has two parks close to homes and offers convenience to retailers and popular local restaurants.
Jefferson Square is primarily made up of ranch-style homes.
Jefferson Square developed next to a railroad south of Downtown Topeka.
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Modest ranch-style and split-level homes
Jefferson Square is primarily made up of ranch-style and split-level houses built between the 1950s and ‘80s. Most are situated on quarter-acre lots with fenced-in backyards – some with trees and others with more open spaces. These homes range anywhere from 500 to 2,000 square feet, though are typically on the smaller side. They generally have two to three bedrooms, with turnkey properties selling for around $75,000 to $150,000. There are, however, homes in need of renovations, which typically sell for around $35,000 to $50,000 and are often fixed up by investors. “I see people who want to make the community better,” says Morgan Whitney, Cody’s wife and also a Realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Wostal Realty. “If there’s a dilapidated house, they want to come in and make it better and affordable. You see it all over Topeka. These investors are in for the good of improving the community.”
Turnkey ranch-style and split-level homes in Jefferson Square shaded by mature trees.
Most in Jefferson Square are situated on quarter-acre lots with fenced-in backyards.
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Two local parks and after-school programs Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka
There are two parks within walking distance of neighborhood homes. Austin Park, located on the north side, was updated in 2021 with brand-new playground equipment. There’s also a picnic pavilion where family and friends can gather to grill and celebrate special occasions, along with a ball field and basketball court. Bentley Park is just a half-mile south of Austin Park, offering more natural green space and a playground. Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka is just across the street from Bentley Park. The non-profit organization offers after-school programs and other activities such as sports and art throughout the year.
Residents can also walk to Austin Park, which was updated in 2021 with new playground equipment.
See Gage Park on a Mini-Train and take all the pictures you can.
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Education through Topeka Public Schools
Students attend Highland Park Central Elementary School, which is about 1 mile east and earns a C grade from Niche. Jardine Middle School is about 3 miles west, earning a B-minus grade. Students can then head to Highland Park High School, located on California Avenue near Walmart. It earns a C-plus grade and is ranked the seventh-most diverse public high school in the state.
Highland Park High School is a popular school in the area.
All students receive a chromebook at Jardine Middle School.
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Public buses through Topeka Metro
Topeka Metro offers a few bus stops on the north and south sides of the neighborhood with routes to take residents all over the city. It’s about a 2.5-mile drive from Adams Street to downtown. The closest access point to Interstate 70 is also on Adams Street, about 1.5 miles north. Though Topeka Regional Airport is about 7 miles south, it no longer offers commercial flights as of 2014. The closest place to fly out of is Kansas City International Airport, about 73 miles east. The railroad the neighborhood initially connected to still operates on the west edge of Jefferson Square, buffered by trees, connecting directly to an Amtrak station and Burlington Northern Santa Fe facilities near downtown.
Nearby stores and restaurants
Locals can shop and dine on Southeast 29th Street on the neighborhood’s south side. Owls Nest, one of two locations in Topeka, is the city’s largest indoor flea market. There’s also Topeka Beauty Supply right next to Owls Nest and Highland Crews Pawn across the street. For everyday shopping needs, residents can drive 2 miles east to Walmart and Dillons on Southeast California Avenue. There’s also an Aldi just past the train tracks on Southeast 29th Street. That same area is where the closest restaurants are, including Tuptim Thai, which is well known for its money bags appetizer. Spangles, a Topeka chain, is another favorite, offering a 50s diner atmosphere with a drive-thru.
Local businesses line 29th Street.
Jefferson Square locals can head to Spangles for a retro 1950s diner vibe.
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
Lesia McMillin,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Holliday Park
Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site
Big Shunga Park
Yager Stadium
Huntoon Park
Gage Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Jefferson Square
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Jefferson Square Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Jefferson Square, Topeka sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Jefferson Square, Topeka over the last 12 months is $130,000, up 33% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lesia McMillin,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
660
Median Age
36
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
29.8%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$22,000
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$30,998
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
80.4%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
21.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.7%
% Population in Labor Force
67.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
21°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
12''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
50/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
28/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
27/ 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.
