Before it was annexed by Topeka in March of 1926, Oakland was its own small town. That’s why today, “It feels like its own little community,” says Debbie Gillum, a Realtor with Hawks Real Estate Professionals who grew up in Oakland. “It still has that sense of seclusion because it’s on the east side of the river.” Among the many mid-century homes and houses of worship are reminders of another time. “You’ll see some of these old, rundown buildings. They used to be our small-town shops. We’d walk to them as kids to buy candy and treats,” says Gillum. Though these boarded-up buildings are now memories, there are still a few longtime restaurants in the neighborhood, including the city’s oldest bar. Longstanding traditions such as Fiesta Topeka have also been going strong for nearly a century, fostering community pride in this leafy, urban neighborhood just 3 miles northeast of Downtown Topeka.
Longtime bars and restaurants
A few local businesses can be found mingled with homes along NE Seward Avenue on the neighborhood’s south side. One of them is Brass Rail Tavern, the oldest bar in Topeka, which opened in 1933. Today, the bar’s rustic and lively atmosphere attracts people looking to sing karaoke and hang out with friends on the patio until 2 a.m. Abigail’s Oakland Grill and Bar also stays open past midnight and is a popular spot to enjoy pub grub while playing pool and darts or watching sports. Locals can also grab a slice from Pizza Parlor, a staple since the 1960s, or some Mexican food from Restaurante Oaxaqueño. For shopping, there’s a Dollar General on NE Sardou Avenue at the center of the neighborhood. The closest big box retailers are Walmart and Dillons, about 4 miles away on U.S. Route 24.
Outdoor and indoor recreation at Oakland Billard Park
Oakland Billard Park features three ballfields and a soccer field, which are used by leagues through Shawnee County Parks and Recreation. The park also has a playground and a skate park (one of three in Topeka) with a half bowl, quarter pipes and other ramps and rails. The Oakland Community Center offers indoor activities, including basketball and volleyball leagues, a membership fitness center and a game room with air hockey, billiards, Ping Pong and more. The community center’s outdoor pool has been around since the 1950s and is being replaced, with the new pool slated to open in 2025. A 1.6-mile trail wraps around the park, leading to Santa Fe Park, which has two more ballfields and a basketball court. It leads to the Oakland Levee Gravel Trail, running almost 9 miles along the Kansas River, through farmland and by the Shunganunga Creek.
Celebrating Mexican traditions at the annual Fiesta Topeka
Since 1933, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church has hosted Fiesta Topeka. The annual five-day event is held every July, featuring Mexican food, music and art, along with carnival rides, a 5K walk/run, a parade and much more.
Mid-century bungalows and ranch-style homes
Oakland has long grid-pattern streets, some of which stretch for 1.4 miles with tree-lined sidewalks. Two- to three-bedroom bungalows and ranch-style houses from the mid-1900s make up a majority of homes, sitting on approximately 0.15-acre lots. However, some of the town’s original Victorians can also be found scattered around the neighborhood. Most houses have driveways in the front with a detached garage that connects to a back alleyway. Homebuyers can expect to spend around $115,000 to $215,000.
C-plus grades from all three schools
Each school zoned to Oakland earns a C-plus grade from Niche. Students start at State Street Elementary, which is attached to Chase Middle. Some homes are just steps from the two schools, while others are no more than 1.5 miles away. Highland Park High, about 3 miles south, is ranked the seventh-most diverse public high school in the state.
Transportation
Topeka Metro buses run along NE Seward and NE Sardou avenues, which can be taken to Downtown Topeka about 3 miles away. Interstate 70 runs through downtown, which locals can take to drive west through Kansas and 60 miles east to Kansas City. Philip Billard Airport in Oakland offered commercial flights until 1976. Today, it’s mostly used for private planes. The closest airport with commercial flights is in Kansas City.
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
Santa Fe Park
Veterans Park
Garfield Park
Ripley Park
Ward Meade Park
Gage Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Oakland
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Oakland, Topeka sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Oakland, Topeka over the last 12 months is $100,093, up 4% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home is situated on a corner lot. This property offers a cozy porch, perfect for relaxing, and a fenced yard for added privacy. While it needs a little work, it’s an excellent opportunity to add your personal touch. Don’t miss out on this one!
Oakland Beauty! 2 story 3 bed rooms and 2 full baths. This home has been remodeled New windows, flooring, carpet, Bathroom vanities, paint, lighting, doors and much more. Very large rooms and open kitchen.
Come see this beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home! It features a brand new kitchen, updated bathrooms, and new windows. You'll also find two great bonus rooms—a mudroom 11'5"x13'10" and a home office 8'8"x5'9" — giving you extra space for work or storage. The home has new luxury vinyl plank and carpet flooring throughout, making it both stylish and comfortable. Enjoy the privacy of a
Property Id: 1280331Welcome to your cozy 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom single family home in Topeka, KS! This charming property features central A/C, carpet and linoleum/vinyl flooring, forced air heating, a fenced yard, garage, washer/dryer hookups, and off-street parking. Enjoy the peaceful neighborhood for $850/month starting 02/03/2025. No pets allowed. Smoke outside only. Book your viewing
New Construction in Oakland!!!Features- Large Primary bedroom with attached bathroom and walk-in closet. Secondary bedrooms/offices are large enough for a queen size bed. Kitchen features marble countertops and new solid surface stove, stainless steel side by side refrigerator above stove microwave and dishwasher. Washer/Dryer hookups in unit.
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
5,338
Median Age
41
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$43,749
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$54,596
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
90.5%
College Graduates
12.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
21°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
12''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
41/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
29/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
19/ 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.
