As a National Historic District, Potwin's late 1800s charm remains preserved throughout the community. Red-brick roads with stone curbs weave through landscaped traffic circles, lined by 19th-century homes, all encapsulating Potwin's historic roots as one of Topeka's oldest neighborhoods. The pleasing aesthetics are complimented by a strong sense of community, where locals look out for each other and continue decades of traditions. "The people are committed to the neighborhood," says Christine Steinkuehler, who has lived in Potwin since 2000. "It's not just a commitment to your individual house. It's a commitment to the neighborhood and to the community and supporting other neighbors doing their thing." Every holiday is a spectacle in Potwin, especially the Fourth of July, Halloween and Christmas. And while people from all over the city come to Potwin to celebrate these occasions, neighbors are also known for hosting their own small community events at their homes.
Preserved century-old homes
Potwin is known for its elaborate Queen Anne houses built between the late 1800s and 1920s. They feature artfully textured siding, multi-gabled roofs and wrap-around porches. Various Colonial styles can also be found, along with some charming English cottages. Most homes are situated on quarter-acre lots with mature trees that add to the neighborhood's beauty, keeping people out and about. "Potwin is very much a walker neighborhood," says Steinkuehler. "There's not a time of day you come by here and you don't see people walking around." Potwin's three-to-five-bedroom homes generally range from 1,500 to 3,500 square feet, selling for $235,000 to $350,000.
Extravagant holiday celebrations and community gatherings on each block
Holidays are a huge deal in Potwin, so much so that a resident purchased an old nearby gas station to store everyone's decorations. During the Fourth of July, houses are covered in red, white and blue, while residents partake in week-long activities like a talent show, softball games and a parade. Come fall, the houses get decked out in spooky decorations for Halloween, which draws kids from all over the city. "You get told if you're going to live in Potwin, you should be prepared to serve 5,000 pieces of candy to trick-or-treaters," says Karen Hiller, a Topeka councilmember who represents the neighborhood. Christmastime is especially magical, with just about every house and traffic circle covered in lights. Aside from these massive holiday events, each block in Potwin hosts its own small community gatherings. Steinkuehler says, "My block does a soup dinner in February. Different people do outdoor movies in their yards and have little popcorn machines. Our neighbor, Carlos, did this whole concert on the porch. And for a while, my husband and our neighbor, Scott, ran a Saturday science club doing science experiments with elementary kids."
Eating ice cream with firefighters at G’s Frozen Custard
SW 6th Avenue is less than a half-mile from the neighborhood's southside, offering all of Potwin's nearest shopping and dining options. Locals can shop for everyday essentials at Walmart Neighborhood Market and Dollar Tree. Taco Al's has been a popular Mexican restaurant in the community since 1963. Meanwhile, G's Frozen Custard is a city-wide dessert staple, named the best ice cream shop from 2016 to 2023 in Topeka's Community Choice Awards. The Topeka Fire Department is known for frequently showing up to G's so kids can see the fire trucks.
Outdoor fun at Willow Park and a step back in time at Old Prairie Town
Willow Park is situated between the fork of SW Willow Avenue and SW 6th Avenue. The park offers lots of green space full of trees and a playground. Those who want to get active can work out at the park's fitness station or go for a stroll on the 0.40-mile trail around the park's perimeter. Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site is less than a mile east, taking visitors back in time as they walk through a village of 19th-century buildings on the Oregon Trail, which ran through the city. They can explore a Victorian mansion, grab a drink from the vintage soda fountain at Potwin Drug Store and walk through the botanical garden, which hosts the annual Tulips at Twilight event every April when the flowers bloom.
Education through Topeka Public Schools
Students attend Meadows Elementary School, which Niche grades a C-plus and is about four blocks away. They'll go on to Robinson Middle, which also receives a C-plus, and Topeka High, which is graded a B. Built in 1931, Topeka High is well known for its elaborate Gothic-style architecture, including a 165-foot bell tower inspired by Henry VIII's Great Hall at Hampton Court Palace.
A 1.5-mile trip to downtown
There are no public transportation options directly in Potwin. However, Topeka Metro provides bus services along nearby SW 6th Avenue. Whether driving or taking the bus, it's about a 1.5-mile commute to downtown. That's where the closest access to Interstate 70 is located, which runs west through Kansas and about 60 miles east to Kansas City. Topeka's regional airport is about 10 miles to the south.
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
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Parks in this Area
Holliday Park
Ward Meade Park
Chandler Library Pavilion
Hummer Sports Park
Gage Park
Auburndale Park
Topeka Zoo
Willow Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Potwin
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Potwin, Topeka sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Potwin, Topeka over the last 12 months is $281,976, down 8% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$270,000
Median Single Family Price
$270,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$118
Last 12 months Home Sales
5
Median List Price
$274,900
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-23%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
111
Median Year Built
1890
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,598
Significantly above the national average
1,936
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
12,196
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Melissa Herdman,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
289
Median Age
44
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.9%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$96,052
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$103,270
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.5%
College Graduates
58.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
26.6%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
21°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
12''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
68/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
51/ 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.
