$204,343Average Value$110Average Price per Sq Ft14Homes For Sale
A leafy suburb on the southern outskirts of Topeka
South Topeka began development in the 1960s, adding to the suburban lifestyle of the city’s outskirts. Developers retained most of the wooded landscape while creating subdivisions of single-family homes. Though residents feel close to nature in their own yards, public outdoor spaces are readily available, from the trails at Big Shunga Park to the adventures of Lake Shawnee, the largest lake in Topeka. Right at the center of it all is a busy commercial corridor full of stores, restaurants and industrial shops, making this a place where people can live, work and play.
Ted Ensley Garden is filled with beautiful scenery that is enjoyed with family and friends.
South Topeka Brings suburban living to the southern outskirts of the Kansas state capitol.
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Homes built between the 1960s and 2010s
The neighborhood’s west side comprises single-family homes built between the 1960s and ‘70s. Ranch-style homes, split-levels and Colonial Revivals are common, most of which are built on quarter-acre lots with trees and greenery. They can be anywhere from 800 to 3,000 square feet, with prices ranging from $75,000 to $300,000. Similar homes can be found on the east side, closer to Lake Shawnee, along with newer homes built between the 1990s and 2010s. They feature New Traditional architecture with 2,500 to 3,000 square feet of living space, which includes built-in, multi-car garages. Homebuyers interested in these homes can expect to pay $250,000 and $400,000.
Because Topeka is in Tornado Alley, a Midwest region with a high tornado risk, most houses have basements, which is known to be the safest place in a home during severe weather. Peak tornado season runs from April to June. South Topeka doesn’t have much history with tornadoes since the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) started tracking them in 1950. The only record of a tornado was in 2011, which was a weak EF0 that briefly touched down and crossed Lake Shawnee, causing “minor structural and tree damage,” according to the NOAA.
Some 1 story homes in South Topeka were built in the 1960s.
South Topeka homes have backyards with privacy fences and some sit on corner lots.
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Nature trails and Topeka's largest lake
Residents on the west side of South Topeka live right by Big Shunga Park. The park has a large open space with an 18-hole disc golf course and wooded trails that connect to a network of Topeka hiking destinations, including the Shunga Trail, which runs 38 miles south to the Flint Hills Nature Trail in Quenemo. To the east, Lake Shawnee draws people from all over the city. “My son and I go there to fish all the time,” says Laurence Subelka, who has lived in South Topeka since 2016. “They have bass, catfish, crappie and they stock it with trout in the winter.” People can take their boat out on the 516-acre lake or cast a line from one of the many fishing docks. Several other activities surround the lake, including another disc golf course, trails and Ted Ensley Gardens. “The garden is beautiful and draws a lot of people,” says Janet Carter, broker of Carter Realty and a native Topekan. “They keep it real nice and you’ll frequently see weddings taking place there.”
Locals take brisk walks around Lake Shawnee with their best friend.
Magic is awaiting around the corner with trails galore at Big Shunga Park.
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Two highly rated college prep high schools
Jardine Elementary School is steps away from homes on the west side of the neighborhood, earning a C-plus grade from Niche. Jardine Middle School, which is in the same building, gets a B-minus. Students will go on to either Topeka High School or Topeka West High School, each of which earns a B-plus. Topeka High and Topeka West High are ranked the second and fourth-best college prep high schools in Shawnee County, respectively. Both offer dual credit courses through Washburn University at a discounted tuition for qualifying students.
Topeka High School engages students in the highest quality of learning.
Older students may attend Topeka West High School.
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Duck races and holiday lights at Lake Shawnee
People from all over the city look forward to Lake Shawnee’s annual events. The Sertoma Great Topeka Duck Race, held every September, has been going strong since 1995. Participants purchase rubber ducks, which are then dumped into the lake and flow to the finish line. In 2024, more than 11,000 ducks were purchased and the grand prize winner got a free car. Proceeds from the event go toward programs of the Sertoma Clubs of Topeka, such as Children’s Miracle Network and Meals on Wheels. During the holiday season, people come to Lake Shawnee for Winter Wonderland, a drive-through light display that raises money for TARC, a non-profit that provides services for people with disabilities.
Access to public buses and I-470
It’s about a 4-mile drive north to Downtown Topeka from various main roads, such as Topeka Boulevard, where commuters can hop on a Topeka Metro bus to get around. Drivers have convenient access to Interstate 470, taking them around the city’s perimeter. Though Topeka Regional Airport is about 6 miles south of the neighborhood, there are no commercial flights. Instead, people fly out of Kansas City International Airport, about 75 miles east.
The Topeka Boulevard and 37th Street corridor is filled with shopping and dining options.
Locals can jump on the Topeka Metro to get around town.
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Retailers, restaurants and industrial businesses
The junction of 37th Street and Topeka Boulevard is full of commercial and industrial activity. Shoppers can head to Walmart for everyday essentials. There are also several small shopping centers with local shops, such as Owls Nest, an established antique store, and the Giving Tree thrift store. As for dining out, locals have their choice of fast-food restaurants and a few local establishments. Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant has been a staple brewpub since 1995 and won Brewery of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival in 2022. Gerardo’s is another local favorite, where people can dine in or grab Mexican food from the drive-through. Those who like to watch sports and play pool with friends head to Abigail’s Grill & Bar, open past midnight. The area has several local industrial shops and manufacturing plants, including the Frito-Lay warehouse, which employs around 800 people.
Abigail's Grill and Bar is perfect for food, games, drinks and late-night hangouts.
South Topeka can give items at new home at The Giving Tree.
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
Tim Ray,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Warren Nature Area
Lake Shawnee
Big Shunga Park
Gage Park
Shunga Glen Park
Betty Phillips Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
South Topeka
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
South Topeka Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South Topeka, Topeka sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in South Topeka, Topeka over the last 12 months is $201,010, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This is what you have been waiting for! Gorgeous 4 bedroom, 3 bath ranch home in Shawnee Heights! Walk into a freshly painted open-concept main level featuring beautiful hardwood floors, granite counter tops, and fireplace. Nicely finished basement has family room wired for surround sound, full bath, laundry room, and bedroom with egress window. Included in the purchase of this home is the
This well-maintained home sits just across from Jardine Middle and Elementary School and offers a great blend of comfort and updates. The main level features beautiful hardwood floors and a cozy fireplace in the living room. The kitchen offers newer appliances, all of which stay with the home. The basement includes a spacious family room with a second fireplace and a wet bar. The home is also
A meticulously maintained, one-owner split-level home with 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and a finished basement. This home has been lovingly cared for over the years and offers solid bones and clean, functional spaces. Conveniently located near shopping and parks, it’s ready for its next chapter!
;Huntley Ridge Apartment Homes, a community of apartments in Topeka, Kansas. Our community offers a sweeping selection of studio, one and two bedroom apartments, along with 3 bedroom townhomes supplied with stylish kitchens,& large bathrooms, washers and dryer hookups- townhomes only, closets, and a private patio. Located in South West Topeka, residents. Huntley Ridge Apartment Homes enjoy
There are various floor plans to choose from with each unit offering a private patio or balcony. Select units even offer a cozy wood burning fireplace and convenient washer/dryer connections. These apartment homes also come equipped with dishwasher and garbage disposal in the kitchen, carpeted flooring, central air and spacious walk-in closets. Adding to the appeal of this community is a
Welcome to White Lakes Plaza Apartments in Topeka, Kansas! Just around the corner from 470 highway, the White Lakes community is conveniently located just minutes away from new shopping centers, Washburn University, and the National Guard. White Lakes Apartments boasts beautiful courtyard views, spacious floor plans, and a variety of unique styles and designs. Contact us to tour one of our
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tim Ray,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
16,659
Median Age
39
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$51,788
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$71,852
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
31.6%
Advanced Degrees
9%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.3%
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®
43/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
20/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
22/ 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.
