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Valley Center

Valley Center

Located in Sedgwick County

$256,541 Average Value
$174 Average Price per Sq Ft
42 Homes For Sale

A community that sticks together

Just north of Wichita, before Sedgwick County turns into endless plots of farmland, Valley Center is a small-town city of more than 7,000 people centered around a charming Main Street. Images of local veterans adorn the light posts on Main Street – just one of the many examples of the community’s fellowship. Heather Hall moved to Valley Center more than 35 years ago with her husband, Larry, who grew up there. Together, they opened Big Larry’s Burgers in 2008 and have received more support than they could have imagined. “The schools and the coaches teach the kids to step up,” says Heather Hall, “Larry got sick a couple years ago and the football team came over to the house to help him out.” The community pride is also evident in the seasonal festivals and charitable events that unite neighbors all year long.

Valley Center has a combination of city and rural living.
Valley Center has a combination of city and rural living.

Supporting local businesses on Main Street

Along Main Street and Meridian Avenue is Valley Center’s downtown with dozens of small businesses. Locals can start their mornings with a latte, pastry and a board game at Main Street Coffee. They also have their options of Chinese and Mexican food or American grub and beer at The Hive. Big Larry’s, however, is one of the most popular spots in town. “We opened in 2008 with just six booths,” says Heather Hall, “The community has really supported us, and now we can seat like 108.” The burger joint serves up a variety of burgers along with crispy fries. Those who are up for it can get a t-shirt and their picture in the Hall of Fame by attempting the Big Larry Challenge, a burger with three 0.75-pound patties and nine slices of cheese. The downtown area also has several local businesses such as auto shops, thrift stores and gift shops, like Anne’s Attic, which sells lots of unique products, including locally sourced food. For everyday shopping needs, there’s a Dollar General in town, along with Leeker’s Family Foods about 4 miles away in Wichita.

Main Street offers plenty of shopping and eating experiences in Valley Center.
Main Street offers plenty of shopping and eating experiences in Valley Center.
Main Street Coffee is a great place to socialize or get some work done in Valley Center.
Main Street Coffee is a great place to socialize or get some work done in Valley Center.
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A big fall festival and other seasonal events

The downtown area hosts numerous seasonal community events. For over 60 years, the area has shut down for the Valley Center Fall Festival at the end of September. “I didn’t realize how good our fall festival was until I went to one somewhere else,” says Hall. “It’s a huge party. People who have moved away come back home just for that weekend to hang out.” The exciting two-day festival features a parade, carnival rides, a fishing derby and much more. Locals also look forward to the annual pie auction put on by Menocause, a group within the Valley Center Community Foundation. “It’s a group of men, and they all pay their dues to the community,” says Hall. “People will spend thousands of dollars just for a pie, and all the money goes back to the community in one way or another.” Come winter, the town gets in the holiday spirit on Main Street for the annual Hometown Christmas event, where residents gather over hot chocolate, cookies and live music from the high school band before ending the night with a tree lighting ceremony.

Modest ranch-style homes to large country estates

In the heart of Valley Center are mostly side-by-side ranch-style houses built throughout the mid-1900s. They can range anywhere from $115,000 for 800 square feet up to $250,000 for 2,000 square feet. Some areas feature newer housing developments with neo-eclectic homes from the early 2000s to 2020s. Most come with attached garages and offer 1,200 to 2,500 square feet of living space, selling for around $250,000 to $350,000. With the outskirts of Valley Center being wide-open Kansas prairie, a handful of custom-built country estates sit on acres of land with sprawling farm views, selling for anywhere from $400,000 to $600,000.

You will also find rows of ranch and bungalow styled homes in Valley Center.
You will also find rows of ranch and bungalow styled homes in Valley Center.
Valley Center has a few white modern farmhouses.
Valley Center has a few white modern farmhouses.
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Dual enrollment at Valley Center High

Valley Center Unified School District offers three different elementary schools, all with a B grade or higher from Niche. Kindergarten through third-grade students may attend Abilene Elementary, which gets an A grade and is ranked the second-best elementary school in Sedgwick County. Students from all three will go on to B-plus-graded Valley Center Intermediate and C-plus-graded Valley Center Middle. Then, they’ll finish their degrees at B-graded Valley Center High, where they can take dual credit courses through Wichita State University.

Another schooling option is Valley Center Middle School.
Another schooling option is Valley Center Middle School.
After middle School, kids can attend Valley Center High School.
After middle School, kids can attend Valley Center High School.
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Public parks and a community pool

Lions Park is a frequent space for locals to get outdoors, whether to relax under the whimsical gazebo or swim in the community pool. They can even cool off in the splash pad at McLaughlin Park, which also has an 18-hole disc golf course and a fishing pond stocked with rainbow trout and bluegill. Traditional golfers can hit the links on the nine-hole Valley Point Golf Course. And those who would rather enjoy a nice book can grab one from the library at the Valley Center Community Building, which is also used to host private parties.

Lions Park offers a large community swimming pool in Valley Center.
Lions Park offers a large community swimming pool in Valley Center.
Kids love to play on the swings at McLaughlin Park.
Kids love to play on the swings at McLaughlin Park.
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Take the interstate or the back road to Wichita

There are two routes to Downtown Wichita, both of which are about 14 miles. Commuters can drive 3 miles east to Interstate 135 and continue driving south to the city. The other option is a smoother 5 mile-drive south through the countryside on Meridian Avenue, which leads to Interstate 235, then I-135.

Below average crime

Valley Center has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 our of 10, compared to the national average of 4.

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Carmela Leach, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Valley Center Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$350,000
Median Sale Price
$185,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$350,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
-3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
110
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-22%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$174

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes for Sale
42
Months of Supply
4.60

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Jul 13
    2 - 4pm

    4350 E Brenda Cir, Valley Center, KS 67147

    $799,900

    • 6 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 3,708 Sq Ft
    • 4350 E Brenda Cir
    • New 12 days ago

    Spectacular Custom-Built Home that has never been lived in! The owner poured their hearts and souls into designing and decorating this spectacular home then got transferred. The home sits on a great treelined cul-de-sac lot that backs to a farmer’s field for the ultimate privacy. As you walk up to the entry of the home you will be greeted by the large front porch and the impressive double glass

    Myron Klaassen Coldwell Banker Plaza Real Estate

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  • Sunday, Jul 13
    11am - 1pm

    8935 N Kessler Rd, Valley Center, KS 67147

    $515,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,833 Sq Ft
    • 8935 N Kessler Rd
    • New 16 days ago

    Enjoy peaceful country living with modern upgrades in this spacious home featuring split floor plan, main floor laundry, HVAC replaced in 2021, a new water heater (2025), and a whole house water filtration system. Well water services for both the home and irrigation. Relax outdoors with a covered patio and fire pit—perfect for entertaining. Easy access to I35, and all appliances included!

    Jessica Seiler Berkshire Hathaway PenFed Realty

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  • Saturday, Jul 12
    1 - 3pm

    440 N Colby Ave, Valley Center, KS 67147

    $167,500

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 848 Sq Ft
    • 440 N Colby Ave

    PRICE IMPROVEMENT! Come fall in LOVE with this charming home in the heart of Valley Center. This home has been well-loved over the years, and it shows, with many recent thoughtful updates, including a kitchen overhaul adding butcher block counters, new cabinetry, new over-head microwave, whole home lighting, fresh paint, and a needed tree removal. The fully fenced back yard has a large deck and

    Danielle Keenan Heritage 1st Realty

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Valley Center Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
7,205
Median Age
37
Population under 18
29%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$71,277
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$83,396

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
93.6%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
36.2%
Advanced Degrees
12.8%
% Population in Labor Force
70.3%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
33''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
17''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

41 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®®

58 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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.
Valley Center
Carmela Leach
Diamond Real Estate
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