Rural community and water activities in Vassar
Overlooking the shores of Pomona Lake, Vassar is a small community south of Topeka with lots of scenery and natural recreation. “It’s just a neat place. It’s right on the lake and it’s right off Highway 268, so it’s great for commuters,” says Brandy Criss-Engler, a broker with Superior Real Estate with nearly 20 years of experience. “It’s a peaceful little area close to the lake and state parks, so it has a lot to offer.” Pomona State Park and several other campgrounds give residents many choices for outdoor fun. Nearby highways offer convenient commutes throughout the region, making Vassar a suitable option for those working in Topeka but seeking a quiet lifestyle in rural Kansas.
Spacious lots in the Kansas countryside
Ranch-style homes are the most common in Vassar, but buyers can also find American Foursquares, Craftsman and split-level homes. Much of the community consists of fields and farmland, with wide open spaces between the properties. Other areas feature homes closer together, but still on spacious lots of a half-acre or more. There are some waterfront properties that offer easy access to the lake with private docks and boat slips. Thanks to the rise in work-from-home jobs, the number of full-time residents in the community has increased. “It used to be more of a vacation area where people were coming on the weekends, but now a lot of them have transitioned to full-time,” Criss-Engler says. "There’s not as many vacation homes as there used to be, but there are still some.” Most homes cost between $90,000 and $360,000. Much of the area has a high risk of wildfires; the Kansas Forest Service has several resources on prevention and preparedness.
State parks and trails offer lots of room for recreation
Pomona State Park is a 490-acre natural area on the southern shores of the lake. This park has multiple campgrounds popular with visitors who want to make an overnight trip. “Ever since COVID, if you want to camp, you have to make reservations way ahead of time. The campsites are full all the time,” Criss-Engler says. Day-use areas include a seasonal beach, a nine-hole disc golf course and over 10 miles of hiking trails. The park also has multiple boat ramps and a marina for those who want to enjoy a day on the water. Crappie and catfish are abundant, and some fishermen have set state records with their catches from this lake. Other campgrounds and recreation areas nearby include Michigan Valley Campground, Wolf Creek Campground and Hundred and Ten Mile Recreation Area. The Flint Hills Trail is a 118-mile rail trail that passes through Vassar, offering a spot for a scenic bike ride and morning jog. Lamont Hill Golf Club is a public nine-hole course with paved cart paths and a driving range.
Nearby cities have a mix of shopping and dining
Vassar has little commercial activity due to its small size and rural nature. The golf course has a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with daily specials including a Saturday night buffet. Breck’s Green Acres Restaurant serves comfort food in a casual setting and is known for its chicken fried steak. The nearby city of Lyndon has more options, including American eateries, pizza parlors and a coffee shop. Groceries are available at White’s Foodliner or DG Market in Osage City, about 12 miles west of Vassar. There is also a Dollar General in Lyndon. For more shopping options and big-box stores like Walmart, residents can head 23 miles east to Ottawa.
Lyndon schools offer various career paths
Lyndon Elementary and Middle School serves kindergarten through eighth grade and gets a B-minus from Niche. Lyndon High School earns a B. The high school has a higher average ACT score than the statewide average and offers dual credit courses through Allen County Community College. Students can enroll in career pathways including animal science, agriculture, health science and graphic design. The school also has several clubs and organizations, including the National Honor Society, Future Farmers of America and Future Business Leaders of America.
State and U.S. highways provide convenient commutes
Vassar sits along K-268, also known as East 237th Street, which connects to U.S. Route 75. Topeka is about 35 miles north via Highway 75. State Highway 31 leads to Osage City, while state Highway 68 leads to Ottawa. The closest hospital is AdventHealth Ottawa, about 22 miles away.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
