Like many cities in the Midwest, Wellington was developed around agriculture and railroading. More than 150 years after its founding, the city holds on to its agricultural roots, proclaiming itself the Wheat Capital of the World. “It’s a small town where people care about each other. People move here for a slower pace of life and a hometown feel,” says Rachel Westmoreland, a sales agent with J.P. Weigand & Sons, Inc. “Many people are moving from bigger cities, and I think they want to be around the agricultural lifestyle where they can raise chickens or live on a farm.” Surrounded by farmland around 35 miles south of Wichita, Wellington has grown to a population of about 7,700 people. The city has developed its own culture of local shops, restaurants and events while providing easy access to the larger city with Interstate 35 nearby.
Different crops of homes
Wellington has seen population growth throughout the years, which has influenced the popular housing styles in the city. “The first boom in Wellington was when the railroad came through around 1900 to 1920. Many homes were built then, so there are a lot of bungalows,” says Westmoreland. “There was also a boom during the 1970s and 1980s, so some homes are from that timeframe. But Craftsman and Victorian homes are the most common.” Homes from the early 20th century typically have spacious front porches. The more modern homes are usually ranch-style houses and frequently have built-in garages. Houses in Wellington are close enough together to feel like a city, but yards are still spacious enough for homeowners to do landscaping or for children to play in the yard. Mature trees line the streets, casting shade throughout the community and offering natural beauty. Homes in Wellington typically range from $100,000 to $250,000.
Wellington homes are generally small in size.
This Wellington home was inspired by Victorian architecture.
Homes in Wellington generally sit on small lots of land.
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Eating in Wellington and Wichita
Several local shops and restaurants line the streets of downtown, including boutiques selling jewelry, shoes and quilts. The Dore is a popular grill on Washington Avenue famous for its steak and fries. Locals enjoy dining at Penny’s Diner anytime hunger strikes. Open 24 hours, this retro diner is known for its shakes and chicken fried steak. If there’s a craving that can’t be satisfied in Wellington, residents can make the drive north to Wichita. “We’re just a hot minute away from Wichita, so you can drive up there or to any of the surrounding towns like Derby and be able to eat anywhere or do any kind of shopping you want,” says Westmoreland. Locals can pick up groceries in Wellington at Dillons on Eighth Street. There is a Walmart on the east side of town on 10th Avenue for more grocery options or other household items.
Locals eat up Penny's Dinner in Wellington.
Braum's is just one of a few different fast food national chains in Wellington.
Downtown Wellington shows the historic side of the city.
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Schools with career pathways
Students in Wellington might attend Washington Elementary School, rated a B overall by Niche; Wellington Middle School, which gets a C rating; and Wellington High School, rated a C-plus. Wellington High serves approximately 450 students with a student-teacher ratio of 12-to-1. The school offers career and technical pathways in several industries, including agriculture, business management, health sciences, and law and public safety.
Children can get their start at Washington Elementary School.
After middle school, kids have the option to attend Wellington High School.
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How to have fun in Wellington
Wellington has several public parks where residents can spend time outdoors with friends and family. Woods Park is a large green space with a disc golf course, playgrounds and picnic shelters. Residents can get friends together for a volleyball game on the sand court. The park is also home to a public par-70, 18-hole golf course. Worden Park is a popular spot for sports, with three softball fields, a soccer field and a football field. Residents can exercise on the lighted walking path or bring the kids for fun on the playground. The park also has a go-kart racing track. Wellington Lake is a city-owned lake about 12 miles from town. The lake is popular for fishing, boating and camping. Anglers can cast a line for catfish, largemouth bass or crappie. There are 200 campsites surrounding the lake, offering both primitive and electric hook-up sites. The lake also has a small swimming beach and playground on the southwestern shore.
There are plenty of scenic areas to admire in Wellington.
Wellington Lake is a great place to spend summer evenings.
Even pooches need their green spaces, like Wellington Dog Park.
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Wheat's happening
Wellington embraces its heritage as the Wheat Capital of the World each summer with the Kansas Wheat Festival. This four-day festival includes a parade, car show, food vendors and a quilt show. Attendees can purchase a $5 button to enter the festival, which takes place throughout town, although most events are concentrated around Sellers Park.
Wellington is car-dependent
Several major highways run through or near Wellington, giving residents multiple routes through Kansas. U.S. Route 81 goes north to south through the city, while Route 160 goes east to west. Route 81 offers residents a 4.5-mile drive to the Wellington Municipal Airport, where some of the largest employers are located, such as GKN Aerospace and Triumph Accessory Services. Interstate 35 is just 4 miles east of the city and is the main route for the 35-mile drive north to Wichita. There is a Greyhound bus stop at Casey’s on East 16th Street for Wellington residents who want to travel out of town without a car. There is no bus service within the city, so having a car is necessary. Homebuyers who live close to downtown can walk to some of the local shops and restaurants in the area.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
Photography Contributed By
Zach Manwell
Video By
Lucas Dyke
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kirk Short,
an experienced agent in this area.
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