$129,139Average Value$160Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
Dunbar Theater and a community on the rise
The story of the McAdams neighborhood is largely the story of the Dunbar Theatre. In the 1940s, the venue was a place for community members to watch a movie, grab an ice cream or pick up from the nearby drug store. Economic decline brought a lack of business, and the building eventually closed in 1963. Abandoned for the latter half of the 20th century, the site fell into disrepair, and it was named in Wichita’s top 25 endangered buildings in 1997.
Local nonprofits, though, took strides to improve the venue with 2003’s McAdams Revitalization Plan. Community members made blueprints for a new marquee, mural and interior – while not fully realized, continuous renovations have established the Dunbar Community Center and made way for the uptown hub’s second heyday. This theatre has become a symbol of the neighborhood's continuous improvement. In addition to nonprofit efforts, the City of Wichita has planned a near-complete renovation of McAdams Recreation Center – a 25,000-square-foot addition with a fitness center and an industrial kitchen, coupled with youth learning programs and an outdoor stage. With community involvement in the last five years, the future looks bright for McAdams. “It should be the next up-and-coming neighborhood in Wichita,” says a 44-year Realtor Jack Silvers with River City Realty. “It’s just northeast of Old Town, an entertainment district that has developed pretty rapidly. The Via Christi Hospital has brought a lot of jobs to that area, too.”
Visit the historic Dunbar Theater in McAdams.
Enjoy the artwork at Wichita City Arts near McAdams.
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Fixer-uppers in uptown neighborhood
Often needing renovations, Cape Cods, bungalows and ranch-styles from the 1930s have front stoops and yards close to the sidewalk. Wooded lots and two-car garages attach to some homes, while others have chain-link fences and treeless backyards. Suited for do-it-yourselfers and investors alike, these two- or three-bedrooms can be found between $50,000 and $100,000, and buyers will be well under the $180,000 Wichita average. These homes don’t go on the market often since rental properties make up 50 percent of this market. “Habitat for Humanity have been building new houses over there,” says Silvers. “Even though it’s so close to downtown, prices have stayed low.” McAdams has a CAP Index Crime Score of 7, three points higher than the national average. To build community relationships, the Wichita Police Department hosts several community events throughout the year, and their Second Chance Thursday has lowered city warrants through voluntary compliance. McAdams Academy, one of the area's nonprofits, works with students who have been expelled or suspended to prevent crime.
Bungalow-style Craftsman homes are very popular in McAdams.
Duplexes are available as a housing option in McAdams.
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Easy commutes with Interstate 135
Though the neighborhood is highly walkable and bikeable, commuters will probably need a car for larger trips. City- and state-wide travel is always an option with Interstate 135 nearby, connecting to State Routes 400 and 96.
Birdseye view of McAdams looking towards downtown Wichita.
Wichita’s public bike transportation system makes for easy travel in McAdams.
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Elementary options, engineering programs in Wichita Public Schools
While this neighborhood is zoned for five different elementary schools, students south of 13th Street will likely start at Park Elementary and advance to Marshall Middle, both rated a C-minus by Niche. Their next step might be Wichita North High, rated a C-plus by Niche and known for its engineering programs – in learning tracks like Tango Flight or the Airbus Flying Challenge, students can build aircraft that will be used by real pilots.
Washington School Elementary is a popular schooling choice for McAdam residences.
This is the main entry for L'Ouverture Career Explorations and Technology Magnet.
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Barbecue spots and the Douglass Design District
Residents can have a quick bite at Dog-N-Shake or grab casual barbecue at Pig In Pig Out. Just east on 13th Street, they can check off their grocery list at Dollar General or get lined up at Iconic Barber & Beauty Longue. For one-stop shopping, Douglass Avenue defines the neighborhood’s southern border, and its Design District houses 500-plus locally owned shops and restaurants. Here, shoppers can find the perfect recipe addition at the Spice Merchant or the right vinyl at The Record Ship.
The Spice Merchant in McAdams is full of delicious delicacies.
Enjoy the smoked meats at Station 8 BBQ in McAdams.
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Lots to do in McAdams Park
McAdams Park's 50 acres are walkable from most places in the neighborhood. There, they can play sand volleyball, tennis, basketball and football – or just relax under its open-air shelter. This park hosts the city’s first artificial turf baseball diamond, and if they’re lucky, visitors might catch a game of League 42 youth baseball. The five-mile Canal Hike and Bike Trail runs right through the park and alongside Interstate 135, providing easy access to neighboring green spaces like Murdock and Glen Dey Parks.
There is a wide variety of activities available in McAdams park.
Find a turf baseball field in McAdams Park.
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Sunset Summerfest and Book Bus Stop
McAdams Park hosts many of the events central to this community. Local food vendors and musicians spice up the annual Sunset Summerfest, and artists set up booths and concerts for JuneteenthICT. Bringing their services directly to the park lawn, Wichita’s Public Library also coordinates a monthly “Book Bus Stop” for kids.
The Barry Sanders Football Field can be found in McAdams park.
Enjoy a round of golf at McDonald Golf Course, just around the corner from McAdams.
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Commercial or Residential. This is a one of a kind opportunity to own a piece of unique Wichita history! This was a church that has completely been re-designed and re-built inside and out. Massive wood work thru out. Original European stained glass. Massive 2nd floor master suite features fireplace, separate sitting area and walk in closets. All of the baths feature over-scaled walk in showers
Investor Special! This home was lived in until the owner had to move to assisted living earlier in 2025. This home has so much character and lots of space both inside and out! There is a nice sized living room and large dining room on the main floor. There is one bedroom and the potential for a 2nd smaller bedroom on the main floor. The kitchen has lots of cabinets and the main floor bathroom was
Welcome Home to Central Park Apartments, located at 1514 E 3rd St, Wichita, KansasWe have Studio - 3 Bedrooms Available!!This complex is located in Downtown Wichita, tucked back in a quiet neighborhood. With a reasonable cost of living, good housing values, and plenty of restaurants and stores nearby, this quaint neighborhood is the perfect choice for singles or small
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