Wichita’s South Area epitomizes countryside living and big-city convenience. “It’s far enough from downtown to feel quiet and secluded, but not so far that everything feels out of the way,” says River City Realty Jack Silvers. Residents enjoy acres of unique green space, proximity to shopping and dining options and access to several highways.
South Area has a wide variety of house styles. Find a plethora of modest ranch styles and split levels built throughout the midcentury. These side-by-side homes typically have two to three bedrooms and cost around $200,000, which is identical to a Wichita home's average selling price. Selling between $400,000 and $600,000, custom-built country estates with small front porches and lots over 1 acre in size are another popular style. South Area also has mobile homes available to rent or purchase. For instance, the Lakeview Community has rows of double-wide homes with views of a private body of water.
Students in South Area can attend White Elementary, which earns a C-minus grade from Niche. Family nights include STEM activities like coding robots and learning about circuiting. Truesdell Middle School receives a C and offers the National Academic League, a trivia competition against other schools in the district. Wichita South High School has a C-plus and boasts a College Career Center to help students apply for school, scholarships and financial aid. They can even receive free ACT tutoring here.
Bring your puppy to 190-acre Chapin Park and let them play in Ashley’s Memorial Dog Park, named for the first canine brought into the city’s fire department. Throughout her career, Ashley worked on 161 fire scenes and assisted in 33 felony arrests. Wichita’s Radio Control Club also uses the land to fly model airplanes, and it has miles of gravel bike trails with views of quintessential Kansas prairie. More extreme bikers can use the BMX track at Emery Park. The pathway was constructed in 1987 and has held countless races for adults and children ever since. The green space also has a playground, basketball court and fishing lake stocked with bluegill and channel catfish. Golfers can even practice their putt at the public, 9-hole Pine Bay Course, and kayakers can launch a boat in the Arkansas River 71st Street boat ramp.
While South Area is filled with nationally known eateries, like Taco Bell or Dunkin’, there are also a few locally owned establishments. For instance, stop by El Viejito for classic Mexican fare. The bronco burrito stuffed with steak, jalapenos and mushrooms and smothered in queso is especially loved by locals. For dessert, order a funnel cake and enjoy the latest flick at the Starlite Drive-In. If you would rather make a meal at home, a Dillons grocery store is on South Broadway Street. Thanks to Interstate 135 cutting through the area, Towne East Square shopping mall is only about 9 miles away. Buy sports gear at Scheels, a new outfit at H&M or a candle at Bath & Body Works. An 8-mile drive on the highway will also lead you to Old Town, the city’s entertainment district.
Kirk Short
Keller Williams Signature Partners, LLC
(316) 669-4389
709 Total Sales
8 in South Area
$110K - $299K Price Range
Catalina McNany
Collins & Associates
(316) 395-5743
80 Total Sales
1 in South Area
$215,000 Price
Seth Burkhardt
Berkshire Hathaway PenFed Realty
(316) 223-7141
128 Total Sales
2 in South Area
$84K - $190K Price Range
Val Peare
Berkshire Hathaway PenFed Realty
(316) 364-7242
171 Total Sales
1 in South Area
$155,275 Price
Luke Fanello
Berkshire Hathaway PenFed Realty
(316) 999-3820
27 Total Sales
2 in South Area
$165K - $699K Price Range
VILMA ROSA
Standard Realty Co.
(316) 333-7189
41 Total Sales
2 in South Area
$115K - $218K Price Range
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | South Area | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 5 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 4 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 5 | 4 |
| Robbery | 6 | 4 |
| Burglary | 5 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 4 |
| Larceny | 4 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 5 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
On average, homes in South Area, Wichita sell after 20 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in South Area, Wichita over the last 12 months is $189,700, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Former military housing development with low-cost homes and community hubs
Countryside community not far from the heart of Wichita
A quiet city neighborhood with plenty of parks and good starter homes
Wichita region with affordable houses, staple restaurants and unique parks
A community with a history dating back to WWII and a variety of Wichita amenities
Suburban with small-town feel and close-knit community
