Best Neighborhoods In Wichita, KS

Wichita is a city of distinct neighborhoods. Historic districts with brick streets and Craftsman homes sit a few minutes from loft apartments in old warehouses, and newer subdivisions with big yards spread out to the east and west. Because commutes are short, most people can choose where to live based on lifestyle and schools rather than drive time.

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This guide covers the best neighborhoods in Wichita, KS for different kinds of buyers and renters, plus the suburbs most families consider. Pair it with our guide to the cost of living in Wichita to set a realistic budget.

Wichita Neighborhoods At A Glance

Best Neighborhoods Near Downtown

College Hill

East of downtown, College Hill is the neighborhood most Wichitans name first. Its tree-lined streets are full of Craftsman, Tudor and Colonial Revival homes, and it is home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House. College Hill Park has a public pool, tennis courts and a sledding hill, and the Crown Uptown Theatre and Clifton Square shops are nearby.

It is one of the most walkable parts of a car-dependent city, and homes generally sell above the citywide median. Buyers should budget for the upkeep that comes with older houses.

Riverside

Riverside is one of Wichita’s oldest neighborhoods, developed in the late 1800s along the Little Arkansas River. Riverside Park, with its small zoo and playgrounds, is the centerpiece, and the Museums on the River district, including Botanica, the Wichita Art Museum and Old Cowtown, is next door.

Homes range from modest bungalows to grand older houses, and the riverside trails make it a favorite for walkers and cyclists.

Delano

On the west bank of the Arkansas River, Delano began as a rowdy cattle-town district and has become one of Wichita’s liveliest areas. Local restaurants, coffee shops and bars line Douglas Avenue, and Riverfront Stadium, home of the Wichita Wind Surge, sits at its edge.

Housing mixes older bungalows with new townhomes and apartments, and prices are generally more accessible than College Hill, which draws first-time buyers and young professionals.

Old Town

Old Town is Wichita’s brick warehouse district turned entertainment hub. Lofts and apartments sit above restaurants, bars, a movie theater and the Saturday farmers market. It is the best fit for people who want to walk to dinner and do not need a yard. Expect some weekend noise.

Historic Midtown

North of downtown, Historic Midtown is a large district of older homes, many built in the early 1900s. It offers some of the best value close to the city center, and buyers willing to renovate can find character homes at prices well below College Hill.

Crown Heights

Next to College Hill on the east side, Crown Heights has quiet streets and a mix of older and mid-century homes. It shares easy access to Douglas Avenue shops and the east side’s parks while feeling a little more tucked away.

Neighborhoods With More Space

Eastborough

Eastborough is a small, separate city surrounded by east Wichita, known for large homes on generous, wooded lots. It has its own city government and police, which some residents value, and prices are among the highest in the area.

West Wichita

West Wichita has grown quickly, with newer subdivisions, golf communities and shopping along major corridors. It suits buyers who want newer construction, larger lots and attached garages. Commutes downtown are still short by big-city standards.

Northeast Wichita

Northeast Wichita mixes established neighborhoods with newer developments, upscale shopping and dining, and easy access to Wichita State University and the Kansas Turnpike. It is popular with professionals and families who want newer homes without leaving the city.

Looking Beyond The City?

Many families look at Wichita’s suburbs for their school districts and newer housing. Andover, in Butler County to the east, and Derby, to the south, are the most popular and typically list well above the Wichita median. Maize, northwest of the city, and Goddard, to the west, have grown with new subdivisions, while Bel Aire and Valley Center offer smaller-town living on the north side. Each suburb has its own school district and tax levy, so compare both before you choose.

How To Choose A Wichita Neighborhood

Which School District Serves The Address?

Wichita Public Schools covers most of the city, but suburban districts such as Andover, Derby, Maize and Goddard have their own boundaries, and some Wichita addresses fall inside them. Confirm the district for each specific home.

How Old Is The House?

Older neighborhoods offer character but can come with original plumbing, wiring and foundations. Newer subdivisions trade charm for lower maintenance. Budget for an inspection that looks closely at roofs, foundations and sewer lines.

Where Will You Shelter In A Storm?

Spring brings severe weather to south-central Kansas. Many homes have basements, but slab-on-grade houses and apartments may not. Check whether a home has a basement or safe room, or where the nearest shelter is.

Do You Want To Walk Or Drive?

If walking to restaurants matters, look at Old Town, Delano, College Hill and Riverside. Elsewhere, plan on driving for most errands.

What Will The Property Tax Bill Be?

Mill levies differ between Wichita, Eastborough and each suburb. Look up the actual tax history for a property rather than relying on an estimate.

Conclusion

Wichita’s best neighborhoods range from historic College Hill and Riverside to lively Delano and Old Town, with newer homes on the east and west sides and family suburbs like Andover and Derby beyond. Decide how much you value walkability, schools and house age, then tour a few areas at different times of day. Our guide to moving to Wichita covers the rest of the checklist, and for weekends out, see the best things to do in Wichita.