Complete Guide to Living in Emporia, KS

Quick Facts About Emporia, Kansas

Tucked between the ribbons of the Neosho and the Cottonwood Rivers, on the eastern edge of the Flint Hills, lies a small city known for its gravel bike trails, its disc golf courses and authentic spirit — Emporia, Kansas.  

Founded as a company town by five teetotaling businesspeople during one of the most tumultuous times in U.S. history, Emporia was established as an alcohol-free city in 1857 — the same year that Kansas, flooded with new settlers, voted to enshrine slavery into its constitution. Thankfully, neither of these institutions survive in the city today. While the names of Emporia’s founders — G.W. Brown, Columbus Hornsby, General G.W. Deitzler, Lyman Allen and Preston B. Plumb — have largely been relegated to the local history of Emporia, other former residents have achieved a more enduring, international legacy. None more so than William Allen White, the newspaperman who founded the Emporia Gazette and whose editorial helped sway the 1896 presidential election in McKinley’s favor.  

Occupying just 12 square miles in the vast Midwestern territory, this small city often prompts the same question, even from native Kansans: where is Emporia? Well, Emporia is kind of midway to everything by design. Everything is urban, at least. This agricultural and manufacturing stronghold is strategically positioned on I-35 and Route 50 between the three largest cities in the state — Kansas City/Overland Park, Wichita and Topeka — and it’s also nearly the midpoint between Dallas and Minneapolis.  

Living up to the origins of its name as a marketplace, Emporia’s location makes it easy to produce and ship essential goods, from specialty pet foods to special treats like Hostess Twinkies — one of the many popular goods manufactured in the city. But one of Emporia’s most important operations doesn’t make consumable goods of any kind — it produces educated students. Emporia State University has been in the city almost since Emporia’s founding, and its 4,500 students help keep the city vibrant.  

Speaking of numbers, the population of Emporia, Kansas doesn’t shift all that much. Since 2010, the number of residents has hovered between 24,000 and 25,000, and this stability is one of the things that makes the city a great place to live. There are enough people to support a good variety of restaurants, attractions and annual events, but not so many that you’ll fight traffic on your morning commute. And the stable population size has also kept real estate prices unbelievably low — good news if you’re in the market for your first home or are looking for a good place to retire.  

We’ll discuss Emporia’s housing market in greater detail below in our moving guide, along with educational and career options in the city, the cost of living, cultural amenities and our favorite pastimes in Emporia. Read on to discover the pros and cons of living in Emporia, Kansas.  

Cost of Living in Emporia

While residents of dense, urban areas and sprawling suburbs have been squeezed hard by the housing market in recent years, Emporia residents haven’t suffered the same fate. Real estate prices fall well below the national and state marks, and dining and entertainment establishments don’t charge big-city prices, either. This low cost of living makes the city especially appealing to young families, students and retirees, though individuals who are still mid-career will benefit from this situation, as well.   

The median home value in Emporia, Kansas averaged just $127,500 between 2019 and 2023, making it one of the most affordable cities in the state. Emporia’s median gross rent was even more competitive with its neighbors, not even reaching $800 a month. Emporia’s home values are comparable, though their renters pay considerably more. But real estate prices rise sharply to the east, south and the west — Wichita’s median is $179,500, Hays homes come in at $220,100 and, in Overland Park — a popular suburb outside of Kansas City — homeowners can expect median values of more than $380,000. 

Unfortunately, income levels across Kansas follow a similar pattern. Emporia residents earn a median household income of $52,787, compared to $63,072 in Wichita and $103,838 a year in Overland Park. This may be one reason why rates of home ownership are lower in Emporia. Only 50% of residents in this college town own their own homes, compared with 58.4% in Wichita, 61.5% in Overland Park and 66.9% in the state of Kansas. 

Education and Schools in Emporia

Founded way back in 1863, Emporia State University (ESU) truly helped put this Kansas town on the map. The school was established so early in the state’s history, it even predates the largest public college in the state today, the University of Kansas. Once a training college for teachers, ESU now offers a full complement of degree and training programs across its academic and technical campuses, helping to create a well-rounded and work-ready citizenry in this largely rural region between the state’s biggest cities. It also gives Emporia residents an opportunity to stay local for higher education, something many small towns can’t offer.  

But before the kids are ready for college, your family will have several options for primary and secondary schooling. Families interested in private schools in Emporia have two religious academies to consider: Sacred Heart Catholic School and Emporia Christian School. Those interested in the public route will enroll in the United School District 253, Emporia Public Schools. The school district is comprised of six elementary schools, Emporia Middle School, Emporia High School, an early childhood development center and the Flint Hills Learning Center, which primarily serves adult learners. High schoolers can take dual-credit courses to get a head start on their college degree, and A.P. courses are offered in eight subjects, from psychology to world history. Athletes will be proud to attend the home of the Spartans, but Emporia High has activities of all kinds for teens to enjoy, from dance team to debate and the Future Business Leaders of America club.  

Finding a Place to Live in Emporia

Deciding where to live in a city the size of Emporia isn’t the anxiety-riddled process you’d endure in a large, urban area with dozens of neighborhoods and school districts to consider, not to mention high prices. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have options in Emporia — let’s look at what this Kansas college town has to offer.   

Downtown Emporia is a pleasing mix of old and new, where historic buildings like the Granada Theatre still host performances and the Citizens National Bank Building has been rehabbed into trendy loft apartments. This busy district centers around Commercial Street and 6th Avenue, where boutiques, restaurants and annual events give locals a reason to gather every season. While most cities’ real estate is dominated by apartment towers and condos, Emporia apartments tend to be in smaller multi-family homes just off the main drag, giving a more neighborhoody feel to in-town living. College students seeking apartments near the university should look on the north side of downtown, where ESU’s campus is located. There are plenty of single-family homes in town as well, so if you don’t exactly want to relive your college years but still want the walkability of city life and less land to maintain, you don’t need to leave the downtown core.  

Looking for more room to roam? You’ll find a wide range of homes for sale in Lyon County, from new construction to modern ranches, charming bungalows and Victorian clapboards with wrap-around porches and loads of natural light. If you’re hoping to have a large garden, a workshop, a music studio or just a little more space between your family and the one next door, many properties have acreage that city-dwellers can only dream of. Horses and most other farm animals (other than chickens) aren’t permitted within city limits, so if ranch living is what you’re after, be sure to ask your realtor to look for properties outside Emporia’s boundaries for you. Some are closer to town than you might think.   

Culture and Community in Emporia  

One of the best parts of living in a small city is the major events, and nothing brings people in Emporia together like its annual gatherings. Each summer, the Lyon County Fair keeps the art of fried foods and swirling rides alive and well, and its kids’ pedal tractor pull and the Ranch Rodeo are not to be missed. Wintertime in Emporia — which can be quite nippy — is welcomed with carriage rides, a holiday sip ‘n shop and the annual parade, where the jolly old man will ride in on — what else — but a sled! 

Fall is a busy time in Emporia, and it seems like every weekend there’s something exciting going on. In mid-September, locals celebrate the last long warm days of summer at the Great American Market, where vendors will be hawking everything from hand-crocheted amigurumi to healing crystals, charming dog portraits and tangy fried pickles.  

In October, the Halfway to Everywhere Music and Arts Festival brings out Emporia’s funky side, and downtown will be crawling with artists, musicians and enthusiasts, making the city feel uniquely alive. The event is put on by the organizers of Emporia Pride Fest, which hosts a parade and beloved drag show in June. October’s other main event is the H.O.T.T. Dia de Los Muertos — the traditional Mexican celebration that reunites family members in this life and the next.  

Veterans Day events play an outsized role in the community calendar of this small city, which claims to have founded the holiday. So, each November, residents can look forward to more than just a parade on November 11. This year, commemorations include a musical salute, a quilt exhibition, ham and potato feeds and Freedom Fest, which features a memorial run and the grueling Warrior Spur Challenge.  

Though it may surprise some newcomers, athletics are one of the hallmarks of Emporia culture. But it’s not the major leagues that dominate in this town of 24,000; it’s cycling and disc golf. Unbound Gravel, now approaching its third decade, is a wild ride across Kansas’ famous rocky roads, and every cyclist who finishes — or even attempts this hilly course — deserves a generous scoop of that or their favorite ice cream. The PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) hosts its annual Masters tournament here, and amateurs and pro-throwers toss their hats (and discs) into the rings across Emporia’s many notable courses. College sports fans have ESU Hornets games to look forward to, and spectators can cheer on the hometown heroes in everything from wrestling to football, cross-country, tennis and soccer.  

Things to Do in Emporia, KS

When you’re looking for smaller crowd fun, we have lots of ideas about what to do in Emporia with friends and family. The city’s many greenspaces have pro-level disc golf courses, hiking and biking trails and great sledding hills for the winter. In the summertime, you can park yourself in a raft on the lazy river at the Jones Aquatic Center or have a picnic lunch on the lake at Peter Pan Park, where you can see a bust of William Allen White, the Sage of Emporia, who founded the world-renowned Emporia Gazette.  

On the south side of the city, you’ll find Soden’s Grove Park, which has two of the top kid-favorite Emporia attractions — the David Traylor Zoo and the Sertoma Mini-Train. The train operates throughout the summer months, and you can even rent it for parties if you’re looking for an extra special celebration. Emporia’s zoo may be one of the smallest in the country, but it’s free to visit, and the 400 animals and counting here preserve thousands of floral and faunal specimens. 

When you want a more rugged adventure, head to the Flint Hills Nature Trail — one of the 10 longest rail-trails in the country. This 118-mile segment is a part of the American Discovery Trail, which connects Cape Henlopen in Delaware with Limantour Beach in California, within Point Reyes National Seashore. You can pick up the trail at several points north of the city, but one of the closest outlets is in Allen, about a 20-minute drive. From there, you’ll have miles of car-free path at your disposal to run, ride and rollick across the tallgrass prairielands of the Sunflower State, even on horseback. If you want the bragging rights of hiking the complete trail, there are campgrounds and other services along the path. Be sure to scope these out in advance — along with the weather, which is notoriously twisty in Kansas — so that you don’t get stranded in a storm with a flat bike tire and no snacks. You can learn more about the importance of the prairie in nearby Manhattan, Kansas, at the Flint Hills Discovery Center — just over an hour drive north.  

When storms make Emporia’s treasured landscapes less hospitable, head indoors to experience some of the city’s artistic gems. The historic Granada Theatre showcases musical, theatrical and comedy acts from around the country. Visualists will want to spend their time taking classes and seeing exhibitions at the Emporia Arts Center, which celebrates the works of local and regional artists. You might even find your own work in a show here someday. 

Recap: Main Benefits of Moving to Emporia

Let’s take a quick look back at the benefits of living in Emporia. As a historic city in east central Kansas, Emporia is an easy drive from major cities like Topeka (one hour away), Wichita (1.25 hours away) and Kansas City (two hours away). The city’s small population makes commuting a snap — only 12 minutes on average — and this can dramatically improve your quality of life if you’ve grown accustomed to long hours in the car. And even though you may be in a more remote region of the country, you’ll never feel disconnected in this college town, thanks to the students, faculty and staff at Emporia State University. Go Hornets!  

Emporia’s welcoming and diverse community makes newcomers feel at home, and its low cost of living means those homes are affordable. And there’s plenty to do in Emporia — from annual events like the Halfway to Everywhere Music and Arts Festival and the Veterans Day Parade to riding rough gravel trails through the Flint Hills. 

If you are looking for a homey, Midwestern college town with exceptional access to nature and loads of small-town charm, you should consider moving to Emporia. Learn more about moving with United Van Lines below. 

Move to Emporia with United Van Lines 

United Van Lines is ready to help your family move to Emporia, Kansas. Our interstate agents in the Emporia area can help with short-distance relocations, and our long-distance teams specialize in coast-to-coast moves. Whether your family is moving cross-country or from another city in the Midwest, we can help make your move easier. United has nearly a century of experience, and in that time, we’ve earned the distinction of being America’s #1 Mover®. Let us help you with your upcoming move. 

Get a moving quote right now for Emporia, KS. 

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Moving from out of state to Kansas? Streamline your long-distance relocation to Emporia with United’s full-service moving packages. These include services like packing, loading and furniture placement, but moving packages can also be customized. This gives you the flexibility of selecting the services your family requires, from packing and unpacking to storage services, debris removal, vehicle shipping and more. Our nationwide network of long-distance movers can handle your move, from start to finish. 

Moving within the state of Kansas? Our interstate Emporia, KS, agents/movers provide local moving services in Emporia and Lyon County independently under their own businesses and brands. 

Still curious about living in other cities? Check out United Van Lines’ other moving guides, which highlight exciting cities and states across the country. 

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