5 Best Neighborhoods in Wichita for Families

Wichita is the largest city in Kansas and the 48th-largest city in the United States. The city is located in south-central Kansas on the Arkansas River. Wichita is the county seat of Sedgwick County and the principal city of the Wichita metropolitan area. Wichita was founded in 1864 and incorporated as a city in 1870. Before European settlement, the Wichita area was home to several Native American tribes. Wichita became a major livestock market and processing center and a hub for trade and transportation. After WWII, the city transformed into an industrial center but largely decoupled from manufacturing. Wichita is now known for its aerospace industry, healthcare sector, and regional center for education and culture. The city is also home to several notable museums and performing arts venues.
Wichita State University, the largest university in Kansas, is located in Wichita. The city is also home to more than 60 museums, art galleries, and performing arts venues. Wichita’s zoo is one of only three Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited zoos in Kansas. Other notable Wichita attractions include Botanica Wichita, Sedgwick County Zoo, Old Cowtown Museum, Exploration Place, and Wichita Art Museum. Wichita has a strong economy with a diversified base of manufacturers, including Bombardier Aerospace, Airbus Group Wichita Division, Spirit AeroSystems, Cessna-Textron Aviation, and Hawker Beechcraft (now Onex), and Koch Industries. Downtown Wichita has seen significant redevelopment with new hotels, apartments, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The city is also home to several shopping centers and malls, including Towne East Square, Bradley Fair, and NewMarket Square. Wichita is a good option to raise a family with plenty of things to do.
If you are planning to move to Wichita with your family, you will want to know about the best Wichita neighborhoods for families. Here are some of the best Wichita neighborhoods for families:
1. Chisholm Creek
Chisholm is a neighborhood in Wichita, Kansas. East Douglas Avenue borders Chisholm to the north, Woodlawn Street to the south, Chisholm Creek to the east, and Seneca Street to the west. Chisholm is part of the city’s East Side and is home to many businesses and organizations. The Chisholm neighborhood has a long history dating back to the founding of Wichita. The Chisholm family was one of the city’s original settlers, and the Chisholm neighborhood is named after them. The Chisholms were a prominent family in Wichita’s early history, and their namesake neighborhood remains an important part of the city today.
Top-Rated Schools
- Edmond Public School
- Bethany Public School
Things to Do In Chisholm Creek
- The Chisholm Creek Pub&Grub is a Wichita staple. This Wichita bar is located in the Chisholm Creek neighborhood and is known for its great food and drinks and its friendly atmosphere.
- Also, visit Little Buster’s Sports Bar & Grill, located in the Chisholm Creek neighborhood. Little Buster’s is a Wichita sports bar known for its wings, burgers, and beer.
- You can take your family for whitewater rafting at Wichita Whitewater Park or kayaking, tubing, zipline, and other Wichita outdoor activities at Chisholm Creek Park.
- Chisholm Creek is also home to several of Wichita’s best shopping centers and malls, including Towne East Square, Bradley Fair, and NewMarket Square.
- Median Home Price: $559,500
- Median Rent: $1,149
- Crime Rate: (Calculated annually per 100,000 residents)
- Assault- 227.5
- Murder – 0
- Robbery – 0
- Burglary – 475.7
- Theft – 1,654.6
- Motor Vehicle Theft – 124.1
Also See: 10 Best U.S. Cities to Rent in Right Now
2. Cottonwood Village
Cottonwood Village is a neighborhood situated in Wichita, Kansas. The area is known for its Cottonwood trees, a major source of shade in the summer months. The Cottonwood Village neighborhood is home to various businesses, including a grocery store, a bank, and several restaurants. There are also several parks in the area, which are popular among residents and visitors alike. Cottonwood Village is an exciting and vibrant community that offers something for everyone.
Top-Rated Schools
- Northeast Magnet High School
- Wichita Alternative High School
Things to Do In Cottonwood Village
- Spend an afternoon shopping at T-Mobile or Cigar Chateau and Gifts, two of Wichita’s best-known retailers. Or take the family out to eat at one of Wichita’s many restaurants, including Cottonwood Steakhouse, a Wichita favorite.
- You can also enjoy the great outdoors at one of Wichita’s many parks, including Sedgwick County Park, located in the Cottonwood Village neighborhood.
- Try some mouthwatering Mexican dishes at Carlos O’Kelly’s Mexican Cafe or Chipotle Mexican Grill. Or you can also Popeyes Louisiana for some fried chicken.
- Median Home Price: $132,600
- Median Rent: $981
- Crime Rate: (Calculated annually per 100,000 residents)
- Assault- 201.2
- Murder – 0
- Robbery – 12.2
- Burglary – 322
- Theft – 1,428.2
- Motor Vehicle Theft – 114
3. College Hill
College Hill is one of Wichita’s most unique and historic neighborhoods. Located just east of downtown, College Hill is home to a diverse mix of residents, businesses, and organizations. The neighborhood is also home to several colleges and universities, including Wichita State University. College Hill has a rich history dating back to the early days of Wichita’s development. The neighborhood has undergone a renaissance in recent years, with new businesses and organizations moving in and revitalizing the area. Today, College Hill is a vibrant and thriving community that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a place to live, work, or learn, College Hill is the perfect place.
Top-Rated Schools
- East High School
- Robinson Middle School
Things to Do In College Hill
- Visit Ziggys Pizza for specialty pizzas, and the chicken wings at this restaurant are a must-try!
- For some breakfast burritos or pork belly, go to Dempsey’s Biscuit Co.
- Visit the Wichita Community for entertainment and shows or the Wichita art museum to appreciate some Wichita artists.
- If you’re up for some Wichita outdoor activities, head to College Hill Park or Riverside Park.
- Lincoln Heights Village Farmers’ market is the best place to shop for groceries.
- Median Home Price: $166,844
- Median Rent: $939
- Crime Rate: (Calculated annually per 100,000 residents)
- Assault- 119.1
- Murder – 15
- Robbery – 20.2
- Burglary – 1,357.2
- Theft – 1,402
- Motor Vehicle Theft – 120.2
4. Long View
Longview is a neighborhood in Wichita, Kansas. The origins of the neighborhood’s name are unknown, but it is thought to be derived from the Long family, who were early settlers in the area. The Longview neighborhood is located in the northwest corner of Wichita and is bounded by West Street on the north, North Broadway on the east, and West Douglas Avenue on the west. Longview is a diverse community with a mix of families and single people and a variety of businesses and amenities. The neighborhood has several parks, including Longview Park and Riverside Park, which offer residents a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Longview also has its community center, which hosts various events and programs for residents of all ages. Longview is definitely worth a visit, whether you’re looking for a place to call home or want to explore a new part of town.
Top-Rated Schools
- Plymouth Preschool Learning Center
- Jacob’s Learning Ladder
Things to Do In Long View
- Visit the Museum of World Treasures if you’re interested in Wichita’s history. Or Old Cowtown Museum to Wichita’s origins as a frontier town.
- If you love trying new food, Wichita has a lot to offer. From fine dining to casual eateries, Wichita has something for everyone. Wichita’s best restaurants include The Public at the Brickyard, Siena Tuscan Steakhouse, and Doo-Dah Diner.
- For some good Wichita barbecue, stop by Big John’s BBQ.
- Check out Wichita’s theater and music scene at the Wichita Symphony Orchestra or the Wichita Grand Opera.
- Take your kids to the Sedgwick County Zoo to see some of Wichita’s coolest animals.
- Median Home Price: $73,900
- Median Rent: $861
- Crime Rate: (Calculated annually per 100,000 residents)
- Assault- 134.1
- Murder – 11.2
- Robbery – 19.4
- Burglary – 1478.4
- Theft – 1,289.3
- Motor Vehicle Theft – 127.6
See Also: Best U.S. Cities to Rent in for 2022
5. County Overlook
County Overlook is a serene and welcoming neighborhood located in Wichita, Kansas. The County Overlook community is close-knit, and residents enjoy spending time outdoors together. There are plenty of activities to enjoy in County Overlook, from exploring the nature trails to picnicking in the park. The County Overlook neighborhood is the perfect place to call home. Wichita is a vibrant city with something for everyone, and County Overlook offers a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle. Kansas is a beautiful state, and County Overlook is the perfect place to enjoy all it offers. If you’re looking for a comfortable place to call home, County Overlook is the perfect community.
Top-Rated Schools
- Independent School
- Classical School of Wichita
Things to Do In County Overlook
- Visit The Keeper of the Plains to learn about Wichita’s history.
- The Great Plains Nature Center is a nature preserve that allows visitors to get acquainted with the flora and fauna of the Great Plains Region, both indoors and outside.
- The Kansas Aviation Museum offers a realistic backdrop and aircraft collection, making it a must-stop for aviation fans. The museum’s goal is to preserve Kansas’ aviation history while at the same time educating visitors about the past, present, and future of flight.
- The Ulrich Museum of Art is a significant Wichita museum featuring contemporary and modern art. Intending to bring artists and artwork from today’s world to the community, Ulrich Museum hosts permanent and temporary exhibits open to visitors.
- If you’re searching for a place to go on a rainy day, look no further than the Alley Indoor Entertainment Center. The facility offers laser mazes, arcades, bowling lanes, and go-karting tracks.
- Median Home Price: $74,012
- Median Rent: $791
- Crime Rate: (Calculated annually per 100,000 residents)
- Assault- 138.3
- Murder – 11.2
- Robbery – 19.4
- Burglary – 1478.4
- Theft – 1,289.3
- Motor Vehicle Theft – 127.6
Conclusion
Wichita is a great city for families, it has a variety of neighborhoods that offer different amenities and activities, so there is something for everyone. The neighborhoods on this list are some of the best Wichita offers for families. They have top-rated schools, things to do, and a low crime rate. Wichita is a great option if you’re looking for a place to call home.
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FAQs
What are the best neighborhoods in Wichita for families?
The best neighborhoods in Wichita for families are County Overlook, Riverside, and College Hill. These neighborhoods offer top-rated schools, things to do, and a low crime rate.
What are the most affordable neighborhoods in Wichita?
The most affordable neighborhoods in Wichita are Riverside and College Hill. These neighborhoods have median home prices and rents that are lower than the city average.
What can kids do in Wichita?
There are plenty of things for kids to do in Wichita. They can visit the Wichita Children’s Museum, the Sedgwick County Zoo, or Exploration Place. Wichita also has a variety of parks and playgrounds for kids to enjoy.
What are the best places to eat in Wichita?
Some of the best places to eat in Wichita are The Monarch, Doo-Dah Diner, and La Carreta. Wichita has a variety of restaurants to choose from, so there is something for everyone.