Top 5 Neighborhoods in Topeka, Kansas in 2026

Topeka, Kansas is a charming place that blends welcoming residential vibes with urban convenience and comfort. Its proximity to Kansas City – about an hour’s drive away – opens opportunities for work, entertainment, and travel. The Kansas River runs through the city, creating a peaceful atmosphere and offering easy access to water activities. 

Topeka is a wonderful place to live – especially when you choose the neighborhood that matches your lifestyle. We highlight five excellent areas for residency and investment, helping you find the one that fits your needs perfectly. 

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Key Figures in the Topeka, Kansas Housing Market

Median Down Payment in Topeka, Kansas, September 2025

1. Westboro

The history of the central neighborhood of Westboro began in the 1920s. The initial idea was to take upscale Kansas City districts as an example and create a modern residential neighborhood. Thanks to this inspiration, Westboro maintains the title of one of the classiest neighborhoods in the city with its curved streets, historic architecture, and blooming gardens. 

The average home value in Westboro is $334,791, with a low vacancy rate of 6.7%. The average rent price is $890, and around 87% of homes are owner-occupied. 

• Historic Charm. The neighborhood carefully preserves old buildings, maintaining Westboro’s unique atmosphere. A significant example is Westboro Mart, Topeka’s oldest shopping center, and one of the neighborhood’s main attractions to this day. 
• Community Approach. Residents closely collaborate to enhance Westboro’s well-being. They organize seasonal events, maintain shared green spaces, and throw parties. 
• Location and Proximity to Downtown. The neighborhood offers quick access to central amenities, major employment hubs, and routes for commuting and traveling outside the city. 
• Upscale Properties. Generally, houses in Westboro are high-quality and feature spacious layouts, designer interiors, and a variety of architectural styles. Most of the buildings in the neighborhood are single-family detached homes, although there are also multi-family options. 
• Investment Potential. Due to its central location and excellent reputation, Westboro properties have strong resale value. Additionally, the neighborhood’s market remains stable thanks to a high rate of owner occupancy. 

2. College Hill

Founded in the late 1880s, College Hill was originally a neighborhood for Washburn University faculty. Its proximity to the campus still shapes the area’s feel and attracts staff, students, and young professionals alike. This is also one of the reasons why the share of rental properties is rather high – about 37% – contributing to steady rental demand. At the same time, the vacancy rate is only 6.9%, indicating strong competition for available units.   

Currently, the median real estate price is $164,446, making College Hill more affordable than the city average.  

• Architectural Heritage. The majority of houses in College Hill were built in the first half of the 20th century, and around 300 of them are considered historic. As a result, the neighborhood has a unique charm reflecting its past. 
• Greenery and Parks. College Hill is an established neighborhood, and many of its trees have been growing for decades. The streets offer cool shade and cheerful greenery. Boswell Square Park provides a convenient space for outdoor recreation. 
• Proximity to Amenities. Thanks to its central location, College Hill residents can easily access a variety of services, restaurants, and shops. The neighborhood is very walkable, enhancing everyday convenience. 
• Quiet Feel. Despite being close to a lively university, the district has a calm atmosphere. The streets are peaceful, and traffic is light. 
• Long-Term Appreciation. The real estate market in College Hill is stable, with home values steadily increasing. Its prime location, rich history, and well-maintained infrastructure remain in high demand.  

3. Central Park

East of College Hill lies the neighborhood of Central Park, which was named for the historic green space at its center. Today, the Central Park Community Center hosts events for residents, offering a variety of sports, creative, and other entertainment. 

The average home value in Central Park ranges from $60,000 to $80,000, with an average price per square foot around $62, making the neighborhood the most affordable one on our list

• Affordable Entry Point. Central Park offers many buyers a cost-effective opportunity to purchase their first home. However, it’s important to note that properties in the neighborhood often have more modest amenities and lower prestige, which can limit long-term investment potential. 
• Convenient Location. Not only is the university within short reach of the neighborhood, Central Park offers easy access to major roads, amenities, and nearby employment hubs. 
• Mix of Property Types. The district has diverse housing choices, including single-family homes, apartments, and multifamily properties. Most of these offerings are rental – around 81% – so both buyers and renters are able to choose from options that fit their needs and budgets. 
• Walkability and Accessibility. Central Park is a highly walkable neighborhood, and residents can quickly reach essential services on foot. Thanks to established infrastructure and smart urban development, the district is convenient and supports light-car living. 
• Public Transportation. As an alternative to driving or walking, bus routes connect Central Park to other neighborhoods of Topeka. 

4. Potwin 

The development of Potwin began in the 1880s. It was an independent settlement before it was annexed by the City of Topeka in 1899. Today, Potwin is one of the oldest neighborhoods of Topeka, Kansas, and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.  

This residential area in the north of the city features a traditional grid layout, with roundabouts placed along its straight streets. Mature greenery, restored historic buildings, and red-brick roads create a uniquely welcoming atmosphere. 

Potwin’s average home value is $274,882, with the average price per square foot of $96.  

• Community Events and Holidays. Residents are actively involved in seasonal celebrations – they decorate houses and streets for each holiday so that the whole neighborhood turns into a festive, magical place. They also regularly host community gatherings in homes and organize interest-based clubs. 
• Refined Architecture. Well-preserved historic houses carry their unique charm and reflect a variety of architectural styles. Potwin features Victorian, Tudor, and Colonial Revival homes, beautifully restored and carefully maintained. 
• Stable Property Values. Purchasing a house in Potwin can be a smart investment choice. With limited inventory and the neighborhood’s long history, properties tend to maintain their value, with steady appreciation over time. 
• Parks and Outdoor Recreation. In addition to tree-lined streets and well-kept lawns, Potwin residents have access to Willow Park, where they can enjoy sports using outdoor fitness equipment, and kids can play at lively playgrounds. 
• Access to Interstate 70. Thanks to its proximity, Potwin residents can easily travel across the region, including convenient drives to Kansas City and Topeka Regional Airport. 

5. Oakland

Founded in 1886 as an independent city, Oakland retains a distinct, detached feel. The neighborhood is best known for its annual Fiesta Topeka festival, first held in 1933. For five days, residents and visitors celebrate Mexican culture with traditional food, dances, concerts, and a parade. 

The median sale price in Oakland is $105,000, with an average of $90 per square foot. 

• Affordable Housing. While slightly more expensive than Central Park, Oakland still offers cost-effective housing that appeals to both first-time buyers and investors. Rental prices are higher than the city average, creating opportunities for strong rental income. 
• Educational Options. There are several public schools serving the neighborhood, each with different ratings and parent feedback. Families can also choose alternative schooling options, including private religious institutions near Oakland. 
• Oakland Billard Park. This park in the northern part of the neighborhood offers a variety of activities, including outdoor and indoor sports, swimming in the community pool, and participating in events hosted by the local community center. 
• Housing Mix. The wide range of properties reflects Oakland’s gradual development over time. Cozy older cottages, traditional bungalows, spacious ranch homes, and modern apartments provide residents with plenty of options to choose from. 
• Local Amenities. With its small-city, standalone feel, Oakland offers a range of local services to meet daily needs, including cafes, shops, restaurants, and essential convenience stores. 

Conclusion 

Topeka, Kansas is a lively city with a diverse housing market that offers a wide range of affordable options. Whether your client is a first-time investor or a long-term resident looking for a new home, the broker’s goal is to match their needs with the perfect mortgage solution. 

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