Land for Sale in Kansas
Those looking to buy land in Kansas may be drawn to the state’s rural landscapes, warm summer weather, and fairly inexpensive land prices. Kansas is a state with a lot of potential for land buyers, and has been known throughout history as a place where people purchase land to live with their families, farm, or pursue other interests.
With some research, many people can find land for sale in Kansas online at various locations across the state. Land in Kansas is least expensive in rural areas, although some may choose to purchase land near cities for the amenities and possibilities for employment.
Regardless of what you are looking to do with your land, you can rest assured that there is something on the land sale market in Kansas that will work for you. Keep reading to learn more about how you can find land for sale in Kansas, and some things you should consider when determining where to buy land.
Finding Land for Sale in Kansas
There are several different strategies you can take when looking for land in Kansas.
The following are some common ways that people search for properties in the state:
- Look at online listings. Websites such as Zillow or LandWatch have listings across the country, and you can narrow the search down to parts of Kansas that you wish to live in.
- Contact a real estate agency. Licensed real estate agents can work with you to find land that works for your desires and budget.
- Go in person. Sometimes the best way to see land is looking at it in person. Consider planning a trip to Kansas. Drive around the area, and see if you can find any land for sale that looks intriguing. Then, contact the seller to learn more.
When you search for land for sale in Kansas, you can expect to find a combination of both rural and non-rural properties. Although Kansas is a mostly rural state, several of its largest cities have a network of suburbs where you can find land for sale.
You may come across land that is undeveloped or intended for use as a hunting property, or you can also find properties that are fully developed, with houses, barns, and other amenities. Especially in urban and suburban areas, commercial properties are also frequently featured on the market.
Knowing what you wish to look for beforehand will help you narrow down your search results and find a property that works best for you. Take some time to create a wish list and set a budget before you begin diving into your land search.
Farmland for Sale in Kansas
Many people purchase land in Kansas with the intent to farm. If you are looking for farmland in Kansas, look at websites that specialize in listing properties that are devoted to farming.
Before you begin to look at farmland, consider what type of farming you wish to do. Livestock farms will require different amenities than crop farming, and if you are hoping to do a combination of the two you will need to consider the land and building requirements as well.
If you are hoping to get started right away, there are many fully-developed farms for sale with barns and cropland already designated. However, these cost more money than buying uncultivated land.
If you do purchase uncultivated land, you will need to spend time and money developing it. You will also need to build all of the structures you need to start farming.
As an agricultural leader, most of the state of Kansas is well-suited to farming. However, if you are looking to purchase a farm, you may wish to consider looking at properties in more rural areas, as those that are closest to cities will be much more expensive and likely be smaller properties.
Land for Sale by Owner in Kansas
Buying land that is for sale by owner in Kansas is a popular option, and often has the following advantages:
- No agent fees
- Information directly from the owners
- More room to negotiate prices.
However, if you work without a real estate agent, it can be more difficult to negotiate complex contracts, and you will need to do all of the research on properties by yourself. If you are new to purchasing real estate, it can be a good idea to work with a real estate agent as you start as they will help you navigate the small details and find a property that works well for you.
If you are specifically looking for land that is for sale by owner in Kansas, your best route may be to look at online classifieds. Narrow online searches to make sure that the properties you are looking at are listed by their owners.
Additionally, if you are conducting your land search in person, you can keep an eye out for properties that are listed by their owners and get in contact with the landowners directly.
Where is the Cheapest Land in Kansas
The cheapest land in Kansas is often found in the southern and western parts of the state as these areas are driest and least suited to agriculture. They are also often the most rural areas with limited access to the amenities of city or town living.
However, there is no one area of Kansas where land is guaranteed to cost the least. Instead, land prices will often be influenced by the following factors:
- State of development of the land
- Suitability for agriculture
- Amenities and access to cities and recreation
- Acreage
Even if you are buying in the Southwestern part of Kansas, a property that is large and a hunter’s paradise with a fully developed house and barn will cost less than a small parcel of raw land in the Northeast.
Additionally, if you are buying land with the intent to farm, make sure that cheap land can be developed into good farmland, otherwise you may not see the return on investment that you need.
How Much Does an Acre of Land Cost in Kansas?
The cost for an acre of land in Kansas can vary based on location. For farmland specifically, there is an average cost of $2,080 per acre. This has increased greatly from the average cost of an acre in 1998, which was $655.
Although this may seem like a lot, Kansas is a fairly inexpensive state to buy land, ranking 37th in the nation for average cost per acreage. When comparing the cost for an acre of farmland to some of the top states such as New Jersey, where land costs over $12,000 per acre, the value of farmland in Kansas becomes clear.
The cost for an acre of land in Kansas will vary depending on where you are and the amenities that exist on the property. Farmland closer to major cities like Wichita or Topeka will cost more, and land that is more rural will most likely cost less.
Additionally, raw land, which is undeveloped land without any added features, will be much less expensive. Even land that has only had basic features installed, such as water and electricity lines, will cost more per acre than undeveloped land.
It is important to keep in mind that while undeveloped land is significantly less expensive than developed land, your work will not end there. You will need to add utilities if you plan to use the land in any way, and it is helpful to budget for these expenses before you invest in a property.
What is the Prettiest City in Kansas?
Although Kansas is widely known for its extensive farmlands and rural spaces, there are several beautiful cities and towns that many people also choose to call home.
It is hard to choose just one that is the prettiest, so if you are considering buying your land near a city, the following options are regarded as some of the most scenic options in the state:
- Wichita: As the biggest city in the state, Wichita has more to offer than just city views. Wichita also has many beautiful public parks, botanical gardens, and riverfront walkways that make it a popular choice for families and those looking to enjoy the outdoors while still experiencing what a big city has to offer.
- Fort Scott: Fort Scott is a small city, but is a popular place to live in the state of Kansas because of its beautiful Victorian-era architecture and its numerous lakes. Many outdoor enthusiasts choose to call Fort Scott home because of its opportunity for sporting adventures both in the woods and on the water.
- Abilene: This small town is known for its historical attractions. Its Old Town presents some popular tourist attractions from the Wild West, such as old-style saloons, and many of its historic neighborhoods are home to picturesque mansions.
- Medicine Lodge: This small city in central Kansas is right next to the Gyp Hills, an extensive series of rolling hills, mesas, and buttes. This city is a popular choice for those looking to learn more about the unique geology of central Kansas, or for those who enjoy getting outdoors.
Kansas is anything but a boring state. For those looking to appreciate their surroundings and enjoy what nature has to offer, several cities in Kansas are popular choices for those looking to build houses or settle down.
As you look at land in Kansas, consider where you want to be. These cities can be great choices for those looking to live an easygoing life surrounded by both natural and architectural beauty.
Conclusion
Land in Kansas has seen a steady trend of growth in value over the past two decades and shows no signs of stopping. Those who are interested in buying land in Kansas can rest assured that the market is healthy and that there are numerous options out there to investigate.
Whether you wish to live in the city or invest in rural acreage for farming purposes, Kansas has something that can work for you. Before you begin your land hunt, take some time to think about your desires for property and figure out the details such as your budget and what amenities you will need. Doing some internet research and talking with a real estate agent will help you identify properties that fit your needs.
Kansas is a great place to call home, and you can rest assured that buying a property in Kansas will be a good choice both for your lifestyle and your wallet. With some time and planning, you can soon find the Kansas land of your dreams.