Save This Old 1874/1902 Kansas Abandoned Mansion – The Bristol McBride Mansion $95K

118 E Pine St, Independence, KS 67301    $95,000

• Contact Realtor: Cindy White
• Google Map
• Niche

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In 1902, Albert Perry McBride (1862-1946), an oil baron, purchased the home and paid $80,000 for renovations, doubling the size, adding the tower and giving it Romanesque features and add-ons. He lived there with his wife Laura Ann Clampitt McBride (1868-1934) and their children Albert, Jesse and Maude, along with a niece and a servant.

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In 1949, after the death of Mr. McBride, the mansion was broken up into eight apartments for WWII Army Airfield workers. A 5-car garage was added. In the 1970s it housed students of Independence Community College. In the 1980s and 1990s, it was known as a party house.

In 199, the Janzen family purchased the mansion for $23,000 in the hopes of restoring it.

For more information, visit Abandoned Kansas.

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Pros & Cons of Living in Independence, KS

Pros

1. Highly Affordable Living & Housing

• The cost of living in Independence is significantly lower than both national and Kansas averages, offering substantial savings on essentials like housing, groceries, healthcare, and transportation.

• Median home values hover around $78K–$79K, which is approximately 70% below the national average.

• Rent is also affordable, with the median around $790/month, well under national norms.

2. Strong Homeownership & Short Commutes

• Roughly 70% of residents own their homes, slightly above the national average.

• Commute times are impressively short, averaging about 15 minutes—lower than the national average.

• A walkable downtown, renovated historic buildings, and strong main-street revitalization lend to the city’s character.

3. Cultural Vibrancy & Community Events

• Independence hosts Neewollah, Kansas’s largest annual festival, which transforms the town into a bustling celebration with parades, live music, and carnival fun.

• The William Inge Theater Festival honors the playwright heritage, and the downtown houses award-winning historic structures like the Independence Museum and a nationally recognized public library.

4. Notable Schools

• The public school district carries solid ratings—Independence High School earned a B+, recently ranking 24th among Kansas high schools by U.S. News.

• The district has seen substantial investment, with many schools recently upgraded or rebuilt.

5. Pleasant Suburban Environment & Friendliness

• AreaVibes highlights a healthy sense of community, ease of amenities, parks, and overall friendliness among residents.

• Reddit impressions include:

  “I find the people here to be very kind and genuine… It’s actually gotten a lot better over time. A lot more young people moving in as it’s affordable.”
  “Never felt unsafe.”

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Cons

1. High Crime Rates

• Independence faces a serious crime challenge: a combined violent and property crime rate of 1 in 20, placing it among the highest crime rates in the U.S.

• Violent crimes occur at a rate of 1 in 157, and property crimes at 1 in 22.

• AreaVibes reports crime rates 121% above the national average, with violent crime 74% higher.

2. Economic Challenges & Poverty

• About 21% of residents live below the poverty line, significantly exceeding the national average.

• Median household income stands at roughly $38,963, around 42% lower than the U.S. median.

• Employment scores remain modest—Niche rates Jobs as B–, reflecting limited local opportunities.

3. Education Metrics Mixed

• Schools earn a D+ in test scores, with only 36% of students meeting proficiency standards.

• Graduation rates are average (~86%), but elementary performance is a concern.

4. Limited Public Transit & Amenities

• Public transportation is essentially nonexistent—0% of commuters use it.

• Residents typically drive, but this can limit access for those without cars.

• Some feedback notes insufficient grocery options and social services:

  “The city has only two grocery options, and neither has many organic or healthy options. The city has a domestic violence problem, no domestic violence shelter, and no real homeless shelter.”

5. Small Size, Slightly Declining Population

• With around 8,300–8,800 residents, Independence is quite small. Population has seen a modest decline in recent years.

• Limited size can mean fewer job opportunities, lower demand for services, and slower economic growth.

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