c.1926 Affordable Kansas Bungalow $55K

1110 W Main St, Chanute, KS 66720.  $55,000

• Contact Realtor: Jason Langston
• Google Map
• Niche

Pros

• Extremely Low Cost of Living

• Chanute’s overall cost of living is about 31% below national average and 18% below Kansas average. A year for a single person might cost around $22K, while a family might live on $15.8K/year in basic expenses.

• Affordable Housing

• Median home value is approximately $80–88K, a hefty discount from U.S. median (~$300K+).

• Two-bedroom rent runs around $650–720/month, nearly 50% cheaper than national averages.

• Community College & Education Access

• Home to Neosho County Community College, ranked the best community college in Kansas. Local schools hold a B– grade from Niche for public schools; average class sizes are modest (~16 students).

• Outdoor Recreation & Historical Attractions

• Offers 280 acres of parklands including Santa Fe Park and lake, multiple rail‑trails, and the Martin & Osa Johnson Safari Museum.

• Popular local events like Artist Alley and municipal bike trails give a charming small-town feel.

• Short Commutes & Good Access

• Average commute is around 13 minutes. Major regional cities like Wichita, Kansas City, Tulsa, and Joplin are reachable within ~2 hours by car.

Cons

• High Crime Rates

• Chanute’s overall crime rate is among the highest nationwide for its size—roughly 34 incidents per 1,000 residents, or a 1-in-29 chance of being a victim annually. Violent crime is nearly double the national average, and property crime similarly elevated.

• Low Median Income & Elevated Poverty

• School Performance Is Moderate to Poor

• Public schools receive middle-range ratings (around B– to C+), but state proficiency in reading/math is low (~25–35%)—well below Kansas and U.S. norms.

• Diminishing Economy & Population Loss

• Unemployment is moderate (~7.7%) and economic opportunity is limited in specialized fields. Chanute’s population peaked around 1960 and has declined roughly 20–24% since then.

• Sparse Amenities & Cultural Scene

• Limited shopping, nightlife, or entertainment options. Public transportation is absent, and many errands require a car. Local sentiment points to stagnating downtown activity and resistance to change

• Lack of Diversity & Conservative Culture

• The population is >95% White. While some rate the town welcoming and friendly, others note cultural homogeneity and a slow pace of social change