Dubbed "The Most Haunted Town in Kansas," Atchison is situated on the Missouri River bluffs in northeast Kansas and is said by some to be the most haunted city in the United States.
But don't look for any real-life Ghostbusters here
Dubbed "The Most Haunted Town in Kansas," Atchison is situated on the Missouri River bluffs in northeast Kansas and is said by some to be the most haunted city in the United States.
But don't look for any real-life Ghostbusters here. The residents of this scenic and historic town, that was once a stop for hundreds of wagon trains on their way to the California Gold Rush, seem to like their ghosts. So much so that they run regular trolley tours of the local haunted houses and delight in telling ghost stories to any who will listen. One of the Travel Channel's most popular shows focused on the unofficial residents!
In 2010, the official census put the population at 11,021 and with a growth rate over the last decade of 8.4%, Atchison is growing, but not by leaps. This is America's Heartland, and you'll definitely know you're in Kansas when you move here. For a time Atchison was the eastern end of the line for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe rail line. The train, however, kept on moving west!
Atchison's historic character is, well, historic. Less than 6% of its homes have been built since 2000. Most of the housing in Atchison is single family, 2-3 bedroom detached, and owner-occupied. Did we say traditional values? But you will find rental apartments in small complexes. Perhaps you could even snag a month to month lease if you look hard enough. You won't have to jump through many hoops in order to resettle in Atchison; be prepared to offer a cash deposit and pay your rent and utilities on time and you'll feel right at home in no time.
There are only three neighborhoods in Atchison, so your search for rental property shouldn't be too hard. There are only a few studio apartments for rent, and fewer still if you're looking for something large like 5-bedroom rental houses, but living in Atchison is pleasant, people are nice and it is the heartland. After you're here awhile, you'll likely "heart it" as well.
Benedictine College: This quiet, walkable neighborhood is where most of the homes are, and they are older, but not historic, having been built since 1970, but before 2000. There aren't a lot of apartments in this neighborhood, and most of the homes have 3-4 bedrooms.
Route 59 / 274th St.: This moderately priced neighborhood is almost exclusively comprised of single-family homes, almost half of them built before 1939. It is the "heart" of Atchison, and while just over half of the homes in this neighborhood are 2-3 bedroom single-story, almost one third of the homes have 2 bedrooms or less. You probably won't find apartment homes here, but if you're lucky, you can move in to the whole house.
City Center: This is where you'll find an apartment in Atchison. It's historic. It's solid. It has personality. Most of the homes and buildings were built before 1939 and, somehow, they feel as if they've been here forever. It's a nice feeling. With a fair number of smaller apartment buildings, this is where you'll find friends and spend your time. It's a quiet, calm, walkable neighborhood, but in Atchison this is as trendy as it gets. It's actually pretty great!
The Atchison County Historical Society and the Cray Historical Home Museum are both here, as is the Amelia Earhart Birthplace. All are worth a visit. They love their meat in Kansas so if you have a hankering for a great steak, head for Pete's. You won't be disappointed! Or, wait for something hot off the outdoor grill at Iron Horse BBQ. Yum!
