One of the things Pratt is known for is a pair of water towers that are labeled "Hot" and "Cold." This, of course, was meant to be a joke. It turned out to be the joke of the century, because it still appears in publications and in many tourists' photos to this day!
The City of Pratt is located at the central part of the State of Kansas
One of the things Pratt is known for is a pair of water towers that are labeled "Hot" and "Cold." This, of course, was meant to be a joke. It turned out to be the joke of the century, because it still appears in publications and in many tourists' photos to this day!
The City of Pratt is located at the central part of the State of Kansas. It is part of Pratt County. It has a total area of 7.49 square miles, of which 7.37 square miles is land and 0.12 square miles is water. This city, which is home to more than 6,800 residents, is nicknamed "Gateway to the High Plains." It has rich natural spots, with over 270 acres of parks and 117 acres of nature trails. It also has a crystal clear river, the Ninnescah, with spring water flowing through it. However, this place is not just for nature-lovers. It is also a progressive bustling city. In fact, it is the regional center for medical care, shopping, cultural activities and higher education in the area.
Moving to Pratt
What's in the Market
If you're planning to move into Pratt, there's good news for you because finding a place to settle in will be a little easier compared to other major cities. Over 60 percent of the housing market is owner occupied, while more than 30 percent is renter occupied. More good news? It has a high vacancy rate for rental apartments and offers a lot of choices for those who wish to relocate.
If you're more of the single family home kind of person, then this is the place for you. Almost 80 percent of the properties in Pratt are detached single family homes. Complexes, high-rise apartments and condos for rent make up a small percentage. A majority of the homes have a total of five rooms. They have an average of one to three bedrooms, but the most common are two bedroom apartments.
What You Need
Relocating here will be a cinch since there is no need to apply for any moving permits. The State of Kansas does not require this. However, take note of the requirements and documents if you want to rent an apartment in Pratt.
Almost all landlords require that you submit a proof of identification and income. For this, you need a certificate of employment with your employer's contact number and office address. Don't be alarmed if they ask for your banking information or do a credit check! All these are essential for the landlords to determine if applicants are able to pay for the month to month rent and other expenses. If you want a guaranteed application, you can submit a list of your previous addresses with recommendations from past landlords.
After your application has been settled, prepare for certain fees, such as the application fee. This is usually needed for the credit check. You may also be required to pay for an advanced deposit, security fee and other charges.
Storm Alert
Being located at Tornado Alley, numerous tornadoes and storms hit the city each year. If you're moving in, be wary of the period between March to September as this is most common time when storms strike. Always listen to weather forecasts and keep tuned to updates.
On the other hand, winter season can be extremely cold as well. Moving during this period may be too much of a hassle because there's lots of snow. When's the best time to move? Fall. During this season, the temperatures are milder and there are fewer chances for a storm or tornado to occur.
With all these in mind, it is important that you take note if the home you want to rent has a shelter for emergency cases. If the property doesn't have a shelter, make sure that there is a nearby emergency or evacuation center near it. Remember, you can never be too careful!
Neighborhoods in Pratt
We all know about Pratt as a whole, but it's also important to get to know certain areas in the city. There are three constituent neighborhoods in the city and getting to know them is important when you're planning to move in.
City Center: Want to live in the most expensive neighborhood in the city? Then this is the place to be. The majority of the properties in this area are small to medium sized detached single family homes. Small studio types, one bedroom apartments, and apartment complexes can also be seen here. If you're a foodie, Humble Pie and El Dos De Oros are some of the famous local restaurants here.
Luka/ Coats: This area will give you the least headache as it has the highest vacancy rate. You will find that the majority of the homes in this area are medium to large sized single family homes. Some properties even have four bedrooms and up to five or more bedrooms. A few mobile homes can also be seen in this area. Try Rick's Restaurant in this neighborhood.
Route 54/ US Route 54: Being the least expensive neighborhood in the city, it naturally has the lowest vacancy rate. Most of the properties here are small to medium single family homes. Some small apartment buildings can also be seen here. Chapeau and Jocko's Barbeque are some of the popular places to dine in this area.
Living in Pratt
One of the greatest things about living in Pratt is the short commute time. Who likes busy streets with heavy traffic? Well, there are hardly any of those since most people spend less than 15 minutes for one-way commutes here. There are also some who simply walk from home to work. Breathe in the fresh air and appreciate the beautiful scenery! That will be what it's like when you move here.
Living in Pratt also makes you engaged into outdoor activities as well. You can visit one of the many parks for a stroll in the afternoon or a picnic with your friends. There are also numerous sports facilities, such as the Green Sports Complex. For golf lovers, visit Park Hills Golf and Supper Club, Green Valley and Seidel's. The Ninnescah Valley Archers, which features an outdoor bow range, can also be seen here.
One of the most famous attractions in this city is the Pratt County Historical Museum. The Vernon Filley Art Museum has also been recently added to the list. The city also has numerous theaters and art galleries. Besides all those mentioned here, there are much more to see and do in this city that makes it worth living in.
