Osawatomie, KS

Set between the Marais des Cygnes River and Pottawatomie Creek, Osawatomie is a quiet community of about 4,200 people in Miami County. Sitting roughly an hour southwest of the Kansas City metro along U.S. 169 and Highway 7, the town gives residents plenty of breathing room and a calm, small-town pace. It also has deep historical roots, featuring landmarks like the John Brown Museum and historic bridges spanning the waterways.

ATTRDcomputerman12 / CC BY-SA 4.0

Local students attend Osawatomie USD 367 schools, and outdoor enthusiasts have convenient access to neighborhood river parks and the Flint Hills Trail. While downtown takes care of daily errands and local dining, most residents make the quick drive over to Paola or up toward Olathe for bigger grocery trips, box stores, and specialized medical care. It is a down-to-earth, affordable place to settle down if you want scenic surroundings without being cut off from the city.