Ottawa, KS

Nestled along the Marais des Cygnes River in eastern Kansas, Ottawa offers a relaxed small-town pace with a welcoming community feel. Home to roughly 12,000 people, the town pairs quiet residential streets with the youthful energy of Ottawa University, which was founded in the 1860s. Local parks and the scenic river corridor provide plenty of green space to unwind, bike, or take an evening stroll.

Much of the town's charm comes from its historic downtown district, where you will find local cafes, antique shops, and the Plaza Cinema, recognized as the world's oldest continuously operating purpose-built movie theater. With a solid public school system, affordable housing, and direct access to Interstate 35 for an easy commute to Lawrence or Kansas City, Ottawa is a comfortable and practical place to settle down.