St. Marys, KS

St. Marys is a quiet town of about 2,800 people located in northeastern Kansas along the Kansas River valley. Situated on Highway 24 roughly 20 miles west of Topeka, it offers an easy commute into the city while keeping everyday living at a peaceful, small-town pace. The area dates back to the mid-1800s as a Jesuit mission, and historic landmarks like the 1855 Pottawatomie Indian Pay Station still stand near the center of town.

ATTRJERRYE & ROY KLOTZ MD / CC BY-SA 3.0

Families have solid educational options locally, including St. Marys Grade School and Junior/Senior High in the Kaw Valley school district. The town is also well known for St. Mary's Academy and College, an expansive private Catholic institution that draws families from across the country and plays a major role in the community. With its walkable streets, friendly neighborhoods, and wide-open prairie surroundings, St. Marys provides a grounded, welcoming setting for newcomers looking to settle down.