Gardner 75 Excellent
Gardner Livability #72 ranked city in Kansas#4,133 ranked city in the USARanks better than 85% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Gardner

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Crime Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Employment Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

What's it like Living in Gardner?

Gardner, Kansas is a medium-sized city with a population of 22,733 residents. The majority of Gardner residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Gardner could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 32 years old is below the nation’s average. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Gardner is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 24 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Gardner, Kansas could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Gardner and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, commute, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Kansas and national averages.

Gardner, KS receives 75 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #43 in Kansas and #3,405 in the USA. This is a fantastic score, as Gardner ranks well in multiple categories! There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Gardner ranks well for crime (A+), cost of living (A), education (B-), employment (A+) and housing (A+) There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Gardner. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (F).

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Gardner shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 138 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Gardner apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Gardner. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Gardner are affordable. The median home price for Gardner homes is $364,072, which is 47.6% higher than the Kansas average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Gardner, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 6.7% higher than the Kansas average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Gardner

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Gardner?

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      Gardner transportation information

      Statistic Gardner Kansas National
      Average one way commute24min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work84.6%82.2%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.3%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.1%0.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.5%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.5%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home5.8%4.2%4.6%
      Source: The Gardner, KS data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.