Let the numbers do the talking.
Gardner, KS vs Shawnee, KS
Gardner, KS vs Shawnee, KS: What the data shows
Gardner, KS is in Gardner, KS while Shawnee, KS is in Shawnee, KS — both in the same state. On home prices, Shawnee, KS is the more affordable option at $219,500 median — $95,500 less than Gardner, KS's $315,000. WYLT rates Gardner, KS as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Shawnee, KS as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Gardner, KS has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Shawnee, KS has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Gardner, KS has Low flood risk and Shawnee, KS has Low flood risk.
Shawnee, KS is the more walkable neighborhood. Gardner, KS scores 7/100 (car-dependent) versus Shawnee, KS's 16/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Shawnee, KS has the higher school rating — Gardner, KS rates 6.8/10 and Shawnee, KS rates 7/10.
| Category | Gardner, KS | Shawnee, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Good for now |
| Median Price | $315K | $220K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $1K | $1K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $92K ✓ Higher income | $75K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Low ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 7/100 | 16/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 2/100 | 20/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | 31/100 ✓ More bikeable | N/A |
| Commute | 30 min ✓ Shorter commute | 35 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6.8/10 | 7/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | FamiliesFirst‑time homebuyersRemote workers | FamiliesCommuters to Kansas CityStudents |
Bottom line
For buyers prioritizing affordable housing, Shawnee, KS appears to be the better choice, offering slightly lower home prices without sacrificing too much in terms of local amenities. Families with students, commuters to Kansas City, or retirees looking for low-cost living will likely prefer Shawnee. However, if a quiet, low-density setting is a top priority, Gardner, KS might be the better fit.
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