Breanna Holthaus
Real Estate Consultant
Realty Executives of Kansas City
If you’re thinking about buying a home in Leavenworth County, Kansas, you have more options than you might realize. From growing communities with newer homes to established neighborhoods with mature trees and plenty of character, there’s a little something for almost every type of buyer.
The “best” area really depends on what matters most to you—schools, commute, lot size, new construction, price, small-town feel, or being close to Kansas City.
Here’s a look at some of the best areas to consider when buying a home in Leavenworth County.
Basehor has become one of the most popular places to live in Leavenworth County, and for good reason.
Basehor offers a combination of small-town atmosphere, newer neighborhoods, shopping, restaurants, and convenient access to the Kansas City metro. It can be a great fit for buyers who want a newer home without giving up that community feel.
There are also plenty of opportunities for buyers looking for larger lots, new construction, and homes with more space.
Basehor currently ranks highly among Leavenworth County communities for places to live and for families, according to Niche's 2026 rankings.
Basehor may be a good fit if you want:
Newer construction
Family-friendly neighborhoods
More modern amenities
Easy access toward Kansas City
A growing community with a small-town feel
Tonganoxie is a favorite for buyers who want a genuine small-town community while still being within driving distance of Kansas City.
One of the biggest draws is the variety of housing. You’ll find established homes, newer construction, properties with larger lots, and opportunities to get a little more space outside the city.
Tonganoxie also has a strong community identity, with local businesses, community events, parks, and a historic downtown.
If you’re looking for a place where you can know your neighbors, have a little more breathing room, and still commute to the metro, Tonganoxie is worth putting on your list.
Tonganoxie may be a good fit if you want:
A small-town atmosphere
Larger lots or acreage
A strong sense of community
A mix of older and newer homes
Access to Kansas City without living in the middle of the metro
Lansing is another strong option, particularly for buyers who want convenience.
Lansing sits close to Leavenworth and Fort Leavenworth, making it especially appealing to military families and people who commute to the area. It also provides relatively easy access to the Kansas City metro.
The housing market includes established neighborhoods as well as newer construction, giving buyers a variety of options depending on their budget and lifestyle.
Lansing ranks #2 among Leavenworth County communities in Niche's 2026 “Best Places to Live” and “Best Places to Raise a Family” rankings.
Lansing may be a good fit if you want:
A convenient commute
Proximity to Fort Leavenworth
Established neighborhoods
Newer homes and development
A community that is close to Kansas City but not in the heart of it
Leavenworth offers something different from some of the newer communities in the county.
As Kansas's oldest incorporated city, Leavenworth has a lot of history and character. Buyers will find historic homes, established neighborhoods, downtown living, and a wide variety of housing styles.
It can also be an appealing option for buyers who want more house for their budget or who appreciate older homes with unique details.
Leavenworth ranked #3 among Leavenworth County communities in Niche's 2026 “Best Places to Live” list.
Leavenworth may be a good fit if you want:
Historic homes and character
Established neighborhoods
More housing variety
Downtown and local businesses
Proximity to Fort Leavenworth
If your dream isn't a subdivision but a little more land, don't overlook the rural areas throughout Leavenworth County.
You can find properties with larger lots, outbuildings, shops, barns, and acreage throughout the county. The trade-off is usually a longer commute and potentially different considerations for utilities, septic systems, wells, road maintenance, and zoning.
This is where having a real estate agent who understands acreage properties can be especially helpful.
There isn't one answer for everyone.
If you're looking for newer homes and a growing community: Start with Basehor.
If you want small-town living: Take a look at Tonganoxie.
If your commute or Fort Leavenworth is important: Consider Lansing.
If you love historic homes, character, and established neighborhoods: Explore Leavenworth.
And if you're dreaming about more land and space, expand your search beyond city limits and look at the surrounding county.
The best place to buy isn't necessarily the place with the highest ranking online. It's the place that fits your budget, commute, lifestyle, and plans for the future.
If you're not sure which community is the right fit, I'd be happy to help you compare your options.
Whether you're looking for your first home, new construction, acreage, an investment property, or a place to settle down and raise your family, Leavenworth County has a lot of different communities to explore.
The right home is out there—it may just be a matter of finding the right area first.
Should You Buy a House in Basehor or Keep Renting in 2026?
If you’re renting in Basehor and wondering whether 2026 is the year you should finally buy a home, you’re probably asking yourself a lot of questions.
Are home prices too high? Are interest rates going to come down? Should I wait? Would buying actually save me money?
There isn’t one right answer for everyone.
As a local real estate agent, I think the better question is not “Is it a good time to buy?” but:
“Is buying a home the right move for me right now?”
Here are a few things I’d consider if you’re renting in Basehor and thinking about buying.
1. How long do you plan to stay?
This is one of the first questions I’d ask a buyer.
If you think you’ll move again in a year or two, renting may make more sense. Buying comes with upfront costs, including closing costs and other expenses, and you need time to build enough equity to make the move worthwhile.
But if you’re planning to stay in Basehor for several years, buying may become more appealing.
You aren’t just paying for a place to live. You’re also building ownership in an asset over time.
2. Don’t wait for the “perfect” interest rate
I hear this one a lot.
“I want to buy, but I’m waiting for rates to come down.”
The problem is that none of us knows exactly when rates will change—or what home prices will do while you’re waiting.
If rates eventually decrease, there may be opportunities to refinance. But if you wait for the perfect rate and home prices continue to rise, you could end up paying more for the house.
Instead of trying to perfectly time the market, I’d focus on finding a monthly payment that you’re comfortable with today.
3. Compare your rent to your potential monthly payment
Don’t automatically assume buying will be cheaper than renting.
Sometimes it won’t be.
When comparing the two, look beyond just the mortgage payment. Homeownership can also include:
Property taxes
Homeowners insurance
Maintenance and repairs
HOA fees, if applicable
Utilities
Upfront closing costs
On the other hand, homeowners are building equity as they pay down their mortgage, while rent payments generally don’t give you ownership of the property.
The right comparison is really your total cost of renting vs. your total cost of owning.
4. What are you saving for a down payment?
You don’t necessarily need 20% down to buy a home.
Depending on your loan program and circumstances, there may be options for buyers with smaller down payments, including programs that can be especially helpful for first-time buyers.
That doesn’t mean you should buy with the smallest amount possible, though.
You also want money set aside for emergencies, moving expenses and those inevitable moments when the water heater decides it has had enough.
Being “house poor” isn’t the goal.
The goal is to own a home while still having room in your budget to enjoy your life.
5. Think about what you want your life to look like
This is the part that doesn’t always show up in a mortgage calculator.
Maybe you’re renting because you want flexibility.
That’s valuable.
Or maybe you’re tired of asking a landlord if you can paint a bedroom, get a dog, or make changes to your home.
Maybe you’re ready for a yard.
Maybe you want more space for your kids.
Maybe you want to put down roots in the Basehor community.
Those things matter, too.
6. What happens if you wait another year?
I’m not saying you should rush out and buy a house simply because you’re worried prices will increase.
But I do think it’s worth asking yourself:
If I wait another year, what am I hoping will be different?
Will you have more money saved?
Will your credit score improve?
Will your income increase?
Will you have less debt?
Those could all be very good reasons to wait.
But if the only reason you’re waiting is because you’re hoping the market will suddenly become “perfect,” you may be waiting for something that doesn’t exist.
So… should you buy or keep renting?
Maybe.
And honestly, that’s the answer I’d rather give you than tell you that everyone needs to buy a house right now.
If you’re financially comfortable renting, aren’t sure where you’ll be in a few years, or need more time to prepare, keep renting. There’s nothing wrong with that.
But if you’re financially ready, want to stay in the Basehor area, have money set aside for the purchase, and are ready for the responsibilities that come with owning a home, 2026 could absolutely be a year worth exploring homeownership.
You don’t have to commit to buying just because you talk to a real estate agent.
Sometimes the most helpful thing I can do for a potential buyer is sit down with them, look at their situation, run some numbers and tell them honestly whether I think they’re ready—or whether I think they should wait.
If you’re renting in Basehor and wondering whether buying makes sense for you, I’d be happy to help you look!
Winter is now just a memory, but the damage done to your lawn isn’t. If you’re in an area where temperatures drop severely and winter storms are constant, your lawn has probably suffered. Now that spring is in full swing and summer will be here before we know it, it is time to give your lawn a little TLC. Here are the steps to turn your lawn from an eyesore into a sight to see!
1. RAKE
Rake to remove any dead grass or other winter debris. Make sure you invest in a durable rake to easily remove larger pieces like sticks and matted leaves. Raking will expose any patches that need attention and helps to begin preparing the soil for any reseeding that may need done.
2. AERIFY
A core aerator uses metal tines to pull out small soil plugs, promoting more soil drainage. This will help to increase the movement of water and allow for oxygen and nutrients to enter the ground easier. If your lawn sees a great deal of traffic or it spent the winter packed with snow, this is especially important to help alleviate soil compaction and promote new growth. If you don’t have an aerating tool, you could purchase a handheld tool for small yards or rent an aerating machine for large lawns.
3. SEED
Once you’ve seen what areas of your lawn need a little extra love, you’re ready to reseed. Take advantage of the spring weather, especially if you are in an area with frequent rain, and reseed during the warm and rainy season.
4. WATER
The goal is to keep your soil damp while waiting for those reseeded areas to grow. While reseeding during rainy seasons can be beneficial, be sure not to reseed before a major storm so that all of your hard work isn’t washed away.
5. MOW
Make sure your lawn mower is in good shape. You can get your blade sharpened at local hardware stores to ensure it is done properly and safely. Once your lawn reaches about 3 inches, it is time for the first spring cut.
Before you put your home up for sale, you'll want to ensure it's clean for all of the buyers that will come through. A dirty house isn't appealing, and you won't get a good offer, if you get one at all, if your home isn't in tip-top shape. Cleaning your home doesn't have to be overwhelming, below we've listed the top things to remember to clean for each room.
FOYER:
+ Clean the door and hardware.
+ Wipe off all fingerprints on windows/furniture.
+ Clean off scuff marks on floors and door.
+ Replace all light bulbs and ensure light fixtures are working.
+ Tidy/clean up the coat closet. People WILL look in there to see the size.
KITCHEN:
+ Wipe down all cabinets.
+ Clean all appliances, inside and out.
+ Clean stove hood, on top and bottom.
+ Clean behind the refrigerator, on top and bottom too.
+ Ensure the microwave is clean of food splatter.
+ Clean the space behind the sink.
+ Wipe down blinds/shades.
+ Wash any kitchen rugs, clean the floors and baseboards.
+ Store all of your food/pet food out of sight.
BATHROOM:
+ Clean behind toilet and under sink.
+ Only display absolute necessities; declutter.
+ Organize and clean under the vanity.
+ Scrub floors and clean grout lines.
+ Keep dirty clothes and towels off the floor.
+ Be sure to lock away any medication.
+ Clean the fan and make sure it is functioning.
+ Replace any dead lightbulbs.
BEDROOM:
+ Wash sheets, comforters, and blankets.
+ Clean the curtains and rugs.
+ Dust furniture.
+ Remove any obvious stains from fabrics.
+ Keep closets clean and organized.
+ Store away dirty clothes and personal photos.
+ Clean marks on walls.
These are just the basics you don't want to forget about. If it's within your budget, we highly recommend hiring a professional cleaner to ensure your home is in its best condition. Contact your agent to get a great local recommendation.
Even if the weather isn’t cooperating quite yet - spring is on the way! Cheering up your home with some spring decor is the perfect way to prepare for warmer days and more sunshine. Here are some options to prepare your home for the next season!
ADD AN HERB GARDEN
While they may not last outdoors with the sporadic weather of spring, bringing potted herbs into your home and letting them soak up sunlight in a kitchen window is the perfect way to add life to your home and have access to fresh herbs while you’re cooking.
THINK SPRING
If you are all about DIY-ing, creating simple decorations can add a pop of seasonal color to your home. Take that pair of rain boots you don’t wear anymore and turn them into planters - add bright floral arrangements and use your new decor item as an inviting piece by your front door.
POPS OF COLOR
Neutral and sleek is all the rage right now, but adding a pop of color in your normal decor can add a cheerful touch to your home. Swap out your kitchen napkins or tablecloth with something a little bit more colorful, like soft blues or pinks. Small changes can do enough to make your home feel different without being overwhelming.
FLORALS ARE ALWAYS THE ANSWER
Whether or not you already include florals in your home decor, take the time to swap out or add something new that feels like spring. While fresh flowers are a great choice, consider picking up some faux florals for the majority of your decor and saving the fresh flowers for a centerpiece. Don’t be afraid to add pops of color, specifically yellows and pinks, to create a focal point for the room.
TOUCH UP TIME
Is there a room in your home that is just feeling drab? Maybe it is dark and uninviting, or maybe it has white walls that have started to fade. While you are spring cleaning, consider adding a fresh coat of paint to a place in your home that needs a boost of light. Spring is all about being fresh and new, so your home should feel that way too!
