Wichita is a big enough city to offer real variety when it comes to neighborhoods, but small enough that most of them are only a short drive apart. Whether you want a walkable district with restaurants and nightlife or a suburb with its own schools and identity, you have options. This guide covers neighborhoods within the city and a couple of nearby communities to help you figure out what each area brings to the table.  

Maize  

Maize is a small community just northwest of Wichita, about a 20-minute drive from downtown. It's best known for its top-ranked public school system, USD 266, which is one of the biggest draws for people moving to the area. Community events are a big part of life here, and the annual Fall Festival brings out the whole town with a parade, car show, inflatables, and live entertainment.  

Maize's Academy Arts District is a walkable stretch along Academy Avenue that includes MOXI Junction (a coffeehouse, bakery, and art gallery), boutique shops, and local businesses. The west end of the district includes Maize City Park, with a large playground, splash pad, skate park, and the Clair Donnelly Amphitheater, which hosts community events throughout the year. For dining and errands, you're close to New Market Square, and attractions like the Sedgwick County Zoo and Tanganyika Wildlife Park are both a short drive away. Easy access to K-96 makes the commute into Wichita simple.  

Delano District  

Delano is another of Wichita's oldest neighborhoods, sitting on the west bank of the Arkansas River directly across from downtown. More than 250 businesses line Douglas Avenue, most of them independently owned restaurants, bars, and shops in historic brick buildings. The dining options run from Delano Barbeque Company's slow-smoked brisket to Yokohama Ramen Joint's handmade noodles, named one of the top 50 ramen spots in the country by USA Today. For shopping, Bungalow 26 carries bath, body, and home goods, and Hatman Jack's is one of the largest hat shops in the country. Exploration Place, Sedgwick County's science museum, is also in the neighborhood, and Riverfront Stadium features minor league baseball from April through September.  

Valley Center  

Valley Center is about nine miles north of downtown Wichita, just off I-35, offering a small-town feel without being far from the city. The USD 262 school district is highly rated, with strong academics and a well-known fine arts program. The town has five public parks, over 17 miles of trails, a 9-hole golf course, a public pool, and a newer library and community center. One of the most popular destinations near Valley Center is Elderslie Farm, which started as a blackberry farm and now includes a prix-fixe farm-to-table restaurant, a seasonal cafe, and a creamery producing handcrafted goat cheeses. For something more casual, Big Larry's Burgers is a local favorite, and The Hive Bar & Grill draws regulars for pub food and cold beer.  

Orchard Park  

Orchard Park is a residential neighborhood in northwest Wichita with a suburban feel and a central location. It's located just east of Interstate 235 and close to Kellogg Avenue, which makes getting around easy without dealing with a lot of through traffic in the neighborhood itself. The neighborhood's namesake park covers nearly 20 acres and includes a playground, basketball and tennis courts, a soccer field, a beginner-friendly skatepark, and a swimming pool with a water slide and climbing wall. The Miracle Field, a specially designed baseball diamond for players with disabilities, is the first of its kind in Kansas. For food, San Salvador Cafe and Thai House are neighborhood go-tos, Dillon's grocery is a short drive away, and you can reach downtown Wichita in about 10 minutes.  

Riverside  

Riverside goes back to the 1880s, and the Craftsman-style bungalows from that era still define the look of the neighborhood. Central Riverside Park covers more than 50 acres and has walking paths, a splash pad, playgrounds, and the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit, a free native zoo with over 25 species.  At the point where the two rivers meet, you'll find the Keeper of the Plains, a 44-foot steel sculpture by Blackbear Bosin that's become one of Wichita's most recognizable landmarks. The Wichita Art Museum, Old Cowtown Museum, and Botanica are all nearby, and the Arkansas River Bike Path connects the neighborhood to downtown in about two miles.    

Find Your Neighborhood in Wichita  

If you're drawn to the Orchard Park area, start your search with apartments in Wichita at Morgan's Landing. Located on West 13th Street in West Wichita, Morgan's Landing offers studio, 1, and 2-bedroom floor plans in a landscaped, park-like community with a swimming pool, playground, and on-site laundry. The location puts you within a short drive of shopping, dining, and the Sedgwick County Zoo. Schedule a tour today and see the community for yourself.