Life In Ottawa, Kansas
Ottawa: Close-Knit, Close to Everything — Ottawa is a place where historic charm and modern opportunity come together. Nestled along the Marais des Cygnes River, Ottawa offers a lively downtown, rich cultural experiences, and plenty of outdoor recreation. With affordable living, a strong sense of community, and quick access to Kansas City, Ottawa is more than a place to live — it’s a place to belong.
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Ottawa: FUN FACT
Ottawa, Kansas, is a welcoming small town where history, community, and outdoor living come together. Nestled along the Marais des Cygnes River, Ottawa’s vibrant downtown features beautifully preserved Victorian architecture, unique local shops, and the world’s oldest operating purpose-built cinema, Plaza 1907. Outdoor enthusiasts love the access to the Prairie Spirit and Flint Hills Nature Trails, offering more than 170 miles of scenic paths for biking, walking, and exploring. The city also bursts with community spirit through annual celebrations like the Ol’ Marais River Run Car Show, the Fourth of July Chautauqua Festival, Treasures in Ottawa open-air market, and the Franklin County Fair & Rodeo. With its affordable cost of living, rich heritage, and year-round activities, Ottawa is more than just a charming place to visit—it’s a place to feel at home.
Awards & Press
The four must-sees of ottawa
OU Named a 2024-25 Silver Champions of Character
Environmental Stewardship Award
EXCELLENCE AWARD AT BEST OF THE MIDWEST MEDIA FEST
AAA Gold Kansas Community Traffic Safety Award for traffic safety efforts in 2020
19th Safest City in Kansas
Kansas’ Flint Hills Trail State Park Recognized as Hall of Fame Trail
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MakeMyMove sources all Cost of Living Data from COLI, published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), without any modification or bias.
COLI data is recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and CNN Money. The data and methodology are described in detail and completely transparent to users, found in the COLI Manual. Both data and methodology are reviewed by an Advisory Board composed of academic researchers and government officials. The Cost of Living Index is referenced in the Census Bureau's Statistical Abstract of the U.S.
According to the COLI Manual, composite differences of <4% and categorical differences of <5% are not statistically significant and should not be treated as necessarily accurate.
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