Picture Yourself Viewing Gardner Through The Window Of Your New Apartment

How'd that go? Let's add some flesh to that fantasy by giving you the deets on this eastern Kansas residency. The city sprung up in the midst (or rather just ""middle,"" no need to get fancy) of the 19th century flurry to settle the American heartland. Poet Robert Frost's waxing eloquent about forks in a road actually applies to Gardner rather well, seeing as how the town's the location of a divergence of historical trails heading out west, the Santa Fe and the California. But don't let the names fool you, though they take separate and crooked paths, apparently both ultimately land travelers in the Golden State.

But Gardner's more than simply a pit stop. It's home to over 19,000 souls, all of whom to some degree or another partake in the city's solidly middle class offerings by way of decent economy, decent government, and just plain common decency. The city boasts of a stronger pattern of growth than other Kansas City suburbs, but without knowing just how fast any of those other 'burbs grow, we're not sure whether to throw our hats in the air, hootin' and hollerin', or just nod in mild affirmation. You know, 'cuz it's all relative.

For tips related to searching for a spot-on apartment in Gardner, check out our Apartment Guide. Looking to get the inside scoop on the city? Strike up a friendly conversation at LocalTalk and get the information you seek on all things Gardner. Make sure to utilize the ""Ask a Question"" feature for personalized feedback from local experts."

How Much Is that Apartment In The Window?

We sure hope it's for sale. Actually, we know it is. It's kind of like what we do and all.

No matter your desire for a one bedroom with a pet friendly landlord, or two bedroom with a ""zero tolerance"" policy toward four legged rascals of any kind, Gardner's got your number. Check out our rental and census data tables as well as our other fact sheets for more info about affordability and options for your future new digs. Now, get movin' on your apartment search by clicking on the rentals listed below."

It Takes Roots To Grow A Gardner

And would you believe that Gardner's roots were planted by - gasp! - Massachusettsians? Wait, is ""Massachusettsians"" a word? (The answer is absolutely not.) Anyway, all true. What exactly prompted these emigrants to drive (their wagons) halfway across the country isn't known. Perhaps they were, uh, inspired by Lewis & Clark? Not a strong theory, we know.

Gardner gets massive kudos from us for its early devotion to something we all take for granted nowadays, namely not being owned by another person. Middle 19th century Gardner was regularly whacked by ""Bushwhackers"" (no, not these Bushwhackers) during the Civil War years for its support of abolition. You could say Gardner found itself both on the edge of the Union and the cutting edge of politics. In 2007 the city celebrated its 150th anniversary with an event dubbed Festival of the Trails. This star studded bash didn't include Dolly Parton, Keith Urban, or Taylor Swift, but rather the Brandon Miller Band, Change of Heart (can you guess which band they cover?), and the not very uniquely named Edge of Forever. Watch for them all. Soon they'll be bigger than Jesus. And Lady Gaga.

Mayor David C. Drovetta welcomes you to Gardner, and wants to inform you that you can procure gas service through Kansas Gas Service or Atmos Energy; electricity via Gardner Energy; and internet through Time Warner or Century Link. Oh, and the city will not - read it, not - remove ice and snow from your property. Your mother (probably) doesn't live in Gardner, so...well you know how the saying goes.

Whatever Can Ye Do In Gardner, Anyway?

The city can help you with that, with its handy guide to not only what you can do within a 20 mile radius, but beyond that range too. As for the former, you'll find the Johnson County Museum, the Kansas Speedway (whose mission needs no explaining), and the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens of Overland Park. Expand the circle of fun and you'll find yourself in the Kansas City area, where the city's zoo and IMAX theatre await your undivided attention in addition to a Harley Davidson Factory, and the Oceans of Fun amusement park. This last one is really a treat, seeing as it's got an aquatic theme thousands of miles from the nearest ocean. #########The above is only the tip of the iceberg lettuce, so go forth and see what else you can discover about Gardner's potential for fun, fun, and more pho.