Rent to own Homes in Hays, KS
Hays is the largest city in northwestern Kansas, the economic and cultural center for an entire region. That's a big job for the current population of approximately 21,000, but Hays has enjoyed a long history as a leading community in what may seem like the middle of nowhere. In 1865, Hays became home to a U.S. Army fort nearby, which was later renamed for its general. When the railroad came through later, the settlement became Hays City and so it has remained.
Hays, KS is a great place for affordable rent-to-own homes! With a median household income of over $52,135 and a median rent of $720, the Hays, KS rent-to-own market is more affordable than the traditional housing market which has shown tremendous growth across the U.S. and with it, aggressive competition for home purchases. With the current housing shortage trend it can make it harder to become a homeowner, including in Hays, KS. This means higher than average down payments for homes and higher qualification standards for conventional home loans. With a rent-to-own property, tenants are also buyers. You can live in the house for a set amount of time before you purchase it, meaning that you get to know the house, your neighbors, and your community before making the final purchase. This enables you and your family to make the right choice based on both information and experience. Rent-to-own is also a great alternative way to get into a home if you have bad credit or don't have enough saved for a down payment.
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Hays, KS is seeing rapid growth and Hays, KS's' housing market remains optimal with an average home price that is -16% below the 2024 national average. Hays, KS is part of Ellis county and taxes are an important factor to consider when purchasing a home whether through rent to own or a traditional purchase. The average tax rate as of 2024 for county Ellis is 1.28% which is above the national average, which is 0.99%.
Median Home Price in Hays, KS
Median Rent in Hays, KS
Top 4 Reasons to Love Hays, KS
A plucky little town! Hays has faced its share of troubles and disappointment over the decades. Fire, floods, explosions and dust storms have all but destroyed the town and caused death numerous times, but determined residents always persevered and rebuilt. Its earliest commerce was based on agriculture; in the first decade of the 20th Century, though, Hays modernized. Its economic status and its importance to the region grew with the establishment of a Water Works, telephone exchange, sewer system and power plant. Now it's also home to the headquarters of Midwest Energy Inc.
History and more! You can explore natural history, local history and wartime history in Hays. You can see dinosaurs and snakes at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. Hays is also home to one of the Merci Boxcars sent by France as a thank you gift after World War II. Another favorite pastime for local residents is getting out to the parks and there's plenty of opportunity with 16 parks and two golf courses in the city. Frontier Park has also been home to a herd of bison since 1953.
Not the Wild West! Hays may have witnessed the exploits of Wild Bill Hickok in its early days, but it has settled down into a dignified, stable community. More than 40 percent of residents have lived in Hays for five years or more. Rent to own houses are available, but they may take some searching to locate. The average cost of a home here will be higher than the rest of the state, but the cost of living is listed as 5.7 percent lower than the Kansas average. You can get out and meet your neighbors when Hays celebrates Wild West Days every July and in October with two Oktoberfest celebrations.
Few young homes here! Most homes in Hays are older, with a median age of 29 years. There is a variety of styles available, but most are traditional, set in quiet neighborhoods with yards and wide streets. Rental homes account for 43 percent of the housing total, with 51 percent owner-occupied. A good places to get out and meet your new neighbors are at Gella's Diner and Lb. Brewing Co. Sake2Me Sushi is popular, but Al's Chickenette draws some real crowds for down-home good cooking.