Ottawa, KS Homes for Rent

Ottawa is a small city with a college-town atmosphere, largely influenced by Ottawa University, which offers free tuition to certified tribal members. The city, home to around 12,700 residents, features a historic downtown with century-old Italianate-style buildings housing local shops, restaurants, and bars. This walkable area becomes lively on game days and during various annual events, such as Ladies Night and multiple music festivals. Ottawa's housing market includes a range of single-family homes, some dating back to the late 1800s, with tax incentives available for revitalization projects. The Marais Des Cygnes River, once prone to flooding, is now managed by levees and pumping stations. Ottawa experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. The city is located in Tornado Alley but has not had significant tornadoes since 1950. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy 10 municipal parks and two state bike trails, the Flint Hills Trail and Prairie Spirit Trail, which attract biking tourism. For everyday shopping, big-box retailers are located about 2 miles south of Main Street. Major employers include the American Eagle Distribution Center, Ottawa University, and AdventHealth. While Ottawa is car-dependent, residents can commute to Kansas City in about an hour and Topeka in approximately 45 minutes.