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Ottawa, Kansas is a small city of approximately 12,000 residents located in Franklin County, about 60 miles southwest of Kansas City along Interstate 35. As the county seat of Franklin County, Ottawa serves as the commercial and civic hub for the surrounding agricultural region while also functioning as a college town anchored by Ottawa University, one of the oldest private universities in Kansas. The city's historic downtown square retains several original 19th-century buildings and hosts locally owned businesses, making it a charming centerpiece for a community of its size. Ottawa is highly car-dependent, as most grocery stores, retail, and services are spread across commercial corridors that require a short drive from the university and residential neighborhoods. Rents in Ottawa are exceptionally low by Kansas and national standards, making it one of the more affordable places in the region for students and young professionals. The Kansas Turnpike and I-35 provide straightforward access to the Kansas City metro, Topeka, and Wichita for anyone seeking larger-city amenities. Outdoor recreation is accessible at nearby Pomona Lake and Ottawa City Park, and the Marais des Cygnes River corridor provides natural scenery and fishing opportunities close to town.
The residential streets immediately surrounding Ottawa University make up the most student-populated neighborhood in the city, with short walks to campus and affordable older housing stock. This is the go-to area for students who want to minimize transportation costs and stay close to campus life.
Ottawa's historic downtown square and the surrounding blocks offer a handful of apartments in older commercial buildings along with easy access to local restaurants, a coffee shop, and small retail businesses. It is the most walkable part of the city and a short drive from campus.
The residential neighborhoods south of downtown offer spacious single-family homes for rent at prices that are very low compared to most college markets. Roommate groups and students seeking more living space often choose south Ottawa for its affordability and quiet, family-friendly streets.
North Ottawa along Main Street and Princeton Avenue provides proximity to the major grocery stores, pharmacies, and national retailers that serve the city. Rental options along this corridor are limited but some apartments exist, and the area is convenient for students who prioritize easy access to errands.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Ottawa.
Ottawa does not operate a traditional fixed-route public bus system. The Franklin County Public Transit office provides demand-responsive transportation for seniors and residents with disabilities, but this service is not designed for general student or commuter use. Most Ottawa University students and residents of Ottawa rely entirely on personal vehicles to get around the city.
Walking is practical for students who live in the neighborhoods immediately adjacent to the Ottawa University campus, where streets are quiet and distances to class are short. The broader city is less walkable, as commercial areas and services are distributed across low-density corridors without continuous sidewalks. Biking is feasible in good weather on residential streets, though dedicated bike lanes are largely absent and most errands still require a car.
Parking in Ottawa is abundant and free in nearly all locations, including the Ottawa University campus, downtown square, and commercial strips. Street parking downtown is unrestricted during most hours. Students living off campus should confirm parking availability with their landlord, as most rental houses and apartment buildings provide off-street parking included in or near the lease price.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Ottawa is one of the most affordable rental markets in Kansas. One-bedroom apartments typically rent for $500 to $750 per month, and two-bedroom units range from $650 to $950. Students sharing a house with roommates can often pay $300 to $500 each per month. Utilities add roughly $100 to $150 per month in older homes, which make up much of the rental stock near campus.
Browse student housing near each Ottawa-area university.