Downtown Topeka

Topeka, KS

Downtown Topeka - Topeka, KS

Area Guide

The newest hotspot? Downtown Topeka!

Walkable • Shops • Restaurants • Parks • Arts • Culture • Government •

While Downtown Topeka -- aside from the spectacular Capitol building -- once seemed rather bland, that's quickly changing. The city recently invested heavily to create period lighting, eight pocket parks, charming pavilions with fountains, and a brand-new pipe system to replace its existing, 75-year-old system. These changes have brought with them an influx of new restaurants and shops, making Downtown Topeka a hip, fun place to live. Nearby Washburn University adds a youthful vibe as students discover the area's restaurants and nightlife.

Downtown Topeka's "Main Street" is Kansas Avenue, and the downtown area extends from roughly 16th Street north to around 5th Street. It includes the historic Jayhawk Theater, a movie palace and vaudeville theater that opened in 1926; the Topeka Performing Arts Center, which hosts plays, the ballet, concerts, and special events; and the Downtown Topeka Farmers Market, which is open on Saturdays from April through November.

Rent Trends

As of February 2025, the average apartment rent in Downtown Topeka is $554 for one bedroom, and $880 for two bedrooms. Apartment rent in Downtown Topeka has increased by 0.6% in the past year.