Move to Montgomery County and Enjoy Downpayment Assistance and Low Housing Costs

Residents of Montgomery County, Kansas are eager to share why they love the region. There are endless opportunities to get involved in local communities and fun events throughout the year. Anyone who moves here can enjoy the vast benefits of rural life, including more space, friendly neighbors, and a lower cost of living.

One specific benefit of moving to Montgomery County is the reduced housing costs. Nationally, the median home price in 2024 is $420,8000. In Montgomery County, the median home price is $114,750.

“Housing is one of the top reasons to move to Montgomery County,” says Melissa Johnson, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Action Council (MCAC). “However, many people who relocate here because of the housing costs quickly fall in love with the region and the people who live here.”

To celebrate National Homeownership Month in June, MCAC is helping future residents find their dream homes. Here’s how you can move to Montgomery County in three easy steps. 

Step One: Explore Our Unique Communities

Montgomery County has multiple towns that offer unique experiences and valuable employment opportunities to residents. Spend some time driving through these communities to better understand them. Here are a few places to start your search:

• Coffeyville is one of the largest communities in Montgomery County. It has incentive programs for new businesses, making it an ideal town for entrepreneurs.
• Cherryvale was once a major railroad tourism destination and is now known for its quiet neighborhoods and beautiful houses.
• Caney has the Chautauqua Hills on one side and Copan and Hulah lakes on the other. It is an ideal place to live if you love spending time outdoors.  
• Independence is home to several manufacturing and aerospace firms. Companies in Independence are always looking for employees with diverse skill sets and workers who are eager to be trained.  

Whether you are striking out as an entrepreneur or starting a family in a safe and welcoming town, there’s something for everyone in Montgomery County. 

Step Two: Take Advantage of Down Payment Assistance

MCAC offers down payment assistance in the form of matching grants to incentivize people to move to the region. You could receive a stipend to cover part of your housing costs that you don’t have to pay back.  

“We want you to move to Montgomery County, which is why MCAC is giving away money to make homeownership more affordable,” says Johnson. “If you can’t afford a down payment in your current town, look into the housing costs of Montgomery County. You can find a neighborhood that fits your budget.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average first-time home buyer had a 7% down payment. Nationally, you would need to save nearly $30,000 to reach that threshold. With Montgomery County median home prices, you would only need $8,000. The MCAC down payment assistance program could cover a lot of that.

Apply for down payment assistance and see what you qualify for. Incentive amounts vary based on employment criteria and employer match. 

Step Three: Hire One of Our Top Real Estate Agents 

After you choose your ideal town and set a homebuying budget, take the first steps to relocate to Montgomery County. We have several qualified real estate agents in the region who can help you tour homes and make competitive offers. Here are a few of our MCAC members:

• American Homes Realty serves Montgomery and Labette Counties. 
• Bill White Real Estate represents buyers in Independence and surrounding areas.
• Coldwell Banker Pasternak-Johnson has been a staple in the region for more than 50 years.
• George Realtors is a family-owned real estate company that serves Montgomery, Labette, Chautauqua, and Wilson counties. 
• Heritage Homes Realty is run by Jessica Hensley who has sold real estate since 2003. 
• Keller Williams Realty Select specializes in first-time home buyers and relocation.
• Midwest Real Estate has three locations in the region, covering the broadest territory. It has been operational since 1976.

Any of these brokerages or agents would be happy to help you search for homes in Montgomery County and navigate the purchase process. 

Choose Montgomery County and Make Homeownership a Reality

Homeownership is possible when you look in the right communities. If you are worried about high housing costs and competitive markets, take a step back and explore Montgomery County. You can find houses that fit your size needs and fall within your budget. Our downpayment assistance programs and real estate agents can help you become a homeowner. Discover Montgomery County and choose this region to work and grow.