Montgomery County Communities are Taking Steps to Address the American Housing Shortage

According to the latest estimates, the United States is short up to 5.5 million homes, preventing Americans from finding the housing they need. Almost every community, no matter its size, needs additional housing investment. However, developers and government leaders in Montgomery County, Kansas, are doing something about it.

“There isn’t a single solution to increase access to housing in our communities,” says Melissa Johnson, Executive Director of  Montgomery County Action Council (MCAC). “If we intend to grow Montgomery County, then we need to take a multi-faceted approach to increasing the housing supply.”

Montgomery County community leaders formed a partnership to create a county-wide housing committee so the Cherryvale, Caney, Coffeyville, and Independence communities can pool their resources, talents, and ideas to move the needle on the housing shortage in southeast Kansas. Here’s what you need to know and how you can find your home in one of the best communities in Kansas. 

Coffeyville Balances Housing Grant Projects With Developer Incentives 

Coffeyville has a population of 8,400 and an average household income of $59,000. Angie Stevens, the city's Community Development and Housing Coordinator, says several great projects are in the works to improve access to housing. Here are a few highlights.

• The city completed and sold two houses in the past year. 
• The city has purchased 100 acres of land and is in the preliminary plotting stage to build more housing units. 
• There are strong developer incentives to encourage companies to build in Coffeyville.
• The city continues to work with designers and developers to improve the downtown areas and support both business growth and housing investment.  

“There are so many great opportunities now and forthcoming in the future for Coffeyville,” says Stevens.

Coffeyville is growing its inventory one house at a time, and every contribution helps. 

Independence is Building a New Neighborhood from the Ground Up

Nestled in a developing area of the city, the Jefferson Subdivision marks one of the most ambitious housing expansions in recent years. Comprising 22 single-family residential lots, this development is a result of thoughtful planning and collaboration. Infrastructure installation was successfully wrapped up in November 2024, paving the way for vertical construction.

The IHA has greenlighted construction on eight homes, each ranging in size from 1,550 to 1,813 square feet, with prices spanning $294,900 to $344,900. These homes are tailored for families looking for quality living in a newly developed area. Additionally, local builder First-Step Builders will contribute two more homes to the neighborhood, offering slightly smaller footprints at 1,335 square feet, priced at a more accessible $225,000. This balance of affordability and design excellence sets the tone for a diverse and inclusive community. Following the sale of these initial 10 homes, the second phase will launch, adding the final 12 homes to complete the subdivision.

Independence is Investing in New Builds and Renovations

While new housing is an invaluable resource for the community, the City of Independence is also working with its existing inventory. It continues to renovate distressed homes to give them new lives for local families. These renovations will increase housing inventory and elevate local neighborhoods because there will be fewer abandoned or damaged properties.

Cherryvale Homes Are Selling as Quickly as They Are Built

The City of Cherryvale has formed a partnership with Community National Bank and Diamond Property Management, LLC, to build two houses this summer. Each home will cost $160,000, and the City plans to move forward with the project and build another two houses once infill land becomes available.

Cherryvale is a small community of 2,000 residents that attracts visitors annually with its historic charm and beauty. When people visit this community, they fall in love with it, which is why housing demand is high. 

Caney, Kansas Tackles Housing Shortage with Strategic Investments and Partnerships

The City of Caney is making significant strides in addressing the rural housing shortage through a combination of state and federal partnerships, local leadership, and targeted revitalization efforts. 

Historic Downtown Revitalization with HUD HOPE Grant

In partnership with local property owners Justin and Melissa Lyons, Caney was awarded the HUD HOPE VI Main Street Grant to redevelop the historic Blackledge Building in downtown. This federal program helps smaller communities transform underused commercial space into affordable housing while preserving the character of traditional main streets. The project will breathe new life into a prominent historic structure and bring much-needed housing options to the heart of the community. 

New Multifamily Units Through State Housing Initiative

Wunder Remodeling, with support from the City of Caney, was recently named one of 15 recipients of state housing assistance through the Kansas Housing Corporation. The project will convert the former nursing home into 18 modern multifamily rental units.

Backed by the Moderate Income Housing (MIH) Program, Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credit (KHITC), and Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), this initiative strengthens the availability of quality rental options and promotes sustainable growth in rural Kansas. 

Infill Development Through the Caney Land Bank

To further support housing development, the Caney Land Bank offers vacant lots to the public for infill housing projects. These properties create opportunities for new home construction on underutilized land within city limits. Interested developers and individuals can inquire by contacting Caney City Hall at 620-879-2772.

Work With the Leading Realtors in Montgomery County

Multiple real estate agents are invested in the future of Montgomery County and actively participate in MCAC. Here are a few top real estate firms with agents who are happy to help you find your next home. 

• American Homes Realty: Work with Carla LeLaCheur, a licensed broker since 1986. LeLaCheur and her team can help you find a home, make an offer, and get to the closing table.  
• Bill White Real Estate: This brokerage has been a staple of Montgomery County since 1978. It is based in Independence and also serves the surrounding communities. 
• Coldwell Banker Pasternak-Johnson: Get to know your local Coldwell Banker brokerage in Independence. 
• George Realtors: Contact this family-owned real estate firm and work with agents who pride themselves on their integrity.  
• Heritage Homes Realty: Jessica Hensley runs this eXp Realty brokerage and supports buyers and sellers across the region.  
• Midwest Real Estate: Find an agent who will support you at Midwest Real Estate.

“Each of these brokerages and agents is committed to helping you find your ideal home in Montgomery County,” says Johnson. “Their decades of experience speak for themselves.” 

Choose Montgomery County and Let Us Make Your Move Easier

MCAC makes it easy to Choose Montgomery County, whether you want to find a downtown loft in Independence or invest in land outside of Cherryvale. Nationally, the median home price is $420,800. In Montgomery County, the median home costs $114,750.

Let us make relocation easier, whether you want to enjoy the warm communities that are perfect for raising families or find land to spread out on. We partner with local employers to offer multiple relocation incentives, including programs to help you pay off student loans or get down payment assistance. You can start your life in Montgomery County, and MCAC can make moving here easier. Contact us today to learn about your options.