Buying a Home in Andover, KS: What to Know Before You Apply

The short answer: Andover is a fast-growing, family-size suburb just east of Wichita along Kellogg (US-54). The big thing people miss is that Andover is in Butler County, not Sedgwick County. That changes where you look up taxes and appraisals. I serve Andover from our Wichita office on East Douglas, and I'll walk you through it.

What buying in Andover looks like

The city says Andover was founded in 1880 and first called "Cloud City," and it became a city in 1957. A lot of today's Andover was rebuilt after the F5 tornado on April 26, 1991. The city says streets, sewers and water lines were updated during the rebuild, which set it up for the growth that followed. Another tornado hit on April 29, 2022, and damaged neighborhoods and Andover Central Park.

Census numbers show a town that's growing fast and mostly owner-occupied:

• About 17,370 residents in July 2025, up about 16.5% from the 2020 count (Census estimate).
• About 80.7% of homes are owner-occupied, the highest share of the Wichita-area towns I've written up.
• The median value of owner-occupied homes was $291,400 (2020–2024 ACS). That's an estimate across all homes, not today's asking prices.
• An average of about 3 people per household and an average commute of about 22 minutes.

In plain English, growth like that usually means newer subdivisions alongside older neighborhoods, so ask your agent how each area has been selling lately.

Schools: Andover Public Schools, USD 385

USD 385 has 11 schools: six elementary, two middle, two high schools and a virtual school. It covers 47 square miles in Butler and Sedgwick counties, and the district says that includes the eastern part of Wichita. It also partners with Butler Community College so high schoolers can earn college credit.

That cuts both ways. Some homes with a Wichita address are in USD 385, and some homes near Andover aren't. Your to-do: confirm the school district for the exact address with the district before you write an offer.

Butler County details that affect your loan

• Property taxes and appraisals. Andover homes are listed with the Butler County Appraiser's Office in El Dorado, not Sedgwick County. Your escrow estimate depends on that home's actual tax bill, so we'll use real numbers instead of a guess.
• Storm history. Given Andover's tornado history, I'd get an insurance quote early, ask about the wind and hail deductible, and pay attention to roof age on inspection.
• Flood maps. Check any address on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.

Loan options Andover buyers ask about

• Conventional loans. These are common for move-up buyers with solid credit and some equity. See conventional loans.
• FHA loans. HUD says down payments can be as low as 3.5% for buyers who qualify. See FHA loans in Wichita and Kansas.
• VA loans. If you're an eligible veteran or service member, here's how VA loans work around Wichita and McConnell.
• USDA loans. When I checked USDA's map in November 2026, the Andover city area mostly showed as ineligible, though edges can vary. Check the exact address.

Down payment help

Andover is outside Wichita city limits, so KHRC's First Time Homebuyer program isn't ruled out by location. Andover is also on KansasDPA's eligible-areas list. Both programs have income limits and their own rules, and both work only through approved lenders. Ask me early whether either could fit your loan. See the Kansas down payment assistance guide or the assistance finder.

How I help Andover buyers

I'm a Senior Mortgage Lender with Responsive Mortgage. I serve Andover from our Wichita office at 3234 E Douglas Ave. If you're selling one home and buying another, we'll plan the timing together. First time buying? Start with the Wichita first-time home buyer guide and buyer resources.

Looking at other towns too? See Derby, Maize, Goddard and Haysville.

Frequently asked questions

Is Andover in Sedgwick County or Butler County?

The City of Andover is in Butler County, so look up property records with the Butler County Appraiser's Office. The Andover school district covers parts of both Butler and Sedgwick counties.

Do you have an office in Andover?

No. I serve Andover from our Wichita office at 3234 E Douglas Ave. Most of the work happens by phone, email and secure upload, and we can meet in Wichita.

Does an Andover address mean the home is in Andover schools?

Not always. USD 385 covers 47 square miles, including the eastern part of Wichita, and its lines don't match the city limits. Confirm the district for the exact address before you make an offer.

Can I get a USDA loan in Andover?

Most of the Andover city area showed as ineligible on USDA's map when I checked in November 2026. Some edge areas may test differently, so check the exact address on USDA's eligibility site or ask me.

Is there down payment assistance in Andover?

Possibly. Andover is outside Wichita city limits, and it's on KansasDPA's eligible-areas list. Both KHRC and KansasDPA have income and lender requirements, so ask early whether either could fit your loan.

Ready to talk it through?

Call me at (316) 573-3996 or send a message. Planning a move this year? Start with how mortgage preapproval works.