East Wichita - Wichita, KS Area Guide

The greater Wichita area came to be in the 1860s, when it was just a trading post for cattle and other goods. With trade eventually becoming so popular among cowboys in the area, Jesse Chisholm created the Chisholm Trail. This connected the town to nearby Oklahoma and other major states. The trail allowed Wichita to grow into a thriving hub for livestock, something that still powers the Wichita economy today.

The Outer East area of Wichita truly rose to prominence with the establishment of the Eastborough neighborhood in 1929. The city of Eastborough and neighboring Woodlawn were officially incorporated in 1937, and the area began to grow into a commercial and residential neighborhood. Today, the Outer East is considered a premier living destinations in Wichita proper. Outer Eastern Wichita houses the Great Plains Nature Center. Here, residents can learn more about the impact that Kansas’ natural landscape has had on the development of present-day Wichita.

Outer East Wichita hosts a number of fine dining establishments and inviting local pubs for area residents to enjoy. Authentic cuisine from all over the world also has a home in this Wichita area. Fans of traditional Thai food can visit Thai Tradition along North Carriage Parkway. With a varied Thai food menu, signature cocktails and an upscale atmosphere, this establishment has a one-of-a-kind dining experience for Wichita residents. Make sure to try its signature traditional dish, the pad see ew, made to order for those looking for a traditional home-made dish.

If traditional American cuisine tickles your fancy, visit Scotch and Sirloin. This established steakhouse proudly holds a position as one of Wichita’s most popular steak establishments. Try local beef, fresh seafood or the locally caught catfish dish. This restaurant also has an extensive wine and Scotch list as well as pairings suggestions for diners who want cocktails that complement their meals. The Laure Prime Rib, however, remains one of the most popular items on the menu for those looking for the full steakhouse experience.

The nightlife scene in the area, typically consists of welcoming locally owned sports bars. This includes pubs such as O’Briens, where plenty of beers always appear on tap, and the bar offers residents a wide selection of Irish whiskeys. Those looking to catch their favorite game can visit Walt’s Great American Sports Bar and Grill, where the bar portion of the establishment stays open until 2 a.m. With a rotating selection of drink specials and dozens of flat-screen televisions, this spot offers community members with one of the most inviting places to watch sports in the area.

Many residents in the Outer East area of Wichita choose to travel by car, as this spread-out neighborhood in not particularly walker or biker friendly. With free public parking lots and street parking throughout the community, traveling by car is easy and affordable. Interstates 135 and 235 sits nearby, which makes traveling to surrounding communities simple for commuters.

Cabs are relatively prevalent in the area, but residents may need to call the cab dispatch station to hail a vehicle. Residents can also use the Uber car app through their smartphones. In terms of public transportation, the city has the Wichita Transit Bus. Eighteen different routes and dozens of stops connect the entire city and surrounding areas.

Boston Park lies at the heart of the Outer East area and has been part of the community since 1966. Here, picnic tables, a recreation center, tennis courts and a softball diamond all provide plenty of entertainment options for visitors. This park also hosts a children’s playground for little ones and a kid-friendly public swimming pool that opens in the summers. Paved trails along the path make the ideal place for joggers and walkers to get their exercise and are pet-friendly for leashed dogs. During the warmer months this park hosts a number of little league and adult league sports competitions as well as community and school fundraisers.

Life in the Outer East neighborhood of Wichita, KS carries an average to below cost of living, making it popular for those who want to be close to downtown without the cost. Rent a one bedroom apartment for an average of $574 a month. Gas prices settle in around 3 percent lower than the national average, while a ride to the city center costs $1.75 on the city’s bus system. A pint of beer at a local bar typically costs residents $3 per glass.

Outer East Wichita holds a proud position as one of the premier shopping destinations in the greater Wichita area, with so many trusted store brands settling in the community. The area most famously hosts the Towne East Square Mall, the biggest shopping mall in the area. Here, residents can visit trusted department stores such as Dillard's or JCPenney, or enjoy high-end shopping at Coach and Von Maur. With shops for nearly every taste or budget, this mall provides community members with plenty of shopping opportunities. Boutique shopping also has a place in the Outer East Wichita neighborhood. For fresh, fun fashions for women young and old, visit Ginger Lily Boutique for a collection of dresses, shoes, accessories and casual clothes. For more cutting-edge fashions, stop by Chic Street Boutique for pieces from today's biggest designers. Little ones can find fun and fashionable footware at locally owned Little Feet Boutique, which also carries socks and other accessories. Area residents do their grocery shopping at Dillion's Grocery Store, which has a large selection of fresh produce, cooking supplies, household items and more. This massive chain has a convenient location in the heart of the Outer East. The area also hosts a Whole Foods Market for those who prefer organic and all-natural food items. This neighborhood Whole Foods also has plenty of hot-and-ready fresh prepared foods for those seeking an easy meal on the go. At Kansas Grown Farmer's Market, residents have the opportunity to buy local. This market opens to the public every Saturday morning and offers plants, honeys, meats, produce, baked goods, jellies, salsa and more all from area vendors.