Fort Leavenworth
Fort Leavenworth is the Army's intellectual center, home to the Command and General Staff College (CGSC) where the Army's future senior leaders are educated, as well as the Combined Arms Center. Located on the Missouri River bluffs in northeast Kansas, the base is about 35 miles northwest of Kansas City with all of its metropolitan amenities. The historic town of Leavenworth has a charming Victorian downtown, and the Kansas City metro offers excellent barbecue, sports teams, and a surprisingly sophisticated arts scene.
Neighborhoods Near Fort Leavenworth
Popular communities where military families stationed at Fort Leavenworth choose to live.
Leavenworth (Downtown / South side)
5–10 min to main gateThe historic city surrounding Fort Leavenworth, with Victorian-era homes and a tight-knit community centered on the Army's Command and General Staff College.
Lansing
10–15 min to main gateSuburban community adjacent to Leavenworth with newer homes, good schools, and easy access to the base at a lower price point.
Basehor / Leavenworth County rural
20–30 min to main gateSuburban-rural areas east of Kansas City with larger lots, newer homes, and access to KC metro while remaining reasonably close to post.
Schools & Education
Leavenworth USD 453
USD 453 serves Leavenworth and is familiar with the CGSC student population cycling through annually. The district has processes in place for frequent military family transitions.
- Leavenworth High School is the main campus for base families
- Several elementary schools are rated above state average
- Basehor-Linwood USD 458 is highly rated for families who can commute from the county
Things to Do Near Leavenworth
Local favorites for dining, outdoor adventures, and entertainment in the Leavenworth area.
One of the nation's oldest military cemeteries, with guided tours offering deep insight into Army history from frontier days onward.
On-post museum documenting the history of Fort Leavenworth and the frontier Army — highly relevant to CGSC students and history buffs.
Leavenworth craft brewery with river views, house-made beers, and a popular patio — a great spot to unwind after command school.
Scenic Missouri River park with hiking trails, views, and fall foliage — one of the region's most beautiful state parks.
KC's entertainment hub is just 30 minutes away, offering world-class dining, live music, Chiefs/Royals games, and the famous KC BBQ scene.
Large outdoor lifestyle center in North Kansas City with national retailers — the closest significant shopping hub to Fort Leavenworth.
Housing & Cost of Living
Leavenworth is an affordable market with a steady military demand cycle tied to CGSC class rotations. Victorian homes downtown can be surprisingly affordable; newer construction in Lansing and Basehor commands more.
Popular neighborhoods to consider:
PCS Tips for Fort Leavenworth
- Contact the installation housing office early — wait lists can be long.
- Check BAH rates at the official DoD BAH calculator before setting your home budget.
- Get VA pre-approved before your PCS orders — it helps you move fast in competitive markets.
- Military-friendly real estate markets near bases can move quickly — be ready to act.