Wichita Suburb Comparison
Andover vs Derby: Which Suburb Is Right for Your Family?
Andover and Derby are both popular choices for families moving to Wichita. They feel very different on the ground. Here is what you need to know before picking one.
Side-by-Side Stats
Key numbers, straight from the data.
| Category | Andover | Derby |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ~$325,000 | ~$290,000 |
| School Rating | A (#3 in Kansas) | B (#7 in Wichita area) |
| Median Household Income | $106,676 | $82,089 |
| Avg. Commute | ~20 min | ~20 min |
| Population | ~15,800 | ~26,500 |
| Eff. Property Tax Rate | ~1.5% | ~1.6% |
Andover: What You Are Getting
Andover has the best school district in the Wichita metro. USD 385 ranks #3 in Kansas, and it has held that ranking consistently. If schools are your top priority, this is the suburb that delivers.
The community is growing. New subdivisions, new businesses, and new families are coming in every year. That growth keeps demand for homes strong, which matters for resale down the road. Andover is on the northeast side of Wichita, about 20 minutes from downtown.
The trade-off is price. Median homes in Andover run around $325,000. That is about $35,000 more than Derby. You are paying for the school district and for the newer, faster-growing community feel. Whether that is worth it depends on your budget and your priorities.
Andover also sits in Butler County, not Sedgwick County like Derby. The property tax rate is similar, but the county structures are different. Worth confirming on any specific home.
Derby: What You Are Getting
Derby is the largest suburb in the Wichita metro with about 26,500 people. It has everything a city needs: great parks, a top-tier aquatic center, a strong rec department, and a well-established community that has been here for decades. This is not a starter suburb. It is a real city.
The school district is USD 260, rated B and ranked #7 in the Wichita area. That is solid. It is not at Andover's level, but it is a good district. Families who have been in Derby schools for years are generally happy with them. If a B-rated district is acceptable to you, you get a lot more house for your money.
Derby homes come in around $290,000 on average. That is a real $35,000 gap compared to Andover. Over the life of a mortgage, that difference is significant. You can buy more home in Derby, or pay less monthly, or both.
Derby sits on the south side of Wichita. If you or your spouse works in south Wichita or near McConnell Air Force Base, the commute is actually faster than Andover. If you work downtown or on the west side, the two are roughly equal.
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose Andover if:
Schools are the top priority and you want the #3-ranked district in Kansas. Or if you want to be on the northeast side of Wichita where most of the growth is happening.
Choose Derby if:
You want a bigger, more established city with excellent parks and amenities, a solid school district, and a lower price point. The $35,000 gap is real money. Derby gives you more house per dollar.
If you work near McConnell or south Wichita:
Derby makes strong practical sense. The commute is shorter or equal, you save money on the home, and you are still in a well-run community with good amenities.
If the school rating gap matters:
Be honest with yourself about how much. A vs B is a real difference, but both districts produce families who go on to do fine. If maximizing the school ranking is the number one goal, Andover is the answer.
Read the Full Suburb Guides
This comparison covers the key numbers. The full guides go deeper on neighborhoods, schools, things to do, and what daily life actually looks like.
Still Not Sure Which One Fits?
I have helped families buy in both suburbs. Tell me what matters most to you and I can give you a straight answer in 20 minutes.
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