Wichita Suburb Comparison
Maize vs Goddard: Which One Fits Your Family?
Maize and Goddard both have a lot going for them. Here's an honest look at how they compare on the things that matter most.
Side-by-Side Stats
Key numbers, straight from the data.
| Category | Maize | Goddard |
|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $332,000 | $305,000 |
| Price Change Since 2021 | +30% | +45% |
| Niche Schools | A- (#2 metro) | B+ (#9 metro) |
| Eff. Property Tax Rate | ~1.74% | ~1.61% |
| Typical Tax Bill | $4,500 | $4,061 |
| Median Days on Market | 28 days | 15 days |
| New-Construction Share | 39% | 17% |
| Typical Specials (New Builds) | $227/mo | $242/mo |
| Drive to Downtown | ~19 min | ~21 min |
Median sale price of existing homes, closings Sept 30, 2025 to Sept 29, 2026. Source: SCKMLS data analyzed by Caleb Claussen. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. School grades: Niche 2026 Best School Districts, Oct 2026.
Price change: change in the median sale price of existing homes from 2021 to 2026 (2026 is year to date through Oct 9, 2026). Source: SCKMLS data analyzed by Caleb Claussen.
Effective rate = 2025 certified total mill levy × Kansas's 11.5% residential assessment ratio, before the statewide $75K school exemption. New subdivisions may carry additional special assessments. Specials are the typical monthly amount on homes built since 2023.
Price Change Since 2021
Here's how much the median existing-home price changed in every area since 2021.
See the numbers
| Area | Change since 2021 |
|---|---|
| Haysville | 48% |
| Goddard | 45% |
| Park City | 37% |
| Wichita | 35% |
| Valley Center | 34% |
| Bel Aire | 32% |
| Maize | 30% |
| Derby | 30% |
| Andover | 24% |
Lower-priced areas gained the most in percentage terms over the last five years, all across the Wichita area. A smaller number usually means higher prices, not lower demand.
Price change: change in the median sale price of existing homes from 2021 to 2026 (2026 is year to date through Oct 9, 2026). Source: SCKMLS data analyzed by Caleb Claussen.
Drive Times to Major Employers
If you already know where you'll be working, this is the fastest way to compare Maize and Goddard.
| Drive to | Maize | Goddard |
|---|---|---|
| Boeing Wichita (former Spirit AeroSystems) | 28 | 29 |
| Textron Aviation, East Campus (HQ) | 25 | 29 |
| Textron Aviation, West Campus (Eisenhower Airport) | 21 | 17 |
| McConnell Air Force Base | 33 | 34 |
| Koch Industries HQ | 16 | 31 |
| Wesley Medical Center | 20 | 24 |
| Ascension Via Christi St. Francis | 19 | 23 |
| Wichita State University | 18 | 27 |
| Downtown Wichita | 19 | 21 |
Minutes, without traffic, measured from each city center. The shorter drive is in bold. Drive time without traffic, from OpenStreetMap routing (OSRM). Rush hour can add a few minutes. Times as of Oct 2026.
The Quick Answer
Maize has the stronger schools and the shorter commute, and Goddard gives you more space for less money on the west side. The median sale price in Goddard runs about $25,000 below Maize, so the choice usually comes down to how much the school ranking and the drive matter to you.
Schools
Maize USD 266 is rated A- by Niche and ranked #2 in the Wichita metro, and Goddard USD 265 is rated B+ by Niche and ranked #9 in the Wichita metro. Both are solid districts, and Maize has the edge on the rankings. Goddard is growing fast, so it's worth asking about school capacity for the specific schools a home feeds into.
Prices and What You Get
The median existing-home sale price is about $332,000 in Maize and about $305,000 in Goddard. Since 2021, prices are up about 30% in Maize and up about 45% in Goddard.
Homes have been moving a little faster in Goddard, with a typical 15 days on the market versus 28 days in Maize. Maize has a lot more new construction, with about 39% of recent sales being new builds compared with about 17% in Goddard.
Taxes and Specials
The effective property tax rate is about 1.74% in Maize and about 1.61% in Goddard. On homes that sold over the last year, the typical tax bill was about $4,500 in Maize and about $4,061 in Goddard.
If you're looking at new construction, plan for specials too. New builds in Maize typically carry about $227 a month in specials. New builds in Goddard typically carry about $242 a month in specials. You can compare every area on my property tax page and read more in my new construction guide.
Commute and Location
Maize sits on the northwest edge of Wichita right on K-96, about 19 minutes from downtown without traffic. Goddard is on the west side, about 21 minutes from downtown. If you work on the northwest side, Maize is hard to beat. If you work on the west side, Goddard puts you close: Textron's west campus by the airport is about 17 minutes from Goddard.
Things To Do
In Maize, some of the local favorites are Maize Performing Arts and Aquatic Center, Maize City Park, Maize Splash Park, and Maize Recreation Commission. In Goddard, you've got Tanganyika Wildlife Park, Lake Afton Park, The Sandbox Entertainment Facility, and Lake Afton Public Observatory.
Both full guides have the complete lists, including local food and annual events: Maize and Goddard.
The Bottom Line
If schools and commute are at the top of your list, I'd lean Maize. If you want more house and more yard for the money, Goddard is a great value. Either way, I'd look at the specific schools and the specials on any newer home before you decide.
Who Each One Fits
Maize fits if:
You want the higher-ranked school district, the shorter drive downtown, and lots of new construction choices.
Goddard fits if:
You want more space for your money on the west side and a newer, growing community with Tanganyika Wildlife Park close by.
Maize vs Goddard: Common Questions
Is Maize or Goddard cheaper?
Goddard. Over the past year, the median existing-home sale price was about $305,000 in Goddard and about $332,000 in Maize.
Which has better schools, Maize or Goddard?
Maize USD 266 is rated A- by Niche and ranked #2 in the Wichita metro. Goddard USD 265 is rated B+ by Niche and ranked #9 in the Wichita metro. Both are solid, and Maize has the edge.
Which has the shorter commute?
To downtown, Maize, at about 19 minutes without traffic, thanks to K-96. Goddard is about 21 minutes. If you work on the west side near the airport, Goddard is closer.
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?
Tell me what matters most to your family and I'll give you a straight answer on which one fits, usually in a 20-minute call.
Schedule a Free Call with Caleb →