Fort Riley
ABOUT
Fort Riley is a historic U.S. Army installation in the Flint Hills of northeast Kansas, located between Junction City and Manhattan. Home to the 1st Infantry Division, the "Big Red One," it has been a cornerstone of the region since 1853 and is woven into the fabric of the surrounding communities. Families enjoy a small-town pace with affordable living, the college-town energy of Manhattan and Kansas State University, and wide-open tallgrass prairie scenery, all with four distinct seasons and Topeka roughly an hour away.
Why Choose Fort Riley
Home of the Big Red One. Flint Hills Views. Community That Welcomes You.
Fort Riley sits in the scenic Flint Hills of northeast Kansas, surrounded by welcoming communities with deep military roots. Whether you're arriving on PCS orders, transitioning out of service, or ready to put down roots, the area makes it easy to find a home that fits your family.
- Home of the 1st Infantry Division, the "Big Red One," with a stable, mission-driven local economy
- Welcoming nearby communities, including Manhattan, Junction City, Ogden, and Wamego
- Housing options for every budget, with more space and a lower cost of living than many larger markets
- Local school districts, plus Kansas State University and Manhattan Area Technical College nearby
- Dining, shopping, and entertainment, from Aggieville in Manhattan to downtown Junction City
- Outdoor recreation, from Tuttle Creek and Milford Lakes to the Flint Hills prairie, plus the U.S. Cavalry Museum and 1st Infantry Division Museum
With a community that honors service and a friendly, small-town pace of life, it's easy to see why so many military families and civilians are proud to call this area home.
About the Area
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Living Near Fort Riley
Fort Riley sits in the scenic Flint Hills of northeast Kansas, where rolling prairie meets a welcoming college-town and small-city atmosphere. Housing is generally affordable, commutes are short, and military families find plenty of choices both on and off post.
- Range of housing options, from on-post homes to neighborhoods in Junction City, Manhattan, Ogden, and Riley
- Affordable cost of living compared to many other military communities
- Short commutes to the gates from many nearby communities
- Strong local economy anchored by the military, education, healthcare, and agriculture
- Four distinct seasons, wide-open skies, and easy access to lakes and prairie trails
- Friendly, close-knit community with deep appreciation for service members and their families
The Fort Riley area offers a variety of educational options, including several public school districts, private schools, and respected colleges and universities. Families can choose the setting that best fits their needs, and service members and spouses have plenty of opportunities to keep learning.
- Multiple public school districts nearby, including Geary County USD 475 (Junction City), Manhattan-Ogden USD 383, and Riley County USD 378
- On-post schools serving military families, plus private and faith-based K–12 options
- Home to Kansas State University in Manhattan, a major research university
- Manhattan Area Technical College and Cloud County Community College's Geary County campus
- School liaison support to help military families with moves and transitions
From cavalry history to college-town nightlife, the Flint Hills region has something for every interest. Whether you love the outdoors, history, or good Midwestern food, there is always something new to explore in every season.
- Tour the 1st Infantry Division Museum, the U.S. Cavalry Museum, and the historic Custer House on post
- Fish, boat, and camp at Milford Lake, Tuttle Creek Lake, and Wilson Lake
- Hike the Flint Hills prairie at Konza Prairie Biological Station
- Enjoy Aggieville's shops, restaurants, and live music, plus Kansas State athletics and Sunset Zoo in Manhattan
- Take a day trip to Topeka, the Kansas City metro, or Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
