One of the most surprising features of Warrensburg is its religious diversity. The city contains almost every major religious group in the world--and several minor ones. This surprising variety is primarily due to Central Missouri State Univ. and Whiteman Air Force Base.

The university's Performing Arts Series, Oppenheimer Lecture Series and numerous concerts, exhibits and plays add significantly to the area's culture. By bringing more than 17,000 people to the area, the university and air base impact the entire community.

Warrensburg still features the best of small-town Missouri, including an attractive downtown that is undergoing successful revitalization. Not far away lies the new, $6.2 million Warrensburg Community Center. The city's parks and recreation facilities combine with two country clubs to offer public swimming, golf and other activities.

To the west, Powell Gardens is a 1,250-acre botanical jewel. To the east, Knob Noster State Par features more than 3,500 acres.

This very unique blend of amenities has drawn increasing interest from homeowners. As with other areas of Warrensburg development, residential real estate has seen steady, manageable growth. With the area's low cost of living and other factors, this is apt to change. Over the last two years, the city added 108 new homes alone. The 285 permits requested last year indicate that will increase.

Residential costs for Warrensburg and Johnson County are one reason for this increasing demand. In Warrens- burg, new homes average below $140,000 and the median owner-occupied home is still just over $90,000, much less than the state average.

The 130-year-old community offers a pleasing mix of historic, pre-owned and new housing. Neighborhoods range from quiet tree-lined streets near the center of town to new developments in the more rustic environment on the outskirts of town. Nearby Knob Noster offer classic small-town living with access to many of the same amenities. Rural homes, including many not connected to agriculture, are another popular Johnson County alternative. Located on three to 10-acre lots, these estates are especially prevalent on the east side of the county where residents can locate within minutes of metro KC.

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graphic content without permission is prohibited. | DestinationWarrensburg is a supplement to Ingram's Magazine