Communities › Cass County › Garden City, MO
Garden City, Missouri
Garden City is a fourth-class city of about 1,600 residents on Missouri Route 7 in southeast Cass County, roughly 50 miles southeast of Kansas City. It was named for the fertile soil around the original town site, so the name came from the dirt, not a marketing meeting.
Homes for saleProperty taxesPrice per sq ftFAQWhat’s newCity rules
Garden City is a Cass County, Missouri city. So far in 2026, 37 single-family homes sold through the MLS at a median of $275,000, about $169 per finished square foot. The median annual property tax on those homes was $1,586, an effective rate of 0.57% of the sale price.
Homes for sale
Garden City homes for sale right now
Live from the MLS. First, the lowest-priced home for sale (and what is for rent) in Garden City right now; it changes on its own as listings come and go. Then what is coming soon, and every listing on the map below.
Updated live from the MLS
Lowest-priced home for sale in Garden City
The lowest-priced Garden City listing shows here, updated automatically.
Looking to rent? See rental companies near Garden City →
See them before they hit the market
Coming soon in Garden City
Map view
Every Garden City listing on the map
Start with a Garden City search:
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What’s new in Garden City
What the city is approving, building and planning
Pulled from council and planning agendas, city news and local reporting, checked November 13, 2026. Older items move to our Update Archive.
Parks
September 2026
Aldermen vote to tear down the Garden City Aquatics Center
On Sept. 1, 2026, the Board of Aldermen voted 4-0 to adopt Ordinance 2026-1056, which authorizes demolition of the Garden City Aquatics Center, including its pools, buildings, mechanical equipment and fencing. The ordinance cites the facility’s age, structural deterioration and upkeep costs, and directs the city clerk to seek bids; no contract amount is stated yet. The city keeps the land, which must remain available for public outdoor recreation under its Land and Water Conservation Fund grant terms.
Your taxes
Aug. 2026
2026 city tax levy set
After a public hearing on Aug. 4, 2026, the Board of Aldermen adopted Ordinance 2026-1048 setting the 2026 General Fund levy at $0.3757 per $100 of assessed valuation. The ordinance says the levy is expected to bring a slight increase in city revenue because of reassessments and new construction.
City rules
Aug. 2026
Updated rules for posting signs
Ordinance 2026-1049 bans signs and handbills on utility poles, street signs and in city rights-of-way. Temporary signs for events, sales and elections must be removed within 24 hours after the event, with fines of up to $500.
On the ballot
May 2026
April 2026 election results certified
On May 14, 2026, the Board of Aldermen certified the April 7, 2026 municipal election results for mayor and the East Ward and West Ward alderman seats. Each seat carries a two-year term.
Historical property tax
Garden City property taxes: 10 years of real bills
The typical Garden City home that sold in 2026 (year to date) carried an annual property tax bill of about $1,586, or 0.57% of its sale price. In 2017 it was $932 (0.73%). Appraisals tend to rise faster than anyone budgets for, so check the actual bill on any home you like.
10 years of real tax bills
Median property tax on Garden City homes that sold, 2017–2026
What buyers actually inherited: the full annual tax bill (city, county, school and all other levies) on single-family homes sold each year. Effective rate = tax ÷ sale price.
See the numbers
| Year sold | Median annual tax | Median sale price | Effective rate | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | $932 | $132,300 | 0.73% | 45 |
| 2018 | $870 | $139,950 | 0.66% | 42 |
| 2019 | $1,133 | $168,750 | 0.63% | 30 |
| 2020 | $1,230 | $167,000 | 0.74% | 27 |
| 2021 | $1,308 | $194,000 | 0.63% | 44 |
| 2022 | $1,281 | $212,500 | 0.58% | 62 |
| 2023 | $1,209 | $206,000 | 0.56% | 37 |
| 2024 | $1,310 | $312,500 | 0.50% | 34 |
| 2025 | $1,259 | $235,500 | 0.55% | 34 |
| 2026 | $1,586 | $278,500 | 0.57% | 36 |
Source: Heartland MLS closed single-family sales, DataMaster SLIM exports of October 25, 2026, compiled by Wingman Real Estate – The Shopper Team. Tax figures are as reported in MLS at sale and may reflect the prior tax year; bills under $300 (land-only or missing) are left out. Not a tax quote.
10-year lookback
Price per square foot, subdivision by subdivision
Median sale price per finished square foot for single-family homes in the 8 busiest Garden City subdivisions, by year sold. Darker gold means pricier per foot. Scroll sideways on a phone.
| Subdivision | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garden City82 sales | $71 | $51 | $83 | $80 | $120 | $126 | $112 | $170 | $152 | $122 | +72%2017–26 |
| Garden West62 sales | $87 | $96 | $82 | $87 | $120 | $126 | $142 | $146 | $170 | $180 | +107%2017–26 |
| Gross36 sales | $62 | $87 | $94 | $94 | $101 | $109 | $99 | $166 | $180 | $171 | +175%2017–26 |
| Smiths36 sales | $109 | $111 | $101 | $129 | $116 | $128 | $161 | $152 | $175 | · | +60%2017–25 |
| Garden South28 sales | · | $137 | $95 | $115 | $138 | $117 | $159 | $174 | · | $174 | +27%2018–26 |
| Ky Le Vista Estates12 sales | · | · | $85 | $94 | · | $117 | · | · | · | $125 | +48%2019–26 |
| Shulwood Estates12 sales | $61 | $96 | · | · | · | $133 | · | · | · | · | +119%2017–22 |
| Cass County11 sales | $153 | · | $122 | · | $95 | $229 | · | · | · | · | +49%2017–22 |
Source: Heartland MLS closed single-family sales, DataMaster SLIM exports of October 25, 2026, compiled by Wingman Real Estate – The Shopper Team. A year is shown only when at least two homes sold; subdivisions with fewer than 8 sales in these years are left out. Small neighborhoods can swing a lot year to year. Methodology.
Garden City subdivisions
18 Garden City neighborhoods with recent sales
Garden City subdivisions with at least three single-family sales in the last ten years, A to Z, with their sales counts. Tap one to see what is for sale there now.
Subdivision names as entered in the MLS. Source: Heartland MLS closed single-family sales, DataMaster SLIM exports of October 25, 2026, compiled by Wingman Real Estate – The Shopper Team.
Living in Garden City
Garden City history, jobs and parks
A little history
A post office called Garden City has operated since 1875, and the town was platted in 1885, taking its name from the fertile soil near the town site. City records say Garden City was formed as a village in August 1885 and incorporated as a fourth-class city in 1897. The O’Bannon Homestead near town was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Sources for the city news, rules, utilities and local guide (checked November 13, 2026)
- en.wikipedia.org
- citypopulation.de
- gardencitymo.org
- gardencitymo.org
- psc.mo.gov
- businesswire.com
- gardencitymo.org
- ecode360.com
- ecode360.com
- ecode360.com
- ecode360.com
- ecode360.com
- ecode360.com
- ecode360.com
- ecode360.com
- nuance.amwater.com
- zoneomics.com
- zoneomics.com
- zoneomics.com
- zoneomics.com
- ecode360.com
- ecode360.com
- gardencitymo.org
- gardencitymo.org
- gardencitymo.org
- amwater.com
- ecode360.com
- ecode360.com
- ecode360.com
- zoneomics.com
- gardencitymo.org
- ecode360.com
- ecode360.com
- modot.org
- modot.org
- casscounty.com
- zoneomics.com
- zoneomics.com
City rules
Can I do that in Garden City?
The questions buyers ask before the fence goes up, from Garden City code, permit pages and local reporting. Rules change and HOA covenants can be stricter, so confirm with the city before you build.
Fences
A city permit is required to build a fence on residential or business property, or to replace more than half of an existing fence, with a minimum fee of $50 and a plot plan. Residential fences may be up to 6 feet in side and back yards, while front yards allow only ornamental fences up to 3.5 feet. Double fences (parallel fences less than 5 feet apart) are prohibited, and barbed wire or cattle fence is allowed only in agricultural districts.
Pets
Residential properties are limited to three dogs over six months old per dwelling; keeping more than that counts as a kennel, which is allowed only on agriculture-zoned land with a $50 kennel license. Dogs over six months must be licensed each year by January 1 with proof of rabies vaccination ($5 altered, $10 unaltered, 50% more after January 31). Leashes may be no longer than 8 feet, and excessive barking that disturbs neighbors is a nuisance.
Chickens
Residents may keep up to five chickens. Roosters are not allowed, retail egg sales are prohibited, and other fowl such as geese, pigeons and peacocks are not permitted. Chicken yards must be enclosed against rodents, swept at least every three days and kept free of refuse.
Garage sales
Under Ordinance 2026-1049 (August 2026), signs for a sale or event may not go on utility poles, street or traffic signs, or in city rights-of-way, and need the owner’s consent on private property. Temporary signs must come down within 24 hours after the sale or event, and violations carry a fine of up to $500. Garage sale permits and limits are in Article 4.05 of the city code.
Building permits
Garden City’s code adopts the 2006 International Building Code for construction in the city, and violations carry a fine of up to $500. Building permit requirements are in Article 3.02 of the city code, so check with City Hall about what your project needs.
Sheds
Under the zoning ordinance, a detached accessory building can be up to 24 feet or two stories tall, but never taller than the main building, and may cover no more than 30 percent of the rear yard. A garage or accessory building may sit on the lot line in the rear one-third of the lot when that rear line borders an alley or utility easement. (Read from a third-party copy of the city code; confirm with City Hall.)
Home businesses
In the R-1 district, home occupations are allowed inside the owner’s residence as long as the home’s residential appearance is not changed, no more than one non-resident assistant is employed, and any sign or window display is unlit and no larger than 2 square feet. Equipment may not create objectionable noise, vibration, odor, dust, smoke or gas at the property line. (Read from a third-party copy of the city code; confirm with City Hall.)
Pools
In the R-1 district, pools 2 feet deep or more must sit behind the front building line and at least 10 feet from rear and side lot lines (15 feet from the side street on corner lots). The pool area must be enclosed by a fence or structure at least 6 feet high with a lock at least 60 inches above the ground, and drainage plans need planning and zoning board approval. (Read from a third-party copy of the city code; confirm with City Hall.)
RV and boat parking
City code (Sec. 3.08.005) bars parking or occupying a trailer on the premises of an occupied home, but a recreational vehicle may be kept in a private garage or in the rear yard. Living in an RV is allowed only temporarily, for no more than 30 consecutive days, and no business may be run from a parked RV. The code has no separate boat rule, so confirm boat storage with City Hall.
Lot size and setbacks
In the R-1 single-family district, lots need at least 8,400 sq. ft. (15,000 sq. ft. and 75 ft wide where sewer is not available), a 25-ft front yard and 25-ft rear yard, and homes may be no taller than 35 ft or 2.5 stories (Zoning Ordinance Section VII).
Inoperable vehicles
Inoperative vehicles may not be stored or repaired on a property except inside a closed garage; the only exceptions are the M-1 and M-2 industrial districts (Zoning Ordinance, R-1 accessory uses and Off-Street Parking subsection 1.C).
Parking and work trucks
One- and two-family homes must provide garage or open parking for at least two vehicles per unit, and trucks over one-ton capacity may not be parked on residential lots except while making deliveries (Zoning Ordinance, Off-Street Parking and Loading, subsections 1.A-1.B).
Horses and livestock
In R-1, a private stable is allowed only on lots over 40,000 sq. ft., set at least 100 ft from the front lot line and 30 ft from side and rear lines, with no more than two horses, ponies or mules per 40,000 sq. ft.; raising horses and cattle is a permitted use in the A Agriculture district (Zoning Ordinance Sections VI-VII).
Manufactured homes
Manufactured and mobile homes are permitted only in the R-4 Manufactured Home district, which allows permanent single- and multi-section manufactured or modular homes under the same lot and yard standards as R-1 (Zoning Ordinance Section X).
Detached garages
In the R-1 district, one detached garage is allowed, sized at no more than one car for each 2,500 square feet of lot area. A garage or accessory building may sit on the lot line in the rear third of the lot only where the rear lot line has an alley or utility easement (Zoning Regulations Section VII, Ord. 2002-518). (Read from a third-party copy of the city code; confirm with City Hall.)
Variances and zoning appeals
The five-member Board of Zoning and Adjustment hears appeals and can grant variances for practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship. Filing costs $100, paid to the city clerk, and four of the five members must agree to rule for the applicant. A decision can be taken to Cass County Circuit Court within 30 days. Zoning Ordinance §§ XXXI-XXXIII.
Building height
In the R-1 dwelling district, buildings and structures may not exceed 35 feet or 2-1/2 stories in height; exceptions are listed in Section XXIV (Height and Area Exceptions). Zoning Ordinance Section VII, subsection 2.A. (Read from a third-party copy of the city code; confirm with City Hall.)
Business buffers and screening
Commercial and industrial lots (C-B, C-1, C-2, C-P, M-1, M-2) that border a residential zone must keep buildings and parking lots at least 10 feet from that property line and screen it with a wall, fence or enclosure at least 6 feet tall, with plans approved before construction. Zoning Ordinance Section XVII (Ord. 2002-518). (Read from a third-party copy of the city code; confirm with City Hall.)
Garden City FAQ
Garden City, MO: the questions people ask most
What county is Garden City, Missouri in?
Garden City is in southeast Cass County, Missouri, on Missouri Route 7, about 50 miles southeast of Kansas City. It is not Garden City, Kansas.
What school district serves Garden City?
The Sherwood Cass R-VIII School District, which runs Sherwood Elementary, Sherwood Middle and Sherwood High School.
Who provides water and sewer service in Garden City?
Missouri American Water has provided water and wastewater service in Garden City since December 2021, after more than 86 percent of voters approved the sale of the city systems in November 2020.
How is Garden City governed?
Garden City is a fourth-class Missouri city with a Board of Aldermen that holds regular monthly meetings; agendas are posted on the city website at gardencitymo.org.
What ZIP code does Garden City, Missouri use?
Garden City uses ZIP code 64747. The city covers about 2.5 square miles, and Missouri Route 7 runs through town.
Where can I read Garden City’s city code and ordinances?
Garden City’s municipal code, including its zoning ordinance, fence, building permit and manufactured home rules, is published online on eCode360, along with recently adopted ordinances. Meeting agendas are posted on the city’s announcements page at gardencitymo.org, and residents can sign up there for email alerts.
How old is Garden City?
Garden City was platted in 1885 and, according to the city, was incorporated as a fourth-class city in 1897. The 2020 census counted 1,629 residents.
What is Garden City’s city property tax rate?
For 2026, the Board of Aldermen set the city’s General Fund levy at $0.3757 per $100 of assessed valuation (Ordinance 2026-1048, adopted Aug. 4, 2026). County, school and other district levies are added on top of the city rate.
Can I place a manufactured home on a lot in Garden City?
Only in the R-4 Manufactured Home zoning district. The city’s zoning ordinance states manufactured and mobile homes are permitted only in R-4, so check a lot’s zoning with City Hall before buying.
What is the minimum lot size for a new home in Garden City?
In the R-1 single-family district, the minimum is 8,400 sq. ft. per home with a mean width of 70 ft. Where public sewer is not available, the minimum rises to 15,000 sq. ft. and 75 ft wide.
How can I keep up with Garden City Board of Aldermen meetings?
The city posts Board of Aldermen meeting agendas and schedule changes in the Announcements section of gardencitymo.org, and the site offers an email alert sign-up for city notices.
How does a property get rezoned in Garden City, Missouri?
You file an application with the Board of Aldermen with a $100 fee. The planning and zoning board holds a published public hearing and makes a recommendation, then the aldermen hold their own hearing before voting on an ordinance. If owners of 10% or more of the land in the area, or within 185 feet of it, sign a protest, approval takes a three-fourths vote of all aldermen. A denied request can’t come back in the same or similar form for six months (Zoning Ordinance § XXVIII).
How tall can a new house be in Garden City’s R-1 zoning district?
Garden City’s zoning ordinance limits buildings and structures in the R-1 district to 35 feet and 2-1/2 stories (Section VII, subsection 2.A), with certain exceptions listed in Section XXIV.
Sources: businesswire.com, citypopulation.de, en.wikipedia.org, gardencitymo.org, psc.mo.gov
Buying or selling in Garden City?
Thinking about Garden City? We already did the homework.
Ten years of sales, every subdivision and the real tax bills are above. For everything else, there is a phone number below that a human answers.
Wingman Real Estate – The Shopper Team · Brokered by REAL Broker, LLC · (913) 543-3332 · Angela@shopwithshopper.com · Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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