Moving to Topeka for Mars Wrigley? Where to Live
A local guide to neighborhoods, commute times, and what to expect when relocating to Topeka for a career at Mars Wrigley.
If you're moving to Topeka for a new opportunity with Mars Wrigley, welcome!
Whether you're joining the team in operations, quality, human resources, engineering, or leadership, you're becoming part of a company that's made a meaningful investment in the Topeka community (and helped satisfy a few sweet tooth cravings along the way).
I've worked with several professionals relocating to Topeka for work, and one of the most common questions I hear is, "Where should I live that's close to work but still feels like home?"
Fortunately, Topeka offers a wide variety of neighborhoods and surrounding communities within a manageable drive of the Mars facility.
If you're preparing for a move, here are six areas worth exploring and a few things you should know before relocating.
About the Mars Wrigley facility in Topeka
The Mars Wrigley facility in southeast Topeka opened in 2014 and has become an important part of the city's manufacturing and employment landscape.
Located along SE Airport Drive, the plant produces popular confectionery products and is part of Mars' broader global manufacturing network.
The company's investment in Topeka has brought manufacturing and professional opportunities to the area, including roles in production, operations, engineering, maintenance, and other fields.
One advantage of working at the Mars facility is its location near major roadways, making it accessible from several neighborhoods throughout Topeka and nearby communities.
For employees relocating from larger metropolitan areas, Topeka's relatively manageable traffic and shorter local commutes can be a welcome change.
6 neighborhoods to consider near Mars Wrigley Topeka
Whether you're interested in a newer home, an established neighborhood, outdoor recreation, or a more rural setting, these areas offer a range of options.
Drive times below are general estimates and may vary depending on your exact address, route, and work schedule.
1. Lake Sherwood
Estimated commute: Around 20 minutes
Lake Sherwood is a well-known residential community in southwest Topeka centered around a private lake.
The area offers scenic surroundings, established homes, and a neighborhood atmosphere that's distinct from many other parts of the city.
If you enjoy a quieter setting while remaining close to shopping and dining along Wanamaker Road, Lake Sherwood is worth exploring.
Keep in mind that lake access and community amenities may depend on the property and association membership.
2. Washburn Rural / Southwest Topeka
Estimated commute: 15–25 minutes
Southwest Topeka is one of the first areas I'd recommend exploring because of its wide variety of housing options.
Neighborhoods such as Clarion Woods, Lauren's Bay, and Sherwood Park offer different home styles, price points, and neighborhood settings.
Much of this area is served by the Washburn Rural School District area, although school assignments should always be verified for individual properties.
With convenient access to shopping, restaurants, parks, and major roads, southwest Topeka offers plenty of everyday conveniences.
3. Rockfire at the Lake
Estimated commute: Around 20 minutes
Rockfire at the Lake is a residential community in southeast Topeka near Lake Shawnee.
It's worth exploring if you're interested in newer housing options and convenient access to outdoor recreation.
Lake Shawnee offers walking trails, fishing, boating, golf, and other recreational opportunities, making the surrounding area appealing to people who enjoy spending time outdoors.
Depending on your preferred home style and budget, Rockfire may be a good community to include in your search.
4. Shawnee Heights / Lake Shawnee Area
Estimated commute: 10–15 minutes
The Shawnee Heights area is another excellent place to begin exploring if you're working at Mars.
Located in southeast Topeka and surrounding communities, the area offers a mix of established neighborhoods, newer homes, and properties with additional outdoor space.
You'll also be close to Lake Shawnee, which features trails, parks, a golf course, and other outdoor activities.
Portions of this area are served by Shawnee Heights USD 450, so it's worth checking school district boundaries when comparing properties.
5. Tecumseh / Southeast Topeka
Estimated commute: 5–15 minutes
If keeping your commute short is a top priority, Tecumseh and southeast Topeka are worth a closer look.
These areas offer a mix of residential neighborhoods and properties with a more rural feel, depending on the location.
You may find homes with larger lots or different price points than what's available in some of the city's newer subdivisions.
For Mars employees who want to minimize drive time, this is a practical area to begin their search.
6. Silver Lake or North Auburn
Commute varies by location; check individual routes
If you're interested in living outside Topeka, nearby communities such as Silver Lake and the Auburn area may be worth exploring.
These locations offer a smaller-town or more rural atmosphere while keeping Topeka's employment opportunities and amenities within driving distance.
You'll find different housing styles, lot sizes, and community settings depending on where you look.
Because these areas are farther from the Mars facility, I'd recommend checking the actual drive from any property you're considering before deciding whether the commute fits your schedule.
What relocating Mars employees should know
Topeka is easier to navigate than you might expect
One of the things people appreciate most after moving to Topeka is how manageable everyday travel can be.
With major roadways connecting different parts of the city, you can often get from home to work, shopping, or recreational activities without dealing with the traffic common in larger metropolitan areas.
Your housing budget may go further
Topeka generally offers more affordable housing than many larger cities, which can give relocating buyers more flexibility when choosing a home.
Whether you're buying your first property or looking for something with additional space, there are neighborhoods and communities worth exploring across a variety of price points.
If you'd like a closer look at how local expenses compare, check out my Topeka vs. Kansas City cost of living guide.
There's plenty to enjoy outside of work
From Lake Shawnee and Gage Park to local restaurants, golf courses, and community events, Topeka offers plenty of opportunities to get involved and enjoy your time outside of work.
The city also has a strong network of local businesses, community organizations, and recreational activities.
You don't have to figure everything out alone
Relocating to a new city comes with plenty of questions, especially when you're trying to learn about neighborhoods, housing prices, and local amenities from a distance.
That's where working with someone who knows the area can make the process much easier.
Whether you're planning a visit, comparing neighborhoods, or ready to begin touring homes, I'd love to help you get familiar with Topeka.
Which Topeka neighborhood is right for you?
Every relocation looks different. Some buyers prioritize proximity to work, while others care more about home style, outdoor space, or neighborhood amenities.
If commute time matters most
- Tecumseh
- Southeast Topeka
- Shawnee Heights area
- Lake Shawnee neighborhoods
If lifestyle matters most
- Lake Sherwood for lake-community living
- Southwest Topeka for housing variety and amenities
- Rockfire for newer-home options
- Silver Lake or Auburn for a smaller-town or rural setting
My recommendation is to explore a few different areas before narrowing down your search. Sometimes the neighborhood you end up loving isn't the one you originally expected.
Final thoughts
Moving to Topeka for a new career opportunity with Mars Wrigley is an exciting step, and finding the right home is an important part of making that transition.
Fortunately, Topeka offers a variety of neighborhoods, manageable commutes, and housing options that can fit a wide range of budgets and lifestyles.
I've had the opportunity to help professionals relocate to Topeka, and one of my favorite parts of real estate is helping someone new to the community find a place that truly feels like home.
If you're preparing for a move to Topeka for a career at Mars, I'd love to help you explore neighborhoods, understand the local housing market, and find a home that fits your needs. Whether you've already accepted an offer or are just starting to consider the opportunity, I'm always happy to help.
FAQ about relocating to Topeka for Mars Wrigley
Where is the Mars Wrigley facility located in Topeka?
The Mars Wrigley facility is located along SE Airport Drive in southeast Topeka, with access to major roads connecting different parts of the city.
What neighborhoods are close to Mars Wrigley Topeka?
Tecumseh, southeast Topeka, and neighborhoods in the Shawnee Heights and Lake Shawnee areas are among the options worth exploring for shorter commutes. Southwest Topeka and Lake Sherwood offer additional choices.
How long is the commute to Mars Wrigley?
Many neighborhoods in southeast and southwest Topeka are approximately 5–25 minutes from the facility by car, depending on the exact address, route, and traffic conditions. Communities farther outside the city may require longer drives.
Can I live outside Topeka and work at Mars?
Yes. Nearby communities such as Auburn and Silver Lake may be worth considering if you prefer a smaller-town or rural setting. It's important to check commute times from specific properties.
Is Topeka affordable for relocating Mars employees?
Topeka generally offers more affordable housing than many larger metropolitan areas. Buyers can explore homes across a variety of price points, although affordability depends on financing, taxes, insurance, and personal circumstances.
What should I consider before buying a home near Mars Wrigley?
Consider your commute, work schedule, budget, preferred home style, and access to amenities. If school districts are important to your search, verify school assignments for individual properties before making a decision.
