There’s plenty of space in Kansas, but in the southeastern area known as the Cross Timbers, that space comes with something special: quiet.
This part of the state is defined by winding roads that lead not to big cities but to small towns like Hewins and Quincy—places many maps barely note. That’s exactly the charm.
The Cross Timbers isn’t designed for crowds or trends. It’s a region built around calm, dotted with communities that have stayed steady while the rest of the world has hurried along.
Towns such as Piedmont and Silverdale follow a rhythm shaped by the land: mornings on the porch with coffee, evenings filled with the sound of cicadas instead of sirens. It’s not nostalgia—it’s a way of life that continues quietly and confidently.
These towns don’t make headlines, and they don’t need to. For those who value open skies, slower days, and strong local identity, the Cross Timbers offers something worth discovering.
There are no big-box stores or traffic lights here—just quiet roads, friendly faces, and landscapes that remain largely untouched.
In this article, we take a closer look at ten of the most remote communities across Kansas’ Cross Timbers—places that represent rural strength, privacy, and genuine community spirit.
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1. Quincy: Quiet Retreat in Greenwood County
Quincy is a very small unincorporated community with fewer than 50 residents. It offers a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by nature, perfect for those wanting to escape busy environments. Wildlife watching, hiking, and enjoying the untouched Kansas scenery are common activities here.
The local economy is supported by agriculture and small-scale farming. Quincy’s seclusion comes from its lack of traffic and spacious properties, which provide residents with privacy and serenity.
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2. Wauneta: Countryside Calm in Chautauqua County
Wauneta is a quiet unincorporated community known for its simplicity and scenic beauty. The area features wide prairies and gentle hills, creating a peaceful rural setting.
Residents and visitors can explore the outdoors through hiking and bird watching or simply enjoy the stillness of the environment. Farming and ranching remain central to the local way of life.
The town’s remote location and open landscapes give it a secluded charm, making it a restful escape from urban areas.
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3. Rock: Peaceful Country Living in Cowley County
With just over 100 residents, Rock is a small unincorporated town that captures the tranquil essence of rural Kansas. It’s an ideal place for those who appreciate open spaces and the simple pleasures of country life.
Outdoor lovers can enjoy fishing or canoeing on the nearby Walnut River and explore the surrounding farmland and pastures. Agriculture is central to the local economy, with many residents involved in farming and ranching.
Rock’s quiet character is enhanced by its low population and the wide stretches of agricultural land that surround it, creating a calm retreat far from city noise.
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4. Silverdale: Hidden Haven Along the Walnut River
Silverdale is a small unincorporated town with about 50 residents, offering a quiet lifestyle near the Walnut River. Surrounded by woodlands and waterways, the area provides opportunities for fishing, hiking, and exploring local wildlife.
There are no major industries here; most residents enjoy the slow pace of rural living or work in small-scale agriculture. Silverdale’s peaceful setting near the river makes it a perfect spot for solitude and natural beauty.
5. Piedmont: Tranquil Living Among the Hills
Piedmont, home to around 100 people, is a peaceful community surrounded by rolling hills and greenery. The views are stunning, and the atmosphere is calm and welcoming.
Outdoor recreation such as hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife observation are popular among locals. Agriculture and ranching are the main livelihoods, and the area’s wide properties contribute to its quiet, private character.
6. Reece: Untouched Beauty in Greenwood County
Reece is a very small community with fewer than 50 residents, surrounded by open prairies and wooded areas. It’s a haven for those who love nature and simplicity.
Residents enjoy bird watching, hiking, and the peaceful surroundings. The economy is mostly agricultural, with small farms and ranches shaping the landscape. The abundance of natural land gives Reece its secluded and serene charm.
7. Otto: Rural Quiet Near the Oklahoma Line
Otto is a small unincorporated town with fewer than 100 residents. It offers a calm, open environment where people can enjoy spacious properties and the slow rhythm of rural life.
Farming and ranching are common occupations, and the lack of urban development makes Otto a perfect place for those who value privacy and simplicity. The wide farmland and open skies define its peaceful identity.
8. Beaumont: Historic Charm in Butler County
Beaumont is a small community of about 50 residents, known for its rustic character and historical background. The town’s centerpiece is the Beaumont Hotel, a 19th-century inn that once served travelers and cattle drivers.
Visitors can explore local history, enjoy country-style meals, and experience the quiet prairie setting. Beaumont’s combination of heritage and tranquility makes it a timeless rural getaway.
9. Busby: Quiet Wilderness in Elk County
Busby is an unincorporated community surrounded by forests and open land, offering a peaceful retreat in Elk County. It’s a place for hiking, hunting, and exploring the natural beauty of the Cross Timbers region.
Farming and livestock raising are common here, and the town’s isolation makes it ideal for those seeking a quiet life close to nature.
10. Hewins: Secluded Haven in Chautauqua County
Hewins is a very small and remote community surrounded by wide expanses of natural landscape. It’s perfect for those who want privacy and a deep connection with the countryside.
There are no major industries in Hewins; residents often farm or simply enjoy the calm of rural living. The large properties and minimal development preserve its peaceful and secluded atmosphere.