The Best Places to Live in Kansas: A Comprehensive Guide

 

Kansas is in the Midwestern area in the heart of the USA. Its geographical location, at the crossroads of many roads, has also determined its turbulent and exciting history.

Many times, different types of migration flowed through this beautiful state, which is nicknamed the “Sunflower State.” Surrounded by Oklahoma, Nebraska, Missouri, and Colorado, it has a landscape of two-thirds plains and one-third hilly.

Kansas is a very attractive place to live today. A developed economy is not based, as in the past, only on animal husbandry and agriculture but also on health care, finance, insurance, real estate, etc. The low cost of living, quality education, friendly environment, and ideal opportunities for outdoor activities will surely attract you to this beautiful and prosperous state.

The Best Cities to Live in Kansas

Kansas has income taxes ranging from 3.5% to 5.7%. The sales tax rate is 6.5%.

Wichita

Wichita, one of the top cities in Kansas, is located in Sedgwick County. With a population of close to 395,951, it is the county seat.

Wichita is a modern city with a lot to offer in terms of business and entertainment. It is ideal for young professionals and families. It is considered one of the cheapest cities in Kansas. The cost of living is 11% lower than the national average.

Here is the famous Wichita State University, one of three in Kansas.

More than half of the residents own their own homes, and their prices range from about $167,000 to $470,000.

For the average standard of living in Wichita, you will need about $61,000 per month. Wichita expands and grows rapidly, as witnessed by its residents. Unemployment rate is 2.5%. The aircraft industry is dominant here, so work can be found there. Also, various offers exist, depending on your labor skills and education level.

Excellent grades are earned at public and private elementary and high schools, and many students enter the school system. Raising a family in Wichita is great.

The unique Wichita vibe is current even when it comes to numerous things to do. Not only are restaurants and weekend clubbing are interesting, but there are also numerous festivals, sports events, and various parties dedicated to Hispanic heritage, such as the famous Sedgwick Zoo County, Wichita Riverfest, and the annual Autumn & Art Festival.

Wichita residents rate their safety as satisfactory. They feel quite safe, and the police do their job responsibly and professionally.

Topeka

Topeka is the capital of Kansas and is one of the best places to live in Kansas for families. It is located in Shawnee County and stretches around the Kansas River.

It has about 127,000 inhabitants, and the cost of living is significantly lower than the national average. The total cost of living here will cost you as much as 14% less. You can roughly live comfortably with $55,000 monthly, depending on your monthly income and individual needs.

Housing in Topeka is 29% lower than the national average. This is a great convenience for young families who are just starting out and always have housing problems. The monthly rent is about $11oo, which is also affordable for the vast majority. Home prices range from $125,000 to $340,000.

Transportation, groceries, and utilities are absolute record holders in terms of value. Monthly expenses for basic needs are really low here. Retirees also find their place in Topeka.

The city has the feeling of a small environment and is good for family life. The schools have excellent ratings, and there are enough of them to choose the one that suits you best.

Ethnic and economic diversity have the highest ratings, so it is easy to fit into this environment.

During summer, you can engage in various outdoor activities, go to restaurants, and enjoy outdoor concerts and movies. In winter, ice skating, walking, fitness, and many other activities are available in Evergy Plaza. It is a place that counts as “where community connects.”

Constant work on improving this community concerns the perception of safety and many vital aspects. Current work is on everything that can improve the lives of Topeka residents in all fields.

Overland Park

A city consistently gets top marks as a great place to live. It is located in Johnson County and is one of the four largest and most populated cities in Kansas, with nearly 200,000 inhabitants.

It is a 20-minute drive from Kansas City. It is called the Gateway to Kansas City, which does not mean that it does not have its authentic characteristics.

It is especially praised as an exceptional place for raising families. Schools are highly rated, and healthcare is also at an enviable level.

Several large companies are stationed here, such as T Mobile and UnitedHealth Group. Finance, healthcare, and technical services form the basis of the economy in Overland Park.

The salary that would be enough for you is about $101,000 for a family and about $70,000 for a single person. The cost of living is 8% lower than the US average but 10% higher than Kansas.

Housing is also more expensive because this is a clean, safe place where the standard is high. More than half of the residents are owners. Prices for average comfortable homes range from close to $362,000 to $550,000. For those with higher requirements and deep pockets, houses are on the market starting at $6,800,000.

Overland Park is considered the safest place to live in Kansas. There is no great need for police intervention, and the community contributes to the safety and general care of the city.

Overland Park is a place with a lot of greenery, awesome parks, sports fields, restaurants, shopping, art galleries, theaters, various types of events, etc. Nightlife is not overly noisy and ends early, so it’s quiet and peaceful at night. As we said, Overland Park is a perfect place for family people and retirees.

Manhattan

The town of nearly 55,000 inhabitants is located in Riley County in northeastern Kansas and is considered attractive for young, modern professionals dedicated to building careers.

Kansas State University is located here, and its nickname is “The Little Apple,” which is associated with New York and its sensibility. Due to the large number of students, there is a lively college atmosphere.

The cost of living is 9% lower than the national cost. Some are cheaper, and some are slightly more expensive. Housing is even 24% lower. Many people rent homes here, and the students’ stay in Manhattan contributes to that practice. Home prices range from $180,000 to $306,000. Renting is close to $980, which is fairly affordable.

The average basic salary should be at least $56,000. Schools, healthcare, transportation, and safety are excellently ranked here.

Manhattan is a real town with a great school spirit. It is dynamic, with plenty of restaurants, bars, nightlife venues, and entertainment.

There are many opportunities for outdoor activities; nature is diverse here, and young people use these benefits. Hiking and fishing are favorites, as are biking, jogging, and camping.

 Manhattan is considered one of the best places to live in Kansas.

Conclusion

“America’s Breadbasket” has peaceful nature, centuries-old agriculture and cattle breeding, and people accustomed to work laid the foundations of today’s Kansas. Relatively low costs, a constantly growing economy, and high standards may attract you to call Kansas your new home and all you have to do is to call Professional Moving & Storage.

We will take over from there and make everything easy for you.

 

 

References

https://data.census.gov/profile/Kansas?g=040XX00US20

https://www.kansas.gov/kbi/stats/stats_crime.shtml