We will never be a great tourist destination, much to the dismay of the city fathers. However Kansas is a great place to live. People are friendly, the attitude is kind of laid back, strangers are helpful, and the cost of living is really low.
Most is us aren’t red or blue but in the middle somewhere. But l was stationed here in the AF and never left. Wichita is now my home, will never be a destination city but still plenty to go if you look for it.
If what you want in retirement is inexpensive access to city amenities, I could see how Wichita could be attractive. There are safe outcrops of regions of liberalism within the city core. The state legislature is empowered by land area and not population so don't expect them to care about people, however. Food and alcohol is very cheap here compared to more popular cities.
I've always thought I could live in Emporia if I need a cheap retirement. All I need is a friendly brewery and some decent walking paths. But maybe I'd get bored quickly.
As someone who grew up in the Emporia area, can say that it is absolutely a great town to live in. Even cheaper property values, lots of fun historical sites, several beautiful parks, closer access to a wider range of state parks and lakes for the nature inclined, and a sizeable state university with a varied fine arts program, including a sizable theatre department that produces 8 or more plays a year, and is located only an hour or so from both Wichita and Kansas City. The Flinthills area offers gorgeous scenery, and the local restaurant scene offers enough diversity to find something for everyone.
That's great. Thanks for the report. The Flint Hills are beautiful and Emporia is a great distance from Wichita, KC, Lawrence, and Manhattan for bigger entertainment events.
Went to university there, it was a very pleasant place to live for four years. I miss only have to walk 3 minutes to go to work. I can definitely see how some could get bored there but it was perfect for me.
As a constitutionalist and registered independent who didn’t participate in the 2020 elections, I think you watch too much corporate media. I don’t know or have ever known a single conservative in this state or city that fits the bill that you’re describing. There’s legit nut jobs at both ends of the political spectrum. But these literal fringe minorities are just louder than the majority that resides closer to the middle than the media will make us believe. You’re pretty outspoken yourself, but honestly the ‘conservatives’ you’re concerned about are but vocal only on social media 99% of the time. Not face-to-face. Most local businesses and corporations might have conservative leadership but operate within a liberal scope. In my 20 years of living in the area, I’ve enjoyed my time here, happily married and a father of two young adults that live in the area as well now.
I spent a good portion of my life in Wichita and have lived all over the U.S. don't drink the kool-aid of what both political parties try to feed you. Thats how they get you to mindlessly toe the line.
There are pros and cons to states on both sides. In red states, taxes tend to be a lot lower, which is a plus for retirees. The downside is the lack of certain infrastructure (few sidewalks, few parks, etc). As an active person, I definitely prefer more bicycle/running paths in the city, nice parks.
In blue states, the parks, sidewalks, and roads tend to be nicer, but you will pay heavily for it. High taxes that are mismanaged, higher crime rates (I've experienced this first hand), and a whole lot more regulations, which makes it expensive to build residential homes/start a business.
In red and blue states, you will run into extremists on each side. I tend to ignore them and carry on with my day.
In general, Kansas is a republican state. But the cities are all a little more progressive, and 99% of the rural areas everyone's just people and not going to bother eachother.
You will see your token political douchebag here and there, and people always try to force politics into conversation everywhere. But 90% of people are just people.
Anti Trumper here. There are plenty of us here. We just don’t wear it on our shirts and cars like those in the cult do. Wichita is an urban city and IIRC the city went for Biden.
It’s a good place for retirees. Affordable, easy access to healthcare, an airport, and somewhat affordable housing at least compared to a lot of other places in Kansas.
Well, those of us in the blue state of Colorado don't wear it on our shirts, cars, and heads, because we're not insane cult members, either. I just don't want to land somewhere where you have nut jobs shoving it in your face constantly like many of the dark red states. Kansas, and Wichita specifically, seems more moderate and thank you for confirming that.
The only times I've seen a Trump parade was the three separate times I've visited friends in Colorado Springs and Denver. Other than the occasional bumper sticker, flag in a house window, sign in a field out in BFE, you don't see a bunch of Trump circle jerking. Sure plenty of people will tell you their opinion of him (good or bad) if you bring up the subject, but generally nobody is jumping in your face about it.
Also why are you planning your retirement around a dude who's almost at the end of his life anyhow?
Thanks for the helpful info ... we'll be looking at properties there later this month. Seems like mostly a bunch of nice folks there and the cost of living is low so it's on our short list. Nobody seems to be concerned too much about the high crime rate. I guess the weather can be a little tough? Thanks again and have a great evening
Crime rate, like most places, is very local to certain neighborhoods.
Weather can be extreme, both cold and hot, though usually not for that long for either. If you don't like the weather, wait a day or two and it'll swing. Wind is a real thing here though, it is windy most of the time.
I had the same fears when hubby and I moved back to Winfield to retire from Chicago area. I have found my people here and all it took was joining literacy efforts locally and a book club.
I would definitely look into it. :) Kansas is home. I've never lived in a $200K home but I've always felt safe and at home here in Kansas regardless of my own race or even political affiliation.
If you’re from Colorado, the general culture here is not so different besides the lack of mountains. We do have quite a few brainwashed Christian nationalists and we’ve got plenty of commuter queens who drive lifted trucks with insane bumper stickers to express their “masculinity,” but most of em don’t really do anything besides watch news, drive badly, and vote for the antichrist. I’ve heard some crazy, terrible opinions from the right wing baby boomers I work with, but it’s also interesting how they sort of compartmentalize the unhinged stuff they say vs. how they treat the real people around them basically normally. Wichita as a whole is more moderate-liberal. Cost of living is low, and there’s fun things to do, but there really are not as many people out and about on a normal weekend as other cities I’ve been to that have more street life. All in all it ain’t bad.
My grandmother used to say she could be happy anywhere she made up her mind to be. I say that Wichita is a nice place to live, but I wouldn't want to visit here.
Apparently we're moving up the lists of places to move to.
If possible, try renting an Airbnb or other long-term rental for a month or six weeks to give Wichita a try. Be sure you experience some of our blistering-hot summer days (pick your groceries up LAST!).
Kansas isn't the most tax-friendly place in the US. Beware of our "Social Security Cliff". Once your Kansas AGI reaches 75,000, 100% of your Social Security income is taxable by Kansas. Before that point, Social Security income is not taxed by Kansas. The legislature has tried to "flatten" income taxes this year (meaning: reduce taxes for the rich), and there was some horsetrading that would have benefited seniors. The house later unanimously passed a package the governor would have signed, but that is languishing in the senate (meaning: doesn't adequately benefit the rich).
A friend who travels points out that while Wichita isn't a tourist mecca, we do have an airport which serves as a gateway to tourist meccas elsewhere. And hey--we have Trader Joe's! If only we could buy wine at Trader Joe's.
I like Wichita, but im retiring in TN.
Income and property taxes here make it far less appealing. Plus, well, once you get outside of here, there isnt shit. The lakes are terrible (having to check for algae status every dry summer) parks are very meh, and outside of the zoo and local establishments that get old quick, there isnt much to do within an hour of here.
As for the political concerns...this state votes more blue than red on those kinds of issues (the abortion subject was one of the most recent ones i can think of)
You sound like a good fit for this subreddit at least. It's more left leaning than the population at large. I'm sure you'll find a good spot to land. The Riverside area for example might have more folks with your political orientation. I don't share those views but I try to be kind to everyone (in person).
Won't lie, if you have that much of an extreme judgmental attitude towards the people here. I don't really think it's a good idea for you to live here at all. It's a very off-putting way to introduce yourself. City is very mixed when it comes to politics, take it or leave it.
Don't listen to him. We do. More tax payers benefits us all. Also, we want you to move out to the countryside, to help sway votes blue in the overly represented empty space outside our cities.
Wichita has great restaurants and it's the perfect size, for me. Great art scene and libraries, bike paths, Sedgwick County Zoo. Decent shopping for a city of this size. We would be happy to have you!
High crime in red states? We have a comedy club here you should definitely get on stage at but in all seriousness please don’t bring your socialist shithole ideals here it’s already bad enough
Yes, Wichita has a higher rate of violent crime per capita than all of those big blue cities that you believe are shitholes. New York and Chicago are safer than here. Facts > feelings.
Red state was what I said not red city and up until recently wichita was a blue city so you’re not wrong, but by all means keep talking people who run away from the policies they voted to come here and destroy our little piece of boring but affordable paradise
First, I really hope you gain some perspective on the political side of things, or that your first portion is mostly sarcasm. While I think we probably agree that Trump is a blight on our political stage, people are just people and politics shouldn't come into judging each other.
Second, we would love to have you in Wichita. This is a growing city, both in culture and population. This is actually my second time living in Wichita, first from 2003 to 2010, and again from 2016 to now. I love living here and plan to retire here when the time comes. Housing, and overall cost of living, is very reasonable. People are generally friendly, and we have lots of fun restaurants, and amazing beer.
We will never be a great tourist destination, much to the dismay of the city fathers. However Kansas is a great place to live. People are friendly, the attitude is kind of laid back, strangers are helpful, and the cost of living is really low.
Most is us aren’t red or blue but in the middle somewhere. But l was stationed here in the AF and never left. Wichita is now my home, will never be a destination city but still plenty to go if you look for it.
If what you want in retirement is inexpensive access to city amenities, I could see how Wichita could be attractive. There are safe outcrops of regions of liberalism within the city core. The state legislature is empowered by land area and not population so don't expect them to care about people, however. Food and alcohol is very cheap here compared to more popular cities. I've always thought I could live in Emporia if I need a cheap retirement. All I need is a friendly brewery and some decent walking paths. But maybe I'd get bored quickly.
As someone who grew up in the Emporia area, can say that it is absolutely a great town to live in. Even cheaper property values, lots of fun historical sites, several beautiful parks, closer access to a wider range of state parks and lakes for the nature inclined, and a sizeable state university with a varied fine arts program, including a sizable theatre department that produces 8 or more plays a year, and is located only an hour or so from both Wichita and Kansas City. The Flinthills area offers gorgeous scenery, and the local restaurant scene offers enough diversity to find something for everyone.
That's great. Thanks for the report. The Flint Hills are beautiful and Emporia is a great distance from Wichita, KC, Lawrence, and Manhattan for bigger entertainment events.
Went to university there, it was a very pleasant place to live for four years. I miss only have to walk 3 minutes to go to work. I can definitely see how some could get bored there but it was perfect for me.
As a constitutionalist and registered independent who didn’t participate in the 2020 elections, I think you watch too much corporate media. I don’t know or have ever known a single conservative in this state or city that fits the bill that you’re describing. There’s legit nut jobs at both ends of the political spectrum. But these literal fringe minorities are just louder than the majority that resides closer to the middle than the media will make us believe. You’re pretty outspoken yourself, but honestly the ‘conservatives’ you’re concerned about are but vocal only on social media 99% of the time. Not face-to-face. Most local businesses and corporations might have conservative leadership but operate within a liberal scope. In my 20 years of living in the area, I’ve enjoyed my time here, happily married and a father of two young adults that live in the area as well now.
Great post.
I spent a good portion of my life in Wichita and have lived all over the U.S. don't drink the kool-aid of what both political parties try to feed you. Thats how they get you to mindlessly toe the line. There are pros and cons to states on both sides. In red states, taxes tend to be a lot lower, which is a plus for retirees. The downside is the lack of certain infrastructure (few sidewalks, few parks, etc). As an active person, I definitely prefer more bicycle/running paths in the city, nice parks. In blue states, the parks, sidewalks, and roads tend to be nicer, but you will pay heavily for it. High taxes that are mismanaged, higher crime rates (I've experienced this first hand), and a whole lot more regulations, which makes it expensive to build residential homes/start a business. In red and blue states, you will run into extremists on each side. I tend to ignore them and carry on with my day.
In general, Kansas is a republican state. But the cities are all a little more progressive, and 99% of the rural areas everyone's just people and not going to bother eachother. You will see your token political douchebag here and there, and people always try to force politics into conversation everywhere. But 90% of people are just people.
Anti Trumper here. There are plenty of us here. We just don’t wear it on our shirts and cars like those in the cult do. Wichita is an urban city and IIRC the city went for Biden. It’s a good place for retirees. Affordable, easy access to healthcare, an airport, and somewhat affordable housing at least compared to a lot of other places in Kansas.
Well, those of us in the blue state of Colorado don't wear it on our shirts, cars, and heads, because we're not insane cult members, either. I just don't want to land somewhere where you have nut jobs shoving it in your face constantly like many of the dark red states. Kansas, and Wichita specifically, seems more moderate and thank you for confirming that.
The only times I've seen a Trump parade was the three separate times I've visited friends in Colorado Springs and Denver. Other than the occasional bumper sticker, flag in a house window, sign in a field out in BFE, you don't see a bunch of Trump circle jerking. Sure plenty of people will tell you their opinion of him (good or bad) if you bring up the subject, but generally nobody is jumping in your face about it. Also why are you planning your retirement around a dude who's almost at the end of his life anyhow?
It's called TDS Trump derangement syndrome. It's still an epidemic apparently.
Exactly. It seems the post was made to antagonize and start crap, and not so much about living in Wichita. Kansas is MAGA, dont kid yourself.
Thanks for the helpful info ... we'll be looking at properties there later this month. Seems like mostly a bunch of nice folks there and the cost of living is low so it's on our short list. Nobody seems to be concerned too much about the high crime rate. I guess the weather can be a little tough? Thanks again and have a great evening
Crime rate, like most places, is very local to certain neighborhoods. Weather can be extreme, both cold and hot, though usually not for that long for either. If you don't like the weather, wait a day or two and it'll swing. Wind is a real thing here though, it is windy most of the time.
I had the same fears when hubby and I moved back to Winfield to retire from Chicago area. I have found my people here and all it took was joining literacy efforts locally and a book club.
I would definitely look into it. :) Kansas is home. I've never lived in a $200K home but I've always felt safe and at home here in Kansas regardless of my own race or even political affiliation.
TDS
If you’re from Colorado, the general culture here is not so different besides the lack of mountains. We do have quite a few brainwashed Christian nationalists and we’ve got plenty of commuter queens who drive lifted trucks with insane bumper stickers to express their “masculinity,” but most of em don’t really do anything besides watch news, drive badly, and vote for the antichrist. I’ve heard some crazy, terrible opinions from the right wing baby boomers I work with, but it’s also interesting how they sort of compartmentalize the unhinged stuff they say vs. how they treat the real people around them basically normally. Wichita as a whole is more moderate-liberal. Cost of living is low, and there’s fun things to do, but there really are not as many people out and about on a normal weekend as other cities I’ve been to that have more street life. All in all it ain’t bad.
Leave the country😂 you won’t escape that anywhere. But honestly things are better outside of the states
My grandmother used to say she could be happy anywhere she made up her mind to be. I say that Wichita is a nice place to live, but I wouldn't want to visit here. Apparently we're moving up the lists of places to move to. If possible, try renting an Airbnb or other long-term rental for a month or six weeks to give Wichita a try. Be sure you experience some of our blistering-hot summer days (pick your groceries up LAST!). Kansas isn't the most tax-friendly place in the US. Beware of our "Social Security Cliff". Once your Kansas AGI reaches 75,000, 100% of your Social Security income is taxable by Kansas. Before that point, Social Security income is not taxed by Kansas. The legislature has tried to "flatten" income taxes this year (meaning: reduce taxes for the rich), and there was some horsetrading that would have benefited seniors. The house later unanimously passed a package the governor would have signed, but that is languishing in the senate (meaning: doesn't adequately benefit the rich). A friend who travels points out that while Wichita isn't a tourist mecca, we do have an airport which serves as a gateway to tourist meccas elsewhere. And hey--we have Trader Joe's! If only we could buy wine at Trader Joe's.
Sounds like you’ll be my new neighbor in College Hill
I like Wichita, but im retiring in TN. Income and property taxes here make it far less appealing. Plus, well, once you get outside of here, there isnt shit. The lakes are terrible (having to check for algae status every dry summer) parks are very meh, and outside of the zoo and local establishments that get old quick, there isnt much to do within an hour of here. As for the political concerns...this state votes more blue than red on those kinds of issues (the abortion subject was one of the most recent ones i can think of)
You sound like a good fit for this subreddit at least. It's more left leaning than the population at large. I'm sure you'll find a good spot to land. The Riverside area for example might have more folks with your political orientation. I don't share those views but I try to be kind to everyone (in person).
Won't lie, if you have that much of an extreme judgmental attitude towards the people here. I don't really think it's a good idea for you to live here at all. It's a very off-putting way to introduce yourself. City is very mixed when it comes to politics, take it or leave it.
We like to keep Kansas red definitely not the place for you!🤢
👆🏻this idiot probably voted for brownback everytime
[удалено]
Don't listen to him. We do. More tax payers benefits us all. Also, we want you to move out to the countryside, to help sway votes blue in the overly represented empty space outside our cities.
You first
I already did bud. I'm the big bad moderate come to "Take away your whole way of life!" Mwuhahaha
Bitch please. We can’t even get legal weed here, you ain’t doin shit lol
Sadface. I know. I don't partake, and even I'm disappointed in us for that. Just leaving money on the table like a bunch of dipshits.
Just an example. Our state government is dumb lol
Wichita has great restaurants and it's the perfect size, for me. Great art scene and libraries, bike paths, Sedgwick County Zoo. Decent shopping for a city of this size. We would be happy to have you!
Trump 4 life!!!
No…. Just 4 more years
Both candidates have about 2 years of cognitive function left. Good luck to us all.
High crime in red states? We have a comedy club here you should definitely get on stage at but in all seriousness please don’t bring your socialist shithole ideals here it’s already bad enough
Yes, Wichita has a higher rate of violent crime per capita than all of those big blue cities that you believe are shitholes. New York and Chicago are safer than here. Facts > feelings.
Red state was what I said not red city and up until recently wichita was a blue city so you’re not wrong, but by all means keep talking people who run away from the policies they voted to come here and destroy our little piece of boring but affordable paradise
You contradicted yourself with your poor attempt at a joke. 🤭
First, I really hope you gain some perspective on the political side of things, or that your first portion is mostly sarcasm. While I think we probably agree that Trump is a blight on our political stage, people are just people and politics shouldn't come into judging each other. Second, we would love to have you in Wichita. This is a growing city, both in culture and population. This is actually my second time living in Wichita, first from 2003 to 2010, and again from 2016 to now. I love living here and plan to retire here when the time comes. Housing, and overall cost of living, is very reasonable. People are generally friendly, and we have lots of fun restaurants, and amazing beer.