Firstly why Wichita, Kansas?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Wichita
• State: Kansas
• Population: 389,938 people
• Wichita’s quick summary would be Wichita proudly claims the ‘Air Capital’ title, with aircraft plants and the Keeper of the Plains at the river confluence.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 30,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 30,000 annually
• Net Migration: 0 no real change annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 2,000
• Number of Homeless people: 1,200

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers affordable living and a strong job market appealing to various residents

Perk #1: Wichita Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 32%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 64%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $51,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Wichita is $55,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $4000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Wichita’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 80 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,269
• Property Tax %: 1.35%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,000
• Rent for an average house: $1,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Wichita
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Wichita, Derby, Andover, Haysville, and probably could include Goddard
• Avg. Age of Homes in Wichita: 70 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.4%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Wichita’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Wichita are  Aerospace, Manufacturing, and Education
• Wichita Job Scene: strong job market in manufacturing and aviation
• The General Tech Scene: developing tech scene with focus on aerospace, aviation, and manufacturing
• Wichita Resident’s pay $1,100 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Wichita: 7.5%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 80 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 32

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Wichita

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-135 runs through Wichita connecting it to I-70
• Commute Time: 30 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: evening congestion on Kellogg Avenue
• Transportation Score: 52 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Wichita: 160,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.4
• No. of Car Washes: 8 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Wichita: ksrevenue.gov/dmv.html
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 62 of 100
• Local Airport: Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Wichita’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Wichita is best described as experiences hot summers and cold winters with a humid subtropical climate showcasing comfortable spring and fall with seasonal changes
• Winter Weather in Wichita i’d describe as cold with wet conditions
• Spring Weather in Wichita can be described as mild with occasional rain
• Summer’s in Wichita are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Wichita is usually cool and pleasant
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 28 days in summer
• Days in a row in Wichita below Freezing: 21
• Average Annual Rainfall: 34 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality impacted primarily by urban pollution
• Wichita Winter Air generally acceptable air quality slight pollution fluctuations

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Wichita Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Wichita 10
• While the number of trade schools inside Wichitas’s city limits are 5
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Wichita Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Wichita Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Wichita only Doctors is about 100
• Local Hospitals here is  6
• Full-time Wichita only Police Officers is about 454
• Crime Rate Index: 50/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Wichita’s Monthly utility bill average is $90
• Wichita’s Monthly Gym Membership: $40
• Wichita’s Water Quality Score: 70

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Wichita

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 12 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: largest city in Kansas with urban amenities and history
• You might enjoy concerts at the Intrust Bank Arena
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Wichita  features a vibrant nightlife with an array of bars restaurants and entertainment options reflecting the city’s charm

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Wichita

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes diverse dining options from local favorites to chains
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 50 scattered around Wichita
• The Popular Sports Team is Wichita State Shockers
• Top Level Political Climate in Wichita can be described as politically mixed urban area focusing on economic growth
• Wichita’s Longer standing religious establishment is Central Community Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Wichita Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Wichita has 45 Parks?
• Waterwalk Park is Wichita’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Wichita Farmers Market normally open Saturday 7:30am-12pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and river activities

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Wichita Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Wichita can be described as moderate urban life with a mix of culture and industry
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Wichita going to local festivals visiting museums outdoor activities
• The Cities people commute to from Wichita are Andover 14 miles away Derby 15 miles away El-Dorado 24 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Wichita or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: evening congestion on Kellogg Avenue. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Wichita’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Wichita is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Wichita are Andover 14 miles away Derby 15 miles away El-Dorado 24 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 50 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Wichita has 21 days in a row below freezing and 28 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Wichita people have an average (positive or negative) $4000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   1,200 homeless people living in Wichita. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed urban area focusing on economic growth could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Wichita.

Retiree & Senior Life in Wichita

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might be eligible for homeownership tax credits assisting residents
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale Wichita
• Wichita Senior Center hosts meal services fitness classes and recreational activities for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Wichita, Kansas?

If Wichita, Kansas ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Wichita, Kansas, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!