Firstly why Manhattan, Kansas?

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

• City: Manhattan
• State: Kansas
• Population: 56,042 people
• Manhattan’s quick summary would be Manhattanites cheer for K-State at Bill Snyder Family Stadium and congregate in Aggieville for post-game nightlife.

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: 4,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 3,000 annually
• Net Migration: 1000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 100
• Number of Homeless people: 100

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it home to Kansas State University attracts students and young professionals

Perk #1: Manhattan Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 62%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $67,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Manhattan is $68,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $1000 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 & Manhattan’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 80 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,130
• Property Tax %: 1.43%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,000
• Rent for an average house: $1,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Manhattan
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Manhattan, Riley, Ogden, Wamego, and probably could include Junction-City
• Avg. Age of Homes in Manhattan: 72 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 0.7%

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 & Manhattan’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Manhattan are  Education, Agriculture, and Retail
• Manhattan Job Scene: moderate job market primarily in education and research
• The General Tech Scene: modest tech community mainly influenced by Kansas State University , ,
• Manhattan Resident’s pay $600 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Manhattan: 9.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 30 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 2

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 Manhattan

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $85 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-70 runs through Manhattan linking it to various areas
• Commute Time: 22 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: slowdowns on Anderson Avenue
• Transportation Score: 43 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Manhattan: 15,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.3
• No. of Car Washes: 2 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Manhattan: ksrevenue.gov/dmv.html
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 62 of 100
• Local Airport: Manhattan Regional

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: Manhattan’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Manhattan is best described as has a humid continental climate with cold winters warm summers and transitional seasons that showcase vibrant spring flowers and colorful autumn foliage
• Winter Weather in Manhattan i’d describe as cold with snow
• Spring Weather in Manhattan can be described as mild with rain potential
• Summer’s in Manhattan are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Manhattan is usually warm and clear
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 12 days in summer
• Days in a row in Manhattan below Freezing: 22
• Average Annual Rainfall: 36 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality generally maintained with few pollution sources
• Manhattan Winter Air generally good air quality with few pollution sources

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: Manhattan Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Manhattan 1
• While the number of trade schools inside Manhattans’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Manhattan 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 & Manhattan Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Manhattan only Doctors is about 20
• Local Hospitals here is  2
• Full-time Manhattan only Police Officers is about 60
• Crime Rate Index: 25/100

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

• Manhattan’s Monthly utility bill average is $85
• Manhattan’s Monthly Gym Membership: $35
• Manhattan’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 Manhattan

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: college town with a youthful energy and outdoor activities
• You might enjoy local shows at the Manhattan Arts Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Manhattan  offers a youthful nightlife with a variety of bars clubs local music and cultural events for students

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 Manhattan

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers a collegiate dining experience with local restaurants
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 10 scattered around Manhattan
• The Popular Sports Team is K-State Wildcats
• Top Level Political Climate in Manhattan can be described as liberal college town with emphasis on social justice issues
• Manhattan’s Longer standing religious establishment is First Presbyterian Church of Manhattan

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: Manhattan Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Manhattan has 10 Parks?
• City Park is Manhattan’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Manhattan Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cycling, and parks

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: Manhattan Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Manhattan can be described as energetic college town with a vibrant community and cultural events
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Manhattan hiking local trails exploring parks attending sports activities
• The Cities people commute to from Manhattan are Topeka 64 miles away Junction-City 11 miles away Wamego 12 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 Manhattan 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: slowdowns on Anderson Avenue. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Manhattan’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Manhattan is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Manhattan are Topeka 64 miles away Junction-City 11 miles away Wamego 12 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 25 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Manhattan has 22 days in a row below freezing and 12 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 Manhattan people have an average (positive or negative) $1000 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
   100 homeless people living in Manhattan. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general liberal college town with emphasis on social justice issues 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 Manhattan.

Retiree & Senior Life in Manhattan

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may qualify for property tax reductions enhancing housing costs
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Lodge at Manhattan
• Manhattan Senior Center provides health programs activities and various resources for seniors

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 Manhattan, Kansas?

If Manhattan, 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 Manhattan, Kansas, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!