Hi all, I'm a remote worker and Median household income is $63,072, which feels about average for the area. You can expect to pay around $960 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider — Wichita sits at 1,141.1 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
Pros:
- Low taxes
- Lots of new development
- Walkable downtown
- Plenty of shopping options
- Active local events
Cons:
- Traffic can be terrible
- Hot summers
- Limited nightlife
What would you do? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
26 upvotes
10 Replies
Gabriella Hernandez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 25, moved here 14 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Lakewood and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Can feel isolated
3. The traffic situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Austin, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
40 upvotes
Willow
I've lived in Lakewood for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The safety scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Logan
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
Allison Reyes
yeah no that's not right
35 upvotes
Ian Hernandez
Totally agree!
34 upvotes
Kai Wood
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Midtown area are solid. Kids love it here.
27 upvotes
Caroline W.
I've lived in Springfield for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The pet-friendliness scene is decent
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
23 upvotes
Ellie Moore
big facts right here
23 upvotes
Melissa A.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 11 years. Moved from San Diego for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park schools are pretty good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Dating scene is rough. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Nova Ramirez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 34, moved here 3 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Riverside and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The job market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Westside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Atlanta, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
All Countries
