Seven Things You Should Know About Living in Wichita, KS

Wichita, Kansas, is one of the more popular places to live in the Midwest. It has a lower cost of living than most major metropolitan areas and a robust job market. The city also has a strong sense of community, making it an attractive place for families and individuals.

Here are seven things you should know about living in Wichita, Kansas:

Best U.S. City To Live In

Wichita was deemed one of the best places to live by major news outlets. While there are various reasons for this, some of the main perks include a low cost of living, a diverse job market, and plenty of things to do.

Whether you’re single or settling down with your family, Wichita, Kansas, is an excellent option for many people. The city has constantly been growing and offers a little something for everyone, from its extensive history to its modern-day attractions.

Cowboy City

One of the things that makes Wichita attractive to families and individuals is its strong sense of community. Residents in “The Cowboy City” are proud to live in it and are quick to help their neighbors in need.

The city’s strong volunteerism rate shows this sense of community. It ranks 5th among U.S. cities for volunteerism, with a rate of 36.8%.

Crucial Role in Aviation History

Another reason to consider Wichita, Kansas, is its crucial role in aviation history. The city has been home to aircraft manufacturing since the early 1900s, when Clyde Cessna and Walter Beech started their own companies here. The city is known as the “Air Capital of the World.”

Today, Wichita is still a hub for aircraft manufacturing, with companies like Bombardier Learjet, Hawker Beechcraft, and Spirit AeroSystems located here. If you’re interested in aviation or want to learn more about this vital part of Wichita’s history, you can visit the Kansas Aviation Museum.

Low Cost of Living

Compared to other major U.S. cities, the cost of living in Wichita is relatively low. Wichita’s cost of living index is 91.4, which is lower than the U.S. average of 100. This means that Wichita residents can expect to pay about 8.6% less for goods and services than the average American consumer.

Your dollar will go further in Wichita than in other parts of the country, which is excellent news for your bank account.

Strong Job Market

The unemployment rate in Wichita was 3.8% as of September 2019, which is lower than the national unemployment rate of 4%. Additionally, job growth in Wichita has been vital in recent years. Between 2016 and 2017, the city’s job growth rate was 2.7%, higher than the national average of 1.6%.

Its proximity to major cities like Dallas, Oklahoma City, and Kansas City make Wichita an attractive option for those looking for a strong job market. The city’s unemployment rate is consistently lower than the national average, making it a great place to start or continue your career.

Unique Entertainment Options

Wichita boasts of the Sedgwick County Zoo, one of the Midwest’s largest zoos. The zoo features over 3,000 animals, representing more than 380 species.

If you’re not an animal lover, don’t worry. Wichita also has botanical gardens, an art museum, and a science museum. And if you’re looking for something a little more active, Wichita has a minor league baseball team (the Wichita Wingnuts) and an indoor football team (The Wichita Force).

Additionally, there’s the Starlight Drive-In, one of the few remaining drive-in movie theaters in the country. You can catch a double feature for just under $10 per carload. It will offer an unforgettable movie experience with your loved ones.

Affordable Housing

One thing that makes the city a great place to live is its affordable Wichita real estate. Not only are Wichita townhomes affordable. The median home value in Wichita is $132,200, much lower than the national average of $184,700.

Bloomberg recently named Wichita the best place for singles because of its affordability. This means that Wichita is a great place to do it whether you’re looking to buy a home or property.

Final Thoughts

It may be high time to look for a Wichita house for sale with all that the city has to offer. Check out available listings to get started.