In May, it will be 11 years since I moved to Wichita, and not once have I regretted that decision. I love this city. The food scene, theater, sports, recreation, music, proximity to places like Denver, Omaha, OKC, Dallas, KC, and St. Louis. Lots of road trip opportunities, and I haven’t even mentioned affordability. That’s why it’s no surprise to me that Wichita made the Top 100 Best Places To Live list from Livability.com.
Here is what Livability.com had to say:
Why You’ll Love Living in Wichita, KS
Wichita, KS, is a fantastic place for recent college grads, young professionals and growing families to put down roots and level up their careers — all these things coupled with enjoying fun-filled weekends with friends and neighbors in this tight-knit community. Not only is the rental market affordable, but median home prices around the $200,000 mark mean that first-time buyers moving to Wichita can break into a housing market where costs are far below the national average. This well-planned city of 405,335 people offers endless ways to have fun, ranging from the city’s 120 parks to its treasure trove of museums, great shopping districts, disc golf courses, fishing holes, pools, waterparks and splash pads.
Getting around Wichita is a breeze, and the city’s efficient transportation system is one of the many reasons it ranks as one of the best places to live. Residents have easy access to major highways, and within the city, they can ride the Q-Line bus to popular districts free of charge. The city boasts 100 miles of hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts, and the Bike Share ICT program has more than 200 bicycles at 40 stations around Wichita. For those who travel frequently, Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport offers nonstop flights to 11 cities, with additional seasonal routes during peak vacation times.
Wichita’s central location and access to major interstate routes and rail lines have made it a hub for companies like Caterpillar, Cargill and Deloitte. Industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, health care, aerospace and energy are all thriving, contributing to the city’s dynamic economy.
The city’s diverse food scene includes 1,200 restaurants offering everything from classic burgers and barbecues to a wide array of international cuisines, plus a thriving craft beer scene and artisan coffee shops that make for great gathering spots.
