Livability Score

69
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities A-

There are lots of amenities close to this location.
Coffee (21) B
Flying Monkey
Coffee Shop
Boca Café
Coffee Shop
World Cup Espresso Cafe
Coffee Shop
Cafe Holliday
Coffee Shop
SoHO Espresso
Coffee Shop
Blue Planet Cafe
Coffee Shop
Jayhawk Corner Cafe & Jayhawk Java
Coffee Shop
Kansas Avenue Cafe
Coffee Shop
Blackbird Espresso Bar & Bistro
Coffee Shop
Kansa Cafe
Coffee Shop
Scooter's Coffee
Coffee Shop
Serendipity
Coffee Shop
Classic Bean Cafe
Coffee Shop
Judee's Coffee
Coffee Shop
PT's
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (98) A+
Yager Stadium
Stadium
White Concert Hall
Theatre Arts
Washburn University - Mulvane Art Museum
Museum
Falley Field
Stadium
Art Print Express
Theatre Arts
Harrington Photography Topeka Kansas
Theatre Arts
Brown v Board of Education National Historic Site
Attraction
Charles Curtis House Museum
Museum
Cousins Club
Nightclub
Alice C Sabatini Gallery
Theatre Arts
Kansas State Capitol
Attraction
Beauchamp Gallery Frame's Shop
Theatre Arts
Collective Art Gallery
Theatre Arts
First Presbyterian Church
Attraction
The Pennant
Bowling Alley
Black Door Gallery
Theatre Arts
The Jayhawk State Theatre of Kansas
Theatre Arts
The Upstage Gallery
Theatre Arts
Legacy Community Arts Center Inc
Theatre Arts
Prairie Glass Studio
Theatre Arts
Boobie Trap Bar
Nightclub
Topeka Performing Arts Center
Theatre Arts
The Heartland Orthodox Christian Museum
Museum
Topeka Fiber Arts District
Theatre Arts
Framewoods of Topeka
Theatre Arts
Food and Drink (89) D-
The Burger Stand
Bar
College Hill Liquor Store
Alcohol
Ichabod Laundra Bar
Bar
The Spot Tavern
Bar
Subway
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
Bobo's
Fast Food
The Breakroom
Bar
Domino's
Fast Food
Schlotzsky's
Fast Food
Spangles
Fast Food
Wendy's
Fast Food
The Celtic Fox
Bar
Popeyes
Fast Food
Taco Casa
Fast Food
Terry's Bar & Grill
Bar
Taco Bell
Fast Food
Spangles
Fast Food
Schlotzsky's
Fast Food
Mr. Goodcents
Fast Food
KFC
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
Sonic
Fast Food
Hardee's
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
Fitness (12) F
Mott House
Community Centre
Equality House
Community Centre
Kansas Children's Discovery Center
Community Centre
Genesis
Gym
Jazzercise
Gym
Colaw Fitness
Gym
Oakland Community Center -
Community Centre
Planet Fitness
Gym
YMCA
Gym
Groceries (26) F
The Health Food Mart
Grocery Store
ALDI
Grocery Store
Dillion's
Grocery Store
Walmart Neighborhood Market
Grocery Store
D & C Sweet Treats
Bakery
Dillons
Grocery Store
Walmart Supercenter
Grocery Store
Walmart Supercenter
Grocery Store
Dillons
Grocery Store
Dillons
Grocery Store
Panadería Monterrey
Bakery
Natural Grocers
Grocery Store
Cracker Barrel
Grocery Store
Target
Grocery Store
Lean Kitchen
Health Food
Walmart Supercenter
Grocery Store
ALDI
Grocery Store
TT Asian Grocery
Grocery Store
Parks (150) A+
Central Park
Park
Washburn University - Yager Stadium
Park
Washburn University - Moore Bowl
Park
Central Park
Park
Shunga Glen Park
Park
Shuga Glenn Park
Park
Boswell Square Park
Park
Aaron Douglas Art Park
Park
Shuga Parkway Park
Park
Holliday Park
Park
Elmhurst Green Park
Park
Country Club Park
Park
Huntoon Park
Park
Brown v Board of Education National Historic Site
Park
Chandler Library Pavillion
Park
Clyde O. Bracken Park
Park
Collins Parkway
Park
Romig Park
Park
Cushinberry Park
Park
Lakewood Park
Park
Woodall Park
Park
Rueger Park
Park
Big Shunga Park
Park
Fairway Park
Park
Westboro Park
Park
Shops (197) A+
Boost Mobile
Electronics
Hairslingers
Hairdresser
Kwik Shop
Convenience Store
Family Styling Barber Shop
Hairdresser
Jerry's Bike Shop
Bicycle
All About U Salon Topeka
Hairdresser
Washburn View Antique Mall
Furniture
Audio Video Service Center
Electronics
Mayer's Antiques, Collectible & Consignments Web Store
Furniture
Casa Bellesa Beauty Salon
Beauty
Montgomery Door Closer Service
Electronics
The Cobweb
Furniture
Dean's 1/2 Price Books
Books
Topeka Antique Shops
Furniture
Kwik Shop
Convenience Store
Ginny's Gift Shop
Convenience Store
Westboro Window Fashions
Furniture
SoHO Espresso
Furniture
SoHO Interiors
Furniture
3 Flowers Metaphysical Treasures
Gift Shop
Briman's Leading Jewelers
Fashion
Boho Mojo
Clothing
Once More Decor
Furniture
Antiques Unique
Furniture
Brooks Hair Salon
Hairdresser
See more Topeka amenity data

commute F

Of all people who commute, 1.5% take public transportation in Topeka.
Public Transit Stops (54)
Stops & Stations
F
LANE & 10TH
Bus Stop
10TH & LANE
Bus Stop
Q.S.S. Quincy Street Station
Bus Station
V.A.
Bus Stop
21ST & GAGE
Bus Stop
21ST & GAGE
Bus Stop
6th & Monroe
Bus Stop
Madison & 6th
Bus Stop
6th & Jefferson
Bus Stop
Jefferson & 6th
Bus Stop
Jefferson & 6th
Bus Stop
NATATORIUM
Bus Stop
6th & Adams
Bus Stop
Topeka
Transit Station
6TH & OAKLEY
Bus Stop
6th & Branner
Bus Stop
6th & Branner
Bus Stop
3rd & Branner
Bus Stop
3rd & Branner
Bus Stop
21ST & FAIRLAWN
Bus Stop
21ST & CHELSEA
Bus Stop
21st & BELLE
Bus Stop
21ST & BELLE
Bus Stop
WESTPORT & 21ST
Bus Stop
WESTPORT ACROSS FROM SCHMIDT'S
Bus Stop
Workers Taking Public Transit
1.5%
F
See more Topeka commute data

cost of living A+

The cost of living in Topeka is 88/100 - which is 2% lower than Kansas.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
A+
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
F
See more Topeka cost of living data

crime F

Topeka crime rates are 4,671 per 100k, which is 94% higher than Kansas
Property Crime
3,708 crimes per 100k
F
Violent Crime
964 crimes per 100k
F
See more Topeka crime data

employment C-

The median income in Topeka is $49,647 - which is 7% lower than Kansas.
Med. Household Income
$49,647
F
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
B
See more Topeka employment data

health A+

There are many hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (57)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
A+
Washburn University Petro Allied Health Center
Doctor
Washburn University Police Department
Police
Central Community Center - Community Police Office
Police
Topeka Fire Department Station 5
Fire Station
GraceMed Capitol Family Clinic
Clinic
Washburn Surgery Center
Doctor
Kansas Neurological Institute
Hospital
Topeka Fire Department Station 4
Fire Station
Stormont Vail Health
Hospital
Topeka Fire Department Station 7
Fire Station
The Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital
Hospital
Stormont Vail MRI Center
Doctor
Healing Smiles
Dentist
Breakthrough House
Doctor
St. Francis Health Center
Hospital
Kansas Highway Patrol Headquarters
Police
Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center
Hospital
Kansas Medical Clinic
Doctor
Stillpoint Massage and Bodywork studio
Doctor
Holden L. Correll, DDS
Dentist
Shawnee County Sheriff's Office
Police
Topeka Police Department
Police
Hancock Chiropractic
Doctor
Walgreens
Pharmacy
City of Topeka Fire Garage
Fire Station
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
B+
See more Topeka health & safety data

housing A+

Topeka home prices are $105,700 - which is 22% lower than Kansas
Home Price
$105,700
F
Home Appreciation Rate
6%
B
Home Affordability
2.1x (home price to income ratio)
A+
See more Topeka housing data

schools D-

The Topeka graduation rate is 83% - which is 4% lower than Kansas
School Test Scores
32%
F
High School Grad. Rates
83%
C-
Elementary Schools (46) D-
Robinson Middle School
Stout Elem
Randolph Elem
Lowman Hill Elem
Mater Dei Catholic School
Williams Science And Fine Arts Magnet School
Whitson Elem
Cair Paravel Latin School
Most Pure Heart Of Mary School
Topeka Lutheran School
Avondale West
Jardine Elementary
Meadows Elementary
Jardine Middle School
Capital City
St Matthew Catholic School
Shaner Elem
Maude Bishop Elem
Highland Park Central
Topeka Collegiate School
Mceachron Elem
Scott Dual Language Magnet
Ross Elementary
Eisenhower Middle School
Mccarter Elem
High Schools (13) F
Topeka High
Cair Paravel Latin School
Avondale West
Capital City
Hope Street Charter Academy
Hayden Catholic High School
Highland Park High
Topeka West High
See more Topeka education data

ratings F

Topeka has an overall rating of 36% from 38 reviews.
User Reviews (6)
From AreaVibes
F
User Surveys (32)
From AreaVibes
C-
See more Topeka user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings
Photo of Topeka, KS
( 38 Ratings )

Living in Topeka, KS

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Topeka Reviews

Write a review about Topeka Tell people what you like or don't like about Topeka…
SO MUCH USELESS 1 rating By Anonymous ( Jun 17, 2020) I’VE LIVED HERE FOR 8 YEARS SINCE JULY 2012 AND HATED IT EVER SINCE! RENT IS OFF THE CHARTS, SCHOOLS ARE TERRIBLE, NEIGHBORS ARE DUMBER THAN A DOORSTOP, STREETS ARE CLUTTERED WITH TRASH AND SO ON. ...Read More Read Less
HERE FOR MONEY ONLY 0.5 rating By Anonymous ( Apr 11, 2019) Customer service, across the board, sucks here. People don't return calls for services (i.e., landscaping, pest control, roofing, etc.) or don't answer phone at all during their advertised working hours. Haven't found one restaurant in town that has both good food (what and the ...Read More way you ordered it) or good customer service. Have given most a second chance but to no avail. From what I've read, crime has gone down in the last several years but it's still high; mostly in the NE section of town, although still present throughout. I did have two positive encounters with the Topeka Police Department; both in regards to prowlers trolling homes in the neighborhood. Every single house we looked had cracks in the walls; even homes less than 10 years old. We were told by everyone and everybody that it's normal here because of the soil. Common sense and a general sense of consideration for others seems to be lacking. Potholes are EVERYWHERE; some two years old. Fortunately, spouse has skills that brought us here from the mid-Atlantic area to make a good wage. Unfortunately , it's Topeka. Thank goodness it's not forever. Take me home country roads. Sunsets are lovely here though and there a lot of lakes. It's the little things. Read Less
nice schools here 0.5 rating By joeway2018 ( Aug 20, 2017) it is OK to go to collage i live here for over 33 years . apartments are not easy to come by here never rent from south brook on 34th because i really want to leave Topeka now because of them. neighbors are loud and mean and if you call the office they will not do a thing ...Read More Read Less
My family had a shoot out with the neighbors 0.5 rating By BigBenCustoms ( Mar 11, 2017) Luckly we all had glocks but the neighbors had AK47's so it was a hard battle. Someone was robbing my hosue as well and stabbed my kid. a tornado came and took out the neighbors house. when i was sleeping a hobo was in my room. overall dont move here it sucks ...Read More Read Less
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nice schools here 0.5 rating By joeway2018 ( Aug 20, 2017) it is OK to go to collage i live here for over 33 years . apartments are not easy to come by here never rent from south brook on 34th because i really want to leave Topeka now because of them. neighbors are loud and mean and if you call the office they will not do a thing ...Read More Read Less
My family had a shoot out with the neighbors 0.5 rating By BigBenCustoms ( Mar 11, 2017) Luckly we all had glocks but the neighbors had AK47's so it was a hard battle. Someone was robbing my hosue as well and stabbed my kid. a tornado came and took out the neighbors house. when i was sleeping a hobo was in my room. overall dont move here it sucks ...Read More Read Less
you get what you pay for... 0.5 rating By jataadroid ( Jul 16, 2012) I've lived here for over 10 years and still can't wait to leave. The city officials are so blind to the real problems here that effect the citizens, in most cases of trying to make a situation better it gets worse. A horribly spotty law enforcement with questionable ethics and p ...Read More ractices. Transit and commutes are fairly short if you manage the dodge the huge population of road construction cones that remain unmoved or unmanned for months. You can bet every year you live here 60% of the roads will be blocked off, huge sections with no workmen in sight. With no prior notice being posted, and no detour; highways suddenly become less appealing when 80% of the whole length of highway is down to 1 lane going 50 (IF YOURE LUCKY) while there is only 1 crew working. The major improvement to the city was funded by donation in which the donor wished to remain anonymous, 1 we are in the top 10 for crime so probably watching his rear and 2 they probably didn't want the city to come begging for more. Look at financial standing to see the condition of the city...running on fumes. If you're thinking about opening up a business, good luck...especially if its innovative/alternative in anyway. Old fashioned people and old fashioned money.
I recommend looking at the crime stats. I have been robbed more then once, never received any follow up and on one occasion they attempted to charge me for defending my self against multiple assailants trying to rob me.

I don't feel safe here. Just dealing with the traffic signals and construction almost drives me to an aneurysm. If I can sum it up, I personally would not recommend kansas in its entirety to anybody for the fact that Topeka is it capitol, its running the rest of the state just as well. Hence why we are the butt of most jokes.

Any place prone to this much oversight, inefficiencies, and degradation as this city goes through needs a wake up calls.

Experience gathered from 7 residences, 6 jobs, and running a business throughout Topeka for the last 10 years Read Less
Topeka, KS - The City with a Sense of Humor 4.5 rating By Anonymous ( May 20, 2010) I just recently visited Topeka, KS in the spring of 2010. The city of Topeka, KS would be an excellent place to live and has a wonderful sense of humor. For anybody who had not heard in an effort to draw attention from Google to have the new wireless service brought to Topeka, t ...Read More he city actually temporarily changed their name from Topeka, KS to "Google", KS.

The sense of humor and entertainment is one which can felt throughout Google, or is it Topeka, KS. While this little city doesn't have anything that stands out too much it is worth a visit because of the agreeable attitude, decent restaurants & bars, ample shopping and the strong will of the community.

You get the feeling Topeka is constantly searching to better itself which was the reason for the "Google" renaming, attempting to bring a free wireless Internet service to the entire city. Topeka is an excellent place to live because of the community. For visitors be sure to pass by the "Blind Tiger Brewery and Restaurant" to taste some great local brews and a great steak! I was disappointed with the nightlife, very few actual clubs aimed at a mixed audience however there are plenty of Gentlemen clubs. Read Less

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      Topeka, KS

      The state capital of Kansas, Topeka is rich in history, and that history doesn't necessarily revolve around government. Long ago, the town was an important railway center and one of the major cattle drive destinations in the region. What sets it apart from other Kansas towns in the 21st century is the wonderful big-town feel of a mid-size community. Although the population is less than 130,000, the city has a truly cosmopolitan air about it.

      Here are some fun facts you'll find interesting. The medium household income rate, when compared to the cost of living and the average single-family home cost, is one of the highest in the nation. Working away from the home doesn't mean a long commute, either. The average commute time in this city is less than 16 minutes. Traffic is light even at rush hour, so if you hate bumper-to-bumper travel, this is the place for you. Topeka is situated on the plains, but it's near to some of the regions best-known and most spectacular vacation destinations. Lakes, fishing streams, hiking trails, and wildlife preserves are all within a day's drive.

      This is a very family-friendly city that you'll fall in love with as soon as you and your kids arrive. The downtown area is vibrant, with wide sidewalks and plenty of cafes, knick-knack shops, and retail outlets. The upscale restaurant industry is alive and well. Taste some of the finest regional cuisine at such establishments as Bobo's, The Pennant, The Shack, Taco Villa, and North Star Steakhouse.

      The Evergy Plaza is a new construction project in the heart of downtown. It boasts a fire pit, a huge outdoor movie screen, a set of choreographed fountains, and an enormous performance stage for nighttime outdoor entertainment. This is just one of the reasons why you'll love spending time in the downtown core.

      The city is also known for its school district, one of the highest-rated in all of Kansas. The elementary schools are evenly distributed across the metro area, and most families will find that their nearest school is within walking distance. The famous Washburn University is located here as well. Its beautiful campus is crowded not only with students but also the locals who come to attend the more than 100 public events held each year.

      For those who love to bike and hike, Topeka can't be beat. The system of bike trails is well-designed, and the wide sidewalks in the residential neighborhoods are full of joggers. Near the city is Lake Shawnee, one of the state's most popular vacation destinations. Go boating, fish for bass, camp under the stars, or play on the sports courts while visiting this amazing lake retreat.

      Topeka is quite diverse when it comes to employment opportunities, so you'll want to peruse the job market when contemplating a move to this part of the country. Whatever the reason for choosing a move to this exciting state capital, one thing is certain. You'll love the peaceful yet upscale city atmosphere Topeka has to offer.

      A- Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Topeka? Yes, there are lots of amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Central Park
      Washburn University - Yager Stadium
      Washburn University - Moore Bowl
      Central Park
      Shunga Glen Park
      Shuga Glenn Park
      Boswell Square Park
      Aaron Douglas Art Park

      Entertainment

      Yager Stadium
      White Concert Hall
      Washburn University - Mulvane Art Museum
      Falley Field
      Art Print Express
      Harrington Photography Topeka Kansas
      Brown v Board of Education National Historic Site
      Charles Curtis House Museum

      Food & Drink

      The Burger Stand
      College Hill Liquor Store
      Ichabod Laundra Bar
      The Spot Tavern
      Subway
      McDonald's
      Bobo's
      The Breakroom

      B+ Commute

      Is public transit available in Topeka? Of all people who commute, 1.5% take public transportation in Topeka.
      Drive to Work
      80%

      4% higher than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      2%

      4% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      2%

      1% lower than the US average

      A+ Health & Safety

      Is Topeka a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are many hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Stormont Vail Health
      Kansas Neurological Institute
      Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center
      The Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital
      St. Francis Health Center
      Stormont Vail Behavioral Health Center
      Topeka ER & Hospital

      Pharmacies

      Walmart Pharmacy
      Hy-Vee Pharmacy
      Walgreens
      Walgreens

      Doctors

      Woodland Health Center Nursing Home
      Washburn Surgery Center
      Breakthrough House
      Washburn University Petro Allied Health Center
      American Medical Exams
      Stormont Vail MRI Center
      Kansas Medical Clinic
      Hancock Chiropractic