Wichita, KS, known as 'The Air Capital of the World,' offers a unique blend of Midwestern charm and urban amenities. Located in southern Kansas, Wichita is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Hutchinson and Derby enhance its status as a central point in the region. Wichita's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.
Wichita is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Wichita Art Museum, the Sedgwick County Zoo, and the historic Old Town district. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the beautiful Botanica Wichita to the bustling Delano District, known for its local shops and restaurants. Wichita's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from Kansas barbecue to international cuisine.
Annual events such as the Wichita Riverfest and the Tallgrass Film Festival highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Wichita's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like Wichita State University contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.
The arts and culture scene in Wichita is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Orpheum Theatre and the Wichita Symphony Orchestra are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Wichita provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and history, making it an exciting place to call home.
Wichita’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Wichita Thunder (ECHL) and the Wichita Wind Surge (MiLB), providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Wichita include aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing, with significant employers such as Spirit AeroSystems and Via Christi Health driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including buses and a developing rapid transit system, making commuting convenient.
Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Schools
The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.
Ratings
Through surveys and polls, AreaVibes obtained feedback from local residents in the area, and the results did not indicate a favorable outlook on factors like local amenities and the safety of the area.
Located in the state of Kansas, Wichita is a highly populated city with a population of 390,566 inhabitants. At 73%, the majority of the Wichita population is White; this is followed by 10% Black and 5% Asian. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Wichita. With an average one way commute time of only 19 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Wichita can be a positive experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of Kansas, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, commute, health & safety, education, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Wichita and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Wichita to Kansas and the national average.
Using data and statistics Wichita has received a livability score of 66/100. This score is ranked in the 64th percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Wichita has received high marks for amenities (A+), cost of living (A+) and housing (A). Wichita does not do well for the following: crime (F), education (F) and employment (D). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Wichita has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Wichita has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Wichita: Exploration Place, Botanica: The Wichita Gardens, and Museum of World Treasures.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Wichita apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Wichita real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Wichita. Median real estate prices in Wichita come in at $138,100, which is 2.1% higher than the Kansas average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Wichita, the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 4% higher than the Kansas average.
| Statistic | Wichita | Kansas | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.5% | 82.2% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.9% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.6% | 0.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.3% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.1% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Kansas
Safest Cities In The US
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Kansas
Check out the 10 safest cities in Kansas