Is Wichita Right for You? The Top 10 Pros and Cons of Living Here
Whether you’re in the process of moving to Wichita, KS, or just thinking about it, it’s always a good idea to consider both the positives and the negatives. Weighing out the pros and cons is certainly the best way to understand if you’re ready to call this place home.
Wichita is the largest city in the state of Kansas, with around 389,000 residents. It continuously ranks among the top cities in Kansas for its quality of life.
If you’re interested in this area but want to learn more, you’re in the right place. We’ll help you get to know this city better so that you have all the facts before you make the final call. Let’s dive in!
Pros of Living in Wichita, KS
One thing’s for sure: Wichita, KS has a lot to offer! Curious to learn more? Check out these pros of living in Wichita.
1. Great Food Scene
Let’s start strong. Wichita offers a diverse food scene for all foodies to enjoy. The best thing about it is that there are many different food options for every taste and budget. If you consider the state’s vast farmland and cattle ranches, along with a tradition of potlucks and farmhouse meals, it’s no wonder Wichita is the perfect place for iconic meals. Here, you can find flavorful barbecue and plenty of locally sourced beef for mouth-watering burgers and steaks.
Let’s not forget about the diversity of cuisines that you can find in Wichita. Local restaurants and cafes don’t just include the famous Kansas-style barbecue but also Tex-Mex, international cuisine, and tasty specialty coffee.
Some of the best restaurants are Hog Wild Pit Barb-B-Q, Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant, and The Spice Merchant & Co. Artisanal coffee shops worth visiting are Reverie Coffee Roasters and The Donut Whole.
2. Affordable Housing
One of the major reasons why Wichita Kansas is considered a great place to live is that it has a more affordable cost of living, which is below the national median. The housing costs are particularly affordable in this city, with a median home price of $183,300 and the city’s median rent of about $850.
Wichita is also more affordable compared to Kansas City, by an astonishing 44 percent! So, if you’re looking for a place to call home where you won’t stress about living expenses, Wichita, Kansas, may be ideal for you.
3. Access to Outdoor Recreation
Another significant benefit of living in Wichita is the rich outdoor recreation opportunities. You won’t ever get bored in this city, as there are so many different outdoor activities for you to try.
First of all, Sedgwick County Park and Pawnee Prairie Park are must-see parks. They offer hiking, picnicking, and bird-watching opportunities that both residents and visitors can enjoy.
Additionally, if you’re more into water activities, you can try kayaking, canoeing, and fishing because the Arkansas River runs throughout Wichita and provides opportunities for these water-based activities.
4. Lots of Activities for All Ages
Let’s not forget to mention that Wichita is not only great for outdoorsy people; it’s actually a vibrant city that offers lots of different activities for all ages, including sporting events, country music concerts, and other local events such as the Wichita Riverfest.
So, whether you’re single or married with kids, there’s always something exciting to do in Wichita. The city has a lot of parks and playgrounds for kids, as well as the Sedgwick County Zoo and Exploration Place, which offer exciting interactive events for all ages.
In addition, Wichita is also famous for its cultural events and art scene, making it ideal for art lovers and culture enthusiasts who can never get enough of art museums and gallery strolls.
Wichita Art Museum is one of the largest museums in the state, featuring work by renowned artists like Dale Chihuly, Mary Cassatt, and Edward Hopper. The Ulrich Museum of Art at Wichita State University offers an abundance of modern and contemporary art, all open to the public free of charge.
5. Job Opportunities
One of the biggest reasons why Wichita is a great place to live is the thriving job market and rich employment opportunities. It has unrivaled economic growth and a fruitful business environment, making it ideal for professionals and entrepreneurs. With limitless possibilities for work, it’s no surprise that people choose Wichita more and more to put down roots, grow, and thrive.
Wichita, KS, is famously called the “Air Capital of the World,” thanks to its leading aerospace industry and companies like Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation. This has also created many jobs for engineers, mechanics, and other skilled workers.
Cons of Living in Wichita, KS
Now, it’s time to see the drawbacks of living in Wichita. Understanding both the pros and cons will help you decide if this city is the right choice for you. Here they are.
1. Extreme Weather Conditions
Wichita is famous for its extreme weather. Since it lies within a humid subtropical climate zone, summers are extremely hot and humid, while winters are harshly cold, windy, and snowy. During summer months, temperatures can reach up to 100°F, and humidity levels can get through the roof. As you can assume, this is not very comfortable for those who are not used to it!
This city is no stranger to thunderstorms and tornadoes during the hot summer months, sometimes even threatening public safety. On the other hand, snowy and cold winters make driving quite a hassle for everyday commuters. The coldest month is January, when the average low is 25 degrees and the average high is only 44. Summer temperatures are around 80, rarely falling below 73 or exceeding 103.
2. Lack of Professional Sports Teams
Sports fans may be disappointed to learn that Wichita doesn’t have a major league baseball, basketball, football, or hockey team, which is unusual for a city this size. That’s not to say Wichita doesn’t have anything to offer to sports enthusiasts who are considering moving here. It does have minor league and semi-professional sports teams, plus community leagues and recreational programs for all ages and skill levels.
3. Limited Nightlife and Dining Options
If you’re into nightlife and clubbing, Wichita might not match the excitement of major cities like Los Angeles and New York. The city’s nightlife scene is a bit limited compared to those places, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do.
Wichita still offers plenty of bars and clubs where you can grab a drink, listen to live music and unwind after work. Plus, it’s important to note that there have been ongoing efforts to revitalize downtown Wichita and live up to the entertainment options of other major cities.
However, for now, if you’re looking for a more bustling lifestyle, it might be better to consider other cities with more variety and excitement. Or give Wichita a chance to explore its unique natural beauty and evolving nightlife!
4. Limited Public Transportation Options
Another drawback of living in Wichita, KS, is the public transit system, which is not as developed as in other cities. The city relies mainly on buses and lacks extensive subway or tram systems, making it hard to get around if you don’t own a vehicle. Bus routes may not cover all areas well, plus the limited service on weekends further complicates travel for people without cars.
On the other hand, Wichita has alternative transportation options. For instance, it is very bike-friendly with many dedicated paths and lanes for cyclists. The city has built bike trails that link different neighborhoods, parks, and recreation spots. This makes it much easier and more fun to bike around town, not just for commuting but for leisure too.
5. Labeled as a “Flyover” City
Finally, Wichita’s reputation can be considered as another significant drawback for newcomers. It’s often perceived as a “flyover” city and overlooked by those traveling between the coasts. This perception can impact its ability to attract new visitors, residents, or businesses who may not recognize its cultural and economic strengths. But it’s only a matter of looking beyond the surface to understand Wichita’s true potential. It’s truly a lovely place to live and it’s full of hidden gems waiting to be explored!
Moving to Wichita, Kansas? Use Self-Storage for Your Relocation Needs
As you can see, Wichita, KS has so much to offer, from a friendly community and affordable living to a vibrant food scene and plenty of outdoor activities. But it also has some downsides, such as extreme weather conditions and limited public transportation options. At the end of the day, no city can have it all. It’s just a matter of finding the city that matches your vibe.
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