We rank Kansas number 21 out of 50 states for the best state to retire to. Kansas is a state that offers great affordability in terms of real estate and basic necessities, but has high taxes with little to no exceptions for retirees. In fact, Kanas has the 8th highest sales taxes in the country and couple that with above average crime and it’s easy to see why it didn’t rank higher than 21st. There are plenty of retirement communities to choose from, which can help mitigate the downsides of being a middle state.
Kansas is a great state to retire in, with its low cost of living (excluding taxes), friendly people, and abundance of natural beauty. Here are five of the best cities to retire to in Kansas, incidentally most of them are either right off interstate 70 or near to it:
Kansas City
As the state’s largest city, Kansas City has a lot to offer retirees. The city has a thriving arts and culture scene, with a variety of museums, galleries, and performing arts venues. Kansas City also has a low cost of living and a strong economy, making it a safe and affordable place to live. Some of the city’s notable landmarks include the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the National WWI Museum and Memorial, and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Wichita
Wichita is another great city for retirees. The city has a diverse economy, a low cost of living, and plenty of amenities for seniors. Wichita also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with a variety of museums, galleries, and performing arts venues. Some of the city’s notable landmarks include the Old Town Wichita, the Sedgwick County Zoo, and the Wichita Art Museum.
Lawrence
If you’re a fan of college sports, then Lawrence might be the perfect place for you to retire. The city is home to the University of Kansas, and it has a strong college sports culture. Lawrence also has a low cost of living and a strong economy, making it a great place to live. Some of the city’s notable landmarks include the University of Kansas Natural History Museum, the Lawrence Arts Center, and the Haskell Indian Nations University.
Manhattan
Manhattan is a smaller city in Kansas, but it has a lot to offer retirees. The city has a low cost of living, a strong economy, and a high quality of life. Manhattan also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with a variety of galleries, museums, and performing arts venues. Some of the city’s notable landmarks include the Flint Hills Discovery Center, the Kansas State University, and the Sunset Zoo.
Topeka
Topeka is the state capital of Kansas, and it’s a great place to retire. The city has a low cost of living, a strong economy, and a high quality of life. Topeka also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with a variety of galleries, museums, and performing arts venues. Some of the city’s notable landmarks include the Kansas State Capitol, the Topeka Zoo, and the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site.
Did you know? Kansas is home to the tallest waterfall in the United States. The waterfall, called Cimarron Falls, is located in the Cimarron National Grassland in southwestern Kansas, far away from our best cities to retire to in Kansas. The falls have a total height of 144 feet, making them the tallest waterfall in the country. The falls are a popular spot for hiking and camping, and they offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Overall, Kansas is a great place to retire. The state has a low cost of living, a strong economy, and a high quality of life. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant arts and culture scene, access to outdoor activities, or a peaceful and affordable place to live, Kansas has something to offer.
