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If Wichita isn’t your home already – or even if it is – you may not be aware of the city’s diverse range of cultural, shopping, sports, and recreational opportunities. As the state’s largest metropolitan area, with a population of more than half a million, Wichita combines the amenities of a city with the convenience and lower cost of living of a smaller town.
- Rated No. 1 least expensive place to "live well" in the United States
Rated by Forbes magazine, 2005
- Named as one of the top 10 best places to live by Money magazine
Right above New York City, ranked 10th (2006)
- Ranked No. 2 of the top 100 metropolitan areas for jobs
Rated by Forbes magazine, 2008
- Ranked No. 2 in affordable housing in the nation
according to a survey done by the American Cities Business Journal (2006)
- Same household income as larger cities
National median is $46,868 vs. Wichita median $46,932
- Younger median age
National median: 36.4 vs. Wichita median 35.5
- Shorter commute times (one-way time listed)
National median: 25.1 minutes vs. Wichita 18 minutes
- Safer place to live, work and play
Violent crime rate about half the average for cities of similar size
- Less expensive homes
National median existing home price: $220,800 vs. Wichita $118,800
- Lower cost of living
National overall cost of living index: 100 vs. Wichita 90.6
Although Wichita has a strong reputation as an aviation-focused city, the community’s economy is diversified, with a large health and governmental sector, retail growth, thriving services industries, and a highly entrepreneurial population that has spawned companies like Koch Industries, Pizza Hut and Rent-A-Center.
Rankings also show Kansas as one of the top 10 states for quality education and a top five state for quality higher education. Kansas is a top 10 state for the percentage of people with college degrees.
For those who may prefer a quieter living environment or even a rural lifestyle, Wichita’s surrounding communities offer dozens of opportunities to seek out a small-town setting. Rose Hill, Goddard, Augusta, Valley Center, Andover, Maize and Derby are just a few of the communities within easy driving distance of Wichita that provide their own unique small-town atmosphere – without sacrificing the amenities of Wichita nearby.
Check out www.visitwichita.com for a look at what living, working and playing in Wichita offers.
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