The 20 Best Places to Live in Kansas

If you have decided that Kansas is the best state for you, then you should compare all the different cities, suburbs, towns and villages to find the best place for you to live. Each location has pros and cons, so it is necessary to decide which are factors that are the most important to you when making your decision. Some of the factors that people commonly consider are crime rates, public schools, leisure activities, employment opportunities, property prices, and the cost of living. Which are the most important will vary from one person to the next. Based on a combination of these factors and the overall lifestyle that a location offers, the following are the 20 best places to live in Kansas.

20. Lindsborg

Also known as Little Sweden, USA, Lindsborg is listed by Only in Your State as one of the top places to live in Kansas. This is a small, charming, and historic town that is home to only 3,500 residents. This town is known for its beautiful architecture, its art scene, the fun events held throughout the year, and some amazing restaurants. Furthermore, it is easily commutable to Kansas City.

19. Mulvane

Originally, the small town of Mulvane was built at the junction of five Santa Fe rail lines. Now, it is a quaint town that has a strong sense of community, which is something that its residents enjoy. This town is located just south of Wichita, and the good transport links mean that residents of Mulvane have access to all the employment opportunities, shopping, restaurants, amenities, and leisure activities that this local city offers.

18. Abilene

One of the most appealing features of Abilene is the low cost of living, as it is significantly lower than the average for the state. Similarly, the cost of purchasing a property is lower than in most other parts of Kansas. Therefore, if you have a limited budget, then this is one of the best options for you. Residents of Abilene describe it as having a charming community and say that there are fantastic events held throughout the year.

17. Hays

Names as the All-America City in 1996 by the National Civic League, this city has a proud heritage, a thriving arts scene, and unique festivals. This city in Ellis County is also home to Fort Hays State University, says Only In Your State. Hays has a population of just over 20 thousand people, and there is a suburban feel to the area. Young professionals enjoy living in this area as there is a vibrant nightlife, plenty of job opportunities, and a low cost of living.

16. Andover

There are approximately 12 thousand residents living in Andover, which is a town close to Wichita. Families are drawn to living in this town, and there are some very good reasons for this. The first reason is the public schools within the Andover School District. There are some excellent schools and they have been recognized for their advancements in digital technology by the National Schools Board. Another reason is the low crime rate, as most families prefer to live in an area that is considered safe.

15. Derby

Derby is an area that will appeal to a diverse group of people as it has something that will appeal to everyone. It is an affordable option for working families, and there is a wide range of housing options for families of different sizes. Another aspect of life in Derby that will appeal to families is the choice of excellent public schools. Derby is a suburb of Wichita, which means that residents have convenient access to everything in the city, including job opportunities, amenities, restaurants, and leisure activities.

14. North Newton

The main point to mention about North Newton is that it has the lowest crime rates in Kansas, so it is the safest community in which to live. Housing is plentiful and the cost of living is affordable. It is better suited to retirees rather than families as the schools in the area are only average or below. However, if public schools are not one of the factors in your decision-making, then this is a fantastic place to live. North Newton is just 30 minutes from Wichita by car, which means that it is easy to access all the amenities and leisure opportunities in the big city.

13. Manhattan

As it shares its name with the New York City district, Manhattan in Kansas is often referred to as the Little Apple. It has college town status, so the young community of students adds vibrancy to the town. There are plenty of opportunities for socializing as there are lots of cafes, restaurants, coffee shops, and bars to enjoy, both in the daytime and at night. Other than the active social life, the main benefit of living in Manhattan is the low cost of living. However, there are very few downsides to the lifestyle on offer in this Kansas town. According to Niche, the public schools in the area are highly rated, so it is one of the options that families should consider. The family-oriented activities also make this area worth considering for families. Another positive element of Manhattan is the low crime rate, which mean it is a safe place to live. There are more than 55 thousand people living in this area, which has a mixed urban and suburban feel.

12. Mission Hills

Just north of Prairies Village and adjacent to Fairway is the Kanas City suburb of Mission Hills. Golf enthusiasts often choose to live in this area as it is home to Mission Hills Golf Club. It has a strong community of around 3,500 residents, and it is a very sociable place. There are plenty of restaurants, cafés, and coffee shops in this suburb. The downsides to this area are the house prices and the cost of living, both of which are high. The average house price in this area is close to a million dollars.

11. Lawrence

Lawrence is the sixth-largest city in Kansas. It sits on the banks of Clinton Lake, so it is a popular option with those who enjoy the outdoors. There are approximately 91 thousand people living in this city, and the community is diverse. Almost half the residents of the city rent their homes because the rental costs are so affordable. Similarly, the cost of buying a home is also reasonable. It is a good place to raise a family because of the outstanding public schools and its pleasant, safe neighborhoods.

10. Shawnee

Those who are renting should consider Shawnee, as the rental prices are low compared to other parts of Kansas. One aspect of life in Shawnee that its residents enjoy is the diversity of the community. This is a fantastic place to live for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits as it is located on the banks of the Kansas River and it is close to Lake Quivira. Therefore, it is in the perfect surroundings for getting outdoors and exploring.

9. Roeland Park

Located in Johnson County within the city limits of Kansas City is the suburb of Roeland Park. There are around 6,80 residents who are reportedly very satisfied with their standard of living. Although it is very suburban in its appearance, the lifestyle is more akin to living in a village. If you are renting rather than buying, this is one of the most affordable places to rent.

8. Fairway

Popular with golf enthusiasts due to its excellent golf courses, Fairway is an affluent suburb of Kansas City. The house prices are similar to those in Leawood, which is above the average in Kansas, and the median household income is also above average Fairway offers a more relaxed lifestyle than Kansas City, but the transport links are good. This means that it is a good option for those who work in the city but want to live away from the urban lifestyle. It is also a good place to raise children as it is a small community that has highly rated public schools.

7. Westwood

The Crazy Tourist describes Westwood as the most desirable suburb of Kansas City in Johnson County. Despite its city location, this suburb has a village feel as it is home to under two thousand people. The crime rates are low, and the house prices are reasonable, so it is a safe and affordable place to live. It is also worth noting that the housing options in Westwood are varied.

6. Prairie Village

Bordering the north of Leawood is the small city of Prairie Village. It is home to approximately 21 thousand people, which means it has a strong sense of community and feels more like a town than a city. Although Prairie Village is expensive compared to most areas of Kansas, it is more affordable than Leawood while still having access to everything that Leawood has to offer. There are 19 outstanding schools in Prairie Village, and this is one of the many reasons that families choose to live in this location.

5. Olathe

Olathe is the county seat of Johnson County, and it combines thriving economic activity with rustic midwestern charm. According to Niche, Olathe has a dense suburban feel as it is home to almost 135 thousand residents. This is an area that appeals to young professionals and families alike, due to its many strong points. There are excellent schools, plenty of job opportunities, a diverse community, and a range of housing options. It is also a reasonably affordable area in which to live, which is important to those with a limited budget.

4. Overland Park

Overland Park is the second-most populous city in Kansas, and it is a hive of business activity as it is home to many large technology companies. This means that there are plenty of job opportunities in the tech industry. There are almost 182 thousand people living in this city, and most of them report that they have an excellent standard of living. Families flock to this city because of the 57 public schools from which they can choose, many of which are considered outstanding.

3. Lenexa

With a population of over 53 thousand, Lenexa is one of the larger suburbs of Kansas City. It is a fast-growing city as it appeals to so many people. The industries are booming in this area, so employment rates are high. The fields in which there are many job opportunities are construction and technology. The income average for those living in Lenexa is significantly higher than the state average.

2. Mission

Located in Johnson County, Mission is a suburb of Kansas City with approximately ten thousand residents. Although there are many modern amenities in this suburb, it has also retained the vibe of a small Midwestern city. Due to its proximity to the central business district, residents of Mission have access to lots of job opportunities. It is a great place for eating out as there is everything from fast food joints to fine dining restaurants. As the school district of Mission also spans Shawnee, it is a good option for families as there are some excellent schools.

1. Leawood

According to the Chamber of Commerce, the best place to live in Kansas is Leawood. This is a suburb in the Kansas City metro area that is notable for being the home of the largest Methodist church in the United States. It is also one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Kansas, so the house prices and the cost of living are high. However, many people consider this a price worth paying to live in an area that has so much to offer. It is known to have a caring community, beautiful neighborhoods, low crime rates, and an award-winning school district.