10 Best Places To Call Home In Kansas In 2025

What do you look for when choosing a place to call home? In 2025, people across the country seem to be prioritizing towns that offer a slower pace of life, community support, and financial breathing room. Kansas is gaining attention for its numerous small towns, which provide affordability, excellent education, charm, and diverse career opportunities. Many new residents are pleased to find a range of options to fit a variety of relaxed lifestyles, from college towns to farming communities, in the Sunflower State. If you’ve never considered living in Kansas before, these ten towns may convince you otherwise!

Emporia

Emporia stands out as a welcoming mid‑sized city with several attractive qualities for potential new residents. Financially speaking, the median housing value is approximately $177,000, and the median household income is around $50,000. With growing job opportunities in the fields of health science, finance, manufacturing, and education sectors, Emporia is a great place to find work and an affordable home. Families with school-aged children benefit from the town’s public schools, which range from early childhood through high school. Multiple museums, such as the Schmidt Museum, the William Allen White House, and the Lyon County History Center, offer learning opportunities for residents of all ages. Additionally, access to Emporia State University’s ever-expanding programs is a great opportunity for higher education.

Pittsburg

Pittsburg offers a blend of affordability and opportunity. As far as education is concerned, Pittsburg provides K-12 education, and is also home to Pittsburg State University, a public university with growing technology and arts programs. Residents have access to healthcare at Ascension Via Christi Hospital, which has regional cancer and heart centers, as well as emergency services. With a median home value hovering around $136,000 and rents averaging $845 a month. In addition to the affordable housing options, the continuing job growth in sectors like education, healthcare, manufacturing, and finance helps make Pittsburg a great place to put down roots. When it comes to recreation, Pittsburg has several parks and outdoor spaces that residents love. KiddieLand Amusement Park, Schlanger Park, and Kiwanis Park are some local favorites.

Wellington

Wellington is a charming, close-knit town located south of Wichita just off the Kansas Turnpike. With a median household income of about $50,000 and a median home value of approximately $111,000, it is relatively affordable to live in Wellington. The community is very supportive of the public school system, which boasts a high graduation rate. For recreation, locals often spend time in nearby green spaces such as Madison Park, Sellers Park, Donut Bay, and Melody Bowl Park, or visit local businesses such as Chisholm Trail Museum, Wellington Regent Theater, and Sumner County Historical & Genealogical Center.

Concordia

In Northern Kansas, Concordia stands out as a welcoming community with a resilient local economy. Over 65.% of residents own their homes, and the median home value is approximately $125,000, which is well under the state average of $242,000. Additionally, the average rent for an apartment in Concordia is $700/month. At Broadway Plaza, residents of all ages enjoy community events and outdoor fun, which strengthens neighborly bonds. Well-rated elementary, middle, and high schools with small class sizes create a supportive learning environment for children, and Cloud County Community College is also located in town. At Cloud County Health Center, patients can receive emergency, ICU, lab, pharmacy, and specialty services. A historical gem that fascinates visitors and locals alike is The National Orphan Train Complex, a museum that offers unique and in-depth insights into a mysterious part of history. Residents also love visiting the Cloud County Historical Museum for more local lore.

Coffeyville

Located near the border of Oklahoma lies Coffeyville, an affordable community with growing economic opportunity. The median household income is around $42,000, and major employers like John Deere and Sherwin‑Williams provide steadily growing jobs in manufacturing and retail. As far as housing is concerned, the median property value was about $60,000; therefore, purchasing a home is exceptionally budget‑friendly. Coffeyville Public Schools are well-staffed, and Coffeyville Community College offers various certificates and associate degrees in areas such as trades, nursing, and liberal arts. When it comes to healthcare, the town is served by the Coffeyville Regional Medical Center, as well as several smaller clinics. The town is also home to several historical sites, including The Brown Mansion, The Dalton Defenders Museum, and the Old City Jail in Death Alley, that intrigue locals and visitors alike.

Great Bend

Residents are drawn to the affordability, community resources, and job opportunities that Great Bend offers. This small town, located in central Kansas, has a median home value of approximately $119,000. Top employers in the area include Barton Community College, Great Bend Public Schools, Fuller Industries, and Walmart; thus, job opportunities mostly fall in the education, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing sectors. For healthcare needs, residents go to Great Bend Regional Hospital, run by the University of Kansas Health System. When it comes to outdoor fun, locals head to Fort Zarah State Park, Veterans Memorial Park or the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo.

Newton

Residents of Newton appreciate the town’s strong community infrastructure and its proximity to Wichita, the most populous city in Kansas. Residents enjoy spending time at Athletic Park, and 10th and Ash Park are located along Sand Creek, which runs through town. Local golf enthusiasts love playing a round at Sand Creek Station Golf Course, located just outside of town. The median home value is below the state average ($242,000) at about $171,000, which is attractive to many home buyers. Newton is home to a well‑regarded public school system. Access to higher education opportunities and regional hospitals lies less than 30 miles south via Interstate 135 in Wichita.

Council Grove

Council Grove is a welcoming community with proximity to scenic spots just an hour outside of the state capital, Topeka. This town features several attractive qualities, including a median property value of $195,000 and a crime rate that is lower than both state and national figures. Additionally, local students attend well-supported schools with small class sizes, as well as dual‑credit and vocational pathways for high schoolers. For outdoor lovers in Council Grove, the coves and recreation areas of Council Grove Lake are located close by, and Flint Hills Nature Trail, a scenic hiking path that stretches through east-central Kansas, is accessible from town. Additionally, multiple statues, such as Guardian of the Grove and Madonna of the Trail are sources of pride for residents, as well as excellent spots to take photos in this lovely town.

Coldwater

With a population of fewer than 700 people and access to multiple highways, Coldwater is a tight-knit community with lots of opportunity. For those hoping to purchase a home, Coldwater is a superb option with lots of buying power, with a median home value of roughly $85,000. Moreover, the 6.5% poverty rate is much lower than the national average of about 11.1%. For healthcare services, residents head to Comanche County Memorial Hospital, local clinics, and dental care facilities conveniently located in town. Coldwater Recreation Park is an excellent community resource and a wonderful place for residents to stroll on nature trails, climb on playgrounds, and fish in peaceful spots. Heritage Park and Cavalry Field are also public green spaces that locals enjoy visiting.

Kinsley

Did you know that the midway point between New York City and San Francisco is Kinsley, Kansas? While locals appreciate that fun fact, Kinsley draws new residents in for a variety of other reasons. This small town is an exceptionally affordable place brimming with reliable amenities and solid community foundations. Opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, retail, education, and healthcare are the most abundant for job seekers in Kinsley. Moreover, the town boasts a 2.7% unemployment rate, which is much lower than the state’s average of 3.8%. Moreover, purchasing a home in Kinsley is easier than in cities with more expensive homes, as the median home value is approximately $75,000. The Edwards County Historical Museum and the Carnival Heritage Center are great places to discover new facts about Kinsley. If you are looking for a clean green space to take a leisurely stroll or host a community event, the Edwards County Fairgrounds is a spot residents love.

In 2025, Kansas proudly leads the way when it comes to rediscovering the value of living in America’s heartland. Whether you prioritize educational and healthcare access, scenic charm, or ultra-affordable housing, Kansas offers some wonderful options. With friendly neighbors and plenty of space to grow, the small towns in Kansas offer residents a place to truly belong. If you’re ready to trade congestion and cost for connection and comfort, Kansas might be the perfect place to consider calling home this year.