10 Of The Best Affordable Towns To Retire In Kansas
From Salina's lush rivers and lakes to Strong City's rolling green hills, Kansas has a lot to offer in the way of affordability, small-town charm, and city convenience.
But it's not just rolling hills and fields of sunflowers that retirees are signing up for when retiring in Kansas. The state also has many National Park Service sites, state parks, wildlife areas, and reserves, ideal for an active retirement with plenty of physical activity and stunning sights. After all, Kansas has the Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park and the unique rock formations at Mushroom Rock State Park, to name a few.
For retirees who love the idyllic prairie setting and aren't afraid of four-season weather, the Kansas towns below are some of the best in the state.
Emporia
Starting strong is Emporia, a small city of roughly 24,000 residents, is a great choice for retirees who want all the charm and welcoming vibe of a small town, but with the convenience of city life. And with an average home value of $166,000 according to Zillow, it's easy to see why Emporia is such an attractive retirement town.
History enthusiasts will love the city's historical markers, including the William Allen White House State Historic Site and the popular Coca-Cola Silo, which has stood since 1985. For brisk hikes through the scenic riverlands, the Cottonwood River Trail and Campus Woods are just a couple of the city's many options. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy hitting the greens at Emporia Golf Course just south of the city.
No matter the season, popular attractions such as the David Traylor Zoo are always unforgettable, whether alone or with family when they come to visit.
Strong City
With a name like "Strong City," it's no surprise this town has a lot to offer retirees. And it starts with the $88,000 average home value, leaving retirees with more money in their pockets to enjoy everything Strong City has to offer.
Every June, the Flint Hills Rodeo comes to town, making the town come alive with fun and activity. Retirees can enjoy the sights, sounds, and action that come with the rodeo for three days, not to mention the great food as well. But there are plenty of other attractions that are available year-round, too. The Bottomland Trail hiking area provides a scenic backdrop for physical activity, whether a casual stroll or brisk jog. For more spectacular views, retirees can travel just a few miles north of town to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and the Spring Hill Ranch House, which transports visitors back in time to the days of the Homestead Act.
Newton
Newton, with roughly 18,000 residents and an average home value of $164,000, is another entry on our list that has big-city comforts with small-town hospitality. From the rolling green at the Sand Creek Station Golf Club to Harvey County East Park and its boating, swimming, and fishing opportunities, it's easy for retirees to stay in shape in Newton. The Kauffman Museum at Bethel College is a popular destination for history enthusiasts, as is the Warkentin House, known for its Victorian architecture.
The Carriage Factory Art Gallery features art from local artists, helping creative retirees flex their artistic muscles. And who can turn down an opportunity to walk along the Osage Nature Trail?
McPherson
In McPherson, retirees can golf at Turkey Creek Golf Course, grab a bite at 5 Loaves Country Kitchen, or learn more about the region's history at the McPherson Museum & Arts Foundation. And that's just the start! McPherson's average home value of $210,000 makes the city an attractive choice for retirees.
During the summer, McPherson Water Park offers fun for all ages, and Light Capital Baseball Stadium makes catching the game easy. Hike or bike along Dry Turkey Creek or Oak Grove Loop to enjoy the outdoors, no matter the season.
Salina
Founded in 1858, Salina is nestled in Kansas's Smoky Hills near the center of the state. Golf enthusiasts enjoy Salina for its many sprawling golf courses, like Salina Country Club, Salina Municipal Golf Course, and GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness. There's even the Salina Speedway, where retirees can gather and watch the cars race. For a more cultured experience, Salina Art Center offers classes, community events, and showcases art from artists throughout the region.
East of town is the Marty Bender Nature Area, perfect for a brisk hike or just to unwind. No matter what retirees are into, Salina has it all.
Marysville
Located in the northeast corner of the state, just a few miles from the Kansas-Nebraska border, Marysville has an average home value of $140,000 and plenty to do. The Union Pacific Depot is a popular museum for locals and visitors alike. It is an excellent place for people of all ages eager to learn about the railroad's history and how it shaped American history. Marysville even has an old Union Pacific steam engine on display, which was donated to the town in 1956.
Marysville also has the Historic Trails Park & Rope Ferry Replica, which is not only a well-shaded park along the banks of the Big Blue River perfect for picnics, but also educates visitors about the rope ferry and trails first built in the 1850s. For a bite to eat, retirees are in for a treat with options such as Bite Me Barbecue and The Feed Sack.
Abilene
Not to be mistaken for the Texas town of the same name, Abilene is one of the best small-town gems for Kansas retirees. Its average home value of $176,000 is far from the town's only draw. It's the hometown of former president Dwight D. Eisenhower, and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum showcases the 34th president's life and legacy.
Lebold Mansion and the Georgian-style Seelye Mansion are both popular points of interest in Abilene, with their historical architecture telling part of the town's story. Abilene also features the World's Largest Belt Buckle, with the silhouette of a Texas longhorn steer in the center. Abilene Golf & Fitness offers regular exercise classes alongside its stunning green, making it easy to stay in shape during retirement.
Dodge City
What do Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp have in common? They're both from Dodge City. Located in the southwestern region of the state, Dodge City leans into its cowboy past at the Boot Hill Museum. With a reconstructed Old West street, gunfights, and saloons, the museum is a huge attraction for locals and visitors alike.
The Boot Hill Casino & Resort is a perfect destination for retirees who're feeling lucky, and the Dodge City Lake Wildlife Area offers fishing, boating, and swimming. With such a strong cowboy past, it's no surprise that Dodge City also has plenty of great eateries to choose from. From Rattlesnake Grill Co. to Prime on the Nine, retirees can sample everything Dodge City has to offer. And with an average home value of $201,000, retirees will have more money in their pockets for fun and adventure.
Elkhart
Nestled in the southwestern corner of the state along the Kansas-Oklahoma border, Elkhart is one of the entries on our list with the lowest average home value: $97,000. When the county fair is in town, the Morton County Fairgrounds come alive with fun, live music, and more, while the Doric Theater offers shows year-round, perfect for getting through the winter doldrums.
Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the Point Rock Golf Course, with stunning views of the nearby Cimarron National Grassland, which was an essential stop along the historic Santa Fe Trail. For more hiking opportunities, the Point of Rocks is an interesting and scenic point just north of Elkhart.
Liberal
Who alive today doesn't remember the classic musical, The Wizard of Oz? Retirees seeking to settle in Liberal can see the town's welcoming sign every day. Liberal is home to Dorothy's House and the Land of Oz, with an authentic 1907 Kansas farmhouse still standing and preserved as a piece of cinematic history.
Retirees who love aviation history are in for a treat in Liberal, where the Mid-America Air Museum features historic aircraft. Currently, it's one of the largest aircraft collections in the country. Every August, the county fair comes to the Seward County Fairgrounds, offering food, fun, live music, and more. The town has an average home value of $141,000, which is relatively affordable, and a population of just under 19,000, making it one of the most populous entries on the list.
For more laid-back fun, Blue Bonnet Park, near the center of town, is well-known for its spacious, grassy fields, walking trails, and playground equipment, which is perfect when the grandchildren come to visit.
Spend Your Golden Years In The Sunflower State
Whether retirees want a retirement filled with hiking, camping, and other outdoor recreation, or lean more towards having a cozy community filled with nostalgia and culture, Kansas is the place. The towns on our list are just some of the affordable options in the Sunflower State, from the charming Liberal and its significance in cinema history, to Newton, brimming with culture and museums. There's a town in Kansas for everyone; it only depends on what retirees are looking to enjoy.
