6 Charming Kansas Communities To Retire Around Wichita

If you're looking toward retirement, there are several reasons to consider settling down in Kansas. People don't pay it much attention, but the Sunflower State is pockmarked by quiet, peaceful towns, where life is slow, relaxing, and stress-free. Also, with a median home listing price of $301,126, Kansas is among the most affordable states to retire. But where to? Because of access to big-city amenities, it is advisable to check out the small towns and communities around Wichita. Plus, the area around Wichita is still relatively affordable, especially compared to places like Douglas, Butler, and Lawrence. This means you can snap up some decent property and remain with lots of cash for adventure. For specific recommendations, the following are 6 charming communities to retire to around Wichita.

McPherson

With highly rated retirement communities such as Northgate Manor and a private liberal arts college (McPherson College) that adds a touch of vibrancy and diversity, McPherson is certainly an excellent retirement location. McPherson is a small,, fairly quiet town, and resembles a place you would see in a Hallmark movie. Keep in mind that there are decent places to shop, including Dillon’s, and several outdoor venues, including the well-maintained Turkey Creek Golf Course, Wall Park, a fun place to kickstart a walking routine, and Meadowlark Trail, a clean and quiet place with a decent bike trail. For any medical emergency, the 104-year-old McPherson Center for Health is at your doorstep. The median listing home price in McPherson was an affordable $255,500 in September 2025.

Newton

A vibrant community of about 19,000 residents, Newton (and neighboring North Newton) will impress empty nesters for several reasons. The area has an active arts community, the iconic Bethel College, celebrated as the first Mennonite college in North America, Kauffman Museum, an interesting place to mill around on a lazy day, and Sand Creek Station Golf Course, a championship golf course that doubles up as one of the greenest in the entire state. Other fun spots to spend time include the Chisholm Trail 8 Theatres and the R. Michael Rhoades Wetland Park, a cool spot to mingle with waterfowl. Newton also boasts a thriving downtown and is home to the award-winning NMC Health, a Million Hearts® Health System recipient for its work in preventing heart attacks and strokes. To cap it all, the median listing home price in Newton was $195,000 in September 2025, which is a steal, even by Kansas standards.

Augusta

Augusta is also a solid retirement pick, especially with downtown Wichita just over 20 miles down the road. The town has an endearing hometown feel and an abundance of senior-living options, including Homestead Assisted Living & Memory Care of Augusta, which offers high-quality assisted-care services in a space with no stairs or elevators. An empty nester can get snug with a gripping read at the Augusta Public Library, paddle Augusta Lake, or enjoy a spontaneous afternoon game at the well-maintained Augusta Disc Golf Course. The median listing home price in Augusta was $220,000 in September 2025, a price point that comes with access to the Kansas Medical Center in nearby Andover and several more options in Wichita.

Goddard

Located 20 minutes west of downtown Wichita, and with a surprisingly beautiful lake to boot, Godard strikes the sweet spot between big-city amenities and small-town charm. A retiree here is conveniently close to the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, which means hopping on a plane to visit family is a quick and easy affair. There is Lake Afton, which spans more than 250 acres, and Lake Afton Park, which offers 720 acres of recreational fun for the entire family.

Retirees can take grandkids to mingle with lemurs and penguins at the Tanganyika Wildlife Park, the site of the third-largest animal collection in Kansas. The zoo boasts over 400 animals and 37 successful breeding programs. Also, the centrally located Goddard Linear Park has a splash pad and a lovely walking path to enjoy. Meanwhile, several restaurants ensure an empty nester is never stripped of dining options. The median listing home price in Goddard was $248,500 in September 2025, a price point that comes with proximity to the nationally famous Wesley Woodlawn Hospital and ER.

Valley Center

Retiring in a safe setting is usually a major win. It comes with zero anxiety and the freedom to enjoy your sunset years without worrying about sporadic break-ins or incidents of a similar nature. Luckily, SafeWise ranks Valley Center as the safest town in Kansas for 2025. With its small-town feel, proximity to Wichita, which is just 14 miles south, and abundance of local businesses on Main Street, you have all the comforts that a senior citizen could ever wish for.

To add to that, there is the Little Arkansas River, where one can paddle, the centrally located Lions Park, a cool place to take grandkids for all kinds of fun, several restaurants to pop inside for a spontaneous brunch, and the cozy Valley Center Public Library, which boasts a 5-star rating on Google Reviews. The best part is that you don’t have to break the bank. The median listing home price in Valley Center was $285,000 in September 2025. On healthcare, Wichita, which is a blink away, boasts numerous options, including Wesley Woodlawn Hospital and ER, the No. 1 community teaching hospital in the nation.

Hesston

Hesston is an awesome retirement pick, especially because it is a college town, is full of hometown character, and has a touch of affluence, due to a fairly strong economy. Hesston College, a Mennonite liberal arts college founded in 1909, brings vibrancy and youthful energy to the town. Currently, Hesston is among the locations in Kansas with the most thriving local businesses. Not just that, it also boasts fantastic proximity to downtown Wichita (36 miles) and Newton (8 miles).

According to data from realtor.com, the median listing home price in Hesston was $254,900 in September 2025, significantly below the statewide median of $301,126. Retirees have several places in Hesston to spend time, including Dyck Arboretum of the Plains, a space that transforms curious visitors into budding naturalists, the Hesston Public Library, Hesston Golf Course, and Hesston Aquatic Center, a fantastic place for a full day of uninterrupted family fun. On healthcare, nearby NMC Health serves the area and boasts a reliable, round-the-clock emergency department.

A Peaceful Retirement in the Wichita Area Awaits

In your sunset years, the last thing you want to be surrounded by is loud, crowded places with nothing but strip malls and chain stores. You need quick access to a decent hospital. But you also need to be close to peaceful outdoor venues, places where you can paddle a lake, enjoy the sound of rustling leaves, or look forward to glorious sunsets and sunrises. That is one reason to pay attention to Kansas, especially the small towns and communities around Wichita.