12 Best Places To Retire In Kansas
Even though Kansas was the 34th state to join the United States, that doesn’t mean you should let it be the 34th state you consider for retirement. There are dozens of wonderful small towns all throughout Kansas that could be considered the next perfect place to call home, thanks to affordable home prices in the state, with a median home value of roughly $239,000, friendly communities, and plenty of exciting things to do. You’ll find no shortage of activities in these towns, and anyone interested in local history will have plenty to study.
Hutchinson
If affordability of housing and having lots of activities to discover are top of your mind for retirement, Hutchinson might be an excellent pick for you. With a median house value of roughly $143,000, a population under 40,000, and a beautiful town to explore, Hutchinson offers the feel of a larger town without the cramped feeling that some cities can bring.
Hutchinson offers a solid mix of dining, recreation, and local culture. A standout stop is the Cosmosphere, a space museum that appeals to all ages. If you’d prefer a history museum, consider visiting the Reno County Museum. Alternatively, you can take a unique trip underground at Strataca.
Emporia
With Emporia homes coming in at roughly $177,000, Emporia could be said to be yet another wonderfully affordable town with a fairly small population of just over 24,000. Emporia State University in town is bound to help breathe extra youth and life into your retirement adventures if that is something that you consider essential.
The David Traylor Zoo of Emporia adds a compact but varied animal collection. To experience more of what the town offers, explore the Emporia Arts Center or the Emporia Farmers Market for lots of art and local goods. Lovers of theatre will be delighted to know that they can visit the 1929 Emporia Grand Theatre to catch a local show.
Dodge City
Although Dodge City ranks among the towns with home values closer to the state median, at roughly $210,000 for homes, its appeal lies in its rich Old West history. Established in 1872, Dodge City is the kind of town that lovers of the Old West will find a lot of value in.
Take in the Queen of the Cowtowns and explore its rich history at the Boot Hill Museum, and if you love modern rodeo, check out one of the Dodge City Roundup Rodeo events. If you are someone who has no fear of placing bets, you can head over to Boot Hill Casino and Resort for a few games or to meet visiting family.
McPherson
A glance at McPherson reveals why it is a worthy consideration for retirement locations. House prices in the area of $214,000, a population that hovers around 214,000, and the McPherson Center for Health right in town mean that many must-haves can be checked off right away.
The McPherson Museum & Arts Foundation covers local history, including the first synthetic diamond. The McPherson Opera House offers local performances. There is the nearby Turkey Creek Golf Course for those who have to get out for a nice morning game, and if you fancy yourself as a plane enthusiast, there is also the McPherson Airport on the edge of town.
Abilene
Although Abilene has home prices hovering around $184,000, the draw to the town for many will be its low population, which is roughly 6,500. Even though the town is small, it still boasts quite a few exciting things to see and do, including the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home.
Seelye Mansion stands out for its preserved early twentieth-century architecture, and Old Abilene Town offers a look at the area’s Old West past. There are lots of fun landmarks to find as well, like the World’s Largest Belt Buckle or the Big Spur.
Salina
It is important to note that Salina may be a touch larger than some people would like, with a population of roughly 46,000, but with home prices in the ballpark of $174,000, a slightly larger small town might not be a bad trade-off.
Those who love golf will have some great options, like the Salina Municipal Golf Course or even the Salina Country Club. SculptureTour Salina displays local works throughout the downtown area. The Rolling Hills Zoo adds a broad collection of wildlife. If interactive museums sound like a fun time, visit The Garage, especially if you’re a fan of all things cars.
Winfield
Mixing low home costs of roughly $134,000 with a low population of roughly 11,700, Winfield is another great town worth considering. History and community are the two major draws to Winfield, and the numerous large and beautiful murals found throughout the town only serve to enhance the community-minded atmosphere the town exudes.
Elam Lavender & Honeybee Farm offers a quiet stop for plant and pollinator enthusiasts. Island Park provides an easy place for a walk. If you want to uncover the history of the town, you can visit the Cowley County Historical Museum or go on a driving tour of the historic homes in the area. If you want to pay respects to fallen heroes, set out to find the Vietnam War Memorial.
Newton
With the town dating back to 1871, some might think that Newton would be too expensive for retirement. However, with home prices averaging around $166,000 and a modest population, Newton might be a great and overlooked retirement option in Kansas.
Those who love museums and learning about their new home will be thrilled to explore the Kauffman Museum and the Harvey County Historical Museum and Archives. Warkentin House, an 1886 Victorian home, highlights period details. Smet’s Happy Acres offers time with goats for animal lovers.
Ottawa
Ottawa is indeed another one of the more expensive options on this list, with homes priced around $227,000, but this small Kansas town is worth considering.The town has a strong historic core. You can visit Plaza 1907 to experience what is said to be the world’s oldest operating cinema, and you can even rent the whole theatre out if you want. The Old Depot Museum adds more local history through rotating exhibits, and then finish your day with a peaceful walk through Forest Park; there may even be a few events to attend.
Garden City
With homes priced around $234,000, Garden City may seem like yet another expensive option for retirement in comparison to other entries, but if you love having things to do, Garden City offers enough attractions to keep retirees busy. An easy option for animal lovers is to explore the Lee Richardson Zoo & Safari Shoppe, a low-cost place to see animals, and a fun location to bring the family to. For those who must have golf nearby, there is the Buffalo Dunes Golf Course for play all year round. Garden City Arts hosts local exhibits and classes.
Arkansas City
With homes as low as $94,000, Arkansas City is the most affordable of all of the Kansas retirement towns on this list. With the incredible history here, the low cost may come as a surprise, especially since you can explore Etzanoa, an archaeological site for a lost city.
You can also visit the Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum to learn more about the people who live and lived in the region. Chaplin Nature Center offers trails a short drive from town, and Veteran’s Memorial Lake provides an easier in-town option. Those who love theatre are also in luck since you can take a trip to the Burford Theatre Arts for various shows and classes.
Fort Scott
Even if Fort Scott is new to you, it’s worth considering for retirement. Housing prices are around $124,000. Fort Scott is another wonderful Kansas town that boasts a rich history and numerous unique sights to see.
You can take trips to the Gordon Parks Museum or the Museum of Creativity for fun exhibits suitable for people of all ages before continuing your history-filled day with a stop at the Fort Scott National Historic Site, which features structures dating back to 1842. Woodland Hills Golf Course provides local access to regular play in the southern part of town.
Making Kansas A New Home
If you need a pristine place to call home after retirement, Kansas is one of those states that is really worth considering. Whether you are a fan of history, nature, community, trains, or just general peace, Kansas has a little piece of home for anyone from anywhere. Thanks to just how affordable home prices can be in the state, you may struggle to find too many towns that have house values that are well below the state median, but that trade-off can be worth it, thanks to just how much each of these Kansas towns can offer to not just you, but also visiting family members. A visit may be enough to show how well these towns suit a relaxed retirement.
