Feel at Home in the Heartland - Site Selection Magazine

The Sunflower State offers an environment for all tastes — from charming rural communities to exhilarating urban centers. Home to 2.7 million people, Kansas provides a quality of life that combines the best of everything. With a low cost of living, quality education, a thriving business climate and natural beauty to boot, there are many reasons to move to Kansas. We’ve narrowed down five of the most compelling reasons to make a home in the heartland.

Affordable: Kansas offers a cost of living 13.5% below the national average. Ranked No. 9 in U.S. News & World Report’s Affordability Rankings, the state’s affordability directly translates into a higher quality of life. According to Zillow, typical home values in the state are around $150,000. Kansas also offers one of the country’s top individual income tax rates (5.7%).
Education: Kansas takes education seriously. In fact, 90.7% of the state’s residents have at least a high school diploma. The state’s K-12 system is ranked No. 15 in the country by U.S. News & World Report, and No. 13 for its higher education system. With 40 public universities and community colleges around the state, opportunities to learn are around every corner.
Family friendly: With an average commute of 19 minutes, families can enjoy more of their time together — rather than sitting in traffic. Ranked No. 8 friendliest state, Kansas boasts many unique communities to explore and enjoy. Families in Kansas can enjoy year-round entertainment at the state’s many museums, art galleries, and other attractions. Full of history, the state’s pioneering legacy is front and center with many unique festivals and events.
Outdoor recreation: With 225 average sunny days each year, there aren’t many excuses not to get outside and explore. Kansas offers some of the most scenic sights in the world. Kansas’ 28 state parks offer varied views of steep, wooded slopes and idyllic wildflower-covered prairies. With hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails and ample lakes and rivers, the list of outdoor recreational opportunities is boundless.
Culture and Attractions: WalletHub’s 2020 list of Top Cities to Live included Leawood, Topeka and Wichita. But that’s just the start. Across the state, Kansas offers its residents and visitors a taste of Americana. Home to the best barbecue in the world and world-class sporting events, Kansas knows how to enjoy itself. Whether kicking up the dust at a rodeo, enjoying a game of golf at nationally-ranked courses, or attending a Major League Soccer club match at Children’s Mercy Park, the state offers something for all.