When contemplating a brand new place to name residence, it’s important to weigh the professionals and cons of the placement. Wichita, Kansas, has a lot to supply its residents, with reasonably priced housing, a various meals scene, and loads of outside actions. The central location of Wichita makes it a handy vacation spot for enterprise and leisure vacationers, with easy accessibility to different main cities within the area. Nonetheless, there are additionally drawbacks to residing in Wichita, equivalent to excessive climate situations, restricted leisure choices, and site visitors congestion.
So, earlier than you begin taking a look at houses on the market or flats in Wichita, KS, try this Redfin information on the highest 10 execs and cons to contemplate earlier than transferring to Wichita.
Professionals of residing in Wichita
1. Affordability
Wichita, KS, has a extra reasonably priced price of residing in comparison with different close by main markets, making it an important place to contemplate calling residence. In distinction, Kansas Metropolis, KS, positioned on the japanese border of the state, is thought for being a costlier metropolis, with a value of residing that’s 44% greater than Wichita’s. One of many major causes for Wichita’s low price of residing is the comparatively cheap housing. For instance, the median gross sales worth in Wichita is $210,000, almost 91% decrease than the nationwide common of $400,500. Should you’re prepared to maneuver to Wichita, Kansas, you’ll wish to try this associated article on common Wichita suburbs.
2. Nice meals scene
Wichita boasts a various, vibrant meals scene that fits each style and funds. Native eating places and cafes provide quite a lot of cuisines, together with traditional Kansas-style barbecue, Tex-Mex, worldwide delicacies, and specialty espresso. Fashionable barbecue joints embrace Hog Wild Pit Barb-B-Q, B&C Barbecue, and Pig In Pig Out BBQ. For Tex-Mex cooking, Abuelo’s, Felipe’s, and El Agave are prime selections. Worldwide delicacies choices embrace Indian, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Mediterranean, with native favorites like The Spice Service provider & Co, Saigon, and Yokohama Ramen Izakaya. The town additionally has a thriving espresso scene, with artisanal espresso outlets like Reverie Espresso Roasters, The Donut Entire, and Cocoa Dolce Artisan Goodies.
3. Outside actions
There are many outside actions provided to Wichita’s residents and guests. The town has a number of parks, equivalent to Sedgwick County Park and Pawnee Prairie Park, which give climbing, picnicking, and bird-watching alternatives. The Arkansas River, which runs by way of town, can also be a well-liked sport for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Wichita has numerous top-rated programs, such because the Auburn Hills Golf Course and the Reflection Ridge Golf Membership, for many who take pleasure in {golfing}.
4. Actions for all ages
This Kansas metropolis has one thing to supply individuals of all ages, with quite a lot of actions and points of interest accessible. There are various parks and playgrounds for many who take pleasure in outside actions, in addition to Sedgwick County Zoo and Exploration Place, which provide interactive displays and occasions for all ages. As well as, Wichita hosts a number of annual occasions that convey individuals collectively, such because the Wichita Riverfest, which options common performers like Shaggy and Eli Younger Band, and the Kansas State Truthful in September.
5. Central location
Wichita, Kansas, is positioned within the central United States, making it handy for enterprise and leisure vacationers. The town is positioned on the intersection of varied main highways, together with Interstate 35 and Interstate 135, which give easy accessibility to different main cities within the area. For instance, Kansas Metropolis, Tulsa, and Oklahoma Metropolis are all inside just a few hours’ drive from Wichita. The town can also be served by Dwight D. Eisenhower Nationwide Airport, which affords continuous flights to a number of main US cities.
Cons of residing in Wichita
1. Excessive climate
Wichita is thought for its excessive climate situations, with scorching summers and chilly winters. In the course of the summer time months, temperatures can attain as much as 100 (°F), with excessive humidity ranges, making it uncomfortable for these not used to such situations. Thunderstorms and tornadoes are additionally widespread throughout the summer time months, which might threaten public security. Within the winter, temperatures can drop under freezing, and snow and ice can accumulate, making driving and strolling hazardous.
2. Restricted leisure choices
Whereas Wichita, Kansas, has quite a lot of points of interest and actions, some might discover the leisure choices within the metropolis to be restricted in comparison with bigger metropolitan areas. Whereas there are alternatives for museums, parks, and native occasions, such because the Wichita Riverfest, there are fewer choices for nightlife and cultural occasions.
3. Lack {of professional} sports activities groups
Not like different cities of comparable dimension, Wichita doesn’t have a significant league baseball, soccer, basketball, or hockey group. Whereas some argue that Wichita’s sturdy school sports activities scene fills the void for native sports activities followers, others consider that the absence {of professional} sports activities groups limits town’s potential for financial progress and cultural vibrancy. Nonetheless, Wichita does have minor league and semi-professional groups in numerous sports activities, in addition to group sports activities leagues and leisure packages for all ages and ability ranges.
4. Restricted range in employment alternatives
Whereas Wichita, Kansas, affords quite a lot of employment alternatives, some might discover the assortment of jobs to be restricted. The town’s financial system is primarily pushed by the aerospace and manufacturing industries, with corporations equivalent to Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation being vital employers within the space. Whereas these industries present many job alternatives, they might not be a match for people searching for careers in different fields.
5. Lack of public bike infrastructure
Wichita, Kansas is a sprawling metropolis with a low Walk Score and Bike Score, making it difficult for residents and guests to get round and not using a automobile. Whereas there are some areas of town which might be extra walkable and bike-friendly, many neighborhoods are unfold out and lack sidewalks or bike lanes, making it troublesome to journey by foot or bike safely. The shortage of infrastructure for non-motorized transportation choices additionally makes it much less interesting for individuals who want strolling or biking as a solution to commute or train.
Moreover, the general public transit system in Wichita shouldn’t be as developed as in different cities, which additional limits transportation choices. The town’s bus system, Wichita Transit, operates on a restricted schedule with fewer routes, which makes it troublesome for residents to entry some elements of town and not using a automobile.