Challenging Witchita Assumptions

[fishbowl]

I don't live in Wichita and can't answer your questions. There is more crime there than these small towns, but compared to Los Angeles county it probably pales by comparison. We drive to Wichita to eat out, to see concerts, and enjoy the arts that they have there. It isn't like Southern California, which is where I am from, but I enjoy it. I'm married and old enough to be your mother, so my perspective is entirely different from yours too.

All I can suggest is come to Wichita for an extended visit if you can. ANy visit would be better than no visit. Before you come make a list of your interests and do searches for those things. Then visit the appropriate places.

Learn as much as you can about Wichita before you visit. You might even consider, if you are serious about your considertion of Wichita, subscribing to the newspaper. You will likely get more of a feel for the place from the actual physical newspaper than the online version. Also, a Wichita Phone book, look through the yellow pages.

But you really need to do the research and a good, solid visit before making such a decision.

Janet

[holly8786]

Well, I've lived in Wichita for about 17 years. I've lived here, gone to school, and done pretty much everything so I can tell you a few things. I'm a 21 year old college student by the way so maybe my opinion could help (more than these other people). But first...

I was told if I did buy to put in a good security system. it is not if you get broken into but when.

Haha, I loved that. Yes, the crime is sooo terrible and out of control.
Sarcasm aside, unless you live in a bad neighborhood, the chances of your home getting broken into are not that bad. In my 17ish years of living in this city, I've had my house broken into ONCE. I can't even think of anyone that I know (myself aside) that has been robbed.

It all depends on the neighborhood you live in.

Religion and Politics

Uh...sorry to disappoint, but you won't be seeing the anti-sunday beer sales and casino advocates marching through the streets with pitchforks. No, there's really no riots to speak of. The churches aren't over bearing and the politics are there to mess with if you're into it. If you're just here to live, it's really not going to be something that's thrown in your face.

I'm not particularly religious so I can't tell you much on that scene. I can say that I've seen a variety of different churches (catholic, baptist, christian, etc.)

Singles Scene??

Well, it primarily consists of people in their twenties as far as I can tell. Downtown is where all the interesting things are at and where most singles are probably going to be found. There's bars and resaurants and other things to entertain. Is Wichita a great place for singles? Not reeeeally. Wichita is one of those places that's great for a family. I found it a good place to grow up. Just not the best to be a single 38 year old guy in I think

Basically, since I've done everything in Wichita, I find it a little boring. As for attractions, there's a few.

To my knowledge, there's two museums. The wichita museum (wichita/sedgwick history) and the museum of natural history. I found the latter to be a great place. There's an art museum and a few other art places. The exploration place is interesting if you're into science. We've got plenty of theaters. There's a lot of restaurants so I find that many people gather and drink =P

Hiking is possible in Kansas! There may not be mountains but there are plenty of state and federal parks with hiking trails relatively close to Wichita. There are some rocky and hilly places but also places that have very flat trails. From my experience, kansas's parks are not as well kept as say Colorado or Missouri's parks, but it's all good.

All in all, I don't mind living here, but it gets boring after a while. Sort of the reason I'm moving to Colorado in a few years

Hopefully this was a bit more helpful than some of the other comments.

[joega]

I too am thinking of relocating to Witchita. Not the city perhaps, but that area. I have an extended family of 7, work 2 jobs, have neighbors who don't like me, live in the bible toting area of Georgia, to hear "God Bless" followed by the slapping of a law suit.

Conceritive/Liberal, I don't care. I want to do my job and I get along with most folks very good, so I guess if God thinks I can spend the rest of my life there, then so be it. I am tired of Denver, Chicago, Seattle, Atlanta and Anchorage all of which I've lived in or near. I am ready to return to small town USA, having grown up in Walla Walla, WA.