Tell me anything and everything about Kansas (Salina, Manhattan: new home, schools)

[beachlady58]

I am reading this thread and understanding how great you all think Kansas is - I am from a lovely seacoast town in MA and my family may have to relocate to OP area. I am wondering how I will do - I love culture, ocean, summer at the beach and shopping. We also have great schools and lacrosse - does this area have that???

[kosnebbear]

mjcten,

Before you jump into Kansas take a look at the state just north of Kansas. Nebraska also has Home Depots and the schools in Nebraska rate in the top for education not just in the state but in the USA. We don't have as many people as they have in Kansas. Lincoln has a two Home Depots. One in the north part of town one in the south part of town. There are several others in the state that you can look at. If you are still looking take the time to look our way. You can even PM me and I will answer your questions about Nebraska as best as I can.

[lebanonmom]

I drive up to the home depot in Grand Island a lot. Good place to shop. Mennards is good as long as you dont require customer service. And of course, when I do I make a day of it. They have whiskey creek I think is the name of it, a great resturant and an all you can eat steak buffet that is awesome also and of course all the shopping you can imagine, just a nice drive from Kansas.

[KStater4Life]

Manhattan is a great, classic college town full of energy and excitement year round. I lived there several years as a student at Kansas State, and I would move back in a second if I had an opportunity. The people are generally open-minded and free spirited, which is typical of any large university towns. K-State offers many cultural opportunities throughout the year, as well as exciting Big 12 athletics if you enjoy that. The University is also known for its award-winning lecture series - the Landon Lectures. Something like the last 7 presidents have spoken in Manhattan at KSU, as well as many other notables. The campus is one of the most beautiful in the nation. Aggieville is the nighlife scene and it offers as much as you offer it. If you want a meal and a beer, go for it. If you are young and want to party, this is one of the best places to do that as well. You'll find the town is relatively clean, and is completely covered by shade trees. I came into Manhattan from out-of-state and fell in love with the place. The people who say there is nothing to do are the same people who would complain regardless about any city. I promise you will fall in love with Manhattan. The Flint Hills are absolutely gorgeous.

[Visi]

You mentioned Hays in an earlier post. If you have any specific questions about the town or the area, I could help you out. I lived in Hays for more than 8 years. I would be honest about the good & the bad aspects, so just ask away.

[margeb]

Kansas is the bomb! I'm 17 so you might not think that I should say that because I haven't lived anywhere else. Thats true and all but I've been places, and they aren't like here!

This summer I was lucky enough to go on a trip to Europe. But you know what? The French country side looks just like Kansas's except with older buildings. By the last few days of my trip, I was ready to be back with the fields and cows.

If you are still looking for a place to move I would highly suggest Manhattan. True, it is a college town but its more than that. Its not a small town like where I'm from but its also not super huge. I have a younger cousin that goes to school there. Her family lives out in the country so she goes to school with an after school program so that her parents don't have to take her anywhere after school.

[Kansasfornow]

Originally Posted by mjcten

I am considering a move to Kansas and not sure where yet.I have thought about Hays.I like rural better than city.I am a single father raising 2 boys.I work for Home Depot and can transfer anywhere there is one.If I found the best place for us I would consider a different job.I need to find a place with good daycare.I am completely alone so I need to find dependable daycare.Good schools,least crime,friendly atmosphere.Where people wave to one another.Low cost of living.Anything you could tell me would be great.The more the better.

I also am a single parent also - mom of seven year old boy. I completely understand your situation. I live in Wichita, came here for a job. I don't have family here either, they live on the East coast. I personally have found Wichita and the surrounding areas to have a wide selection of day care centers, friendly people, and many good schools. There also is affordable housing of all types and lots of things to do with kids like Exploration Place, the Zoo, Museam of World Treasure, etc. There are two Home Depots in Wichita. I hope this helps, let me know.

[KevK]

Anyplace you want to live in Kansas is OK. There is really no "bad" place to live there. It depends on what you want. If you want the services and culture of a big city and good schools, Johnson County is for you. If you prefer rural laid back living Hays is fine but so are many places like Emporia and Salina. If you want a big city that is kind of small town then look into Wichita. And for the ultimate suburb Mulvane (what happens in Mulvane stays in Mulvane)

[Sally Beagle]

There are Home Depots in Olathe, Overland Park. Most anywhere in the KC metro area is very easily accessible. If you are from Michigan, Kansas snow and ice will seem so trivial to you, it usually melts off in a day or two anyhow.

Kansas is a wonderful place to live! Friendly, safe, rural, cultural arts, many free events, best of both worlds, big city (KC) and rural. Housing is reasonable, schools are good.

Somewhere there is probably someone who lives in Kansas and does not like it, but they have not been found yet

Good luck with your move.

[Sally Beagle]

Originally Posted by beachlady58

I am reading this thread and understanding how great you all think Kansas is - I am from a lovely seacoast town in MA and my family may have to relocate to OP area. I am wondering how I will do - I love culture, ocean, summer at the beach and shopping. We also have great schools and lacrosse - does this area have that???

We have culture, beaches at the lakes, shopping, great schools, and lacrosse. Sorry, no ocean, but we'll give you a shell to hold to your ear so you can hear it!

Although I am a native, the draw of the ocean has always called to me.....someday I will get to see it.....maybe we should just trade places for awhile. How do you feel about horses, chickens, cows, cats, dogs, ticks, goats, pigs, and wheat?


Ooppps, got side-tracked by paradise. OP may or may not be a perfect fit for you, depends on what type of people you are and what you want. Been in the area my entire life, feel free to shoot questions at me, I will tell you honestly the good, bad, ugly, or otherwise.

Actually, you could live here a lifetime and never see it all. Plus day-trips are very easy to many attractions. You would surely love the Plaza (20 minutes or less from OP), Nelson Art Gallery, Westport, Powell Gardens, symphony, just to name a few.

Keep us posted.