Moving to Wichita Area (Overland Park, Kansas City: real estate, crime, house)

[KansasBound]

I am from the east coast (Atlanta) and will be moving to Wichita in the next 4-6 months. I have never lived in the mid-west. Can you share your Wichta experiences -- where to live, go to school (kids), things to do -- and point me in the right direction?

I will probably buy/build house in the 250-350k range, so neighborhoods would be good to know. I like a little yard as I like to garden, too (1/2 acre or so) and don't like to stare down neighbors from my bedroom window.

Thanks.

[mommyjenn]

I am "subbing" to this so I can get the info too. We are currently considering a move to Wichita as well. Thanks

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by KansasBound

I am from the east coast (Atlanta) and will be moving to Wichita in the next 4-6 months. I have never lived in the mid-west. Can you share your Wichta experiences -- where to live, go to school (kids), things to do -- and point me in the right direction?

I will probably buy/build house in the 250-350k range, so neighborhoods would be good to know. I like a little yard as I like to garden, too (1/2 acre or so) and don't like to stare down neighbors from my bedroom window.

Thanks.

I would definitely look in the Andover area, just to the east of Wichita. I have heard many nice things about that town and is a smaller town, but has a growing population. The distance to Wichita is short and the commute should be easy compared with anything in the Atlanta area. The schools in that area should be good, and you can get a very nice house in the 250-350K price range in that area I would think.

[LGOG]

Andover is an ok place to live for kansas,There is not even a coffee shop in andover.
It is what is known as a bedroom town, you only sleep there then leave to go to work or shop.
Same for places like Rosecity,Augusta,
I would not move there unless you have a job you really want.
Wichita homes are not moving well so you can buy well, but selling might be a problem.
Wichita there is nothing to do there. now with the casino the only thing to even think of coming into help the economy there.
Taxes are very high in wichita, and higher in andover as it is just over the county line, butler co. As far as water they think eldorado lake is an ocean, but it is bearly a pond for the east coast.
Unless you are another christian nut bar and just want to work and play in the church band for fun, there is nothing to do in wichita excpt try to not smell the "baby crap" smell as the locals call it on the north east side, or not get shot, or robbed.
Wichita made the international news last month when a woman was shot at a QT and for 2 hours no one called for help they just kept walking over her and taking photos.
2 police were shot a couple of weeks ago, and B&Es are high.
I guess keeping the casino out will keep crime low, wait to late.

[KsHmLok8r]

In response to your inquiry I would suggest looking at Goddard or Maize. Both are growning communities with great schools, and they are like suburbs to Wichita, so you will still have the close access to highways, shops and restaurants. Goddard is growing, but you can still get a country-esqe feel. I am from Wichita and I have to say it is not the awful place people have described, although in comparison to where I live (Overland Park, KS) it does have more crime and less to do.
Have you considered Johnson County? I work in Real Estate in Kansas City, primarily in Johnson County. If your job is in Wichita, it would not be feasible, but if you are making the destination choice I would highly recommend checking out JoCo. Let me know if you want more info, I have plenty to share (including some great websites).
Good luck with your move and let me know if I can help. If you need a Realtor in Wichita, I can help with that as well. They could give you the inside scoop on Wichita neighborhoods as well.