My 3 years in wichita KS

[FLIP777]

Anyone that can post such a statement about their horrible experience, ought to at least know how to spell ... maybe thats why you got screwed over by your builder/home seller.

[FLIP777]

Ive lived in Wichita for almost 25 years now and have lived in 4 different areas, I have had my car broken into once and nothing more. the crime rate is minimal if you ask me. Texas on the other hand, out of the 5 years i lived there, i was mugged, home broken into and car tires slashed on numerous occasions. really now, crime rate in wichita being a problem?

[Silverspank]

I lived in Wichita and Park City for 7 years. I really liked it there and would cosider it for retirement. Never had any crime issues nor bug issues. New construction homes on the other hand, it doesn't matter where you move too, some contractors build crappy homes. I am living in a new home for the first time (Arkansas) and it is already having some potential/serious issues. My last house was 10 years old in GA. It was due a new roof, septic tank, A/C system. My house in Park City, wich was built in the 70's had a leaky basement, and water drainage issues in the yard. My conclusion is that owning a house will always be filled with problems. I enjoyed the weather in Wichita. Beautiful skylines and city. Found lots of things to keep me busy. Also, friends/family also make a community enjoyable. When I live in Park City from 93-2000, I was living right down the street from the BTK. Never knew it of course but it really freaks me out knowing that I diid.

[GregJ]

Originally Posted by Silverspank

I lived in Wichita and Park City for 7 years. I really liked it there and would cosider it for retirement. Never had any crime issues nor bug issues. New construction homes on the other hand, it doesn't matter where you move too, some contractors build crappy homes. I am living in a new home for the first time (Arkansas) and it is already having some potential/serious issues. My last house was 10 years old in GA. It was due a new roof, septic tank, A/C system. My house in Park City, wich was built in the 70's had a leaky basement, and water drainage issues in the yard. My conclusion is that owning a house will always be filled with problems. I enjoyed the weather in Wichita. Beautiful skylines and city. Found lots of things to keep me busy. Also, friends/family also make a community enjoyable. When I live in Park City from 93-2000, I was living right down the street from the BTK. Never knew it of course but it really freaks me out knowing that I diid.

WHEW, I've been following this thread and was beginning to wonder what kind of town Wichita really is.

So can you tell me about the Art-Deco theme in Wichita? I was reading a magazine in the Dr's office and was fascinated about an article that detailed the abundance of Art-Deco and one particular neighborhood that's full of old homes built in this style. Thanks.

[prden]

I have never lived in Wichita, but have a very favorable impression of the place. I have lived in California and would much prefer some place like Wichita to most anyplace in California.

[jordysmama]

Originally Posted by Ellie C.

With the benefit of hindsight, here's my 2 cents:

The taxes in Wichita are ridiculous for what you get. It astonishes me that all the roads aren't plowed after a snowstorm. The public school system is pathetic. My neighbor is a school teacher in USD 259 and she has to constantly dig in to her own pockets for school supplies for her class. That's terrible. Don't get me started on what the kids aren't learning in the public school there. They're frighteningly stupid compared to other kids the same age. Wichita also has a very high crime rate for a city it's size, and a higher than average gang population. I never felt safe there.

I think this was my biggest revelation when I moved away for my DH's employer. Maybe houses are 'cheap', but throw in the taxes and the specials and they really are not. I live on the east coast in a mid size city. Our taxes are cheaper when you take everything in account out here, than back in Wichita. Our children attend one of the top public schools in the nation. We have an NBA team, NFL team, tons of concerts/festivals and gorgeous scenary. Not to mention I can drive two hours to the mountains and three hours to the beach. All things considered, living in Wichita, you pay HUGE for that low cost of living. YOu have bad schools, high crime, and cruddy weather. I have friends who live all over the country and we all agree on the same thing; moving away opens your eyes to how unpleasant Wichita truly is. It seems almost anywhere is better.

I never really knew how bad it was until I moved away. I would advise anyone considering a move there, at least visit and be prepared to pay for private school b/c public schools are horrible there!