Check The Taxes (Wichita: sales, foreclosures, rent)

[AnywhereElse]

I highly suggest that anyone moving into Kansas take a look at all the tax assessments before making the move or even if you are moving from one city to the next. We live in a town where wages are low and the population is declining and a few of the businesses only stay because they get a tax exemption for providing jobs (I guess) so we are being taxed to death and the wages do not go up thereby forcing people who can't keep up to move. Lots of houses are on the market here and many have been for 2 or more years. It was a mistake not to understand that mil levies didn't have to be voted on. Many, if not all the counties have the tax information online so do your research before making that move.

[drjones96]

Life's 2 certainties. "Death and Taxes"

Yes please observe assessments and get some estimate of your taxes and specials before you buy a home.

[culater88]

Property tax is based on the sale price and not the assessment price like other States so buyer beware. Many of the counties also charge a special tax if it's a new development. There is also an annual personal tax on your personal vehicle, RV or boat and don't forget the sales tax. I decided not to relocate to KS because it was more expensive to live here in comparison to the lower wages that the companies offer in KS.

[txgirl0919]

ok, I guess I am not understanding this. We live in Oklahoma now. How do the taxes differ from the ones we are paying now?

[aurther]

I totally agree, I have a home in Hot Springs and am looking to move to Wichita.
The prices of homes in Wichita are about right, but the taxes are out of this world. You would think you live in California, or New York.
It is nothing to pay 3k for a 125k home.
HOA dues that give you nothing. Specials, wages are nothing to wright home about.
99% of the homes are all on postage stamp lots.
I can tell you I as still looking at moving there, but I am now considering renting and trying it for a time.
Rent is still good. You can rent a 2b apt. for 400$. The cost of taxes on most homes will pay for 6 to 7 months rent.
I think a part of the problem is that no one goes to Kansas for a visit or tourism in any numbers.
Wichita is slowing down as far as home sales go, I contacted a couple of agents and was told that things are moving well but when I asked more questions I found out that the things that are moving are the homes priced under market value and foreclosures.