Relocating to Wichita from NYC (Newton: fit in, house, buying)

[thefeiertags]

My husband and I just bought a house in Wichita and will be moving there mid Feb. We currently live in NYC, so don't have cars. We were wondering if we should by vehicle here and drive to KS. Does anyone know what kind of regulations, registration fees and other things that might influence where we should buy a car?

[KevK]

Originally Posted by thefeiertags

My husband and I just bought a house in Wichita and will be moving there mid Feb. We currently live in NYC, so don't have cars. We were wondering if we should by vehicle here and drive to KS. Does anyone know what kind of regulations, registration fees and other things that might influence where we should buy a car?

If you can, buy it in Wichita. It will be alot cheaper in taxes and registration- which you would just have to flip anyway within a month of your move to Wichita. And YES you will have to own a car in Wichita- probably a car for each family member. Survival there without a car is almost impossible.

[upandrunning]

You are going to need a car. There is not transportation system in Wichita. You are going to have culture shock up the wazoo.

[alwaystraveling25]

Yeah, welcome to Culture Shock - I live in Chicago, used to live in Kansas, and even NYC was a shock coming from Chicago.

I hope you like people that have conservative values and are religious, cause that's all I found in Kansas. It's pretty much the opposite of New York City in every possible way...

[jordysmama]

You will need two cars. Public transportation is non-existant.

[Johnny Bananas]

As everyone is saying, a vehicle is a must. No trains, maybe a bus system downtown (I could be wrong). Wichita or any city in the midwest is quite the opposite from NYC or Chicago with population size, prices, weather. I'd recommend buying a vehicle here as well since it is pretty much cheaper. Contact the local DMV or visit the website and see what the costs are. Good luck with your move.

-J

[athfo]

Originally Posted by Johnny Bananas

As everyone is saying, a vehicle is a must. No trains, maybe a bus system downtown (I could be wrong). Wichita or any city in the midwest is quite the opposite from NYC or Chicago with population size, prices, weather. I'd recommend buying a vehicle here as well since it is pretty much cheaper. Contact the local DMV or visit the website and see what the costs are. Good luck with your move.

-J

While you're correct in saying that it is obviously nothing like NYC or Chicago, there is a transit system:

http://www.wichitagov.org/CityOffices/Transit/

.. as well as trolley service to the downtown area:

http://www.theqline.com/

[jordysmama]

Originally Posted by athfo

While you're correct in saying that it is obviously nothing like NYC or Chicago, there is a transit system:

City of Wichita - Transit Services Main

.. as well as trolley service to the downtown area:

The Q-Line tips for riding

Have you USED this transit system???

The bus line runs rarely and it is not safe...at all!!

[leighland]

Buy a car-you will need it. I lived in Chicago and Wichita (and San Diego, and, well I digress). Use public trans for a night out drinking (That Trolley in Old Town sounds like fun).

My parents moved from Providence RI (very liberal, into ivy league educations, love the old 350 year history in Providenc, etc..) to Wichita 30 years ago and they still don't fit in and are very unhappy there. I like it tho'.

[athfo]

Originally Posted by leighland

Buy a car-you will need it. I lived in Chicago and Wichita (and San Diego, and, well I digress). Use public trans for a night out drinking (That Trolley in Old Town sounds like fun).

My parents moved from Providence RI (very liberal, into ivy league educations, love the old 350 year history in Providenc, etc..) to Wichita 30 years ago and they still don't fit in and are very unhappy there. I like it tho'.

I like San Diego's transit system with their use of light rail. It's very convenient.

I don't think Wichita's attitude could support a bigger and better transit system right now. I believe we have the population, just not the correct attitude.

Oh, I forgot - the state is pushing Amtrak to extend service from Oklahoma City through Wichita to connect with its current line in Newton. That would be really nice imo.