My spot in Kansas? (Topeka, Lawrence: fit in, to rent, find a job)

[restam]

I'm contemplating a move to Kansas this summer and would like to know where at based on the following information:

I'm a single male in my late 30's that is very laid-back, generally quiet and independent. I'm not needing a lot of friends but would like to meet some people and not be treated like an outcast.

I don't mind hard, physical outdoor labor but due to physical limitations I am unable to frequently twist or stand for long periods of time so most of my experience has been in the low paying social-service or hospitality industry. I do have a bachelors degree in sociology and am not opposed to going back to school to further my education but don't want to feel as I have to in order to stay up with the cost of living of the area.

I don't mind a small town or big city environment but prefer to stay away from urban sprawl

During the spring, summer and fall I'm always out finding things to do but I do tend to hibernate during the winter months so I would like to find a place that has something going on in the winter. A minor league or small college basketball or hockey team, a small winter festival, etc.

As I would be coming with limited funds I would need to be able to find a job shortly after I arrive if I don't have one before hand. It wouldn't have to be much, just something where I could find a place to rent before winter. If needed, I could camp out before then.

Also, I would need a pet-friendly community as I would have a small dog coming with me and I wouldn't want difficulties with finding a place to live.

Any ideas? Suggestions? Insight? Thanks

[thriftylefty]

I would take a look at South East Kansas , It is a Cluster of small towns between 5-15 thousand people each, It is has the poorest two counties in the state so rent is relatively low. a small university in Pittsburg, five community colleges which is extremely rare for an area this small. Two of the largest employers in Pittsburg are the hospital and State rehabilitation Services. A person with a degree in Sociology around there might be employable. Prominent Humane Society, the next largest town is Joplin Missouri. The next largest town with a population of 100,000 or more is over 100 miles away, so it is quite an outpost. Politically it used to be the democratic strong hold of the state. I don't think its that liberal but it was settled by imigrants during the mining days. I've heard people say at one time there was over 30 languages being spoke on Main street. you might check this job site to see if you fit in
https://www.kansasworks.com/ada/

[Modron]

Originally Posted by restam

During the spring, summer and fall I'm always out finding things to do but I do tend to hibernate during the winter months so I would like to find a place that has something going on in the winter. A minor league or small college basketball or hockey team, a small winter festival, etc.


Any ideas? Suggestions? Insight? Thanks

To continue what the previous poster said, southeast Kansas has Pittsburg State University which would offer you a small college that would have some of the sporting events you mentioned. It would also provide an opportunity to go back to school if the need were to arise.

I think SE Kansas is one of the prettiest areas of the state. It is adjacent to the Ozarks and has hills and trees. Areas of Missouri just to the east offer a lot of opportunities for sportmen and big entertainment, or at least a lot of entertainment, like Branson, Mo.

There are other communities in Kansas that have small colleges and community colleges you might like check in to, like Emporia, Newton, Lindsborg, and Hutchinson.

Good luck to you.

[AnywhereElse]

We live in southeast Kansas and I suggest unless you like "remote" living that you look north and closer to I-70. Pittsburg just lost a major employer last fall. We have lived in several states and also in Manhattan, Junction City and Salina. You might like Manhattan and Salina is really a very nice town. You can do some looking at this website, just click on Cities and Towns and there will be lists of cities that have info on the web: Blue Skyways - a service of the Kansas State Library

[nicname]

Manhattan and Lawrence, are your best bet. Both are medium sized cities and both have a "tight-knit" or "unified" feeling coming from having major universities.

[Lil Jhwk]

I lived in Lawrence while going to KU and I absolutely loved the town! Tons of hills for sledding and some kids even take their snowboards! There's a lot of intramural sports and everyone is very relaxed. A lot of little shops off of Mass street and tons of little restaurants. Not to mention that the KC area and surrounding areas are only 20-45 mins away. I had a great time living there!

[city_data_poster]

Pittsburg's not too bad. Manhattan too. Lawrence is fine.
I'm sorry...but I can't quite bring myself to "whole-heartedly" endorse Topeka. Nope. Can't do it.

Restam, given what you say you're looking for.....the pickens is mighty slim if you're truly bent on moving to Kansas.