Relocating to Ft. Riley and need info on the area. (Wichita: rent, job)

[pandora1971]

I'm moving to Ft. Riley in the next few weeks and would like to know what the area is like. I've never been to Kansas and I want to keep an open mind but whenever I tell someone where we're going they usually make a face and tell me that i'm going to hate it and there's nothing there. I know that Kansas is mostly rural and I actually prefer that. I've checked out some of the websites from Junction City and Manhattan and it looks like a nice area.

[janetjanetbobanet]

It is a nice area. I worked at Ft. Riley as a civilian for four years and lived in the area just north of Junction City off highway 77 and loved it. Only left because of job changes and a need to transfer. People there tended to be relatively courteous and friendly compared to here in Wichita where I am now. Whether you live on post or in the Junction City or Manhattan area, you should be OK. Milford Lake is a nice place to go campiing, too.

[pandora1971]

Thanks for the info. That really makes me feel so much better about the move.

[Chiklet1503]

I currently live in Manhattan KS because my husband it stationed at Fort Riley. To be honest, there really isnt much to do here. If you really look you can find a few things, but you actually have to LOOK. I've been here for a year. Meeting people really isn't that easy if you live off base. The college students tend not to like the Army people which sucks. Aggieville is fun at night if you like the whole college scence or during the day if you have money to go shopping. I also volunteer at Sunset Zoo here in town. It's a cute little zoo and I would definitely reccomend visiting it. It won't take an entire day though. I have been over to visit the buffalo a few times (yes we have a buffalo ranch by the airport!). If you have children you might have an easier time finding things to do, but as for now that's all there really is. I have been extremely bored here and have not met too many people which is disappointing. I wish you luck. Make friends and find a hobby.

[ladygemini]

I'm going to be in Junction City for 5 days this week to check it out and look for work. I have a friend who is station at Ft Riley and me having 2 little kids he thinks Kansas is more ideal versus here in Phoenix. We are Black so I'm looking for diversity but I look forward to the adjustment.

[KStater4Life]

Manhattan is a great, classic college town full of energy and excitement year round. I lived there several years as a student at Kansas State, and I would move back in a second if I had an opportunity. The people are generally open-minded and free spirited, which is typical of any large university towns. K-State offers many cultural opportunities throughout the year, as well as exciting Big 12 athletics if you enjoy that. Aggieville is the nighlife scene and it offers as much as you offer it. If you want a meal and a beer, go for it. If you are young and want to party, this is one of the best places to do that as well. You'll find the town is relatively clean, and is completely covered by shade trees. I came into Manhattan from out-of-state and fell in love with the place. The people who say there is nothing to do are the same people who would complain regardless about any city. I promise you will fall in love with Manhattan.

[RLFuller]

We fell in love with Junction City. Chilket1503 pretty much nailed Manhattan for you. If you are IN college then I am sure it is nirvana. If you are in the military then... well; it isn't. The best you can hope for is passively being ignored.

We love JC. Love the schools - 2 HS aged kids, the neighboorhood - across 77 that was mentioned earlier (Spring Valley Addition). Love it Love it Love it.