Hesston, KS area possible relocation (Wichita, Newton: high crime, new home, established neighborhood)

[joshandles]

I'm originally from AZ, but born and raised in PA until I was 13. Due to job losses, I've been in AZ, TX and now OK in the last 2 yrs. Husband has a job interview in Hesston up and coming. We have grown children, so I don;t need good schools.
I do however, cherish being a good homeowner who cares for her property, I wish to be a definite asset to my community (both doing social and possible charity work). I'm into arts and crafts (starving mosaic artist and I paint on china pieces).
His job would be in Hesston but he has no problem with commuting.
We're young at heart 50's.
I'm clueless when it comes to living in the midwest, although I adjusted nicely to our short OK stay (less than 24 months if this job pans out).
I'm color blind to other people. I can be friends with anyone.
I do however, do not want to live in high crime areas or areas of deliberate social discord (where people could care less how many cars they park on the lawn or where they throw their trash).
Can anyone offer some insight into a potential new home in KS around Wichita/ Hesston area?

[athfo]

Originally Posted by joshandles

I do however, cherish being a good homeowner who cares for her property, I wish to be a definite asset to my community (both doing social and possible charity work). I'm into arts and crafts (starving mosaic artist and I paint on china pieces).
His job would be in Hesston but he has no problem with commuting.
We're young at heart 50's.
I'm clueless when it comes to living in the midwest, although I adjusted nicely to our short OK stay (less than 24 months if this job pans out).
I'm color blind to other people. I can be friends with anyone.
I do however, do not want to live in high crime areas or areas of deliberate social discord (where people could care less how many cars they park on the lawn or where they throw their trash).
Can anyone offer some insight into a potential new home in KS around Wichita/ Hesston area?

I would probably, and I say probably because I don't know everything about your likes and dislikes, but probably not live in Hesston. It is a smaller town and has good chunk of poor areas. You might like it, but probably not.

You might look into North Newton. It's a highly liberal, democratic, Mennonite city attached to Newton, and would have an accepting atmosphere. It would also be much closer to Wichita.

You could also try any of Northwest Wichita, to the west of I-235, as these areas are new(er) and will be much more clean or kept-up than areas to the east of I-235. You could also look into the Riverside neighborhood - it's a fun and established neighborhood that runs along the Arkansas River.

I would say that if you have a free weekend, make a road trip up here and check out areas for yourself. Feel free to ask any other questions.

[kansaspost]

Originally Posted by athfo

I would probably, and I say probably because I don't know everything about your likes and dislikes, but probably not live in Hesston. It is a smaller town and has good chunk of poor areas. You might like it, but probably not.

You might look into North Newton. It's a highly liberal, democratic, Mennonite city attached to Newton, and would have an accepting atmosphere. It would also be much closer to Wichita.

You could also try any of Northwest Wichita, to the west of I-235, as these areas are new(er) and will be much more clean or kept-up than areas to the east of I-235. You could also look into the Riverside neighborhood - it's a fun and established neighborhood that runs along the Arkansas River.

I would say that if you have a free weekend, make a road trip up here and check out areas for yourself. Feel free to ask any other questions.

I have no clue where this information comes from athfo. Hesston is a thriving small Mennonite community. I consider it the retirement capital of the world, with a large nursing facility and campus. There are no streets in the city that are not paved. There is a dwindling trailer park in Hesston, but not a scab or poor neighborhood.

I would suggest visiting http://www.hesstonks.org or http://www.city-data.com/city/Hesston-Kansas.html

[ksmel]

I have lived in both Wichita and Hesston. And definitely recommend Hesston over Wichita for what you are looking for. There is a very active community as far as empty nesters and seniors, in addition to the young families. Also lots of new construction, or older homes that have been well kept if you like that style better. I'd live there now except my husband didn't want to do a 30 mile commute, his job is in Wichita.