Looking to move to Kansas from Connecticut. (Overland Park, Kansas City: rentals, houses)

[quesera]

There was a story on the Topeka news a few days ago about the construction boom that's still taking place in Junction City/Ft. Riley area, despite the current economic climate. That might be an option.

[linicx]

First of all you do not know what you ask for to move from the East coast to Kansas. It is an entirely different world. Do not assume anything. For instance, the closest Trader Joe's, Costco and Whole Foods is in Chicago. If you don't need Whole Foods, you only need to go to St. Louis. Otherwise the next closest TJ's is in Denver Colorado. Spend some time reading the Kansas City Star and don't forget the ads. It's on-line.

I seriously think you sould consider Pittsburg, Kansas. It has a very nice state uniiversity that gets hight marks. There are enough hospitals in the area that when you get your RN you can find a place to work not too far fro Pittsburg. And it is a nice town. It isn't Kansas City and it isn't a rural small town either.
Troy, MO is not too far from St. Louis. It has been undgoing a huge construction in the last few years. They were not done when I was there last year. MO taxes are low and housing is reasonable. The only top 25 ranked hospital in the midwest is Barnes-Jewish in St. Louis. George Washington U is htere too.

The houses at looked at houses in Kansas before I moved to Missouri were expensive, older and the taxes were outrageous for what it was.

They are hiring construction workers in Peoria, IL. It was on the TV this week.
Besides seven hospitals in the Metro area there are several colleges and medical school. A lot of shopping and tons of things for families including the largest park system outside of Chicago - it caters to children.

I know you want to escape Hartford, but you must put your children first. You move where the work is, and where your kids have something to do besides drugs. Peoria Heights is a desirable area that is outside the city, but within 10 minutes of shopping. It has K-2 schools. IL has a 1% grocery tax. The Peoria MSA is 370,000.

If you are determined to work in Kansas City, do yourself a favor and live on the MO side because it is cheaper. I've lived in these areas for 60 years. I even have a clue or two or where you are coming from and where you want to go. Put your kids first and you'll get there..

[kcmo]

Originally Posted by linicx

First of all you do not know what you ask for to move from the East coast to Kansas. It is an entirely different world. Do not assume anything. For instance, the closest Trader Joe's, Costco and Whole Foods is in Chicago. If you don't need Whole Foods, you only need to go to St. Louis. Otherwise the next closest TJ's is in Denver Colorado. Spend some time reading the Kansas City Star and don't forget the ads. It's on-line.

I seriously think you sould consider Pittsburg, Kansas. It has a very nice state uniiversity that gets hight marks. There are enough hospitals in the area that when you get your RN you can find a place to work not too far fro Pittsburg. And it is a nice town. It isn't Kansas City and it isn't a rural small town either.
Troy, MO is not too far from St. Louis. It has been undgoing a huge construction in the last few years. They were not done when I was there last year. MO taxes are low and housing is reasonable. The only top 25 ranked hospital in the midwest is Barnes-Jewish in St. Louis. George Washington U is htere too.

The houses at looked at houses in Kansas before I moved to Missouri were expensive, older and the taxes were outrageous for what it was.

They are hiring construction workers in Peoria, IL. It was on the TV this week.
Besides seven hospitals in the Metro area there are several colleges and medical school. A lot of shopping and tons of things for families including the largest park system outside of Chicago - it caters to children.

I know you want to escape Hartford, but you must put your children first. You move where the work is, and where your kids have something to do besides drugs. Peoria Heights is a desirable area that is outside the city, but within 10 minutes of shopping. It has K-2 schools. IL has a 1% grocery tax. The Peoria MSA is 370,000.

If you are determined to work in Kansas City, do yourself a favor and live on the MO side because it is cheaper. I've lived in these areas for 60 years. I even have a clue or two or where you are coming from and where you want to go. Put your kids first and you'll get there..

WTF?

Do people get out at all? Metro KC is about the same as any other major metro area its size. The suburbs in KC could be the suburbs anywhere, regardless of the size of the metro. There are costcos and whole foods in KC and apparently Trader Joes are coming in (like it matters, who decides where to live based on grocery chains???). I get the Star in my driveway daily, so I have no idea what you are talking about there. Every newspaper in the country is struggling right now.

If you move from the largest city in Connecticut to metro KC, you will be moving to a much larger city that offers far more entertainment, culture etc. Not that Hartford is a bad place, but it is a smaller city than KC and less important to its respective region since there are very large cities nearby overshadowing it, while KC is a regional city. So if you move from CT to KS and live in the KC area, you will have more shopping/dining/entertainment options. Most will be on the MO side, but still, you will have access to a large metro area.

[Samantha S]

Originally Posted by linicx

I seriously think you sould consider Pittsburg, Kansas.

Good suggestion. Hays would also be a good option and the university there has a great nursing program. But the climate in Hays is different than Pittsburg.

KS is a big state. The Western half is flatter, drier and windier. The Eastern half is much greener (more precipitation) and hillier. It's windy too, but not like western KS.

And kcmo, I know you were teasing before about entertainment in KS, but yes, lots of people live west of Salina and are very happy there and find plenty to do. Just as the rest of the state does. We love to visit MO and CO, but if we wanted to live there, we'd move. We love where we live even more!

To the OP, you also have to remember that although you might find an less expensive apartment in a small KS town, you will also likely be paid less at the jobs of construction and nursing than you would on the East coast. Be sure you are factoring that into your decisions.

[cp1969]

Originally Posted by Sewellfamily

Hi all my husband and I want to move to kansas because according to MSNBC it is the cheapest place to live. We are always having financial issues and would like to live where things are cheap. Currently we live in hartford ct where it is expensive. I live in a 3 bedroom run down apt for 850.00 a month. we have 3 kids and one vehicle. my husband work as a drivers helper, but his back ground is in construction. I have experience in office work, such as receptionist and customer service. I am going to school to become a registared nurse. My family and I are not picky people. I dont want to live in a rural area where it's hard to shop and get gorceries and such. I would prefer city or a suburb area. if we have to do rural because of money then we would but prefer not to. I want to be close to a community college who have a nursing program and a good school for my kids. there ages are 7,6,2. if someone can recommend some good areas that would be appreciated. I checked out witchita so far and the rental prices looks good. Also do kansas offer state assistant such as medical, food stamps and rental asisstant. the reason I ask is because when times have gotten touch for my family we have depened on these aids to help out until we got back on our feet. so lets go over what I'm looking for:

low rent max 650.00 for 3 br
communty college for nursing
good school for kids
close to shopping

also how is the job market in kansas? my hubby is looking into starting a construction business, do you think he can get clients in kansas?
also how is child care for 2yr olds. can they get in free school at that age. I know in ct they can start at 2/12 for free.

The weather scares me, but it's worth a try. I keep hearing good things from the forum. we are young, but because we're trying to establish our family,so clubs and nightlife is not a big issue. as long as I have good neighbor to chat with I will be fine. Please give as much info as possible.

Thanks

For you to even consider pulling up stakes and move to a state which you have presumably never even visited, based upon something you saw on MSNBC is beyond foolish. The fact that you may be reliant upon public assistance compounds the problem. Rational people don't do this. If you think back to the Dust Bowl, people left the Midwest because they thought there were better job opportunities in California, not because they thought it would be cheaper to live there. The economy, especially the construction industry, is in the tank, including in Kansas. If anything, it is worse here than in other places.

Those statistics they quoted are undoubtedly numbers that are dragged down considerably by the ghetto slums of the three biggest cities and the grinding poverty of tiny towns in counties that have absolutely nothing left in them.

Aside from the areas mentioned above (ghettos, towns of <500 population), my impression is the cost of living in Kansas is no less and maybe even more expensive as anywhere else. Kansas is tax happy on real estate and personal property as well as income tax; 'course, if you're on relief you won't be paying any right away but unless you stay on relief your whole life, you will--and it ain't cheap.

(As an aside, someone said that the nearest Costco is in Chicago. That would come as a surprise to the one at 123rd and Metcalf in Overland Park.)

[thriftylefty]

Originally Posted by linicx

First of all you do not know what you ask for to move from the East coast to Kansas. It is an entirely different world. Do not assume anything. For instance, the closest Trader Joe's, Costco and Whole Foods is in Chicago. If you don't need Whole Foods, you only need to go to St. Louis. Otherwise the next closest TJ's is in Denver Colorado. Spend some time reading the Kansas City Star and don't forget the ads. It's on-line.

I seriously think you sould consider Pittsburg, Kansas. It has a very nice state uniiversity that gets hight marks. There are enough hospitals in the area that when you get your RN you can find a place to work not too far fro Pittsburg. And it is a nice town. It isn't Kansas City and it isn't a rural small town either.
Troy, MO is not too far from St. Louis. It has been undgoing a huge construction in the last few years. They were not done when I was there last year. MO taxes are low and housing is reasonable. The only top 25 ranked hospital in the midwest is Barnes-Jewish in St. Louis. George Washington U is htere too.

The houses at looked at houses in Kansas before I moved to Missouri were expensive, older and the taxes were outrageous for what it was.

They are hiring construction workers in Peoria, IL. It was on the TV this week.
Besides seven hospitals in the Metro area there are several colleges and medical school. A lot of shopping and tons of things for families including the largest park system outside of Chicago - it caters to children.

I know you want to escape Hartford, but you must put your children first. You move where the work is, and where your kids have something to do besides drugs. Peoria Heights is a desirable area that is outside the city, but within 10 minutes of shopping. It has K-2 schools. IL has a 1% grocery tax. The Peoria MSA is 370,000.

If you are determined to work in Kansas City, do yourself a favor and live on the MO side because it is cheaper. I've lived in these areas for 60 years. I even have a clue or two or where you are coming from and where you want to go. Put your kids first and you'll get there..

I would vote for Pittsburg Kansas also, Southeast Kansas is a cluster of small towns and what is unique about them is they all have community colleges. 30 miles from Pittsburg is LCCC, a community college that has a good nursing program. At one time if you worked at the hospital you got a scholarship an attended free. The nursing program at Pittsburg State University at one time was the #1 program in the State or Country. Many students would commute to LCCC for A&P class. As far as construction jobs, The University is in the process of clearing land for a 10-20 million dollar University Housing complex, currently building a new medical center, and plans for a 20 million dollar fine arts center, The construction Tech program at PSU is highly rated as well as the tech programs. There is a major construction Company that is based out of Columbus, KS. (20 miles from Pitts.) Called Crossland.

[Sewellfamily]

Ok, so far I have heard to check out Hays, Pittsburg, and to stay away from the western side if I want shops and entertainment. I will be sure to check out these places. I am not just going by MSNBC words, this is the reason I came here. To hearrom people that lives here. I dont have the luxury of travel to each place I want to move to so I repy on forums and internet research. I have also take into consideration that because kansas is cheaper to rent that my pay would also be less. This is not the case in CT. I was on craigslist for kansas and saw that they paid -10-12 an hr for customer service which is the same they pay here. the only difference is I can get a 2 bedroom for 400-500. in ct i get paid the same and my rent for a 2bdrm is 700-900. My family and I are close and we do everything together, so again entertainment is last on my list of things to look for in a place. as long as we are together we can entertain ourselves. I really love the recommendations about the colleges. I really have to finish my degree. the nursing field is competitive everywhere you go, even here. it just all depend on the school and how fast they are taking applicants.
Thanks everyone keep the recommendation coming. In the mean while I will check out what others of said and try to narrow our choices. as far as relying on state assistant it is not something I do often. I have been on it twice and realized that it helps. When I was on bedrest and my hubby got laided off we needed the medical to help with my hopital stay. my husband job doesnot offer insurance. either way thanks everyone I appreicate ever comment.

[kidyankee764]

KS and CT are very different. I am from CT but have a cousin in Topeka. I have only visited once and it was a world away from where I live in Fairfield County. People there seem to have that small town camaraderie vs private CT where people keep to themselves. They are very happy living there but are suffering job-wise, so consider that before moving. Hartford has a ton of jobs, and you're between NYC and Boston for endless opportunities. Everywhere is hurting right now and the unemployment pool is FULL with lots of competition.

I would have to disagree though that CT's schools as a whole are worse than KS schools. Not saying KS schools are bad, but CT's districts are known for rigorious curriculums and lots of 'push' to go to college, which can lead to scholarships etc. Though if you live IN Hartford, I can see why you think the schools are poor, as Hartford city is not a desirable location for those who put education as a top priority. If you can afford rents in the suburbs of CT, again, the opportunities are endless.

Don't just move to a place because it's cheaper. Keep in mind you will be making less. It's all relative.

Good luck with everything!

[chele123]

You might want to consider smaller "big" towns such as Dodge City, Pratt, or Garden City. Each has a community college, hospitals, and retail/restruant opportunities. I know Dodge City has a nursing program; you'll need to get your prerequisites done and be accepted into the nursing program. Construction could be an option for your husband, or maybe even a packing house.
Good luck to you!

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by Sewellfamily

Ok, so far I have heard to check out Hays, Pittsburg, and to stay away from the western side if I want shops and entertainment. I will be sure to check out these places. I am not just going by MSNBC words, this is the reason I came here. To hearrom people that lives here. I dont have the luxury of travel to each place I want to move to so I repy on forums and internet research. I have also take into consideration that because kansas is cheaper to rent that my pay would also be less. This is not the case in CT. I was on craigslist for kansas and saw that they paid -10-12 an hr for customer service which is the same they pay here. the only difference is I can get a 2 bedroom for 400-500. in ct i get paid the same and my rent for a 2bdrm is 700-900. My family and I are close and we do everything together, so again entertainment is last on my list of things to look for in a place. as long as we are together we can entertain ourselves. I really love the recommendations about the colleges. I really have to finish my degree. the nursing field is competitive everywhere you go, even here. it just all depend on the school and how fast they are taking applicants.
Thanks everyone keep the recommendation coming. In the mean while I will check out what others of said and try to narrow our choices. as far as relying on state assistant it is not something I do often. I have been on it twice and realized that it helps. When I was on bedrest and my hubby got laided off we needed the medical to help with my hopital stay. my husband job doesnot offer insurance. either way thanks everyone I appreicate ever comment.

Some suggestions of regional centers you could look into might include:
Pittsburg area
Manhattan/Ft. Riley/Junction City area
Hays area
Lawrence area
Salina area

I also really like Iowa City, IA which has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country right now. It is a solid growing area with a moderate COL, although not nearly as cheap as some areas of KS.

Omaha also has one of the LOWEST COL of any medium sized city in the country, and unemployment is LOWER compared to the Kansas City metro area. Employment propsects tend to be better there in several career fields compared to KC.

Des Moines is also a family friendly city with a low COL and has a very diversified economy with low unemployment.

I would not necessarily count out cities in Nebraska and Iowa as those tend to share some similarities with KS.