Looking to move to Kansas from Connecticut. (Wichita, Overland Park: appointed, cheap house)

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by 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!

Exactly. That is why I think a move from CT to western KS would be a very severe change that would take a long period of adjustment.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by smellykat

GraniteStater, the poster stated that she is interested in pursuing a nursing program at a community college which would be available to her in Topeka. Although, now that I give this some more thought, acceptance into nursing programs can be difficult due to the high number of applicants. She also stated that she has work experience in customer service. I am sure she would be able to obtain employment in this field in Topeka. Walmart is hiring. Because she has a desire to get into nursing, she might also be interested in employment in a care center as a CNA. Her husband's background is in construction. They also rely on state assistance. My intent was only to provide the name of a location in Kansas with a very reasonable cost of living. I am not that knowledgeable with Topeka other than the fact that it is the state capitol.

IMHO Topeka is a very badly run city overall. Many people would agree with me that Topeka has many problems at the present time. I think Pittsburg is a better option for the OP, and they have a University with a nursing program.

[GraniteStater]

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.

..

The Kansas City metro area does have a Whole Foods. I know of one in Overland Park.

[smellykat]

Originally Posted by GraniteStater

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.

The COL is rather high in Iowa City. Much competition in large university cities (Iowa City, Lawrence, Manhattan, etc.) for rental properties and customer service employment.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by smellykat

The COL is rather high in Iowa City. Much competition in large university cities (Iowa City, Lawrence, Manhattan, etc.) for rental properties and customer service employment.

That is true, but some of the outlying towns in those cities tend to be cheaper. Omaha tends to have a very low COL, though.

[thriftylefty]

[SIZE=3] [/SIZE]
Something I would like to add about PSU is many people are expecting rental housing to be more available with the construction of student dorms. I think the statistic there used to be that 50% of the houses were owned by 5% of the population, it’s not uncommon for someone to own 100+ rentals. There are now small houses on the Market for $10,000-17,000. If you live near a large university make sure that they have adequate dorm space. Students don’t mind living in extremely substandard homes, (I did when I was in College) Also check out the housing code or see if they even have one. Most of the houses in Pittsburg were built 50 or more years ago, many were called “Miners Shacks” Something else to consider is energy cost. Kansas can have extremely cold and long winters, and long hot summers.

[StilltheSame]

To the OP - do your research, but Connecticut is VERY expensive. I have an advanced degree and when we looked at a corporate position in Stamford I was shocked at the cost of living - primarily housing. I was thrilled to end up in the midwest, and would suggest that you are on the right track if you seek to relocate for cost of living. That being said - relocating is very expensive so think and plan carefully and plan for the unexpected. This forum is invaluable - use it well. Good luck.

[concrete it]

If your husband doesnt mind remodel work, he will be able to find work. Expect to charge $25 to $30 per hour for work in this area. Nursing homes in the area seem to always need aids and some pay pretty good.
I also recommend manhattan ks or Omaha Ne. or somewhere in between that area. Although I do like western ks, I think where your coming from Id shy away from it.

[debbon1]

Check out the Pittsburg forum.

[Samantha S]

Originally Posted by debbon1

Check out the Pittsburg forum.

The reference here is to Pittsburg, Kansas, not Pittsburgh, PA