Which College Town...or other town in Kansas to move to? (Wichita: low crime, affordable houses)

[EnglishRoses]

Hello all...

I am trying to find a new place to live and am looking in different parts of the country and going back to places where I have travelled and enjoyed.
Kansas was a place that was really pleasant for me when I lived there.

I need help in culling through college towns in Kansas...or another town that might have the amenities I am looking for....perhaps you can help?

I am thinking about a college town because they seem to be the towns that have more cultural things to offer...and that's what I really would like to have...without having to be in KC or any othe big city. I don't really enjoy big city life, never really have. I work at home so employment will come with me. I am in my 40's, children grown and don't need a wild night life, but making some friends who read books and like to talk about politics and the arts would be a bonus. I like doing art, collage and home decor..that's my passion...as well as holistic health.

I like Lawrence, but the cost of buying a nice old house there has risen by a lot since I last lived there. So, I am also looking at Emporia, Pittsburg, Manhattan...and Atchison, Hutchison (not college towns) but not sure about other towns....if you have suggestions...after you read my list, please let me know.

1. Nice older neighborhoods with affordable housing.
2. A college or university (to take classes in...)
3. A place to get some health food (like a shop if possible)
4. A good bookstore
5. Some cafes/or restaurants (no need for anything fancy)
6. A community that is not too conservative (I'm a moderate)
7. A friendly, outgoing town that would welcome a stranger
8. An antique mall or antique shops
9. Shopping of some kind (so that going into the big city only has
to be twice a month.
10. Low crime (that's a given!)
11. A feeling of small town...not a bedroom community/suburb
12. Not so tiny, it's claustrophobic


If any of you know.....any of the college towns well...in Kansas or another town that might fit the bill....please let me know.

I looked in Manhattan and there doesn't seem to be a lot of housing available...anyone know why that is? (Not a great selection of affordable houses, anyway..compared to other communities.)

Any information would be most appreciated...and I thank you in advance!

Also...how far is Atchison from Lee's Summit? (Just curious...if anyone knows.)

[Kansasfornow]

Have you considered Wichita? There are several colleges in Wichita and surrounding areas - e.g. WSU, Butler Community College, Newman University. There are lovely affordable neighborhoods, art galleries, museams, etc. There are many types of people in Wichita, not all are really conservative.
Check Wichita out, you might really like it!

[EnglishRoses]

Thank you so much....I'll give Wichita a look!

Still would love to hear other opinions...views. I am going to travel there to look at communities personally in about a month or so.Right now, I am gathering information.

[EnglishRoses]

Good Luck to Wichita! Aren't they competing for All-American City??

[geekychick]

Wichita - WSU is a small and beautiful campus. College Hill area has some beautiful old homes. Many small surrounding towns. Andover, has a Butler Community College satellite, a new YMCA (state of the art) and a huge Dillion's Marketplace. Avg commute is 20 minutes. From Andover to WSU it takes 20 minutes. The other poster is correct, Wichita, does have Old Town, art galleries. Eldorado is small and home to Butler CC. Between Wichita and Eldorado are very small towns like Benton, Towanda, and Potwin. 20 minutes and you are in the heart of Wichita.

Topeka - Beautiful old houses in College Hill area near Washburn University. Gage Park has a train ride, carousel, swimming pool and zoo. We went there Sunday and spent the whole afternoon. Even has a concession stand. Lots of people take their blankets and picnic in the park. Costs 8% less to live in Topeka over Wichita.

30 minutes to the east is Lawrence, home of University of Kansas. It has your basic shopping and restuarants and you could go 30 minutes either way to KC or Topeka. Beautiful town. Clinton Lake is to the west outside of Lawrence. Lawrence is very hilly and lots of trees. Massachusetts St has lots of little shops and on a Saturday night - EVERYONE is there. Park your car and walk around eat outside. Lots of people watching. Blocks of little sandwich shops, BBQ joints, bookstores, trinkets, toy store, very quaint. I love it there!!!!

Surrounding Topeka and Lawrence are towns like Ottawa, Holton, Burlingame.. all really small towns. 1 hour to KC and within 20 minutes to at least Topeka. Right now, I am hoping that I get a job offer so I can move to Topeka.

[KSUgrad]

Here's more info on housing in Manhattan: Manhattan Association of REALTORS

Here's info on things to do in Manhattan: Manhattan Convention & Visitors Bureau

Best wishes!

[Harpoon]

Manhattan doesn't have many houses available since Fort Riley recently expanded to once again house "The Big Red One". Many of those folks are snatching up the available housing.

[KSUgrad]

There was a big housing boom in Manhattan and in preparation for the Big Red One too many houses were built and things are starting to get back to normal, but it's slightly more of a buyer's market here.

[KevK]

Emporia is OK but if you really want to live life to its fullest in Kansas, Lawrence is really the place to be. Everything else there pales in comparison.

[luzianne]

Lawrence is the only one of the college towns mentioned that I would consider. I hate Manhattan and the others don't appeal to me at all. Lawrence is wonderful.