Retire in Kansas?? (Wichita, Kansas City, Topeka: houses, theatre, YMCA) - (KS) - Page 2 - City-Data Forum

GraniteStater · 05-04-2012, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prairieparson

Granite Stater: I'm sure Tennessee would be fine, but my wife has serious allergies, and I've read before that Knoxville is one of the worst. Yes everyplace has has some allergy problems, but from what I've read, the air in Kansas is comparatively clean.

My autisic son works and is over 30, and hasn't used any govt. services since HS.

The worst of the allergy problems and air quality issues are in Knoxville proper because it sits in a geographic valley with mountains on several sides. Allergy and air quality issues are much better further west in Crossville and Cookeville. I wouldn't say that the air quality in KS is that much better than most of TN, especially eastern KS in the Topeka through KC corridor.
What type of employers and employment opportunities would you be targeting, and would you prefer smaller towns and cities near a larger metro?

augiedogie · 05-04-2012, 10:23 PM

With my son's handicap, he's pretty limited to what kind of jobs he can do, but janitorial works out good. He works as an usher at a movie theatre now, and thats mostly cleaning. I'll look into the Knoxville area. Thanks.

AnywhereElse · 05-05-2012, 05:55 AM

We have driven through west TX, even Lubbock, on our way to southern AZ. It always seemed so nice and clean. I guess I favor less humidity and greenery since I deplore bugs! I did not know that the population was shrinking there though. Abilene, KS is nice though and we considered trying to relocate there but since it is so close to Fort Riley, the prices on houses are too high in our opinion. Be careful of houses near Fort Riley, or any military installation, because prices can fluctuate depending on what is happening with the troop strength and even though you might think you are settling for good, plans can always change. I also like Salina, actually love Salina and lived there 30 years ago for a couple of years. We lived in Junction City where my husband is originally from for several years and having been former military myself, I enjoyed being around the troops but a lot of people don't.

I would not, under any conditions move to SE KS. I think you would probably like the central part of the state. I always thought that Salina had good medical care and the location is "central" and an easy drive to the bigger cities via the highway going either south or east although a longer drive it just opens up the state when you are centrally located.

I was looking at real estate in Salina this week and I think the prices there are fair and the range of houses from lower to higher prices seem good. They are home of "Tony's Pizza"! I worked there when I was younger, much younger. They have a few different industries there.

We are also looking at small towns just south of Topeka which appear to be affordable.

When it comes to allergies, my older son had them in a major way and the only place he has seen relief is in California where he is stationed now and could never afford to live otherwise. Good weather and pleasing climates cost a lot of money.l

augiedogie · 05-05-2012, 07:30 AM

If I'd move to Topeka, I'd like to know, which is "the good sides" and where are "the bad sides." Every town has this. The good side is where they're still building houses, new businesses; and the bad side is where there is no growth, old falling down and abandoned housing.

Hueffenhardt · 05-05-2012, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prairieparson

If I'd move to Topeka, I'd like to know, which is "the good sides" and where are "the bad sides." Every town has this. The good side is where they're still building houses, new businesses; and the bad side is where there is no growth, old falling down and abandoned housing.

If you want to be near the newest shopping, etc, then western Topeka is where you will want to be, west of Wanamaker. Wanamaker has Best Buy; Sam's Club; Dick's Sporting Goods; Bed, Bath & Beyond; Olive Garden; Chucky Cheese; Red Lobster; the Mall; etc.

GraniteStater · 05-05-2012, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prairieparson

If I'd move to Topeka, I'd like to know, which is "the good sides" and where are "the bad sides." Every town has this. The good side is where they're still building houses, new businesses; and the bad side is where there is no growth, old falling down and abandoned housing.

The west side of Topeka is newer with more "growth."
Also, I prefer Lawrence to Topeka any day of the week in terms of atmosphere, college events, and a better culture. Lawrence is in between Topeka and the Kansas City metro area.
The big negatives to eastern Kansas tend to be the weather and the allergies once again. Also, eastern Kansas is not as conservative politically as the majority of west Texas Lubbock region.

AnywhereElse · 05-05-2012, 10:09 AM

Staying away from the downtown area, the old part, seems to be a good idea in Topeka. The good thing I saw about Topeka is that you can live just a couple miles outside of town and it was rural with nice size lots, etc. and then slip into town for jobs, necessities and entertainment. We like the Kansas Museum, air museum and the zoo. We don't do casinos but if you like that sort of thing, they have them north of Topeka. They are planning to put in a candy factory in the near future south of Topeka which should really help the area which I think is slightly depressed right now. I do not like the areas east of Topeka for a variety of reasons so I just won't say anything about them. We stayed at a RV park for a couple of months visiting our son who was living in Topeka at that time and enjoyed the area. You can use the "search" feature to look at threads on Topeka since there have been a few.

augiedogie · 05-05-2012, 10:42 AM

The more I look at Topeka, the more I like it. It has things I'm interested it. The museums, esp. the air museum, low cost housing, the race tracks look like fun, golf, and availability to lakes, and a more conservative feel to the place. We've gotten used to more open spaces and more sunshine, less humidity, we just don't like it as extreme as west Texas is.

I've wondered about one thing that is hard to find and get a good handle on and that's taxes. I've never seen Kansas mentioned as a place to escape from high taxes, so what are the taxes like in Kansas, keeping in mind my main income will be SS, which apparently is not taxed.

Texas has no income tax, but it still has taxes. Property tax on my $140.000 home are $2600. 8 1/2% sales tax on everything except food and drugs. Vehicle renewal is only $45, Water rates are high out here. Garbage, water, and sewer runs $100-120 a month except in summer when it goes up because of more watering the lawn. How does Kansas compare? Don't worry about scaring me. I grew up in Wisconsin. Now they have taxes.

GraniteStater · 05-05-2012, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prairieparson

The more I look at Topeka, the more I like it. It has things I'm interested it. The museums, esp. the air museum, low cost housing, the race tracks look like fun, golf, and availability to lakes, and a more conservative feel to the place. We've gotten used to more open spaces and more sunshine, less humidity, we just don't like it as extreme as west Texas is.

I've wondered about one thing that is hard to find and get a good handle on and that's taxes. I've never seen Kansas mentioned as a place to escape from high taxes, so what are the taxes like in Kansas, keeping in mind my main income will be SS, which apparently is not taxed.

Texas has no income tax, but it still has taxes. Property tax on my $140.000 home are $2600. 8 1/2% sales tax on everything except food and drugs. Vehicle renewal is only $45, Water rates are high out here. Garbage, water, and sewer runs $100-120 a month except in summer when it goes up because of more watering the lawn. How does Kansas compare? Don't worry about scaring me. I grew up in Wisconsin. Now they have taxes.

Taxes near Topeka would be somewhat similar to Lubbock area but likely a bit higher. Kansas has a high sales tax and property taxes are not very low. Vehicle registration is quite a bit higher as well. Oh, another big negative: Kansas TAXES grocery food items at the full sales tax rate of 8-9%! In Johnson County, SW of Kansas City, MO the rate can be as high as 9.5%!

AnywhereElse · 05-05-2012, 02:03 PM

In our county, a $140,000 property pays $2,935.18. On the vehicle(s), you'll also pay personal property tax which can be substantial depending on the value and if you have a boat, camper, etc., more personal property tax. I am thinking if you go to the Shawnee County website and check the Treasurer's area, it may give you the rates and if not, send them an email and they can tell you exactly what you would be looking at. Here, water/sewer runs about $50.00 to $60.00 a month for 3 people being thrifty with usage. Trash is $45.00 for 3 months and some cities include that service with utilities. If you run a search for "Kansas Dept. of Revenue" you might get some info there. A Chamber of Commerce sent me this link and it maps out the reported crime: https://www.crimereports.com/ which I find quite handy but it looks like Topeka just reports sexual offenders, some report other crimes also.