Kansas - Real Estate

Move to Kansas

Home to the geographical center of the contiguous United States, Kansas is truly the heartland of the country. Contrary to belief, there’s much more to Kansas than just farmlands, including a healthy state economy and job market. With its rich history, scenic landscape and friendly Midwestern hospitality, Kansas has it all. The communities in Kansas offer affordable and varied options for housing, excellent schools and comfortable weather.

Kansas has an overall cost of living that is 92% of the national average and housing costs 13.4% less than the national average. Kansas real estate includes everything from stunning luxury estate houses, to cozy modern single-family homes and condominiums. The overall statewide median housing value is $134,800.

Residents may choose from big cities such as Wichita, serene upscale communities such as Overland Park and small tight-knit towns such as Countryside. The northeastern portion of the state has a rich history and is home to more than 1.1 million people in the Kansas City, Lawrence, Topeka, and St. Joseph metropolitan areas. In the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, the cities of Johnson County have some of the fastest growing populations and highest median incomes in the state and the entire country. The Kansas City Metropolitan Statistical Area's median home price is $153,300, with Overland Park hosting the highest median home price for this region at $216,300. Residents are willing to pay a little more for their homes in Overland Park as it is ranked as the 6th best place to live in America.

A healthy state economy and a good job market are supported by varied commerce and industry, particularly aircraft and agriculture-related enterprises. At least 90% of the land area in Kansas is devoted to agriculture production. Historically an agricultural state, Kansas's economy today relies more heavily on manufacturing and service. With a population of over 350,000, Wichita is the largest city in Kansas and is generally considered its economic hub. As the "Air Capital of the World," Wichita is home to several major aircraft manufacturers, including Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Cessna and Raytheon. The unemployment rate is also consistently among the lowest in the United States, attributing to positive outlook for job seekers moving to Kansas.

Kansas offers its residents a variety of recreation and activities to enjoy. Get back to nature with the state’s many fishing lakes, prairies, streams and wildlife areas. Enjoy the culture of the eclectic Kansas art community with a diverse range of museums, workshops, studios and theaters. For adventurous types, the state is home to attractions like ancient dinosaur bones, the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center in Hutchinson, the Rolling Hills Zoo and the Old West locale of Dodge City.

All four seasons are experienced in Kansas. Statewide, the average annual temperature is 55 degrees. The average rainfall is 26.5 inches statewide; however, precipitation decreases as you travel west. Western Kansas is known to have as many days of sunshine as parts of California and Texas. In spite of the frequent sunshine throughout much of the state, the state is vulnerable to strong thunderstorms and severe weather, especially in the spring.

To learn more about specific communities in kansas, request a Free Relocation Packet prepared by a HomeRoute Preferred™ local community expert. This exclusive guide will be customized to your specific home search and help you prepare for your upcoming move to kansas.

Information provided courtesy of HomeRoute.