Best Places to Live in Kansas

You know what they say—there’s no place like home. And in Kansas, that can mean a lot of different things depending on where you land—from polished suburbs to college towns to wide-open space.

If you’re considering a move to Kansas, it’s important to choose a city that fits your budget, lifestyle and family’s needs. So, to give you a peek at some of your options, let’s take a look at the best places to live in Kansas.

Top Kansas Suburbs for Families and Quality of Life

Johnson County (Overland Park, Olathe, Prairie Village)

Johnson County is widely considered the best place in Kansas for families and overall quality of life, though housing costs tend to be higher than in many other parts of the state. Home to popular Kansas City-area suburbs like Overland Park, Olathe and Prairie Village, the county consistently ranks among the top places to live in the Midwest.

Johnson County has some of the state’s best schools, plus safe, well-planned neighborhoods and plenty of everyday conveniences—along with easy access to high-paying jobs across the region. The county also features one of the largest and most-used park and trail systems in the Midwest, with dozens of miles of connected greenways.

Overland Park is the county’s largest and most established city, known for its upscale feel and great school districts, like those in the Blue Valley area. Nearby Olathe provides a slightly more affordable option with similar family-friendly appeal. Prairie Village and neighboring communities like Mission Hills, Leawood and Lenexa add to the mix with tree-lined streets, parks and a polished suburban lifestyle.

County Population	622,2371
Median Household Income	$102,7022
Median Home Price	$612,0003
Average Monthly Rent (Overland Park)	$2,0004
Average Annual Rainfall	41.1"5

^{Data in tables collected in December 2025.}

Best City in Kansas for Job Opportunities and Affordable Living

Wichita

Wichita is the largest city in Kansas and a major economic hub for the south-central part of the state. It combines job opportunities with affordable living, making it a practical choice for buyers and renters who want room in their budget without giving up city conveniences.

Often called the Air Capital of the World, Wichita is home to a long-standing aviation and manufacturing industry, along with growing health care, education and service-sector employment. While some parts of the city face higher crime rates, many residents choose nearby suburbs like Derby, Maize and Andover, which offer quieter neighborhoods, good schools and easy commutes into the city.

With some of the most affordable home prices and rents among major Kansas metros, Wichita stands out for people who want steady employment, a lower cost of living, and big-city amenities without big-city prices.

Metro Population	652,9396
Median Household Income	$67,4347
Median Home Price	$285,0008
Average Monthly Rent	$1,2009
Average Annual Rainfall	36.4"10

Best College Towns in Kansas for Culture and Community

Lawrence

Lawrence is one of the best college towns in Kansas for people who want an active, walkable community with a strong cultural scene. Home to the University of Kansas (KU), the city has an energy that shows up in everyday life—not just on game days.

Downtown Lawrence anchors that vibe, with historic buildings, locally owned restaurants and frequent events that keep the area busy year-round. KU adds college sports, live music and a younger demographic to the mix, while the city’s size and layout still make it comfortable for families and retirees who want culture without big-city congestion.

Located between Kansas City and Topeka, Lawrence gives residents easy access to larger job markets and amenities while maintaining its own distinct personality.

Metro Population	120,55311
Median Household Income	$66,99712
Median Home Price	$378,95013
Average Monthly Rent	$1,50014
Average Annual Rainfall	41.1"15

Manhattan

Manhattan reflects a more traditional college-town experience rooted in Kansas culture and community values. Home to Kansas State University, the city attracts students from across rural Kansas and the Midwest, giving it a distinctly down-to-earth, practical feel.

K-State’s agricultural and engineering programs shape the local culture. It’s common to see a mix of students, military families from nearby Fort Riley, and longtime residents who value hard work, school spirit and small-town connections. The result is a community that feels grounded and approachable rather than trendy or fast-paced.

Fort Riley supports steady employment and consistent housing demand. That stability drives interest in rentals and starter homes, making Manhattan appealing for both long-term residents and real estate investors.

Just a short drive away, the town of Wamego adds extra charm with its historic downtown and Wizard of Oz–themed attractions, rounding out the region with a uniquely Kansan mix of tradition, community and small-town character.

Metro Population	132,83116
Median Household Income	$63,03317
Median Home Price	$279,00018
Average Monthly Rent	$1,20019
Average Annual Rainfall	35.2"20

Best Midsize Cities in Kansas for Convenient, Affordable Living

Salina

Salina is a midsize Kansas city that works well for residents looking for affordable living without the crowds and traffic of a large metro. Located near the center of the state—at the crossroads of Interstate 70 and Interstate 135—Salina serves as a regional hub for jobs, health care and shopping.

The city has a solid mix of manufacturing, transportation and warehousing, education, and medical employment, along with easy access to major highways. Its size makes commutes short and amenities easy to reach, while home prices and rents remain lower than in Kansas’ largest metros. Salina also has a modest but active arts presence, anchored by venues like the Stiefel Theatre, which hosts performances and community events throughout the year.

With a straightforward layout, family-friendly neighborhoods and a less-hurried lifestyle, Salina is a good fit for people who want practical affordability, access to services, and a close-knit community in a manageable-size city.

Micro Area Population	59,58321
Median Household Income	$63,99822
Median Home Price	$227,00023
Average Monthly Rent	$1,15024
Average Annual Rainfall	33.4"25

Hutchinson

Hutchinson strikes a comfortable middle ground between small-town charm and city convenience, with more access to dining, shopping and entertainment than rural communities and far lower costs—and less traffic—than Kansas’ largest metros.

The city is best known for the Kansas State Fair and the Cosmosphere, one of the top space museums in the country. Together, they give Hutchinson a level of cultural and educational presence that’s unusual for a city its size. These landmarks help support tourism and community events while reinforcing local identity.

With affordable home prices, low rents and a close-knit feel, Hutchinson draws residents who want budget-friendly living, well-known local landmarks, and a slower pace without feeling cut off from everyday conveniences.

Micro Area Population	61,69326
Median Household Income	$60,49827
Median Home Price	$209,00028
Average Monthly Rent	$75029
Average Annual Rainfall	32.1"30

Best Small Towns in Kansas for Charm and Historic Appeal

Abilene

In central Kansas, Abilene blends historic roots with strong community ties and a relaxed atmosphere. It attracts residents who value classic Americana, local traditions and an affordable cost of living.

Originally founded as a cattle town during the Wild West era, Abilene played a key role in Kansas history and still embraces that heritage today. The town is also known as the childhood home of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, whose legacy remains a point of pride for the community.

With its walkable downtown, local festivals and budget-friendly housing, Abilene is a good fit for people who want small-town living with deep historical character and a close-knit atmosphere. Abilene is the kind of town where people still know their neighbors and community events matter.

City Population	6,44931
Median Household Income	$56,59232
Median Home Price	$186,50033
Average Monthly Rent	$87534

Lindsborg

Lindsborg is a small Kansas town known for its cultural identity and historic charm. Often called Little Sweden, USA, the town stands out for its Scandinavian heritage, well-preserved architecture and arts-focused community.

Local festivals, galleries and shops play a central role in daily life, and tourism helps support the local economy without overwhelming the community. Lindsborg’s walkable streets and distinctive character give it a more curated, village-like feel compared to many rural towns.

With its emphasis on culture, community events and small-town living, Lindsborg draws residents who value creativity, tradition and a close-knit environment in a truly unique setting.

City Population	3,77335
Median Household Income	$69,55936
Median Home Price	$193,75037
Average Monthly Rent	$92538

Best City in Western Kansas for Space and Affordability

Garden City

Garden City stands out as one of the most affordable places to live in western Kansas, offering wide-open space, a diverse population and a stable regional economy. It serves as an important hub for southwest Kansas, supporting jobs and services well beyond its city limits.

The local economy is closely tied to agriculture and food production, which provides steady employment without the boom-and-bust growth patterns seen in larger metros. With less development pressure and competition for housing, home prices and rents in Garden City tend to remain lower than in many other parts of the state.

With lower home prices, manageable rents and room to spread out, Garden City draws residents who want affordability, job stability and a simpler lifestyle in a regional center rather than a major metro.

Micro Area Population	38,00139
Median Household Income	$72,43740
Median Home Price	$270,95041
Average Monthly Rent	$1,39542
Average Annual Rainfall	20.9"43

Ready to Move to Kansas?

Once you’ve decided where to move in Kansas, the next step is finding a home in that area. At Ramsey, we want you to own a home, but we don’t want your home to own you. That’s why we encourage buyers to keep their total monthly housing payment within 25% of their take-home pay—so they can afford their home without stretching their budget.

We also handpick real estate agents in Kansas who care just as much as we do about helping you get a home you can afford. For a fast and easy way to find local Kansas agents, check out our network of RamseyTrusted^® agents.