Dorothy from the The Wizard of Oz isn’t the only one who wished to be back in Kansas — and I’m not just talking about Wichita real estate! There are thousands of people who move here every year in hopes of a great life.

When many people think of Kansas, they associate it with its role as a trading post on the Chisholm Trail in the 1860s. Others think of it more aeronautically as the “Air Capital of the World,” with Beechcraft, Cessna, Boeing, Learjet, and Spirit AeroSystems continuing to operate factories in Wichita today.

But for me, Kansas (and Wichita in particular) is so much more! Here are my top 10 reasons to move to Kansas.

1. Low Cost of Living

Cost of living in Kansas is approximately 21 percent lower than the US average. And with an average household income of $41,664, most households can maintain an acceptable standard of living. This makes Wichita real estate steady!

2. Jobs, Jobs, and More Jobs!

According to Wichita State University’s Center for Economic Development, this year alone, non-farm employment in Wichita is expected to increase by 3,565 jobs. And unemployment in Kansas is 4.9 percent — which is well below the national average.

3. Buying a Home in Kansas Is a Good Investment

With home prices steadily increasing, Wichita real estate and Kansas is a good investment. The statewide average sale price last month was $177,500, compared to $174,802 in May 2013. The statewide median sale price last month was $148,000, the same as in 2013. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median home price in the Midwest rose by 4.0 percent to $165,900.

4. Entrepreneurs Welcome!

Pizza Hut, White Castle, Garmin, Vornado, Rent-A-Center, Rainbow Loom, and many other businesses all started in Kansas! In 2013, The Business Journals‘ blog On Numbers ranked Wichita number 23 in small-business vitality among the nation’s 102 major metropolitan areas.

5. A Great Place to Learn

Kansas has six state universities, 19 community colleges, five technical colleges, six technical schools, and a municipal university.

6. Dine, Eat, Enjoy

With nearly 900 restaurants spanning all kinds of cuisines, Wichita offers something for any appetite!

7. Museums

Kansas boasts over 300 museums, and Wichita is home to over a dozen of them — from the Wichita Art Museum to the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.

8. Great Place to Raise a Family

In Today‘s 2008 survey of “The 100 best places to raise a family,” Wichita ranked number 11 out of 257 cities. Family Circle magazine agrees that Kansas is a great place for families.

9. The Suburbs!
Wichita is surrounded by several rapidly growing suburbs, including Andover, Derby, Goddard, Haysville, Kechi, Maize, Park City, and Valley Center.

10. We love our Military and Veterans!

Wichita is home to McConnell Air Force Base, and Wichita ranked 13th out of 50 cities on the 2013 Military Friendly Cities list.

These are just 10 reasons why I love Wichita, Kansas, and have decided to raise my family here. I hope they help you learn more about our great state and all the wonderful opportunities Wichita has to offer.

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