15 Best Places to Retire in Kansas

This article looks at the best places to retire in Kansas.

Changing Attitudes Towards Retirement

Retirement in America isn’t as straightforward and fated as it used to be. One simple reason for this is that retirement in the post-pandemic economic circumstances is vastly more expensive than before. According to Northwestern Mutual, the average American now believes they need $1.46 Million to retire comfortably in comparison to $951K in 2020.

One might infer that this may compel individuals to delay their retirement and continue to divert savings towards their nest eggs, however, not everyone shares this vision. In fact, attitudes towards retirement have become more diversified in the post-pandemic environment, with individuals considering many alternative paths to retirement.

The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE: SCHW) reports that most Gen Z individuals plan on retiring by the age of 61. This observation is ratified by Edward Jones’s study that most emerging adults (ages 18-34) wish to retire by the age of 61. If this sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Edward Jones reports that emerging adults are less inclined to save than their predecessors.

“Our data found that financial advisors’ GenNext clients [next generation of clients] want to retire at 61 – three years ahead of the generation before them but are less focused on saving for retirement than their parents or grandparents. Instead, they are prioritizing family planning (30%), everyday expenses (28%) and investing (23%).”

-Julia Bartak, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones

At the same time, many potential retirees are considering alternative paths to retirement. According to a survey by Fidelity Investments, 66% of adult financial decision-makers are planning for a gradual, phased-in retirement. Moreover, many individuals are looking to pursue their dreams and passions in their second act, with 60% of Gen Zs and 58% of Millennials hoping to abandon traditional retirement paths in favor of traveling, relocating, or even opening a new business.

In addition to phasing out of their careers, many seniors are putting off retirement by continuing to work full-time beyond the conventional retirement age of 62. According to F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE: FG) 64% of pre-retirees are considering or have taken action to delay their retirement. In addition, F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. reports that 44% of U.S. retirees or former retirees have returned or are considering returning to work.

This attitude towards delaying retirement is motivated by both personal and financial factors. According to F&G Annuities & Life, Inc., among retirees considering coming out of retirement, 50% say it is because they enjoy the intellectual stimulation from working. In contrast, a survey of 401K participants by The Charles Schwab Corporation found that 62% of workers see inflation as an obstacle to saving for a comfortable retirement. 78% of respondents said these conditions are impacting their spending and saving habits, and 36% plan to delay retirement because of these conditions, per The Charles Schwab Corporation survey.

Thus, while retirement continues to be a concern for all generations, there are plenty of different strategies you can utilize to save for retirement. One common strategy for retirement is to relocate across state borders. The best states for retirement tend to be the ones that can provide you with the right combination of comfort and affordability. For those living in the Midwest, there are plenty of cities in Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan that can be considered as the best places to retire in.

Retirement in Kansas

Another state retirees can consider retiring to is Kansas. There are many advantages of retiring in Kansas. The Sunflower State has an average cost of living 12.9% lower than the national average. According to Redfin Corporation (NASDAQ: RDFN), the median home price in Kansas as of March 2024 was $262,100. This is significantly more affordable than the national median home price in March 2024, which Redfin Corporation (NASDAQ: RDFN) quotes as $420,321. Thus, for retirees interested in affordability, Kansas is one of the Best States for Retirement in the US in 2024.

Conversely, Kansas has moderately high taxes that can be unfavorable to retirees. Kansas remains one of the few states that continue to tax social security, albeit partially. Seniors with an adjusted gross income under $75,000 are exempt from social security taxes. However, other forms of retirement benefits such as private pensions and 401Ks remain fully taxed, as do withdrawals from retirement accounts.

Another important factor to consider is that Kansas lies in the Tornado Alley and witnessed 44 tornadoes in 2023 alone. That said, the state has moderately warm summers and mild winters, making it one of the few states that feature all 4 seasons impartially. With these factors considered, join us as we look at the best places to retire in Kansas.

Methodology

To develop our list of best places to retire in Kansas, we initially picked out the most recommended best places to retire in Kansas on the internet. We used 10+ sources including our list of 15 Best Cities to Retire in the Midwest, 51 Best Cities to Retire on $3,500 a Month, and 29 US Cities Where You Can Retire on $2000 a Month to develop a shortlist. Among these best places to retire in Kansas, we developed a scorecard using metrics such as livability scores, cost of living, median rent, and median home prices. Livability scores were sourced from Area Vibes while median rent and median home prices were obtained from Zillow Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: Z) and Redfin Corporation respectively. By standardizing these metrics on a linear scale, each place was scored, based on which we sorted our list in descending order. The top 15 places were chosen as the best places to retire in Kansas.

By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a similar consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or a professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders.

Here are the best places to retire in Kansas.

15. Prairie Village

Insider Monkey Score: 10.35

Livability Score: 82

Median Home Price: $452,275

Median Rent: $2,650

IM Cost of Living: 100.6

Located in the suburbs of Kansas City, Prairie Village is one of the best places to retire in Kansas. In comparison to other places on our list, this city might be more expensive to live in, however, it provides excellent recreational opportunities through Harmon Park and Meadowbrook Park, along with access to all the amenities of Kansas City.

14. Overland Park

Insider Monkey Score: 11.02

Livability Score: 79

Median Home Price: $470,000

Median Rent: $1,995

IM Cost of Living: 98.6

Another Kansas City suburb, Overland Park is a vibrant community that is popular for hosting the Overland Park Fall Festival. In addition, the city is home to Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Prairiefire Museum, and plenty of delightful restaurants.

13. Olathe

Insider Monkey Score: 11.24

Livability Score: 78

Median Home Price: $438,550

Median Rent: $2,025

IM Cost of Living: 96.1

Olathe is one of the best places to retire in Kansas in terms of medical facilities. Olathe is home to the Olathe Medical Center, meaning that retirees have access to immediate healthcare. It also has immense natural beauty, exhibited in places such as the Ernie Miller Park & Nature Center, Ensor Park & Museum, and Cedar Lake Park.

12. Wichita

Insider Monkey Score: 12.49

Livability Score: 68

Median Home Price: $232,250

Median Rent: $1,395

IM Cost of Living: 84.4

Median home prices and cost of living in Wichita are close to the state median and the national average respectively, making it an extremely affordable place to retire in. Wichita is known as the “Air Capital of the World” and its heritage in aeronautics can be witnessed at the Kansas Aviation Museum. There is a wide tapestry of excursions to experience in Wichita, including games at the Riverfront Stadium, the flora and fauna of The Wichita Gardens, and literal treasures at the Museum of World Treasures.

11. Leawood

Insider Monkey Score: 14.32

Livability Score: 74

Median Home Price: $782,750

Median Rent: $2,505

IM Cost of Living: 102.1

Although Leawood is by far the most expensive place on our list in terms of median home prices, it is one of the best places in Kansas to enjoy a luxurious retirement. Being a suburb to Kansas City, it offers a blend of big city amenities with small city charm. The city also features several parks, shopping centers, and restaurants.

10. Lenexa

Insider Monkey Score: 14.33

Livability Score: 86

Median Home Price: $475,000

Median Rent: $1,900

IM Cost of Living: 97.6

Lenexa has one of the best livability scores on our list, which isn’t surprising considering the many amenities and excursions you get to revel in this city. It is home to over 30 parks, including the Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park and the Black Hoof Park. The latter features Lake Lenexa where visitors can enjoy excursions such as hiking, boating, and fishing.

9. Lindsborg

Insider Monkey Score: 15.42

Livability Score: 75

Median Home Price: $285,000

Median Rent: $1,650

IM Cost of Living: 78.7

Lindsborg is known for its Swedish heritage, so much so that it is called “Little Sweden”. The town features many art galleries and museums such as the Birger Sandzén Memorial Art Gallery and the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum. In addition, the town also hosts the Svensk Hyllningsfest, a biennial celebration of its Nordic heritage.

8. Topeka

Insider Monkey Score: 15.47

Livability Score: 69

Median Home Price: $149,950

Median Rent: $895

IM Cost of Living: 81.0

The state capital also happens to be one of the best places to retire in Kansas. The city offers affordable housing along with numerous avenues for recreation and intellectual stimulation. There are plenty of parks to explore, including the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park, a landmark that commemorates the US Supreme Court decision to end racial segregation in schools in 1954.

7. Kansas City

Insider Monkey Score: 15.94

Livability Score: 75

Median Home Price: $261,000

Median Rent: $1,190

IM Cost of Living: 83.2

There are plenty of reasons to consider Kansas City one of the best places to retire in the state. The city is home to the University of Kansas Hospital and Medical Center, one of the best healthcare centers in the state. Moreover, if you’re a sports fan, you’ll be overwhelmed by the city’s sports scene. It is home to the Kansas City soccer team and the Kansas Speedway features both NASCAR and Indycar racing.

6. Shawnee

Insider Monkey Score: 16.40

Livability Score: 88

Median Home Price: $405,000

Median Rent: $1,700

IM Cost of Living: 96.6

Shawnee has the highest livability score on our list, making it one of the best places to retire in Kansas. The Shawnee Mission Lake offers plenty of excursions in the form of boating, fishing, sailing, and paddle boarding. Moreover, it is located just 15 miles from Kansas City, meaning residents have access to many big city amenities as well.

5. Salina

Insider Monkey Score: 16.71

Livability Score: 72

Median Home Price: $147,450

Median Rent: $875

IM Cost of Living: 81.4

Salina is a vibrant city located in the heart of Kansas. Housing in the city is extremely affordable, even in comparison to cities in Kansas. The town is home to a number of art galleries and delightful restaurants, meaning retirees can look forward to plenty of leisure. Salina also features the Indian Rock Park and is a short drive away from the Mushroom Rock State Park, home to some of the most interesting rock formations you’ll see.

4. Liberal

Insider Monkey Score: 17.15

Livability Score: 71

Median Home Price: $140,000

Median Rent: $995

IM Cost of Living: 75.6

Median home price and cost of living in Liberal are less than any place on our list, making it one of the most affordable places to retire in Kansas. The town lies just North of Oklahoma and is extremely well connected with other major cities in the area through Highway 54. Albeit limited in terms of attractions, the town features the Adventure Bay Family Water Park and the Dorothy’s House & the Land of Oz Museum.

3. Hays

Insider Monkey Score: 18.43

Livability Score: 78

Median Home Price: $313,500

Median Rent: $800

IM Cost of Living: 79.7

Hays is a historic town in Kansas that offers one of the best combinations of affordability and entertainment. Hays is home to the Fort Hays State Historic Site, a 19th-century military post that now serves as a landmark museum. Hays also hosts the annual Wild West Festival each Independence Day Week and is home to the Hays Medical Center, thus offering the perfect blend of amusement and comfort.

2. Manhattan

Insider Monkey Score: 19.24

Livability Score: 81

Median Home Price: $279,000

Median Rent: $895

IM Cost of Living: 82.2

Known as the “Little Apple”, Manhattan is a dynamic city that lies at the junction of the Kansas River and the Big Blue River. It is the site of the Kansas State University, owing to which the city has a vibrant and youthful energy with plenty of buzz. Although there is a myriad of excursions to distract yourselves with, the Tuttle Creek State Park is one of the most picturesque spots to explore the great outdoors.

1. Lawrence

Insider Monkey Score: 20.02

Livability Score: 88

Median Home Price: $336,825

Median Rent: $1,125

IM Cost of Living: 88.0

The best place to retire in Kansas is the riverside city of Lawrence. Lawrence is home to the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University. Although median home prices in the city are higher than the state median, they are significantly lower than the national median. Moreover, with a livability score of 88, Lawrence is one of the most vibrant cities to spend your golden years in.

Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily newsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below. You can also take a peek at 15 Best Places to Retire in Louisiana and 20 Natural Healing Hot Springs to Visit in the World.

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This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.