10 Best Places To Live In Kansas In 2025

Kansas may not automatically come to mind when contemplating a move to a different part of the country but this doesn't mean it's not a suitable option. The Sunflower State is often celebrated for its quintessential Heartland beauty, down-to-earth communities, and pocket-friendly cost of living. From vibrant urban centers to quaint little towns and unassuming villages, there are enough destination alternatives to go around, catering to different types of lifestyles.

Whether seeking a retirement pad or a place to start raising a family, the best places to live in Kansas in 2025 entice movers with a host of inviting factors. These range from access to career opportunities, outdoor recreation, social amenities, and health institutions. Together, they promise a gratifying way of life and should be a priority for anyone planning to relocate to the Midwest.

The real estate prices in this article are estimates based off realtor.com.

Abilene

Abilene is a historic town in Dickinson County rooted in tradition, evidenced by numerous museum sites throughout the city. Residents have their work cut out for them as far as indoor pursuits, with an opportunity to learn much at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum and the Dickinson County Heritage Center. Meanwhile, the Great Plains Theatre stages various artistic productions that help bring people together in a state-of-the-art theater facility. For their outdoor recreation, many people love to hang out in the serene atmosphere of the lush Eisenhower Park Rose Garden.

Abilene is also home to the Memorial Health System and a Senior Citizens Center, demonstrating a commitment to high-quality medical services delivery and enhancing the welfare of its older population. Its median home price of $227,000 is lower than the approximately $270,000 state average.

Colby

This quaint community in the northwest corner of the state charms potential residents with a blend of affordability, an easygoing atmosphere, and a highly rated public school system.

Besides multiple elementary, middle, and high schools, Colby's school system includes the Colby Community College. Residents enjoy various forms of entertainment at the Colby Event Center, which brings the community together for athletics, basketball, volleyball, and similar competitions. Don't forget the Prairie Museum of Art and History.

Meanwhile, the Colby City Aquatic Park serves as a vital social hub where the young and old converge for fun recreation. With twenty acres of outdoor playground at Villa High Park, opportunities abound for great moments in a natural setting. Finally, townsfolk are guaranteed access to quality medical care at Citizens Medical Center as older adults find solace in assisted living establishments like Prairie Senior.

Ulysses

Named after President Ulysses S. Grant, this adorable municipality in Grant County balances its beautiful natural areas with a vibrant downtown region. Several green spaces open the doors to exciting outdoor recreation, from practising your swing on the 18-hole Bentwood Golf Course to picnicking in the laid-back grounds of Russ Binney Park. Ulysses hosts a handful of community events that help improve a sense of belonging, with one of the most anticipated being the annual Ulysses Fall Fest. The family-friendly extravaganza turns the downtown into a beehive of activities with a farmers market, food, and showcases along Main Street.

Meanwhile, new residents can learn about the region's heritage at the Grant County Museum and Historic Adobe Museum. Downtown also offers multiple opportunities for a fun day out with family, including learning about different art forms at Main Artery. The average home in Ulysses costs around $181,000, while the Grant County Activity Center and CommonSpirit Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital are some of the many vital social and health facilities available to the public.

Beloit

Beloit's average home value is $142,300, way below the United States average of about $440,000, making it one of the cost-friendliest places to live in Kansas in 2025. But affordability is only one of the many reasons you would want to settle in this small Mitchell County municipality. Beloit Parks and Recreation guarantees more than adequate room for outdoor recreation across 130 acres of land, featuring parks like Chautauqua Park and a sports complex. The downtown district is lined with historic limestone buildings alluding to its storied heritage, with highlights being the Mitchell County Courthouse from 1901 and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, listed on the NRHP.

The Beloit Senior Citizen Center caters to the needs of the elderly in the community to improve their quality of life, while the Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems promises reliable medical services to residents in a well-equipped health facility. Finally, the Beloit Unified School District runs multiple schools at different developmental stages, such as the Beloit Junior-Senior High School and higher education at NCK Technical College.

Clearwater

If suburban living is what brings you to Kansas, this bedroom community less than thirty minutes from Wichita is an enticing destination. Clearwater maintains a relaxed, family-oriented lifestyle and enjoys access to urban comforts in nearby downtown Wichita. Several social events foster a sense of place among locals, including the Clearwater Fall Festival, which incorporates fun games and entertainment for all ages. The Clearwater Historical Museum provides a glimpse of the early days, which incoming residents may be interested in while investigating local history.

Additionally, Hammers Prairie Park and Nature Center is an idyllic outdoor escape for residents who want to breathe fresh air while communing with Mother Nature. The United States Postal Service is a significant employer in the small city, whose median housing value is around $250,000. Lastly, townspeople access primary care and other medical services at GraceMed Clearwater Family Clinic as the elderly benefit from tailored programs at the Clearwater Senior Center.

Anthony

This charismatic town in Harper County strikes a balance between rich agricultural heritage, fun outdoor recreation, a sense of community, and access to medical facilities so that its residents enjoy an improved quality of life. Anthony's relaxed outdoor scenery is framed by sprawling wheat farms and the glistening waters of Anthony City Lake.

The lake serves as a crucial recreational hub where townspeople gather to fish for largemouth bass, watch shorebirds, camp, and even play golf at the nearby Anthony Golf Club. A vibrant downtown restaurant scene treats residents to diverse and delicious flavors, from Chinese at China Restaurant to Mexican at El Pueblo Mexican Restaurant.

History and culture lovers can learn about the area's past at the Historical Museum of Anthony or join others inside the Historic Anthony Theatre to watch entertaining stage productions in a family-friendly setting. The town also hosts the Patterson Health Center and the Anthony Community Care Center to provide prompt medical and social services. Additionally, its median home price of about $145,000 is way under the national average.

Burlington

Burlington is an excellent place to raise a family, promising potential movers everything from a low cost of living and a strong sense of community to fun after-school programs and numerous outdoor opportunities. Residents maintain an active lifestyle through gentle morning and evening walks at Katy Park, hunting expeditions across True Kansas Outdoors, and fishing excursions at the Coffee County Reservoir. Furthermore, the Burlington Recreation Center presents an array of fun activities for all ages inside a tax-funded facility with amenities like a swimming pool, gymnasium, conference room, events center, indoor golf, and sports fields.

The Burlington Unified School District boasts excellent educational facilities and programs to ensure quality services, with an impressive student-teacher ratio from elementary to senior school. Townspeople maintain close-knit ties through numerous community events, including the Coffee County Fair, and the Coffee County Hospital is always on hand to cater to patients in Burlington. Finally, the town sits about an hour south of Topeka and buying a home requires a budget of around $225,000.

Cheney

This Sedgwick County locality welcomes potential residents to be part of its friendly lakefront community and enjoy its beautiful outdoor scenery, where recreational opportunities remain available throughout the year. Cheney is famously home to Cheney State Park, which features the expansive Cheney Reservoir for a fair share of activities, including camping, boating, fishing, and mountain biking. Locals also spend quality moments in the open playing on the manicured greens of the 18-hole Cherry Oaks Golf Course.

The Souders Historical Museum provides a unique perspective of life in Cheney in the 1880s, while Hank Is Wiser Brewer attracts after-hour patrons who love to catch up over a pint of beer after a long day. Cheney's medical system comprises institutions like Cheney Health Center but residents can access superior health attention in neighboring Wichita. Pensioners in the towns enjoy curated programs to improve their welfare at the Cheney Senior Citizens Center, while the town's average home value is about $266,000.

Baxter Springs

Baxter Springs is a quiet river town along the historic Route 66, allowing it to enjoy a reliable transport network that eases commutes to surrounding destinations. The community is richly steeped in heritage and boasts a history that intertwines with the Civil War. This is well-preserved at the Baxter Springs Heritage Center and Museum, where various archives and artifacts chronicle local history. The sleepy and walkable downtown district features several family-owned businesses, inviting residents to enjoy family-friendly dining at Weston's Cafe.

Thanks to a strong sense of community, newcomers find it easy to fit into the Baxter Springs population. You can credit the tight-knit ties to numerous community events, including the annual Cowton Days in May and the Baxter Springs Route 66 Festival. The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas serves as the primary care provider in Baxter Springs, which offers a median home cost of $137,500.

Cherryvale

Cherryvale's charm lies in its welcoming community, affordable cost of living, and numerous events throughout the year. Residents have multiple opportunities to mingle and interact with fellow townsfolk during the many family-friendly events held throughout the year, highlighted by the Cherry Blossom Festival in May and September's Free Fly-In. The Cherryvale Community Center fosters a sense of camaraderie among the people by providing a chance to come together in a vital social hub for entertainment, recreation, events, and engagements, featuring residents of all ages.

Meanwhile, outdoor recreation is readily available at Big Hill Lake, where enthusiasts converge for swimming, boating, fishing, and camping activities. Labette Health Cherryvale Clinic is dedicated to delivering high-quality services to patients in the town, while pensioners access crucial assisted living necessities from establishments like Advena Living of Cherryvale.

A move to the Sunflower State has many upsides for anyone looking for a fresh start, whether a retired octogenarian or a young professional yet to start a family. The best places to live in Kansas in 2025 present a compelling case as to why you should choose this Midwestern state for your next hometown. With their overall affordability, natural beauty, outdoor recreation, health amenities, and hospitable communities, you have all the ingredients for a high-quality life.