7 Senior-Friendly Towns in Kansas

More than 15 percent of Kansas' population is made up of senior citizens and retirees and with good reason. Not only does the Midwest state have more than its fair share of small, peaceful towns for tranquil living, but it also has an abundance of cultural and outdoor recreational opportunities. Moreover, Kansas has plenty of natural beauty with its rolling hills and prairies, plus a typically mild climate year-round. These senior-friendly towns are waiting to welcome people who want to enjoy their golden years in vibrant surroundings.

Fort Scott

One of the biggest factors that make Fort Scott a popular town with retirees is its walkable vibe and abundant amenties. The charming town is also within easy driving distance of several hospitals and medical centers, such as the Fort Scott VA Clinic, which is essential for seniors. There are also a few retirement communities, including the Credo Senior Living, where one can find ample care and comfort.

Retirees who love history and want to get a bit of exercise can take a historic downtown Fort Scott walking tour, which traverses past many points of interest, such as the Liberty Theatre, which opened in 1919, and an old freight depot that played an important role after the Civil War. The Fort Scott National Historic Site is another historical draw for both locals and visitors alike. It represents an 1840s-era military fort complete with 20 structures, period furnishings, interpretive exhibits, and living history reenactments. Other local places where seniors can stay active include the Fort Scott Aquatic Center, Kansas Rocks Recreation Park, and Gunn Park, which offers over six miles of wooded trails.

Great Bend

Great Bend is a vibrant town on the scenic Arkansas River in the state's center. It's in the middle of everything, from exciting annual events to plenty of natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, making it the perfect place to enjoy retirement. The charming town offers easy access to several medical centers and is home to several senior living communities, which offer activities to keep residents busy and socially connected. Cherry Village Assisted Living and Brookdale Great Bend are two local communities that welcome seniors.

Active seniors can explore the outdoors at the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, which offers bird watching, hiking, biking, and fishing, among other adventures. This preserve encompasses 41,000 acres of wetland and is one of the country's top waterfowl and shorebird staging areas. Other local parks include the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Park and Heizer Park. Sky enthusiasts can spend time at the Barton Planetarium, which is located on the Barton Community College campus.

Chanute

Chanute is the quintessential small Midwestern town, and senior citizens make up almost 20 percent of its population. The crime rate is low, and there are several medical facilities within a 25-mile radius, such as the Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center, which make the town a popular Kansas retirement destination. Credo Senior Living is available for retirees who need assistance with their accommodation and affordable living options.

Those who decide to retire in town have endless options to spend their time. For example, one can head to Chanute's Main Street, the heart of town, and a local gathering spot filled with historic buildings, shops, and eateries. The Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum, one of the state’s most popular museums, is also located downtown. Retired arts and culture lovers will want to check out the Chanute Art Gallery, a complex that comprises four historic buildings and offers exhibits, classes, lectures, and other special events. Meanwhile, retirees who like to golf can spend days practicing their craft at the Stone Creek Golf Course, a public, par-71 course featuring an onsite restaurant.

Leawood

The charming town of Leawood was ranked as one of Kansas' safest towns, making it ideal for senior citizens who prioritize safety. Leawood is home to several retirement communities, such as the Town Village of Leawood, which ensures that residents can enjoy an active lifestyle throughout their golden years. Colonial Oaks Senior Living at Leawood is another option for retirees, with great staff and clean living spaces. Although the peaceful town is small, it's part of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, giving it easy access to top-notch medical facilities.

The nearby Museum at Prairiefire gives locals and tourists an introspective look at the ancient past. It features dinosaurs, sea creatures, space exhibits, and a virtual reality experience that people of all ages enjoy. The attraction is part of the Prairiefire Entertainment District, which offers self-guided wetlands trails, a shopping mall, and restaurants. Outdoor-loving seniors can take relaxing walks and bike rides at Gezer Park, a neighborhood park featuring several play areas for visiting grandkids.

Haysville

Haysville is a town in Kansas that's perfect for retirement on a budget. An average home in this town costs $200,000, which is $25,000 less than the state average. It also offers an affordable cost of living, as well as an abundance of local parks, activity centers, quaint shops, delicious eateries, and a vibrant summer farmers market. Moreover, Main Street Place Senior Residences manages planned social activities and plenty of community spaces to help keep retirees active and connected.

Dog-loving seniors can walk their canine friends at the Haysville Dog Park and keep cool at the Dewey Gunzelman during the warm summer months. Other local attractions include Riggs Park, Haysville Hometown Market, and Sargeant's Berry Farm, where retirees can pick their own produce.

Wellington

With nearly 20 percent of its population over the age of 65, Wellington is another Kansas town that beckons retirees. Located just 30 miles south of thriving Wichita, Wellington offers the best of small-town living while being close to big-city amenities, such as excellent healthcare facilities. It's also home to several parks, historic sites, and senior living communities offering various social activities. For example, Homestead Assisted Living of Wellington offers private residences with an onsite care staff for retirees who need medical assistance.

History buffs can spend time at the Chisholm Trail Museum, which is housed in the historic Hatcher Hospital building and details the lives of the pioneers and cowboys who traveled the trail. For arts and culture lovers, the Wellington Regent Theatre offers current movies and weekly live entertainment. The Wellington Golf Club features a par-70, 18-hole golf course for retirees who love the sport.

Parsons

Parsons is a picture-perfect small town ideal for retirees with various outdoor recreational opportunities and a quaint downtown with historic buildings. Parsons has a rich history and was named after the president of the Katy Railroad in 1871. The quaint locale was also listed as a Top 10 Whitetail Town by Outdoor Life Magazine. Seniors comprise almost 20 percent of Parsons' population, so a bustling social environment abounds. Woodridge Estates and Parsons Presbyterian Manor are two communities available for retirees, depending on their levels of need. Nearby, Labette Health offers easy healthcare access for locals.

The Parsons Farmers Market and the various regional 18-hole disc golf courses keep retirees busy. The Iron Horse Historical Museum, which has an on-site train caboose and engine, is another popular attraction for history-loving residents and tourists. It offers a look into the role the area played in railroad history.

Wrapping Up

No matter what region of Kansas you want to live in during your golden years, you'll find a small town that welcomes you with an abundance of outdoor activities, historical attractions, and plenty of special events and entertainment options. Many of the state's towns offer a lower cost of living and easy access to good healthcare facilities, which also draw in seniors from all over the country.