7 Top-Ranked Towns in Kansas for Retirees
Retirement is a phase many people look forward to for its peaceful and tranquil lifestyle. However, this transition does not mean that retirees need only to seek a life of rocking chairs and relaxation. The state of Kansas boasts several charming, small towns that are perfect for spending one's golden years. With low costs of living, top-notch access to medical care, and plenty of unique attractions and activities to stay engaged, those considering retiring in Kansas have lots of options. Let us explore seven of the best places to retire in the Sunflower State.
Sabetha
This rural town in the northeast part of the state offers a quaint town feel with a low cost of living, minor crime, and excellent schools. With 25% of the residents being 65 and older, this small town continues to attract more seniors every year. Most residents own their homes, with a median value of $150,000. The average rent is around $640 per month. Food and gas expenses are reasonable, and overall, the cost of living is less than both the state and national average. The town is a haven with meager crime rates.
There is a small community hospital, but if you need specialized care, you may have to commute to a larger metropolitan area. In addition, the Brick Street Furniture Company and Wine Lounge is one of the best places to eat. When you or your family visit, the Sycamore Springs Whitetail Ranch is a nice campground with cabins.
Lindsborg
This small town sits just south of Salina and boasts a sizeable Swedish heritage. With a world-class art museum in the Birger Sandzen Memorial Gallery, creative Dala horse statues throughout the town, and some of the best old-world cooking, it is easy to see why Lindsborg is a retiree's paradise. Twenty percent of the town's residents are over 65 years of age. While the median value of a home in Lindsborg is around $200,000, and the monthly rent of $725 is slightly higher than elsewhere, the overall cost of living is still very reasonable. Food and transportation charges are less than the state and national averages. Coupled with the low crime rate and excellent access to medical care in nearby Salina, this town should be on every senior's radar.
The town has many festivals to celebrate its heritage, including the Svensk Hyllningsfest every other year. The festival fills the streets with dancing, old-time music, and many townsfolk dressed in costume. The Birger Sandzen Memorial Gallery features classic and regional art, and the quaint downtown area is filled with eclectic and unique shops. Try the Crown and Rye for American and Swedish dishes, or stay at the Rosberg House Bed and Breakfast in an 1885 Queen Anne Victorian home. For those looking for an energetic community with a great history, you can not do much better than Lindsborg.
Hesston
This community is northwest of Newton and attracts more seniors every year. The town has a median home value of around $230,000, but food and fuel prices are less than the state and national averages. With a population of 23.4% of its residents over the age of 65, excellent access to good medical care in Newton and Wichita, and a very low crime rate, this suburb has a lot to offer.
The Dyck Arboretum of the Plains is a lovely nature preserve that has both paved and gravel walking trails, which are perfect for keeping seniors active. Hesston College is a private two-year Mennonite college located in the town, and it offers concerts and performances throughout the year. Due to the town's proximity to Newton, there are numerous additional engaging activities organized by the local colleges and universities. If you plan to visit, make sure to try the Hesston Bakery and Cafe or the Burger Garage & Ice Cream Shop, which is famous for its great burgers and ice cream treats. While lodging opportunities in Hesston are limited, there are many more in Newton, just a few miles away.
Eudora
This small community sits between Lawrence and Overland Park on K-10. As a bedroom community feeding both significant cities, it has been growing every year and attracting a lot of attention for its safe streets, access to medical care, and reasonable cost of living. Although other areas of Kansas may have higher housing costs (the median price of a home is around $285,000), the convenience of close-by metro centers makes this a logical retirement choice.
Eudora has a rich history as an overnight stop for weary travelers heading west and for its role as a Union city during the years of "Bleeding Kansas." Today, the town boasts a small downtown area with simple shops. The town hosts an annual festival every October, EudoraFest, that attracts plenty of folks from the metro areas. Barbwire Barbeque is the best place in town for smoked ribs or brisket.
There are plenty of hiking trails close by near the Kansas River, and Clinton Reservoir is less than thirty minutes away, with some of the best fishing in the state.
Cottonwood Falls
The small town of Cottonwood Falls sits about twenty miles west of Emporia and is the gateway community to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. With a median home price of around $100,000 and the average rent at $672, the cost of living is less than in most other areas of the state. With low crime, access to medical care in nearby Emporia, and low food and fuel costs, the town is a great place to consider retiring. More than 20% of the town's residents are over 65 years of age.
The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve features several shorter nature trails for seniors to stay active. With several catch-and-release ponds, there are plenty of places to throw a line in the water for catching a bass or catfish. The downtown district is postcard-perfect, with many older turn-of-the-century buildings anchored by the historic Chase County Courthouse. When you visit, stay and dine at the Grand Central Hotel and Grill.
Abilene
Abilene has a rich history as a cow town and also happens to be the boyhood home of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States. The town got its start as a rail stop for cattle being driven along the Chisholm Trail. There is a definite Wild West/Cowboy vibe to the city that is easy to embrace. Even though it is a popular tourist destination, there are plenty of things to keep retirees engaged and active.
The median home values are around $160,000, and with quality medical care, this town is an excellent choice for retirees. The town is close to other metro areas like Salina and Junction City, so getting around is pretty straightforward.
The downtown district is a beautiful mix of locally owned shops in historic turn-of-the-century brick buildings. The historic Seelye Mansion is filled with historic furnishings and is open for tours. In addition, the town boasts a vibrant arts community, which is evidenced by the many city murals depicting the region's history. If you need a place to stay, Abilene's Victorian Inn Bed and Breakfast has beautiful rooms with a flair of Victorian elegance.
Norton
This small rural town sits in Northwest Kansas and has a population of over 2,500 people. Norton is a relaxed, friendly community with a solid agricultural base. For retirees looking for a place on the prairie to settle down, this town checks a lot of the boxes. The median price of a house is $105,400, with average monthly rent running around $672. With low crime rates and strong community support, seniors can rest easy.
The Prairie Dog State Park is just a few miles outside of town, with 1,100 acres of land along the water, which makes it ideal for camping. The lake is man-made but has a unique hybrid of White Bass/Striped Bass that are known for their aggressive fighting ability. The downtown area has many turn-of-the-century buildings filled with shops and small businesses. While the main street restoration is still a work in progress, there are vibrant signs of life everywhere you look. For a place to eat, there are plenty of fast food choices, but for a gourmet food store that will make you a believer, try Destination Kitchen.
Kansas offers retirees an array of charming small towns, each one with its own unique character and allure. Whether it is enjoying the heritage of Lindsborg, the history of Abilene, or even the wonder of a place like Hesston, these Kansas communities stand out as ideal destinations for those seeking a place to spend their golden years. Whichever town captures your heart, one thing is clear: Kansas will beckon you to call it home just as it has for over 160 years.
