7 Welcoming Towns to Retire in Kansas

Kansas, known as the "Sunflower State" for its golden fields, is home to numerous towns that exude a strong sense of close-knit community. This Midwestern state is full of welcoming towns that are also affordable, offer quality healthcare, and are occupied by friendly people waiting to be your neighbor. From the historic streets of Fort Scott to the picturesque landscapes of Emporia and the vibrant community life in Pittsburg, Kansas offers a diverse range of environments where retirees can thrive. More than just a place to retire, Kansas is where you can enjoy a fulfilling and happy life after your working days. Read on to find seven welcoming towns in Kansas to retire in.

Emporia

Emporia is located in the middle of Kansas and is considered a gateway to the rolling Flint Hills. Due to its modest size, the town, home to 25,000 people, blends the appeal of country living with city conveniences. Two significant concerns for retirees can be house prices and healthcare. Well, here in Emporia, seniors will be well taken care of. Buying a house in Emporia comes with an affordable price tag of around $162,500, much less than the state average of $233,000. Moreover, the town has the Newman Regional Health facility, which provides diverse health care, such as a special unit for prevention care.

If you are a retiree who likes the outdoors, the aforementioned area of Flint Hills is famous for its picture-perfect scenery. It is full of opportunities to wander on foot, catch fish, and observe birds. Emporia also has some memorable landmarks to check out. The William Allen White Historic Museum gives a peek into what life was like in the early 20th century. At the same time, the National Teachers Hall of Fame honors educators' contributions and highlights the importance of teaching in American society.

Ottawa

A mere 45-minute journey from the lights of Kansas City lies Ottawa, a town offering that classic small-town appeal paired with warmth and friendliness. Ottawa prides itself in having an involved congregation of older adults, such as the lively group at the Rock Creek of Ottawa and Ottawa Retirement Village. These sites hold social activities like fitness classes, offer in-house therapy, and have trained nurses to keep seniors fit and healthy.

For any retiree looking to keep active, the town is close to the Marais des Cygnes River, a tributary of the Osage River, and a peaceful option to spend time by on a sunny day. Also, the 50-mile Prairie Spirit Trail gives you a lovely view of the old train tracks landscape and is great for strolls, bike rides, or simply soaking up the natural beauty. A welcoming atmosphere is good, and a dash of culture doesn't hurt either. The Carnegie Cultural Hub, located in a classic Carnegie library, and the Old Depot Museum, a spruced-up train depot from the 1800s, both shine a light on Ottawa's deep-rooted history and lively culture.

McPherson

McPherson is a nifty little town smack dab in the backbone of Kansas. It is also another option that can offer you affordable housing and quality healthcare. The average price is a touch above $204,000, $30,000 less than the state average. For healthcare, you can find the McPherson Hospital, which is fully stocked with everything needed for all-around health services. Apart from this hospital, the town boasts a mix of special clinics and top-notch services dedicated to older adults.

Learning is a lifelong journey. For retirees passionate about learning, McPherson College and Central Christian College provide gateways to never-ending knowledge programs soaked in art and culture. If you want to see some interesting landmarks while in McPherson, look for the McPherson Opera House, an old theater from the 19th century that has been fixed up and restored as a multi-use facility. It holds various shows and events that make the town's art scene glow.

Hays

Looking for a warm, welcoming community? Hays is flush with social groups, gatherings, and special occasions designed just for retirees. For example, the Hays Senior Center provides all kinds of activities, from health-focused workouts to friendly get-togethers, that motivate retirees to stay healthy and connected. Regarding healthcare, the town is home to the Hays Medical Center, a quality healthcare facility providing in-depth medical services, including specialized care.

The town is proud of its many green spaces and places to spend time outside. This includes Frontier Park and the Fort Hays State Historic Site. These spots offer many chances for getting outside and taking in some fresh air - a perfect fit for retired people who still love being active. If you like a good celebration, Hays has more than enough to take in. One favorite is the yearly Wild West Fest around Independence Day. This fest lauds their robust pioneer past with lively happenings like cowboy sports events, foot-tapping tunes, a march of spectacle, and enactments that make bygone Old West times come alive.

Chanute

House prices on the mind? It will be hard to find housing that is as cheap as Chanute. The average home here goes for $96,000, so it is an excellent option for retirees looking to save some money. Another significant benefit to Chanute is the like-minded community of fellow retirees. Chanute has a big senior population in town, with nearly 19 percent of the people 65 years or older. Not only that, the town is full of Mother Nature's charm, boasting a multitude of parks and open spaces, such as Santa Fe Park and open-air areas. These options have paths for leisurely strolls, areas to catch fish, and even places to watch birds. This makes it an ideal space for retirees who want to spend their golden years in nature's open beauty.

Along with outdoor scenery, Chanute has a rich backstory and plenty of spots like museums and heritage landmarks. One example is the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum, a dependable choice for older folks who want to dig into the region's past while enjoying retirement.

Pittsburg

If you are looking for a vibrant and welcoming community, Pittsburg is for you. This town is located in the southeast corner of Kansas and is home to about 20,000 people. Healthcare is always important, no matter your age. In Pittsburg, residents can access the Ascension Via Christi Hospital, which offers retirees a wide range of health services, including care specifically for seniors. When you retire, it is important to have things to do. The town offers a warm, welcoming place to settle down, with lots of clubs and fun events to enjoy. At the Gran Villas Pittsburg, there are all sorts of activities, like workout classes and parties, to keep everyone active and fulfilled.

There is also a distinct air of history and heritage in the region. The Miners Hall Museum is only a 15-minute drive away and is filled with keepsakes from the coal mining days that shaped this region. It is brimming with old-timey pictures and exhibits of miners' tools and personal belongings. Also nearby is the Immigrant Park, which pays due respect to all folks whose journeys led them to settle in Pittsburg, coming from far-off places and bringing different cultures along with them.

Fort Scott

Fort Scott has a long history, especially as a military spot in the 1800s. To this day, the town has a well-kept historic downtown and important heritage locations to learn about. Luckily, with all the history, house prices are still affordable. Homes here average around $122,000, giving retirees an affordable place to settle down.

As for activities, the town's downtown is not to be missed. The Fort Scott Downtown Historic District has all sorts of gorgeous old brick buildings to walk through and soak up while taking a peaceful walk outside. The history does not stop there. The Fort Scott National Historic Site keeps the story of the old military fort from the 19th century alive. People can go on tours and watch historic reenactments in this iconic location. Close by, the Gordon Parks Museum honors a famous photographer and movie maker from Fort Scott. It displays his art and how he helped with the national civil rights movement.

In Conclusion

Kansas is a wonderful place for retirees, offering towns that blend a rich history with the beauty of nature. These welcoming communities provide excellent healthcare, engaging social opportunities, and a variety of activities to keep life vibrant. Whether you’re exploring the historic streets of Fort Scott or enjoying the outdoor beauty of Emporia, Kansas has something special for every retiree. It’s not just a place to settle down quietly; it’s where you can truly embrace and enjoy life after work is done.