8 Best Small Towns to Retire in Kansas in 2024
Finding a safe and peaceful place to enjoy their golden years can be challenging for many retirees. Although there are several great communities across the United States, Kansas is an excellent option for those considering it as their retirement destination. Learn more about Kansas's top eight small towns to retire in 2024. Each town boasts low crime rates, affordable housing options, reasonable medical care access, and exciting attractions to keep seniors engaged and entertained.
Lindsborg
Lindsborg offers retirees a unique cultural experience with its Old World Scandinavian heritage. Known as "Little Sweden," this small town sits about 24 miles south of Salina in McPherson County. There are colorful Dala horses throughout the downtown area, while art lovers will appreciate the numerous galleries and studios. The biennial Svensk Hyllningsfest celebrates the community's Swedish traditions with music, dancing, and food.
Seniors will enjoy the Birger-Sandzen Memorial Gallery's exciting art displays. The Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum is an excellent place for the grandkids to see a working mill and learn about Swedish history. Crown and Rye is a local eatery serving authentic Scandinavian dishes if you need a place to eat. For an early morning coffee, try the Blacksmith Coffee Shop and Roastery for its unique blends of coffee, teas, and pastries.
The median price for a home in Linnsborg is $219,000, and the average rent is $860. While there is a small community hospital that can handle most emergencies, most residents travel to McPherson or Salina for their medical needs.
Wamego
This small town has a population of 4,500 and is located in the northeastern part of the state, just 20 minutes east of Manhattan. The town is known for celebrating the famous book "The Wizard of Oz" with a museum dedicated to the book. While the author, Frank L Baum, never lived there, that fact doesn't stop the town from benefiting from tourists who enjoy the adventures of the Land of OZ. The town's main street boasts its own yellow brick road, where children will love searching for over 15 small statues of Toto. Each fall, the town hosts a famous festival called "OZtoberfest," designed to celebrate the late author's work.
The community is very close-knit, with above-average schools and average crime rates, with 10.9% of the population aged 65 years and older. The median price for a home sells for $214,000, and the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is about $940. Kansas State University is less than half an hour away, providing sports, musical, and art performance opportunities. The Wamego Health Center is a 25-bed facility offering medical care, but most surgeries and advanced care happen at the hospitals in Manhattan.
Wamego boasts a vibrant downtown area with local shops, eateries, and a nice city park perfect for family picnics. Try the Friendship House for lunch or a bakery item for a beautiful bite. (The breakfast Bierocks are the best you will find anywhere.) The Victory B & B is an excellent place to stay, and it has been serving travelers since 2012. With affordable housing options and a strong sense of safety, Wamego offers retirees a serene and friendly environment that will appeal to those looking for a place to spend their golden years.
Liberal
Liberal is a community in southwest Kansas, just north of the Oklahoma border. It is famously known as the hometown of Dorothy Gale, the iconic girl in the movie Wizard of Oz. The community offers retirees a peaceful and serene prairie life away from the hustle and bustle of urban areas. The cost of living in Liberal is affordable, and the neighborhoods are cozy. The median price for a home is $210,000, which offers seniors options to stretch their monthly budgets.
The area's healthcare facilities are excellent, anchored by Southwest Med Center, a 101-bed non-profit hospital that can handle all types of general and acute care. In addition, Liberal offers plenty of opportunities for senior adults to stay active, with 11 public schools, two private schools, and a community college. Retirees can work as mentors or teachers in these educational facilities.
Liberal has a rich tapestry of local attractions, including the Mid-America Air Museum with its vintage aircraft. The grandkids will love touring Dorothy's House, a replica of the one from the Wizard of Oz movie. Try Brickhouse BBQ and Brews, a great smoke-filled restaurant with delicious ribs, burnt ends, and pulled pork.
Hays
Steeped in history, Hays is a community of 20,795 residents in the west-central region of the state. Home of Fort Hays State University, this small college town offers a quaint experience for seniors to enjoy. History buffs will want to explore the Fort Hays State Historic Site, which has four preserved buildings depicting the days of early pioneers. The Sternberg Museum of Natural History has excellent artifacts and displays. The town hosts festivals yearly, including the Wild West Festival over the July 4th weekend.
Hays has grown over the years, and today, the community boasts a stunning downtown area called "The Bricks." When you go, eat at Gella's Diner and LB Brewing Company. The brewery has some of the best craft beers and burgers in Western Kansas. The Bissing House on W. 13th is a charming B&B with modern amenities and a home-cooked breakfast.
The median price of a home is a very affordable $241,000, and the average rent is $800 a month, which is significantly lower than the national average. Hays Medical Center is a 200-bed facility that can handle any emergency or recovery situation. With an average crime rate and reasonable living costs, Hays is quickly becoming an ideal location in west-central Kansas to retire.
Emporia
This college town of 24,000 residents sits halfway between Topeka and Wichita on the Kansas Turnpike. The community began as a place of commerce for travelers along the primary trade route and experienced significant growth when the railroad made it a stop on their line in the 1870s. History buffs will want to check out the Lyon County Historical Center and Museum or the home of famous Kansas author William Allen White. The nearby Flint Hills Nature Trail provides miles of scenic hiking and biking trails for those seeking outdoor adventures. The 117-mile bike path is a popular attraction with breathtaking prairie landscapes.
The median price for a home is $179,000, and rent for a two-bedroom apartment is less than $700 a month, which is 70% less than the national average. With one of the lower crime rates in the state, seniors can feel safe and confident about their living environment. The Newman Regional Health Center, a 25-bed full-care facility, supplies medical care. Emporia State University is a 2,700-student campus on 212 acres that offers plenty of music and theatrical performances and seminars. Best of all, senior adults can audit classes on campus for free.
The town's downtown area has charming boutiques, local eateries, and art galleries, perfect for strolls and discovering unique treasures. If you like antiques, Poehler's Mercantile Antique Mall is among the best. For a place to eat, try Bobby D's for great BBQ ribs, and Radius Brewing has an excellent selection of craft beers.
Abilene
Abilene, located in central Kansas, is a town saturated in history. The community boasts a rich heritage as a former lawless cowtown of the Old West, where ranch hands, outlaws, and ruffians often met violent ends. Abilene is also home to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home. The Seelye Mansion is an old Victorian home with antique furnishings and beautiful stories. Each summer, the annual Central Kansas Free Fair showcases local agriculture and crafts and attracts top-notch entertainment.
The median cost of a new home is $205,000, and the average rent is $678 per month. The number of retirees comprises 22.9% of the town's residents. Medical care is supplied by Memorial Health System, a 25-bed facility that can handle most care needs. With the cost of living below the national average and a notably low crime rate, Abilene is an appealing choice for retirees seeking a tranquil lifestyle.
Explore the historic downtown area with its eclectic mix of shops, boutiques, and eateries. For a taste of the local flair, Joe Snuffy's Old Fashioned Grill is a place you want to try. For an excellent brew and baked goods, Amanda's Bakery and Bistro is a popular local hangout.
Eudora
Eudora is a charming town on K-10, a main thoroughfare between Lawrence and Overland Park. The community is close-knit, has solid schools, and offers retirees a serene retreat with picturesque landscapes and a rich history. Outdoor enthusiasts will delight in the scenic beauty of the nearby Clinton Lake State Park, where they can enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking along miles of tranquil trails. The Eudora Community Museum, housed in a beautifully restored school building, showcases artifacts and exhibits that delve into the town's fascinating past. There is a walkable downtown district that beckons with its quaint shops and local eateries. The iconic Eudora Windmill is a historic landmark and a testament to the town's agricultural heritage.
Throughout the year, Eudora hosts various events celebrating its community spirit. The Eudora BBQ and Blues Festival is a must-visit for food and music lovers, featuring delicious barbecue offerings and live blues performances. If you need a place to eat, Jasmin's is an excellent place, but with the town being near Lawrence and less than half an hour from metro KC, there are plenty of other dining choices to explore.
The median price for a home is $399,000, and the average rent is below $1000 per month. Lawrence Memorial Hospital, a 173-bed facility, or one of several hospitals in Overland Park, handles medical care. With a meager crime rate and low living expenses, it is easy to see why Eudora has been attracting retirees.
Marysville
Marysville offers retirees a charming blend of history, culture, and small-town hospitality. The town boasts a rich heritage, which is evident in landmarks such as the historic Union Pacific Depot and the Pony Express Barn and Museum. Throughout the year, Marysville hosts various events, including the annual Black Squirrel Festival, celebrating the town's unique claim to fame as the "Black Squirrel City" with live music, carnival rides, and a lively parade. During the holiday season, the downtown area transforms into a winter wonderland with dazzling lights, festive decorations, and holiday-themed events for all ages.
When you stay in Marysville, eat at the Wagon Wheel Cafe. (It might not look like much outside, but the food and the service are excellent).
The median price for a home in Marysville is $150,000, with the average rent being less than $800, significantly less than the national average. The local hospital is Community Memorial, which has only 25 beds, while most residents travel to Manhattan for advanced care. With a low crime rate, reasonable cost of living, and affordable housing, it is easy to see why Marysville is an excellent choice for retirees.
Embrace Your Golden Years in Kansas' Idyllic Towns
Kansas is home to several unique small towns that can offer retirees a peaceful and fulfilling lifestyle. Whether you're drawn to historic sites like Abilene, cultural events like those in Lindsborg, or even outdoor adventures like the Flint Hills Bike Trail near Emporia, these eight towns provide a safe place for senior adults to call home. With affordable living costs, low crime rates, and many local attractions and events, retirees can find the perfect place to enjoy their latter years in the Sunflower State.
