8 Budget-Friendly Towns In Kansas For Retirees

Choosing where to spend your retirement is one of the most important decisions any senior adult can make as they approach their golden years. This decision goes beyond finding a comfortable place to live; it involves considering factors such as cost of living, access to healthcare, recreational opportunities, and overall quality of life. For many, the ideal retirement spot balances affordability with a welcoming atmosphere and ample amenities to enrich and engage one's remaining years.

If you're seeking such a place, Kansas has many charming small towns that might offer the perfect backdrop for your retirement dreams. Known as "The Sunflower State," with vast wheat fields, stunning prairie sunsets, and rich pioneer heritage, Kansas has numerous small towns that are ideal havens for potential retirees. Let's look at eight budget-friendly small towns in Kansas that offer the perfect setting for a fulfilling and enjoyable retirement.

Emporia

Emporia, located in the southeastern part of the state, offers a variety of cultural, historical, and recreational activities. The town is home to Emporia State University, which has a strong performing arts department, sponsoring numerous cultural and theatrical activities for seniors. Retirees are allowed to audit classes at no cost, with permission from the instructor, and subject to availability.

The William Allen White House is a nearby museum that celebrates the town's native son, who was known as a writer and politician. The David Traylor Zoo and Peter Pan Park are nice venues to entertain the grandkids, whether you are interested in seeing animals or just having a picnic under a shade tree. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and enjoying nature.

Emporia’s cost of living is below the national average, with affordable housing options available. The median price for a home is $161,000. With a cost of living index of 74.6 out of 100, spurred by reasonable food and utility costs, this community allows most retirees to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without excessive expenses.

Medical care is provided by Newman Regional Health, which operates an excellent 25-bed acute care hospital. This non-profit facility has been serving Lyons County's needs for over a hundred years with its comprehensive healthcare services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialized treatment services.

Abilene

Abilene may have a rich history as a booming cowtown during the days of the Old West, but it is probably most famous for being the childhood home of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home are central attractions, offering residents and visitors a deep dive into American history. The Seelye Mansion, a beautifully restored historic home, also provides a fascinating glimpse into the past. The community is close-knit, with numerous churches and organizations dedicated to engaging and enriching the lives of seniors.

Abilene boasts a low cost of living, almost 25% less than other areas of the country. The median price for a home is $173,000, less than the state average and significantly below the national median value. Utility, food, and fuel costs are very affordable, which helps retirees stretch their budgets. In addition, Memorial Health System, which includes a hospital, clinics, and various healthcare services, ensures that seniors have access to quality medical care close to home.

The downtown district has plenty of small boutiques and locally-owned shops to explore. When you visit, be sure to dine at Joe Snuffy's, a local diner that has been serving great food for over 25 years. In addition, the community is located right on Interstate 70, which offers easy access to other cities and shopping if needed.

McPherson

McPherson, situated in McPherson County in central Kansas, is a charming small town about half an hour south of Salina. With around 14,000 residents, McPherson boasts a close-knit, family-friendly, conservative community. Downtown Main Street has small boutiques and shops, like Ark Antiques, Sunflower Mercantile, and The Stone Chimney, perfect for exploring or spending a leisurely afternoon. The McPherson Opera House hosts a variety of performances, while the McPherson Museum and Arts Foundation provides ample cultural enrichment. One of the best festivals the city offers is the annual McPherson Scottish Festival, a twenty-year-old tradition featuring highland games, Celtic music, dance, and food.

The cost of living in McPherson is very reasonable, with a livability score of 78.7, less than the state and national average. The median price for a home is $203,700. The town offers a range of housing options, from historic homes to modern apartments, ensuring that retirees can find a home that suits their needs and budget. Medical care is provided by McPherson Hospital, a 49-bed acute care facility that offers extensive healthcare services. In addition, McPherson is situated on Interstate 135, which makes access to larger urban areas like Wichita and Salina easy.

Ottawa

Ottawa is in Franklin County, just off Interstate 35, about an hour southwest of Kansas City. This small town is a handsome, tree-lined city with a historic Main Street featuring shops, restaurants, and the beautifully restored Plaza Theatre. When visiting, be sure to visit the Old Depot Museum, with its interesting displays of pioneer life. After you've finished exploring, the best place for Kansas smoke-kissed barbeque is Smoked Creations, which has been creating unique takes on barbeque since 2010.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the Prairie Spirit Rail Trail, a 51-mile-long trail perfect for walking, biking, and enjoying the Kansas landscape. The Ottawa Municipal Auditorium hosts concerts and events, offering seniors plenty of cultural activities. With its proximity to Lawrence and Kansas City, many urban activities and shopping venues are within an easy drive.

Ottawa’s cost of living is lower than the national average, with affordable housing options available. The median price of a home is $210,000. While the price is slightly higher than other communities, it is still more affordable than much of the state. With excellent utility costs and reasonable food and fuel prices, retirees can live comfortably without high expenses. The town offers a range of housing options, from cozy bungalows to spacious family homes, ensuring that retirees can find a home that fits their budget and lifestyle. AdventHealth provides comprehensive healthcare services to Ottawa residents, anchored by their 36-bed hospital.

Great Bend

Great Bend is a community of 16,000 in Barton County, almost in the geographical center of the state. The community was founded in the 1870s and has experienced several periods of economic growth. Initially founded as a supply depot on the Santa Fe Trail, Great Bend gained notoriety as a lawless, booming cow town with the railroad's arrival. When oil was discovered in the region almost a decade later, in 1886, the town enjoyed several decades of growth. Today, this rural town has settled into its role as a simple, close-knit prairie community.

The area is ideal for nature lovers, with the nearby Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge offering birdwatching and wildlife observation opportunities. The town also has a vibrant arts scene, with the Crest Theater hosting various performances and events. Every year, the community hosts an end-of-summer bash called Party in the Park, where visitors can engage in plenty of activities from parades, concerts, and classic car shows. The festival offers some of the best street food on the planet and caps off the evening with an electrifying fireworks display.

Great Bend enjoys a very affordable cost-of-living ratio of 70 out of 100. The median price of a home is $117,000, making it one of the lowest in the state. In addition, low utility, entertainment, and healthcare costs help to stretch seniors' budgets. The University of Kansas Health System operates the Great Bend Regional Hospital as a 29-bed acute-care facility, offering complete healthcare services.

Newton

Newton sits just half an hour north of Wichita and is known for its rich Mennonite heritage, showcased at the Kauffman Museum at Bethel College. The quality museum offers various traveling exhibits throughout the year that provide excellent stimulation to keep visitors educated and enthralled. As a small college town, the community has an energetic vibe and green space, with numerous parks and recreational facilities. The Sand Creek Trail is a 5.8-mile woodchip trail just off of the Bethel Campus that extends through woodlands and hedgerows, offering plenty of wildlife viewing.

The median price for a home in Newton is $163,000, significantly less than the state or national average. With a cost of living score of 79.4, senior adult residents in Newton enjoy reasonable expenses even though they may be slightly higher than the state average. Newton Medical Center is a well-equipped facility that provides comprehensive healthcare services and has served the community since 1988. With its proximity to Wichita, it has easy access to other shopping, dining, and entertainment venues.

Hutchison

Hutchinson is a small college town with many activities and attractions for retirees. Hutchinson Community College is an excellent 2-year community college with an enrollment of 4,907 students. The campus allows senior adults to take up to two classes each semester tuition-free, offering older adults an opportunity to engage their minds and mentor younger students.

The town is home to the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, a world-renowned museum dedicated to space exploration. The Strataca Underground Salt Museum provides a unique experience, allowing visitors to explore a working salt mine. In addition, the community hosts the Kansas State Fair, which attracts thousands every September and is a wonderful venue for enjoying great food, music, and fun.

The median price for a home is $138,400, with a cost-of-living ratio of 72.7. While household expenses are slightly higher than the state average, seniors can save on groceries, as food costs tend to run 5 - 10% below other parts of the US. Medical care is supplied by the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, a 190-bed facility that is one of the largest, most well-equipped healthcare facilities in southeast Kansas.

Lindsborg

Lindsborg sits just a few miles south of Salina and is known as "Little Sweden" because of the Scandavanian heritage that permeates the community. The town celebrates its Swedish roots with numerous festivals, including Svensk Hyllningsfest. The Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery offers a collection of works by the renowned Swedish-American artist, and the Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum provides insights into the area's history. The downtown area is filled with unique shops, galleries, and restaurants, so there is plenty to keep retirees engaged. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the Välkommen Trail, a 4.5-mile scenic path perfect for walking and biking. If you visit, dine at the Crown and Rye, a favorite local eatery specializing in Old World dishes.

The median price for a home in Lindsborg is $218,325. The cost-of-living ratio is 78.7, slightly higher than the state average. While prices might be elevated compared to rural areas, the community still offers budget-minded retirees an excellent choice for individuals looking for a place to call home. Lindborg Community Hospital, with its 25-bed facility, anchors the healthcare services.