8 Most Affordable Towns to Retire in Kansas

America’s Sunflower State proudly has a wonderful and unique combination of rural and more modern choices when it comes to places to live, allowing future residents to choose what might be more to their preference for retirement. For several reasons, spanning from low taxes to opportunities for senior community engagement, Kansas is arguably one of the best states in the country to retire to. According to Kansas Commerce, the cost of living here is 13.5% lower than the national average.

If you and your loved ones are looking to wind down in the bright and beautiful state of Kansas, look no further than these top eight most affordable towns for retirement.

Lansing

The particularly visually appealing town of Lansing is known as one of the best places to live in Kansas. It has a wholesome neighborhood feel to it and has several free-of-cost community events held regularly that are excellent for seniors. Be sure not to miss the beloved Lansing Fall Festival, or the Brew, Blues, and Bar-B-Q event held over the first weekend of May. Car shows, quilt shows, and local craft booths are all part of the fun to be found at this festival! According to the Economic Research Institute, Lansing is also able to boast the fact that it lies 21% below the national cost of living average. Home prices here are trending upward, with median home prices (as of February 2024) at approximately $399,500 (according to realtor.com). However, this is still lower than the US national median home price of $420,000.

Enjoy stress-free and low-cost living in this town with accessible fitness facilities, a peaceful and natural environment, and countless community activities to keep seniors engaged. Last but not least, Lansing residents are able to enjoy fantastic walking trails in one of the town’s many parks, including the Angel Falls Trail complete with idyllic waterfall views.

Atchison

With over 20 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the town of Atchison has a historically rich past, most especially in it being the birthplace of legendary aviator Amelia Earhart. Atchison is known to be calm, peaceful, quiet, family and retiree oriented, and generally a very safe place to be. Atchison is visually very appealing with Victorian-era architecture, and lies 22% below the national cost of living average. The median home price here is quite affordable, at around $100,000.

There are also beautiful natural attributes to enjoy in Atchison. Visit tranquil parks and lakes such as Atchison State Fishing Lake or Warnock Lake, or actively participate in one of countless community attractions and events held regularly. One look at the community's online events calendar, and you will see that there is never a dull moment in this town! Additionally, don’t miss the iconic historical sites that this town has to offer, such as the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum or Hangar Museum, as well as the 1889 McInteer Villa.

Coffeyville

The charming town of Coffeyville might just be the best location for retirement in the state of Kansas, as it truly stands out in its financial accessibility and in its tranquil, rural environment. It has a tight-knit community feel, and is an ideal location for those looking for an affordable place to retire while simultaneously not compromising on a quality lifestyle. The cost of living in Coffeyville is 27% below the national average, and the median home price here sits around $100,000.

Coffeyville is a historic small town with several diverse attractions to engage in and enjoy, perfect for seniors still wanting to be involved in their community. Must-see attractions include the Aviation Heritage Museum, and the iconic Dalton Defenders and Coffeyville History Museum. There are also multiple, beautiful golf courses found here, such as the Hillcrest Golf Course or Coffeyville Country Club, ideal for golf enthusiasts.

Winfield

Winfield, Kansas, lies 24% below the national cost of living average, and has a median home price of $92,900, according to the Economic Research Institute. The town has an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities, and several historical sites to explore. Enjoy maintaining a balanced, healthy, and active lifestyle through visiting the Winfield Lake Trails, the Quail Ridge Golf Course, the Aquatic Center, or the widely popular Island Park, the latter also being the host of the annual winter Isle of Lights. The stunning event is memorable, and free of cost for the public.

Ottawa

The charming and affordable town of Ottawa lies 24% below the national cost of living average and has a median home price of approximately $200,000. It is a lovely and attractive place, with a historic and colorful city center. Residents of Ottawa can take in the beautiful outdoors through one of several State Park trails that run through the town, such as the Prairie Spirit Rail Trail, the Flint Hills Nature Trail, or the Kanza Park Trail.

Experience several annual festivals or community events, such as classic car shows or traditional fair experiences. You won't want to miss the legendary Ol' Marais River Run, one of the largest car shows to be found in the Midwest, held in spectacular Forest Park. Lastly, you can pay a visit to the Plaza 1907 cinema, widely known to be the oldest cinema in the world.

Fort Scott

A quaint and historic town, with a rural and close community feel to it, Fort Scott is an ideal location for safety, quiet, and anyone looking to enjoy and savor life at a slower pace. It is known to be very friendly, and certainly very affordable. The town lies 21% below the national cost of living average, and has a median home price of around $100,000. Fort Scott also offers its residents beautiful and tranquil outdoor settings, at locations such as Fort Scott Lake or Gunn Park. Enjoy various serene walking trails, or boating and fishing possibilities.

Residents are also able to tour the national historic site that is Fort Scott, and learn how it played a key role in the development of the free country today. Lastly, despite it being such a small town, there are also several reliable healthcare facilities here. The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, the Medicalodges Rehabilitation Center, and the Girard Medical Center, for example, are all able to meet a large variety of medical needs for seniors.

Independence

An affordable and vibrant town, Independence provides a variety of attractions and community engagement activities for its residents, great for seniors looking to still be actively involved in their community. Enjoy the Independence Historical Museum, and perhaps most notably the Little House on the Prairie Museum, a direct reconstruction of the cabin as described in the original, classic novel. The town also lies 30% below the national cost of living average and has a median home price below $100,000.

There are several hospitals and healthcare facilities available in the area, such as the Labette Healthcare Center or the CRMC Medical Group. Independence is also home to the Elk City State Park, which perhaps boasts some of the most spectacular scenic views and trails in the state, excellent for nature enthusiasts.

Parsons

Parsons, Kansas, provides a small town and very friendly neighborhood environment for its residents. It is known to have excellent overall healthcare access, including express care facilities, through Labette Health - Parsons. Affordability wise, according to the Economic Research Institute, the town lies 26% below the national cost of living average. The median home price lies at approximately $65,000. Parsons is also the ideal place to be for those who love the great outdoors. It is home to the picturesque and expansive Forest Park, the town's largest community park that hosts countless annual events, boasts numerous serene walking trails, and has several inclusive athletic facilities.

Additionally, enjoy historic attractions such as the Edwards Manor House, the Oakwood Cemetery, or the Iron Horse Historical Museum. There are also several beautiful golf courses for retirees, such as the Katy Golf Course. You'll want to add to your regular calendar a stop by the locally acclaimed Parson’s Farmers Market as well as enjoy the visually stunning Parson’s Arboretum, which presents 19 acres of outdoor splendor and gorgeous botanical life.

With spectacular natural settings, activities, and attractions for every kind of interest and lifestyle preference, and prices generally sitting below the national average, the state of Kansas ticks every box when it comes to what you would be looking for in a retirement location. Slow down to savor and enjoy these golden years, in any one of these eight towns that are sure to meet every one of your retirement needs, whether for healthcare, affordability, serenity, and safety.