There’s no place like home, and Kansas may be the perfect retirement destination for you! The state has a blend of rural and urban flavors, allowing you to choose the setting that best fits your lifestyle. NewHomeSource has compiled a list of the top 10 places to retire in Kansas, making it easy to find the perfect retirement destination and new home for your new life.
1. Arkansas City
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.8%
Median Home Value: $64,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 65
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 434
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 4
The top place to retire in Kansas is Arkansas City, which is located along the Arkansas and Walnut rivers near the Oklahoma border. Enjoy golf courses, fishing ponds, and parks scattered throughout the city. Take a walk in the historic downtown to check out the architecture and the modern businesses that help the city thrive.
2. El Dorado
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.9%
Median Home Value: $88,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 17
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 361
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 5
Spend your golden years in the golden city of El Dorado! Located along the Walnut River about 30 miles east of Wichita, El Dorado has a low crime rate, allowing you to live your retirement years with peace of mind. Local attractions include the Kansas Oil Museum, Coutts Museum of Art, craft breweries, and the retail- and dining-filled Main Street.
3. Pittsburg
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 12.9%
Median Home Value: $88,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 91
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 827
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 1
With more than 20,000 residents calling it home, Pittsburg is the most populous city in southeast Kansas. It is home to Pittsburg State University, giving the city a college town feel without an overwhelming population. Have grandchildren? Take them to Kiddieland Amusement Park when they come to visit!
4. Emporia
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.2%
Median Home Value: $88,900
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 36
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 517
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 0
Emporia lies between Topeka and Wichita, making it a good choice for those who want to live near the big city without having to worry about a crowd. Folks here can enjoy such eclectic sights as the Johnston Geology Museum at Emporia State University and the David Traylor Zoo of Emporia. Whether you’re catching a movie or playing a round at the Emporia Country Club, the world is your oyster in Emporia.
5. Atchison
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.2%
Median Home Value: $89,900
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 41
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 280
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 3
Located along the Missouri River, Atchison is best known for being the birthplace of Amelia Earhart. Her life is immortalized in places such as the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum and Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum. Atchison has plenty to offer beyond the famous aviator, of course; check out all your favorite suburban amenities, including parks that overlook the river.
6. Winfield
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17%
Median Home Value: $91,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 33
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 403
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2
Winfield is an easygoing city with plenty to explore. Spend your days browsing the antique stores, checking out the local diners, or catching a show at the community theater. Or take advantage of nearby Winfield City Lake and its public beach. Winfield hosts the annual Walnut Valley Festival, which attracts thousands to enjoy days of live music.
7. Great Bend
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.7%
Median Home Value: $95,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 105
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 496
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 1
Named for the way the Arkansas River bends, Great Bend is truly a “great” place to call home. Bike the trails to the river, visit the animals at Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo or relax at Stoneridge Country Club. Shopping enthusiasts will love the variety of stores throughout the city, including flea markets.
8. Hutchinson
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.7%
Median Home Value: $96,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 153
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,290
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2
Hutchinson is one of the more populous cities on the list, with a population of more than 40,000 residents. Museum fans will love the unique museums in town, including the Cosmosphere (history of space exploration) and Strataca (underground salt museum). Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Salt City Splash Aquatic Center and Dillon Nature Center.
9. Kansas City
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 11.9%
Median Home Value: $95,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 1,193
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 6,355
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 24
Kansas City is located along the border of Kansas and Missouri. If you’re looking for a larger place to retire to, then this city with 150,000-plus residents may be the one for you. Kansas City is notable for the Kansas Speedway and Kaw Point Park, which marks the spot where the Lewis and Clark Expedition camped in 1804. Casinos, golf clubs, wineries, and lakeside parks — what more could you wish for?
10. Haysville
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 12.9%
Median Home Value: $102,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 43
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 251
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 10
Haysville is known as the “Peach Capital of Kansas,” and for good reason: Their peaches are some of the best around. Enjoy an annual outing picking peaches at the local orchard. Everything is truly peachy in this Wichita suburb, and you can enjoy peaceful days walking through the parks or working on your fitness in the recreation center.
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare, and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.
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