Housing market and best cities to live in Kansas: Kansas City: Cultural and economic hub. Affordable housing options statewide. Strong job market in Wichita. Lawrence: Vibrant college-town atmosphere. Growth potential in Overland Park. Topeka: Affordable cost of living. Leawood: Upscale suburban living. Manhattan: Close-knit community vibe. Prairie Village: Family-friendly neighborhoods. Lenexa: Rapidly growing area.
Kansas City: Cultural and economic hub.
Kansas City stands out as a cultural and economic hub in Kansas, boasting a vibrant business climate, significant employment growth, and investments in infrastructure and technology. The city's unique cultural melting pot, low unemployment rate, and affordable housing options make it an attractive place to live, with a thriving real estate market driven by high demand and limited inventory. For more insights into Kansas City's dynamic growth, visit the Thriving Together page on the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City website.
Affordable housing options statewide.
Kansas offers various affordable housing options statewide, including programs administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, such as the Affordable Housing Program, grants from the Federal Home Loan Bank, and assistance from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. These programs provide funding for housing rehabilitation, down payment assistance, and rent subsidies for low- to moderate-income households.
Strong job market in Wichita.
Wichita stands out for its strong job market, with an impressive employment rate of 98% and a median family income of $60,856, making it one of the top cities to relocate to in 2024 due to its affordability and economic opportunities. According to Langere, the city's vibrant economy offers a multitude of job opportunities that continue to attract individuals and families seeking a balanced and prosperous lifestyle.
Lawrence: Vibrant college-town atmosphere.
Lawrence, known for its vibrant college-town atmosphere, is home to the University of Kansas and offers a robust economy, 50 parks, and a thriving arts scene. It stands out as one of the Best Places to Live in the U.S. for 2024, with a median home list price of $325,000 and an average sale price of existing homes at $320,353.
Growth potential in Overland Park.
The Overland Park housing market exhibits substantial growth potential, with the median home price expected to increase to approximately $446,633 by mid-2025. This rise is fueled by strong demand, a robust local economy, and an influx of new residents, positioning it as one of the most desirable locations to live in Kansas. For more detailed insights into these trends, you can visit the Overland Park Housing Market Trends page.
Topeka: Affordable cost of living.
Topeka, Kansas, offers an affordable cost of living, with a cost of living index of 88, which is 12% lower than the national average. The median home price is $105,700, 42.8% lower than the national average, and average monthly rent is 14.1% lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordable housing. For more detailed insights, visit the AreaVibes website, which provides comprehensive information about Topeka's cost of living and other vital statistics.
Leawood: Upscale suburban living.
Leawood, KS, offers upscale suburban living with a robust housing market characterized by steadily increasing median home prices, high demand, and a competitive market environment, making it one of the best cities to live in Kansas due to its desirable neighborhoods, excellent schools, and ample amenities. For more details on the city's thriving real estate landscape, explore the Leawood, KS Housing Market to understand why it remains a sought-after destination for prospective homeowners.
Manhattan: Close-knit community vibe.
Manhattan, KS, offers a close-knit community vibe with a housing market characterized by a median home price of $284,000, down 4.3% from last year, and homes selling after an average of 18 days on the market. The area has a lower overall cost of living compared to the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking a community-oriented lifestyle. For more detailed insights, visit the Manhattan Housing Market website to explore current trends and opportunities in this inviting locale.
Prairie Village: Family-friendly neighborhoods.
Prairie Village is a highly desirable, family-friendly community renowned for its historic homes, tree-lined streets, excellent schools, and numerous parks. It offers a peaceful suburban lifestyle with easy access to the Greater Kansas City Metro Area, making it an ideal choice for families, young professionals, and first-time homebuyers.
Lenexa: Rapidly growing area.
Lenexa, Kansas, is experiencing a rapidly growing housing market, with a median home list price of $530,015 in October 2024, marking a 6.7% increase from the previous year. The area sees strong demand, with homes selling quickly, an average listing age of 123 days, and a 10.8% increase in the number of homes for sale compared to the previous month. For more detailed insights, visit the Real Estate Trends page, which provides comprehensive market data and analysis.