Looking For a Calm, Affordable Lifestyle That’s Close to Metropolitan Amenities?
August 6, 2026
Are you looking for a calm, affordable lifestyle while staying within a 6-hour drive of major cities like Wichita, Kansas City, Denver and Oklahoma City?
Do you dream of having a better work-life balance that includes shorter commute times and a slower pace of life, giving you more time to enjoy brunch with friends, sunset bike rides, and leisurely weekends?
Many communities in Western Kansas offer all of that and more: endless opportunities, room to grow, and a lower cost of living to ensure a higher quality of life for young professionals, growing families, and retirees.
Perk #1: Lower Cost of Living
It’s no secret that today’s cost of living makes it harder and harder to stretch a paycheck. Housing is expensive. Gas is expensive. Even groceries have gotten expensive.
But many communities in Western Kansas are considered some of the most affordable places to live and work, with a cost of living that’s often below national averages.
Housing is where you’ll find the biggest savings. Many homes in Western Kansas are often less expensive than the national median and many of our rural communities have homes listed under $150,000.
That can mean a lower mortgage, smaller down payment, and less financial pressure to deal with each month, leaving more room in the budget for savings, travel, childcare, and home improvement projects.
There are even a variety of state and federal loan and grant programs designed to assist those looking to buy a home in Kansas as well as those who prefer to rent, such as:
- First Time Home Buyer Program
- Homeownership Set-Aside Program
- Tenant Based Rental Assistance
- Weatherization Assistance Program
- USDA Home Repair Program
Click here for more details and to review eligibility requirements.
Perk #2: Higher Quality of Life
Imagine enjoying more space, less congestion, shorter commutes and a calmer pace of life.
Where work-life balance means you get to enjoy a more manageable daily routine that involves more margin and less rushing around.
Whether you’re a young professional, raising a family, an empty nester or looking to change careers, Western Kansas can provide you with much more than just a paycheck.
Here you’ll find safe, welcoming communities, smaller schools, access to good healthcare, and a variety of childcare options, all within a six hour drive to the bright lights and big cities of:
- Wichita
- Kansas City
- Denver
- Oklahoma City
It’s truly the best of both worlds!
Perk #3: Western Kansas Has Jobs!
The Western Kansas Jobs website is your one stop shop for locating and exploring job opportunities in healthcare, food service, energy, manufacturing, agriculture, finance and more.
Each job listing is accompanied by quick facts about the area where the job is located, allowing you to get a snapshot about the community, population, and available amenities.
You can also enjoy ongoing professional development offered by community colleges, trade schools and universities including:
Ready to Make Your Move?
Whether you’re ready to move or just exploring your options, we're excited to talk about western Kansas with anyone who may be interested in this wonderful place we call home.
Please contact Western Kansas Rural Economic Development Alliance or give us a call at 800-982-3501 to talk more about relocation resources, job opportunities and the amazing quality of life that rural Kansas has to offer.
