Things To Know And Do Before Moving To Wichita
Known as the “Air Capital of the World,” with 35% of all US-manufactured aircraft coming from this city, Wichita is a place of wonders. The largest city in the state of Kansas, Wichita is the birthplace of White Castle and Pizza Hut, but it is popularly referred to as the place where the Wild West meets the Midwest, giving the city a rich history to share. For someone moving to this fascinating place, a lot awaits in terms of experiences.
However, there are numerous things to take care of before you can move. Relocating to a different city altogether is no easy feat. It’s like starting all over again, which obviously requires extensive planning and effective execution for things to go smoothly. Moving from one city and another is a process that doesn’t come without hassles and the occasional frustration. The absence of proper planning can make it even more troublesome, spoiling the entire experience for you and your family.
In order to make the journey easier for you, here’s how you can make your move to an amazing city like Wichita worthwhile:
1.Have your packing and moving sorted
Before you move to Wichita, you’ll need to sort your packing and moving. Although this is something that is a necessity for every move, whether it is within a city or to a different company, you may need extra help here. Hiring the services of Wichita moving companies is something you’ll need to consider if you’re relocating from some place close by. These movers can facilitate you in finding the way around. The overall hassle of moving becomes less cumbersome with professional movers as they not only move your belongings with care, but a trusted service provider can go above and beyond to assist you, especially knowing you’re coming from a different city or even state.
2. Figure out your accommodation situation in Wichita
Wichita is amongst the places where housing is extremely affordable. For starters, the average rent in the city is $871, which as compared to the national median of $1,391, is relatively reasonable. What’s more, is that most people living in the city own their homes, and renters make up close to 35% of the total population. The housing market all across the country is rising in terms of prices, and Wichita is no different, but once again, the percentage increase is much lower than the national average. Houses are also mostly newly built, with the age of most real estate being between 40 and 50 years old.
One thing you need to know about Wichita, though, is that the housing market has a catch. The prices of homes and rental rates are low, but residents need to pay a provision to the city for certain utilities like street maintenance, etc. In most states, these prices are coupled with the cost of a home and paid by the developer. In Wichita, this is not the case. The city pays for these elements, and then you need to pay the city administration over a particular period of time. This duration can range between ten and twenty years. Also, these charges come with interest.
3. Affordability is Wichita’s biggest selling point
Wichita is a great choice if budgets are a concern for you. In terms of cost of living, Wichita has been placed at number 12 amongst a list of 228 cities. To be precise, Wichita’s cost of living is nearly 14% lower than the national average, which is a significant saving for individuals and families. And it’s not just the housing cost. Other necessities like healthcare, groceries, and miscellaneous expenses that a family may incur are also lower than the average prices across the country. The only caveat is utilities, as these costs are higher in Wichita than in other places in the US. All in all, you are bound to save a bundle in terms of the cost of living.
4. East or West side? Be prepared to answer that question a lot
This may seem like a strange question to you, but residents of Wichita, especially those who’ve recently moved to the city, have witnessed many people presenting them with it. Many people you interact with will ask whether you live on the east or west side of the city. As a new person in the city, this inquiry will confuse you unless you know its background. Main Street in Wichita serves as the boundary between these virtual sides, which by the way, doesn’t actually divide the city, but it is still something that residents compare. Evidently, before certain new major highways were built, getting from one part of town to the other was not as simple as it is now. The locals are still fixated on east vs. west and barely ever venture beyond their part of the city.
5. Alcohol is something you won’t get in major stores
Before you start to change your mind, liquor is easily available throughout the city. You won’t find it in leading retail chains like you would in other cities. Most major stores across the country now have separate sections for alcohol, but in Wichita, things are done differently. However, the city has adapted appropriately to this. Liquor stores are abundant throughout the city, and with the short distances and minimal traffic, you’ll be able to get to a shop without much hassle. The only thing is that since there is no public transport, you’ll be better off finding a store close to where you live.
6. The local economy is pretty strong
Besides being the “Air Capital” of the world, with companies like Learjet, Spirit, and Textron all three operating from the city, other notable players from other industries are also present in the city. For instance, Koch Industries is another company that serves as the backbone for Wichita’s economic progress. From jet fuel to smart construction tools and a diverse variety of other lifestyle products, Koch has a diverse portfolio serving millions of customers worldwide. At the same time, big names like Via Christi, Cargill, and Coleman are also based in Wichita.
Conclusion
It is safe to say that you are making a great choice by moving to Wichita in terms of overall quality of life. You’ll be closer to amazing experiences for your family while at the same time enjoying cost savings on basic needs like accommodation and groceries. However, there are things that you’ll need to adapt to, like the absence of subways or trains. If you are prepared in advance, you’ll have a better chance of making it through.
