Kansas

Shrek

(4,174 posts) Mon Apr 29, 2013, 10:38 AM Apr 2013

Retire Here, Not There: Kansas

http://www.marketwatch.com/Story/story/print?guid=07AD4F3C-AE96-11E2-BA04-002128040CF6

With its low cost of living, solid economy, wide-open spaces, sporting options and laid-back lifestyle, Kansas can offer a compelling proposition for retirees.

For one, retiring in Kansas is easy on the pocketbook, says Jim Hanna, an Ameriprise financial adviser based in Topeka, the state capitol. The median home costs just over $111,000, significantly below the U.S. average, the cost of living is more than 12% below average, and assisted living and nursing home costs are lower than average.

I've lived here since birth and this article contains a lot of reasons why I'm never leaving. I've travelled extensively to 45 states and several foreign countries, and I've yet to find a place I'd rather live.

7 replies

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Highlight:

Retire Here, Not There: Kansas (Original Post) Shrek Apr 2013 OP

I'm afraid of Toto and Dorothy Progressive dog Apr 2013 #1

Upstate NY will work just fine for me BeyondGeography Apr 2013 #2

too many RW crazies for my liking ZRT2209 Apr 2013 #3

Earning throughout a lifetime in a low cost of living state, House of Roberts Apr 2013 #4

hidden costs greymattermom May 2013 #5

For what it's worth, my sister is retiring and will be moving SheilaT May 2013 #6

I visited Kansas the first part of this month. If I didn't have ties where I am, I'd consider raccoon Jul 2013 #7

Progressive dog

(7,298 posts)

1. I'm afraid of Toto and Dorothy

Reply to Shrek (Original post)

Mon Apr 29, 2013, 11:02 AM

Apr 2013

I've been through at least 30 states, but not Kansas. A lot of New Yorkers retire to warmer climates but I'm staying put.

BeyondGeography

(40,066 posts)

2. Upstate NY will work just fine for me

Reply to Shrek (Original post)

Mon Apr 29, 2013, 11:18 AM

Apr 2013

Same idea.

ZRT2209

(1,357 posts)

3. too many RW crazies for my liking

Reply to Shrek (Original post)

Mon Apr 29, 2013, 12:18 PM

Apr 2013

House of Roberts

(5,744 posts)

4. Earning throughout a lifetime in a low cost of living state,

Reply to Shrek (Original post)

Mon Apr 29, 2013, 01:05 PM

Apr 2013

limits where you can afford to retire. High cost states pay more for the same skills, and result in higher Social Security benefits later. Then you can move someplace cheaper, and be better off.

greymattermom

(5,797 posts)

5. hidden costs

Reply to Shrek (Original post)

Mon May 13, 2013, 03:34 AM

May 2013

I'm leaving Kansas to a warmer place with big trees. The cost of living is lower there. Less to heat, about the same for ac, even less. The grocery store is only half a mile from my new house. Living in Kansas with everything spread out puts lots of miles on my car. At my new house, I can take a train right to the check in counter at the airport. Try that in Kansas.

SheilaT

(23,156 posts)

6. For what it's worth, my sister is retiring and will be moving

Reply to Shrek (Original post)

Wed May 22, 2013, 12:23 AM

May 2013

from DC to the Kansas City area. She'll spend the first couple of months staying with our younger sister while she learns the area better -- she's visited about once a year for the last ten years or so -- and decides exactly where she wants to live.

In her case it's being closer to family that is the most important factor in her specific relocation.

raccoon

(31,508 posts)

7. I visited Kansas the first part of this month. If I didn't have ties where I am, I'd consider