Moving and storage go hand in hand. Whether traveling across town or the country, Moving is an exciting and fresh start. While we are here to help you with all your storage needs, we also want to help you get familiar with the area. That's why we put together this resource guide for Wichita.

About Wichita, KS

In the heartland of America, you'll find Wichita - not just Kansas’s largest city but also a hub where economic growth meets cultural diversity and storied pasts intertwine. Founded in the late 19th century as a trading post on the Chisholm Trail, Wichita has grown into a dynamic hub with a population of over 400,000 residents.

Nestled in the heart of south-central Kansas, Wichita is a cozy blend where city perks meet small-town vibes. Whether you're exploring lively downtown streets, soaking in arts and culture, or enjoying nature's playgrounds outdoors, Wichita rolls out the red carpet for everyone - families on vacation, busy bees at work, or wanderlust travelers.

What To Do in Wichita, KS

Wichita has everything you’d expect from a big city and more.

• Downtown: Wichita’s bustling Old Town District has charming architecture hosting an array of shopping experiences and gastronomic delights. Enjoy art collections, unique fashion finds, and stages that come alive at night. Discover local artisans and craftsmen at the Old Town Farmers Market, held weekly during summer. Hear live bands at clubs.
• Zoo: Step into an expansive world where wildlife thrives; welcome to Sedgwick County Zoo, ranking among the grandest in all the Midwest – think sweeping African plains and verdant forests of South America.
• Cultural Heritage: Marvel at the iconic Keeper of the Plains statue, a symbol of Native American heritage and resilience located at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers. Standing tall at 44 feet, this magnificent sculpture crafted by Blackbear Bosin claims its space atop a grand pedestal measuring an additional 30 feet. Come dusk, witness how the Keeper's flame spectacularly brightens the statue while celebrating the region’s first inhabitants.
• Museum: The colorful tapestry of American art unfolds before your eyes at the Wichita Art Museum in Kansas - it's not just any exhibit; it’s hundreds of years’ worth all under one roof! Step into rooms where every corner is adorned with masterpieces by famous artists.
• Recreational Activities: Wander or pedal your way down the Arkansas River Path. It's a picturesque route right through downtown Wichita, where the city skyline stretches up to meet you. Explore parks like Botanica Wichita Gardens or Riverside Park, which offers picnicking, playgrounds, and sports fields along the riverfront.

Working in Wichita, KS

The local economy benefits from manufacturing, healthcare, manufacturing, education, and hospitality. The city's unemployment rate is 5.9%, which is a bit higher than the national average. The median household income is low at $56,374 per year. That amount is about $12,700 less than the American average of $69,021.

The economy is growing much slower than the rest of the country. Wichita’s predicted job growth rate for the decade is 24.3%, compared to the national rate of 33.5%.

Industries offering the most jobs are healthcare (12.2%), transportation equipment (10.8%), educational services (9.8%), accommodation & food services (9.2%), construction (7.3%), professional, scientific, and technical services (4.9%), and administrative support/waste management (4.4%).

Wichita, KS Neighborhoods

This large city has an abundance of places to choose from when searching for a home to buy or an apartment to rent. Here are the neighborhoods with the most expensive homes.

• E Wilson Estates Pkwy / N Bradley Fair Pkwy: This area has the Bradley Faur Shopping Center. The median real estate price is $706,076. This amount is higher than 75.9% of all other places in Kansas. Most residential real estate is rented. The average rent is $1,292. The vacancy rate is 9.5%, with many available places.
• Downtown: This area is near Central Riverside Park. The median real estate price is $612,420. The average rental price is $1,341. The vacancy rate is 32.3%, so it is easy peasy to find an available place.
• Lakeside Acres: This area is adjacent to Beech Park and the Crestview Country Club. The median price for a home is $589,189. The average rent is $2,692, and the vacancy rate is 4.2%.
• E Oxford Cir / N Executive Way: This area has the Tall Grass Country Club. The median sales price for a home is $531,675. The average rent is $1,530, and the vacancy rate is 0%, making it nearly impossible to find an available place.

Wichita, KS School District

Wichita Public Schools is the administrator of the public schools. The school district spends a remarkable $15,153 each year on each student. The student-to-teacher ratio is absolutely outstanding at ten to one.

There are 44 private schools in the area. The top-ranked ones are Trinity Academy (K to 12th), Wichita Collegiate School (NS to 12th), and The Independent School (NS to 12th).

There are seven colleges in town and 16 colleges and universities within 50 miles. Good local four-year colleges include Southwestern College (private), Wichita State University (public), and Friends University (private).

Moving to Wichita, KS Resource Guide

The City of Wichita’s municipal government consists of an elected mayor and six members serving on the City Council. There is more information on Wichita's website.

The City of Wichita Parks & Recreation Department maintains the parks and facilities and manages the special events. There are aquatics, athletics, camps, classes, golf courses, kayaking, and a fitness court to enjoy.

Wichita, KS Housing

The median home sales price in Wichita is $275,000. The price trend is up by 1.3% year-over-year. The housing market is a balanced market with more than enough listings for the number of interested buyers. Housing costs are 22% lower than in the rest of the country. The cost of living is 3% higher than experienced in other Kansas cities and 8% less than the national average.