Benefits of Retiring in Kansas

Often thought of as peaceful and serene, Kansas offers many benefits for those looking to its wide-open spaces for a tranquil place to retire.

Here are some reasons to consider Kansas for retirement in the heart of America.

1. Cost of Living
Ranked at No. 14 on a Bankrate list of best and worst retirement states, Kansas comes in at No. 10 for its cost of living. This single factor is one of the biggest when it comes to choosing a retirement location. Though the state ranked a bit lower on crime rate and health care quality, the overall low cost of living is a big draw for those age 65 and older.

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2. Weather
Although the state's weather can be, at times, unpredictable, the warm summers and mild winters of Kansas can be a big benefit for retirees looking for a great location for outdoor recreation. Precipitation in Kansas varies depending on which part of the state you are in with the driest areas being in the western portion of the state, according to worldatlas.com.

3. Friendliness
Kansas is known for the friendliness of its residents, and this weighs in heavily for those considering relocating to the state, according to Movoto Real Estate. Feeling confident that they can move in and feel welcome gives those edging toward retirement a little extra nudge in the direction of Kansas.

4. Recreational Opportunities
Known for its great outdoors, Kansas has a lot to offer retirees in the way of hunting, fishing, boating, and parks. There are wildlife and wildflower viewing sites and plenty of other activities to take part in including canoeing, hiking, camping, horseback riding, and shooting ranges detailed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.

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5. Strong Economy
In today's economy, many people are looking to work part time through retirement. For those with this in mind, Kansas is a good choice because unemployment is lower than the national average with future growth predicted to outweigh national job growth, according to MarketWatch. This point may also be important to consider for retirees who have adult children or grandchildren planning to relocate alongside them.

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