Although its pastoral scenes and laid-back lifestyle have a lot to offer for future retirees looking to relocate, there are also a few things about retirement in Kansas that could be considered drawbacks for those looking to make it their retirement destination. Collected here are the top four things to consider before packing up and moving to Kansas.
1. Median Crime Rate
Kansas weighs in only slightly higher
than the national average on crime rate, but for retirees looking to choose one of America's safest states with lowest possible crime rates, this might rule Kansas out.
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While coming in a bit higher on rape, assault, and theft than the median for American states, the Sunflower State ranked a tad lower than the national average on other crimes including murder.
While it may not be a deal breaker for some, this aspect of Kansas is certainly something to think about.
2. Tornado Alley
Retirees often base the decision on where to spend those precious golden years on one thing: weather. While Kansas has an appealing moderate climate, it is also part of a region of the country
known as Tornado Alley.
Although the borders of Tornado Alley are not clearly defined, the term always includes Kansas because of the number of tornadoes it typically sees each year.
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When taking the storm factor into consideration, many retirees may want to reconsider the idea of moving to Kansas.
3. Gun Laws
According to an April 2015 Fox News report, Kansas is now one of only five states in the United States to allow its residents to carry concealed weapons without a legal permit. For some, this may be one part of Kansas law that leaves them a little bit uneasy.
Although the pro-gun set may consider this to be a positive aspect of state policy, many looking to retire with tight measures for safety and security will want to reflect carefully on it before pulling up stakes.
If you are not comfortable with relatively lax gun laws, Kansas is probably a no go.
4. Drought and Dust Bowl Conditions
When most people hear the term "dust bowl" in relation to Kansas and other states in the region, they think of the 1930s conditions which made the state infamous for its arid weather and difficult farming.
Unfortunately, modern-day farmers are reporting similar conditions and many are calling it the return to the dust bowl in the state of Kansas.
For retirees pining away for pleasant weather and beautiful scenery, this situation should be weighed heavily as its impacts are becoming more and more apparent
according to native Kansan and farmer Bill Spiegel.
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