Topeka 69 Good
Topeka Livability #172 ranked city in Kansas#8,040 ranked city in the USARanks better than 72% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Topeka

PROS
  • Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Commute

    Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.

  • Crime

    Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.

  • Schools

    The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.

  • Ratings

    Through surveys and polls, AreaVibes obtained feedback from local residents in the area, and the results did not indicate a favorable outlook on factors like local amenities and the safety of the area.

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What's it like Living in Topeka?

Topeka, Kansas is a moderately-sized city with a population of 125,819 people. The majority of Topeka residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Topeka will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 17 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Topeka, Kansas. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. With useful information like cost of living, health & safety, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Topeka and in the areas around Topeka is a much easier task.

Topeka, KS receives 68 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #169 in Kansas and #7,520 in the USA. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Topeka has higher than average scores for the following: amenities (A-) and housing (B+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Topeka. The following was graded with a disappointing score: crime (F), education (D-) and employment (D).

Topeka has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Topeka has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Topeka Zoological Park, Kansas Museum of History, and Brown vs. Board of Education National Historic Site.

Achieving a cost-effective lifestyle can be pivotal in managing your monthly expenditures, especially given the ongoing upward trajectory of everday goods and housing prices. In Topeka, residents are fortunate to experience a cost of living that is 22.07% below the national average. This advantageous positioning extends its impact to a wide spectrum of expenses, encompassing not only goods and services but also transportation and health care costs. As a result, this area stands out as a place where your money stretches further, ensuring that you can maintain a more economical and sustainable lifestyle. This affordability becomes increasingly valuable in an era marked by soaring costs, making Topeka an attractive choice for those seeking financial prudence without compromising on quality of life.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Topeka can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Topeka. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Topeka are affordable. The median home price for Topeka homes is $105,700, which is 21.9% lower than the Kansas average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Topeka, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.1, which is 16% lower than the Kansas average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Topeka

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Compare Topeka, KS Livability

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      Topeka transportation information

      Statistic Topeka Kansas National
      Average one way commute17min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work80.2%82.2%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.3%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.5%0.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.2%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home4.7%4.2%4.6%
      Source: The Topeka, KS data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).