Topeka, the capital city of Kansas, offers a blend of historical significance and modern amenities. Located along the Kansas River, Topeka is known for its rich history, including its role in the civil rights movement with the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case. The city's historic sites, cultural attractions, and strong sense of community make living in Topeka an appealing experience.
Residents of Topeka enjoy a variety of recreational activities and outdoor spaces. The city boasts numerous parks, trails, and recreational facilities, including the beautiful Lake Shawnee and Gage Park, which offer opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center is a popular destination for families and nature enthusiasts.
Topeka is home to several higher education institutions, including Washburn University, which contributes to the city's vibrant educational and cultural scene. The university supports a range of cultural events, performances, and sporting activities, enhancing the community's cultural life. The city's arts and entertainment offerings include the Topeka Performing Arts Center and the Mulvane Art Museum.
The cost of living in Topeka is relatively affordable, making it an attractive option for families and young professionals. The housing market offers a variety of options, from historic homes in established neighborhoods to new developments in suburban areas. The city's economy is supported by industries such as government, healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
Public transportation in Topeka is provided by Topeka Metro, which operates bus routes throughout the city. The city's layout is car-friendly, with well-maintained roads and highways facilitating easy commutes. Topeka's climate features hot summers and cold winters, with a variety of seasonal activities available year-round. Overall, Topeka offers a blend of historical charm, modern conveniences, and a strong sense of community.
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.
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.
Located in the state of Kansas, Topeka is a mid-sized city with a population of 129,727 people. The majority of Topeka residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Topeka is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Topeka, Kansas could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. With useful information like amenities, cost of living, commute, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Topeka and in the areas around Topeka is a much easier task.
With a livability score of 69 out of 100, Topeka is ranked #8,040 in the United States and #172 in Kansas. Based on the grades for each individual category, Topeka has received high marks for amenities (A-) and housing (A+). Topeka does not rank well for the following: crime (F) and education (D-). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
If you're living in Topeka, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Topeka an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Topeka are: Topeka Zoological Park, Kansas Museum of History, and Brown vs. Board of Education National Historic Site.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Topeka apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Topeka is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Topeka come in at $192,134, which is 22.1% lower than the Kansas average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Topeka, the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 13.3% lower than the Kansas average.
| Statistic | Topeka | Kansas | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.2% | 82.2% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.3% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.5% | 0.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.2% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.7% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Kansas
Most Dangerous States In The US
Check out the 10 safest cities in Kansas
These are the largest cities in Kansas