Kansas boasts a low cost of living, which can significantly extend the longevity of retirement savings.
A study by TheSun found that with $1.5 million in savings, coupled with Social Security benefits, retirees in Kansas could sustain themselves for approximately 52 years.
We’ve done some digging and turned up a few places where the only thing retiring might be the town itself.
Before you pack up your life and move to where the buffalo once roamed, make sure it’s not on our list of the not-so-great plains for retirees.
Updated 2025: Added new towns.
1. Independence, Kansas
Independence is located in the southeastern part of Kansas. It is known for its historical significance and local festivals. The town has a population that enjoys quiet, small-town living.
However, the area has limited healthcare facilities. This could be a concern for retirees needing regular medical care. The town also has a higher crime rate compared to other parts of Kansas.
Independence has struggled with economic development, which affects local services and amenities available to residents.
Why it’s not ideal for retirees: The limited healthcare options and higher crime rates make it less desirable for retirees.
2. Coffeyville, Kansas
Coffeyville is famous for its wild west history and is located near the Oklahoma border. It offers several cultural attractions, including museums and historical sites.
The town has affordable housing, which might seem attractive at first. However, the job market is weak, affecting local economic stability.
Coffeyville has experienced population decline, which can lead to decreased services and amenities.
Why it’s not ideal for retirees: Economic challenges and declining population impact the quality of life for retirees.
3. Parsons, Kansas
Parsons is known for its rich architectural heritage and vibrant community events. The town fosters a strong sense of community among its residents.
Despite its community spirit, Parsons faces challenges with public health and safety. The town has a high crime rate, which can be a concern for retirees looking for a safe place to live.
Additionally, the healthcare facilities in Parsons are limited, which is a significant issue for those requiring frequent medical care.
Why it’s not ideal for retirees: High crime rates and inadequate healthcare facilities are major drawbacks for retirees considering Parsons.
4. Chanute, Kansas
Chanute prides itself on its local arts scene and community-focused atmosphere. The town offers various recreational activities and parks.
Chanute has been facing growing concerns about public safety, with reports of hazardous items found in parks where children play.
Combined with rising social tensions, these issues have contributed to a declining sense of community and quality of life for families and retirees alike.
Why it’s not ideal for retirees: Chanute, Kansas may not be ideal for retirees due to its economic decline, lack of local businesses, and limited community resources. According to locals, the town feels isolated, with few amenities or opportunities for social engagement.
5. Iola, Kansas
Iola is known for its beautiful downtown square and annual events that bring the community together. It is a small town with a friendly atmosphere.
However, Iola lacks modern healthcare facilities, which are crucial for the aging population. The local economy is also not very robust, leading to fewer job opportunities and services.
The town experiences a high poverty rate, which affects community resources and overall livability.
Why it’s not ideal for retirees: Insufficient healthcare options and a struggling economy are major concerns for retirees in Iola.
6. Fort Scott, Kansas
Fort Scott is rich in Civil War history and maintains many historical buildings. It offers a peek into the past with its well-preserved architecture.
Despite its historical charm, Fort Scott has one of the higher crime rates in the state. This fact may deter retirees seeking a peaceful retirement.
The town also suffers from a lack of adequate healthcare services, making it difficult for retirees who need regular medical attention.
Why it’s not ideal for retirees: High crime rates and inadequate healthcare services make Fort Scott a less suitable choice for retirees.
7. Wellington, Kansas
Wellington is known for its annual Wheat Festival, celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage. The town has a community-oriented spirit and offers various local amenities.
However, Wellington faces challenges with transportation and accessibility. The public transportation options are limited, which can be a drawback for those who no longer drive.
The town also has fewer entertainment and leisure activities suitable for retirees, which might affect their social life and overall happiness.
Why it’s not ideal for retirees: Limited transportation and leisure activities make Wellington less attractive to retirees.
8. Kansas City, Kansas
Kansas City, Kansas ranks near the bottom of WalletHub’s list of retirement cities, placing 139th out of 149. It performs especially poorly in categories that matter most to retirees.
The city ranks 145th in both financial stability and education, 118th in health despite being home to the University of Kansas Medical Center and experiencing improvements in primary care physician availability, and 116th in safety.
While the western part of the city has seen significant economic growth and job creation, these low scores paint a picture of a retirement destination that faces challenges in long-term comfort, affordability, and well-being.
9. Lyons, Kansas
Lyons is a small town that values its tight-knit community and rural charm. It is quiet and peaceful, ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
However, the town has a very limited economic base, which affects the availability of local services and amenities. This limitation can impact retirees looking for convenience and comfort.
Lyons also struggles with healthcare access, particularly for specialized medical care.
Why it’s not ideal for retirees: Economic limitations and poor healthcare access place Lyons on this list.
10. Topeka, Kansas
Topeka ranks #39 out of 149 cities in WalletHub’s retirement study—better than some, but still far from ideal. Safety and healthcare are major concerns, with the city placing 117th in safety and 113th in health.
Despite its mid-range overall ranking, online sentiment paints a less favorable picture. Multiple user reviews describe the city in harsh terms, citing a lack of appeal and overall poor conditions.
Mixed Scores and Negative Perception: Subpar rankings in safety and health, along with poor public sentiment, make Topeka a questionable choice for retirees.
11. Osawatomie, Kansas
Osawatomie boasts a rich history connected to the abolitionist movement and offers several historical sites. The town has a community that values history and learning.
However, Osawatomie struggles with economic growth, impacting local services and the availability of amenities. The public transportation options are also limited, making it difficult for those who do not drive.
The town has a relatively high crime rate, which can deter retirees looking for a secure and peaceful environment.
Why it’s not ideal for retirees: Economic challenges and safety concerns make Osawatomie less appealing for retirees.
12. Concordia, Kansas
Concordia is home to several educational institutions and cultural sites, promoting an environment of learning and engagement. The town also has a strong agricultural base.
Despite these attractions, Concordia experiences harsh weather conditions, including severe winters, which can be challenging for retirees, especially those with health issues.
The healthcare options in Concordia are limited, with a need for more specialized medical services.
Why it’s not ideal for retirees: Harsh weather and inadequate healthcare facilities make Concordia a difficult place for retirement.
13. Abilene, Kansas
Abilene is historically significant as the hometown of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and features several museums. The town has a proud historical heritage.
While Abilene is a tourist attraction, it has limited residential growth and fewer modern amenities for retirees. The cost of living is rising, particularly in terms of real estate and healthcare.
Additionally, the town has limited entertainment and social activities tailored to retirees.
Why it’s not ideal for retirees: Limited growth and rising costs in Abilene pose challenges for retirees seeking a comfortable lifestyle.
14. Beloit, Kansas
Beloit is known for its community spirit and local college, providing a dynamic environment. The town frequently hosts community events and sports activities.
However, Beloit has limited healthcare resources, which is a critical consideration for retirees. The town also experiences limited public transportation, affecting mobility for those without personal transport.
The job market in Beloit is small, affecting economic stability and the provision of services.
Why it’s not ideal for retirees: Limited healthcare and transportation options make Beloit less suitable for retirees.
15. Colby, Kansas
Colby is located in northwestern Kansas and serves as a regional hub for education and agriculture. It boasts local museums and a community college.
The town, however, is remote with significant distances to major cities, which can be a drawback for retirees seeking diverse cultural experiences and specialized healthcare.
Colby also experiences extreme weather conditions, with very cold winters and hot summers, which can be challenging for retirees.
Why it’s not ideal for retirees: Remoteness and extreme weather conditions make Colby less appealing for retirement living.
16. Sterling, Kansas
Sterling is a small town known for its college and strong educational focus. The community is close-knit, and residents are actively involved in local initiatives.
Despite these positives, Sterling has limited healthcare facilities, which is a significant issue for retirees. The town also has fewer recreational activities and amenities that cater to the interests of retirees.
Additionally, the cost of living, particularly in healthcare, is relatively high compared to other Kansas towns.
Why it’s not ideal for retirees: Limited healthcare and recreational activities make Sterling less desirable for retirees.
17. Larned, Kansas
Larned is known for its historical sites, including a preserved fort that dates back to the Indian Wars. The town has a rich history and a community that values heritage.
However, Larned has limited economic development, which impacts the availability of modern conveniences and services. The healthcare services are not up to the mark, with a need for more comprehensive facilities.
The town also has a relatively high cost of living, which can be a burden for retirees on a fixed income.
Why it’s not ideal for retirees: High living costs and limited services are significant drawbacks for retirees in Larned.
18. Goodland, Kansas
Goodland is located in the high plains of Kansas, offering beautiful landscapes and a quiet, rural lifestyle. The town is known for its large Van Gogh painting replica, adding a unique cultural touch.
Despite its scenic beauty, Goodland is very isolated, with the nearest major healthcare facilities several hours away. This isolation can be problematic for retirees who need regular medical care.
The local economy is primarily agricultural, which does not support a wide range of services and amenities.
Why it’s not ideal for retirees: Isolation and limited healthcare options make Goodland an impractical choice for retirees.
19. Marysville, Kansas
Marysville is often called “Black Squirrel City” due to its unique black squirrel population. It features a charming downtown and various community events.
While the town has community charm, it lacks in advanced medical facilities, which are crucial for retirees. The town also suffers from limited public transportation options, affecting mobility for those who do not drive.
Marysville’s economy is small, which impacts the availability of local services and overall living conditions.
Why it’s not ideal for retirees: Lack of healthcare and transportation options makes Marysville less suitable for retirees.
20. Wichita, Kansas
Wichita ranks #15 overall in WalletHub’s retirement study, but the numbers tell a more complicated story. It scores poorly in key categories for retirees, including safety (131st), education (121st), and health (111th).
While the city’s affordability may boost its overall ranking, many retirees may find these lower scores concerning. Online forums echo these concerns, with some users calling the city a “total dump.”
Behind the Ranking: Wichita’s high placement masks weak scores in areas critical to a comfortable and secure retirement.
What do you base your information on? Pratt, KS has a very nice regional hospital and several clinics with great providers. Maybe research should be thoroughly done before publishing articles with misinformation.
All these towns seemed to rank low for healthcare facilities and many for crime rates.
Why not suggest the BEST towns to retire in.POSTIVE is what we are looking for
We are working on it 🙂
96% of small, rural or medium sized cities/towns don’t have great medical care and especially specialized care. High crime rates can be changed if desired.
Ok… have you even been to these towns?? While healthcare can be a concern, there’s always transportation to facilities such as senior busses and non profits that provide transportation. The advantages of living in these small rural towns is the quietness, the fact that you know everyone and the cost of living is affordable. I love it here & wouldn’t change a thing!! And yes, I’m retired & live on a small income.
The one thing that every city listed has in common two Republican US Senators , a US Representative ( Congressman ) , a Republican State Senator and a Republican State Representative !
Its a shame i have lived in SEK and know most of the towns. . Used to be a good place to live.. Population decline due to lack of good paying jobs. .the large older houses decline . meth and crack drug epidemic has really hurt this once thriving small town life in SEK.
I have lived in Goodland for 4 years, being from Denver and trying to escape the skyrocketing rent prices. We actually love it here! We are both retired and we absolutely love the peace and quiet here. While I admit health care is a concern, Goodland Regional Medical Center has most of what we need except a major emergency surgery and even then they are prepared to get you where you need to be quickly by plane or ambulance. Also I love the “traffic” here!
Thank you for sharing this.
That’s a matter of your opinion. I like living in Chanute! It’s just fine for me. Peaceful some good people.
I grew up in Fort Scott. I haven’t lived there for over 25 yes, but Even before I moved I witnessed the declining job opportunities. Crime, drugs increasing, making it a less than desirable place to live. It’s sad to see the town decreasing in business and population. They lost the hospital and medical care is usely over an hour away if you need surgery or hospitalization.
I came to Caldwell, KS specifically to retire. When I got cancer, my community provided rides, yard care, & support. We have 2 groceries, a hospital & clinic, & many festivals. And I’m safe. Best place to live!
I’m surprised you left out Louisburg, a dump filling up with Johnson County refugees.
Sounds like the author doesn’t like Kansas. Some of us here are happy about that. One thing that I love about my home is that there are not a lot of “city” folks cluttering our landscape. There are very few places where really good healthcare is not available, and available transportation to such healthcare.
Y’all gots to check out JC, the grooviest place in the state—that’s Junction City for you uninitiates. You got fights with doggies (I.e., soldiers); loud hotrod cars; crummy downtown bars; and falling-down houses. Tell me all that ain’t groovy.