Retiring in Kansas: what you need to know

Is Kansas a good place to retire?

Kansas is situated smack-dab in the center of the US, and is a largely rural state with a smattering of small and medium-sized cities. Accordingly, it’s a potential retirement destination for Americans seeking a peaceful and affordable place to settle down. With its rolling hills, vast prairies, and charming small towns, Kansas can offer a unique experience in which to spend your post-career years.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2024, Kansas had a population of approximately 3 million people, with 7.5% of the population age 65 or older. That’s about on par with many other states so that retirees will have plenty of company. 

If you’re considering retiring in Kansas, speaking with an expert financial advisor can make the transition into retirement go smoothly. At Unbiased, we match you with a financial advisor perfectly suited to meet your needs. Answer a few simple questions here, and we’ll take care of the rest.

At what age can you retire in Kansas?

There’s no retirement age in Kansas, so anyone can retire at any time. Granted, of course, that they have the financial resources to take them through their golden years. Here are some other things to take into consideration, however:

• Social Security benefits: The earliest age at which you can begin receiving Social Security benefits is 62, but if you delay taking benefits, your monthly payments will increase. Full retirement age (FRA) is between 66 and 67, depending on your birth year. Delaying benefits until after FRA can result in even higher monthly payments. 

• Medicare eligibility: Medicare eligibility begins at age 65, regardless of retirement status. However, if you choose to retire before age 65, you will need to find alternative healthcare coverage until you become eligible for Medicare. 

• Age discrimination: It is illegal for employers to discriminate against employees or job applicants based on age. 

• Retirement savings: Regardless of retirement age, it is important for individuals to start saving for retirement as early as possible. Many financial experts recommend saving at least 15% of your income for retirement. You could check out the average retirement savings in the US.

However, like any state, there are both pros and cons to retiring in Kansas.

What are the pros and cons of retiring in Kansas?

Here’s a rundown of the good and bad factors to consider when thinking about retiring in Kansas.

The pros

Kansas is largely affordable and can offer a plethora of outdoor activities, among other things.

• Affordable living: Kansas has a low cost of living, making it an attractive destination for retirees on a fixed income. Housing and healthcare costs, in particular, are lower than in many other states. 

• Moderate climate: Kansas has a moderate climate with four distinct seasons, making it an attractive destination for retirees who want to experience a range of weather conditions. There can be extreme weather, however.

• Outdoor activities: Kansas is home to numerous state parks, lakes, and trails, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. 

The cons

There are some drawbacks, however: 

• Limited healthcare options: While healthcare costs are generally lower in Kansas, some retirees may find limited healthcare options in certain areas of the state. 

• Tornadoes: Kansas is known for its tornadoes, which could be a concern for retirees living in certain areas. 

• Limited public transportation: Kansas has limited public transportation options, which could be a concern for retirees who are no longer able to drive and need to get to doctor’s appointments, etc.

Best place to retire in Kansas

If you’ve decided that Kansas is where you want to retire, here are some of the best potential places to retire in: 

• Manhattan: Manhattan is a college town that offers a range of cultural and recreational activities. It has a low cost of living and a low crime rate, making it a popular choice for retirees. 

• Lawrence: Lawrence is another college town in Kansas, located in the northeastern part of the state. It offers a lively arts and cultural scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and theaters. It also has a lower cost of living than many other cities in the United States. 

• Overland Park: A suburb of Kansas City, Overland Park has easy access to big-city amenities while still maintaining a relaxed, small-town feel. It has a low cost of living and a high quality of life. 

• Hutchinson: Located in central Kansas, Hutchinson is a small city that offers a range of cultural attractions, including several museums and galleries. It also has a low cost of living and a low crime rate. 

• Topeka: As the capital of Kansas, Topeka offers a range of cultural and recreational activities. It has a low cost of living and a range of affordable housing options, making it an attractive choice for retirees. 

The bottom line

Despite the threat of tornadoes, Kansas offers a unique and affordable retirement experience for those seeking a peaceful and outdoorsy lifestyle. With its charming small towns and diverse natural landscape, Kansas may just be the perfect place to retire. 

As always, it's important to seek expert financial advice to weigh up all of the costs associated with retiring in Kansas, including property taxes, insurance, and living expenses, in order to make an informed decision about whether the state is the right choice for your retirement. 

Find your financial advisor with Unbiased.