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Fast Facts for Real Estate and Living Possibilities in Topeka, KansasTopeka, Kansas was voted one of the top 30 Best Cities for Business by Forbes, but it’s also a great place to live. Rather than hunting through all the different facts and figures, Essen Travel has done the research for you. Here are some of the fast facts and figures about living in Topeka, Kansas. Weather in TopekaNot everybody likes smooth sailing weather. If you enjoy the four seasons, you’ll enjoy Topeka, Kansas. Forbes Magazine also named Topeka as one of the leading U.S. cities to have the widest amount of temperature, precipitation and wind variations. Hot summers make playing in the reservoirs even more refreshing, while cold, fairly dry winters are easy to maneuver in. Yearly temperatures range between 17 degrees in January to 90 degrees in July. The average 36 inches of rain combined with sunny days are perfect for garden lovers. Safety in TopekaWhile Topeka used to be known for its high crime rate, the city is breaking the trends. Most cities with large population have seen an increase in violent crime since 2000, but Topeka has actually see a significant drop. The almost 18% drop in crime has so surprised statistical researchers, that Michigan State University researchers are studying the phenomenon. The continuing rate of decrease is attributed to the citizens becoming involved in their community and addressing the crime issues as a community. As of April 2009, the trend was still showing a positive decrease Schools in TopekaTopeka's positive outlook continues with a change of direction in the educational system. Topeka developed a system even more dedicated to learning and children; by 2004 six elementary schools met the Kansas Standards of Excellence. It should be noted that no school had reached this challenging target of achievement since 1996. In addition, six other schools had a 15% increase in the state reading and math assessments in Topeka. Since 2004, test scores across the city have risen; so much so, that many of them accede national standards. A good point for most parents is that the student to teacher ratio is 13 to 1, giving students ample time for one-on-one teaching. As well, Topeka is home to two state of the art elementary magnet schools. One school deals with science and fine arts while the other focuses on computer technology. With a business partnership program, school volunteer program, several full-day kindergarten schools, preschool programs and more, you can be sure that your child’s education is in good hands. Real Estate in TopekaEarly 2009 brought the average cost to buy a home in Topeka to around $99,000. The going rate to rent an apartment is $620, with the overall range from $400 to $800. Typical property taxes are around 1.6%. Topeka is still a growing town, despite global economic issues, and is quickly becoming one of the best places to live or invest in the country. Living and Working in TopekaAmazingly, it seems that Topeka’s boast of being a “quality living experience at below average cost” isn’t a boast. Topeka’s cost of living is an astounding 24.82% lower than the national average. The average income is almost $58,000 and current unemployment rates are a full 1.5 points below national average. Most work commutes are under 15 minutes from home to employment, thanks in part to the maintained major highways throughout the area. While the largest employer is the State of Kansas, educational, health and social services together make up a working population of 22.4%. Manufacturers such as Goodyear, Payless, Hill’s Pet Nutrition and many others are also high employers, but many other trades can be found here. Topeka’s income tax is non-existent and the sales tax sits at an average 7.45%. The state income tax rate can go as low as 3.50%. In recreation however; Topeka, Kansas has outdone itself. Seven reservoirs within a fifty-mile radius provide boating, rowing, swimming and water-skiing. Ninety parks offer places to fish and hunt, boat, hike, jog and several opportunities for other sports in Topeka. Public and private golf courses dot the land, as well as four hospitals, 15 colleges and universities within 50 miles, 14 libraries, 329 restaurants, 3 major museums and more definitely make Topeka a quality place to live at a low price. If you’d like to visit Topeka, Kansas and find a great place to live, call Essen Travel today at 1-800-568-1972 to make travel arrangements and book a hotel. |
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