Kansas

Kansas has a significant place in American history. It was a pivotal location during the era of westward expansion, manifesting through events like the Oregon Trail, the Santa Fe Trail, and the Bleeding Kansas period preceding the Civil War.

Several historical sites and museums across the state provide insights into this history, including the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene and the Boot Hill Museum in Dodge City.

The cost of living in the state of Kansas is quite friendly and affordable relative to other states in the union. It has a good market for real estate and rentals. For instance, the median price of a home in Kansas is approximately $194,100. This is lower than the average cost of a home in a state like California which is roughly $799,000.

State highlights

Kansas played a significant role in the history of the United States, particularly during the mid-19th century. It was a focal point of the conflict between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces during the Bleeding Kansas period. The state was admitted to the Union as the 34th state on January 29, 1861, shortly before the outbreak of the American Civil War.

Kansas is often referred to as the ’Sunflower State’ due to the abundance of sunflowers that grow throughout the state. The sunflower is also the official state flower of Kansas.

Home to Dorothy: Dorothy Gale, the iconic protagonist of L. Frank Baum’s novel ’The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’, is said to be from Kansas. Baum, who was born in New York, drew inspiration from his experiences living in the state and used its landscapes as the backdrop for the story.

The first Pizza Hut restaurant was opened in Wichita, Kansas, in 1958 by brothers Dan and Frank Carney. The popular pizza chain began as a small pizzeria and has since grown into a global brand.

Famous aviator Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, was born in Atchison, Kansas, in 1897. The city celebrates her legacy with the Amelia Earhart Festival and various attractions dedicated to her.

Geographic location

Kansas is bordered by Nebraska to the north, Missouri to the east, Oklahoma to the south, and Colorado to the west. The state has a total area of approximately 82,278 square miles and is known for its flat landscapes and open prairies. The eastern part of the state is characterized by rolling hills, while the western portion becomes more arid and features the High Plains.

Climate

The state of Kansas has a continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Here are some key aspects of the climate in Kansas:

Summers in Kansas are generally hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from the 80s to the low 90s °F. Heatwaves can occur, with temperatures occasionally reaching the 100s °F.

Winters are cold, with average temperatures in the 30s to 40s °F. However, colder temperatures with occasional snowstorms can bring temperatures below freezing.

Sometimes it experiences moderate precipitation throughout the year, with average annual rainfall ranging from around 25 to 40 inches.

Thunderstorms are common during the spring and summer months and can bring heavy rainfall, lightning, and strong winds.

Kansas is part of the region known as Tornado Alley, which experiences a higher frequency of tornadoes compared to other parts of the United States. Tornadoes primarily occur in the spring and early summer months, typically from April to June. The state has a history of severe weather events, including destructive tornado outbreaks.

It is also known for its strong winds, particularly in the western part of the state.

Kansas is susceptible to drought conditions, particularly during the summer months. The state’s agriculture and crops. Drought conditions can also increase the risk of wildfires in certain areas.

Demography

The capital of Kansas is Topeka, and the largest city in the state is Wichita, according to U.S. Census Bureau in 2022, it had an estimated population of 2,937,150 people.

Kansas has a diverse population with various ethnic and racial backgrounds. The largest ethnic group is non-Hispanic White, followed by Hispanic or Latino, African American, and Asian.

Kansas has a higher median age than the rest of the U.S., at around 36.3 years old compared to the national average of 38.5.

Cost of Living

The cost of living is reported to be low at Kansas State. Topeka has a median home price of about $194,100. Which is slightly lower than the national average of $339,048. Median income levels can vary based on factors such as education, occupation, and location within the state. The average median income of the state is approximately $51,872

The average salary in the state of Kansas is approximately $71,236 per year.

Transportation

Transportation in Kansas primarily relies on a well-developed network of highways, complemented by air travel and railroads. Here’s an overview of transportation in the state:

Kansas has an extensive network of highways that connect various cities and towns within the state. Some of them are Interstate 70 (I-70), and Interstate 35 (I-35), other important highways include I-135, I-335, and I-470.

The state of Kansas has several airports that serve domestic and international flights. The largest airport is Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT), others significant airports include Kansas City International Airport (MCI) near Kansas City (partly in Missouri), Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK) in Manhattan, and Topeka Regional Airport (FOE).

Railroads: Rail transportation plays an important role in Kansas, primarily for the movement of goods and commodities. The state is served by several major freight railroads, including BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad. These railroads provide connections to national and international markets, facilitating the transportation of agricultural products, manufactured goods, and other commodities.

Public transportation options in Kansas vary across different regions. Larger cities such as Wichita, Kansas City, and Topeka offer public bus services operated by local transit agencies. However, public transportation is more limited in rural areas.

Kansas is a landlocked state and does not have direct access to seaports. However, the state has access to inland waterways through the Missouri River, which serves as a shipping route for some goods.

Kansas has been working to improve its bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Many cities and towns have developed trails, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly areas to promote active transportation and recreational activities.

Schools

Kansas is home to several schools including elementary, middle, and high schools, and universities. The following list is some of the best universities in the state.

University of Kansas (KU): Located in Lawrence, it is the largest public research university in the state. The university is known for its strong programs in areas such as aerospace engineering, journalism, and pharmacy.

Kansas State University (KSU): Situated in Manhattan, it is another prominent public research institution. KSU is particularly renowned for its programs in agriculture and animal sciences.

Wichita State University (WSU): Located in Wichita. It is well-regarded for its aerospace engineering program and its strong ties to the aviation industry.

Emporia State University: Situated in Emporia, it is a comprehensive public university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. It has notable programs in education, business, and the liberal arts.

Pittsburg State University (PSU): Located in Pittsburg, it is a public university. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees and has a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and practical applications.

Friends University: it is a private, Christian-based university in Wichita. Friends University commits to integrating faith and learning into its curriculum.

Baker University: it is a private institution, is located in Baldwin City. It is the oldest university in Kansas and offers undergraduate and graduate programs.

What is the state like?

Kansas is known for its vast open plains and prairies, especially in the central and western regions. The Flint Hills, located in eastern Kansas, is a unique and scenic expanse of tallgrass prairie. The state also features beautiful sunsets, rolling hills, and serene farmland.

Kansas is known for its friendly and welcoming communities. Small towns and rural areas often embody a strong sense of community, where neighbors support one another and local traditions are cherished. This can create a warm and inviting atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.