A young professional potentially moving to Wichita...insight? (Derby, Park City: apartment complexes, lofts)

[jayguy95]

Greetings,

A few things about me and thanks in advance for the help.

I'm a New Englander and have spent the majority of my life living in the Rhode Island/Massachusetts area. I did spend a longtime living in Central Europe and I'm fairly well traveled. I enjoy leisure travel and it is a main interest of mine.

My background is Political Science, Information Technology and research expertise in the social sciences. I would be working in a professional (non-manufacturing) capacity with one of the aerospace firms located in Kansas.

My girlfriend lives in Philadelphia and we commute several times to each other a month in order to keep the relationship going. I foresee that continuing with a move to Kansas, even if it involves frequent weekend air travel.

I was born in Florida and I get there several times a year. So, I have preconceived notions about the South and Mid/Central United States. I'm intellectually progressive and not a huge fan of organized religion being pushed on me. Not saying that happens in Wichita...but I am very nervous about the bible belt in general...although I think Kansas is somewhat removed from that sort of thing.

I certainly enjoy peace and quiet. I do go out occasionally...bars and lounges but nothing over the top. As is the case with many people who have lived in Europe, I'm interested in an absolutely minimalist studio apartment although I don't know if that can be had in an area that socioeconomically developed and safe.

I understand that it is a quiet city and that the people are quiet friendly. I'm not even sure what to ask about. Tell me what you think?

[misdyl]

This area, in general, is pretty laid back. I, personally, don't think you will have trouble with "bible pushers" (though I am sure there are plenty...if you *do* encounter someone pushy, just be polite and firm and they go away!

I don't know what you are asking re: living areas? But, there are alot of apartments in Wichita.

Travel will be .... interesting for you, I am sure. One would think that as the "Air Capital" the city would have simple, easy air travel...but that never seems to be the case!

As for traveling IN Kansas - there are actually quite alot of areas in Kansas that are (in MY opinion) quite beautiful. The Flint Hills, for example, are beautiful in their simplicity and vastness....well worth a day trip!!!

If you have more specific questions, post away!!

Good luck!!

[Grinfranklin]

I would recommend you look at Riverside. There are a lot of hidden small apartments in an established, quiet and safe neighborhood. Not all are advertised. Find a small area you like and talk to people to find them. For peace and quiet I don't recommend any of the apartment complexes with more than 4 units.

[Sco]

Don't kid yourself, Kansas is very much part of the Bible Belt. It is culturally very similar to Texas and Oklahoma, not the traditional Midwest states. I spent most of my life in the southwest US and it was shocking to me when I first came to Wichita just how how much religion plays a part in the daily lives of a lot of people. I was asked by complete strangers, neighbors and coworkers what type of church I attended, it was so awkward and uncomfortable since I came from a place where people respect your privacy and don't get involved in your personal business. You will also find a subtle form of discrimination in employment and other areas if you are not a member of the right church or at least a self declared Christian.

Your best bet would be to avoid the suburbs like the plague and have a plan B in place in case you don't like it.

[Fiddlefeet]

During the year I lived in Wichita, NOBODY expressed the remotest interest in whether I went to church, wanted to go to church or followed up after I visited a church. If that's any comfort to you.

[Andria1984]

I would recommend any apartment right in the middle of downtown. You can find some really cool lofts there. I wouldn't recommend anything far south or north unless you are looking in the surrounding cities such as Park City (North of Wichita) or Derby (South). I definatelly agree with Grinfranklin on the apartment complexes, but there are also a lot of homeless in some areas of Riverside. The area is beautiful though. The bigger the apartment complexs are the more noise there will be. You mentioned a studio, but Wichita rents are so cheap compared to other big cities you could easily afford a house. Good luck!