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Moving to Topeka in 2024?
Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Topeka
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Planning to move to Topeka?

Topeka, Kansas, is a city with affordable living and a vibrant art culture. The cost of living in the city is lower than the national average, and housing is particularly affordable. The city offers employment opportunities in various sectors, including manufacturing, retail, government, and healthcare. Some of the major employers in the city include different healthcare systems and Washburn University. The city experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons and higher risks of severe weather events like floods, storms, tornadoes, and more. The safety in Topeka varies from neighborhood to neighborhood, as some areas are reported to have high crime rates. Traffic in the city is easily manageable, and commute time is around 15 minutes. These details can only give you an outlook of lifestyle in Topeka, but this moving guide will give you insights into living in Topeka in detail-

Quick Facts of Topeka

Check out some interesting things about Topeka

Topeka is the capital city of Kansas since 1861.

Topeka was founded as a free-state town in 1854.

Topeka is home to Pentecostalism in the United States.

Surrounding areas of Topeka boast beautiful sunflower fields in late summer.

Topeka has strong ties to its history related to the Kansas State Fair.

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. know the top-rated moving companies in Topeka.

Top reasons to move to Topeka

Moving to a new city will excite you but you still need some benefits you get with the move. So, before you move to Topeka, find some reasons to move to Topeka-

Cost of living- The cost of living in Topeka is generally lower than the national average with affordable housing options.

Job Market- Topeka’s economy is experiencing growth with a diverse job market. There are several industries thriving in the city and generating employment. Some of the major industries include healthcare, education, and manufacturing.

Revitalization- The city is undergoing significant revitalization like development of spaces like Evergy Plaza, and more. There is the construction of community gathering spots.

History and Culture- During the “Bleeding Kansas” era, Topeka played a crucial role in American history. It has a vibrant art and culture scene with the NOTO Arts Districts, art galleries, and more.

Outdoor recreation- There are numerous parks and green spaces in the city. There are places like Gage Park, Topeka Zoo, the Reinisch Rose Garden, and more.

Community- Topeka has friendly and welcoming residents with a strong sense of community. Most residents prefer to connect with their neighbors and get involved in local organizations and events.

Pros & Cons of Living in Topeka

Learn about the pros and cons of living in Topeka, it will help you prepare for the transition. Here are the perks and disadvantages of living in Topeka-

Pros of Living in Topeka	Cons of Living in Topeka
The cost of living is lower than the national average; housing costs are lower	Crime rates are higher in some areas of the city
Downtown Topeka is undergoing infrastructure transformation	Public transportation options are limited in Topeka
Residents are friendly, strong community feel and believe in connecting with people	Summers are hot, humid and winters are cold with potential snowfall
Topeka plays significant role in American history with presence of landmarks	State sales tax are relatively high, resulting in increased cost of goods and services
It offers numerous options for outdoor recreation	Property crimes rates are potentially high in the city
The job market in the city is diverse and potential economic growth	Healthcare expenses are slightly higher than the national average

Tip: When you've got a home to move in Topeka, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

Best Neighborhoods in the Topeka

A good neighborhood is a prime requirement in the new city. Before you move to Topeka, explore some popular neighborhoods to find your new home-

Potwin Place- This neighborhood is known for grand Victorian-style homes, community feel, and circular intersections. It is also known for its holiday decorations and events celebrated in the neighborhood.

Westboro- This neighborhood is characterized by large, elegant homes with tree-lined streets and historic-style homes. It is known for its strong community feel and access to good schools. If you are moving in with a family, this is a good location.

Sherwood Park- A family-friendly neighborhood with good schools, spacious homes, and more.

McFarland Farms- This is a gated community with a maintenance-provided home and it also features a lake. The location has a pool and manicured spaces.

NOTO Arts District- This is a revitalizing area with studios, art galleries, and events that offer an urban and artistic feel.

Lake Sherwood- This is an upscale neighborhood with a private lake community. It has homes with waterfront and recreational amenities.

Highland Crest- This neighborhood is frequently recognized as a popular and safe neighborhood.

Cost of living in Topeka

The cost of living in a city will help you plan your finances. It will help you set your moving budget and learn about the financial challenges that you might encounter after moving in. The cost of living in Topeka is lower than the national average with affordable housing options. Here is the breakdown for the cost of living in Topeka-

The cost of living in Topeka is generally affordable, with lower housing costs.

Category	Topeka (in USD)
Housing (Rent)	$811 - $974
Groceries	$609
Utilities	$195
Internet	$20

Housing Market in Topeka

The housing market in Topeka presents a mixed picture and features affordability and moderate activity. The rental and purchase costs are lower than the national average. The median home price for a house in Topeka is around $194,500.

Average Rental Cost in Topeka

The average rental cost in Topeka is around $811 to $974 per month. The price range varies according to the size, location, and type of the property.

Topeka job market

Before moving to a new city, it is important to explore its job market. It will help you decide about your move, The job market in the city is relatively stable with a moderate unemployment rate.

Top Career Options in Topeka

Following is the statistics for the employment opportunities, their average and entry-level salary in Topeka-

Job Title	Average Salary	Entry-Level Salary
Registered Nurse (RN)	60,000 - 75,000	45,000 - 55,000
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)	45,000 - 55,000	35,000 - 40,000
Software Engineer	70,000 - 100,000+	50,000 - 70,000
Data Scientist	80,000 - 120,000+	60,000 - 80,000
Cloud Architect	120,000 - 190,000+	80,000 - 110,000+
Cybersecurity Engineer	80,000 - 130,000+	60,000 - 85,000
Accountant	50,000 - 70,000	40,000 - 55,000
Human Resources Generalist	55,000 - 70,000	40,000 - 50,000
Teacher (Entry Level)	40,000 - 60,000	40,000 - 50,000
Electrician's Assistant	30,000 - 40,000	25,000 - 35,000
Firefighter (Starting)	50,000+	50,000+
Police Officer (Starting)	45,000 - 65,000+	45,000 - 65,000+

Median Salary in Topeka

The median household income in Topeka $55,902 per year.

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Major Industries in Topeka

The city is home to several major industries, including-

Government

Healthcare

Education

Manufacturing

Technology

Agriculture

Food processing

Distribution and logistics

Finance and Insurance

Education System in Topeka

One of the essential tasks on your moving checklist is to find a good school or college for your children. This section of the moving guide lists some good educational institutions in Topeka-

Here are some good educational institutions in the city-

Elementary Schools in Topeka
• Jay Shideler Elementary School
• Farley Elementary School
• Indian Hills Elementary School
• Topeka Collegiate School
• Christ the King Elementary School

Middle Schools in Topeka
Washburn Rural Middle School
Auburn Middle School
Seaman Middle School
Topeka Collegiate School
Landon Middle School

High Schools in Topeka
Washburn Rural High School
Seaman High School
Topeka High School
Topeka West High School
Highland Park High School

Colleges and Universities in Topeka
Washburn Institute of Technology
Washburn University
Baker University School of Nursing
Emporia State University
Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine

Transportation And Navigation In Topeka

The quality of life in a city is defined by its transportation and navigation. Here are the details of commuting options in Topeka-

Private transportation- Most residents of the city rely on personal vehicles for commuting. The city is renowned for having short commute times, which are typically 15 minutes or less. Traffic congestions are only a few in the city.

Public Transportation- Topeka has a fixed-route bus service provided by Topeka Metro. There is a Metro On-Demand (MOD), which offers curb-to-curb shared ride service operated in the designated southeast zone of Topeka. There is one special service for people with disabilities known as Paratransit. The city offers walkability and biking with designated paths for biking and walking. There are ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft.

Navigation- Topeka has a grid-like street layout with well-signed major routes. There are different apps that you can use to navigate the city, like Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps. There is an Open Data Portal where you can get online maps of the City of Topeka.

Best things to do in Topeka

Different ways to connect with the new city-

Explore different historical and cultural sites across and around the city, including-

Kansas Museum of History

Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site

Kansas State Capitol Building

Great Overland Station

Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Park

Combat Air Museum

Mulvane Art Museum

• Spend some precious moments with your children and family by visiting these places-

Kansas Children's Discovery Center

Topeka Zoo

Lake Shawnee

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Bonkers

Gage Park

The city is known for its vibrant art and culture, here are some places where you can explore arts-

NOTO Arts District

Evergy Plaza

Performing Arts Centers

Local Restaurants and Breweries

Topeka is home to several parks and green spaces and here are some spots to enjoy outdoor activities-

Shunga Trail

Fishing at Kansas River

Golfing at Lake Shawnee Golf Course and Forbes Golf Course.

Kaw River State Park

There is a rainbow-colored house across from the Westboro Baptist Church, that promotes LGBTQ+ equality.

Taxes in Topeka

A new city means new taxes, and before you move, learn about the taxes. High-rate taxes can affect your finances and moving budget. Here are the details of different taxes imposed in Topeka-

Income Tax- Kansas has a progressive state income tax, and the tax rates range from 5.2% to 5.58%. However, there are standard deductions and personal exemptions available.

Sales Tax- The state sales tax rate in Kansas is 6.5%, and there are three additional local sales taxes- Shawnee County: 1.35%, City of Topeka: 1.50%, and Special Taxes: Vary by district, ranging from 0.00% to 2.00%. The sales tax rates can vary from 9.35% to 11.35%.

Property Taxes- In Topeka, property taxes are levied at the local level, and the tax rates are based on the assessed value of real and tangible property.

Vehicle Taxes- All the residents pay taxes and vehicle registration fees when they move in.

Fuel Taxes- There are taxes levied on gasoline and diesel fuel.

Type of insurance required in Topeka

When you move to Topeka, you might need some insurance to ensure your safety and your belongings. Here are the details of different insurances required in Topeka-

Auto Insurance- This is legally mandated by the law of Kansas that all drivers must have auto insurance. The minimum liability coverages are as follows-

Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person

Bodily Injury Liability: $50,000 per accident

Property Damage Liability: $25,000 per accident

Homeowners Insurance- If you own a house, this insurance will protect your house and personal belongings against events like fire, theft, and more.

Renters Insurance- If you rent, this insurance will protect your belongings from fire, theft, and other covered perils.

Health Insurance- This will cover medical expenses however, this is not mandatory.

Life insurance- This insurance provides financial support to your family or beneficiaries in the event of your death.

Business Insurance- If you own a business in Topeka, you might need an extensive range of business insurance, including commercial property, general liability, workers’ compensation, and more.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.

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