Kansas 55+ Retirement Communities

Kansas, nestled in the heart of the Midwest, presents a tranquil and appealing option for active adults seeking to purchase a home in a 55+ active adult community. Known for its wide-open spaces, Kansas offers a cost-effective and welcoming environment, where friendly communities, a lower cost of living, and a slower pace of life can be found. The state's central location provides convenient access to various amenities, making it an attractive choice for those considering a peaceful yet well-connected retirement destination.

Climate & Geography

There are three main land regions in Kansas. The eastern third consists of the Osage Plains, Flint Hills, Dissected Till Plains, and Arkansas River Lowlands. The center third has the Smoky Hills, and to the west are the Great Plains, Dissected High Plains, and the High Plains. There are more than 50,000 streams that run through the state. Nine-tenths of the state’s land area is used for agricultural purposes. 

Kansas residents experience continental climate with distinct seasonal variations. Summers are warm and winters are mild.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment

Throughout the state there are many prairies, farmlands, and trails for recreation. The Flint Hills is one of the last remaining tallgrass prairies with more than 40 grass species, 150 bird species, 30 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 31 mammal species. Retirees can listen to an outdoor concert, drive, or bike the 47.2 mile Flint Hills Scenic Byway, or enjoy the many trails available. At the Wilson State Park, the red sandstone formations with 40-foot drop-offs create a great recreation location for fishing, hiking, waterskiing, and enjoying the outdoors.

During the spring when North American shorebirds migrate, nearly 25 percent stop at the Cheyenne Bottoms State Wildlife Area and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. 

There is a dynamic art culture in Kansas with murals and sculptures around the state, and museums and galleries are available for residents to explore.

Kansas Speedway is a 1.5 mile racetrack and motorsports facility that hosts several annual NASCAR events. The nearby area has a movie theater, outdoor shopping mall, and hotels, including the Hollywood Hotel and Casino.

Cost of Living & Taxes

Kansas has a 6.5 percent state sales tax with localities able to add as much as 4 percent.

Social Security benefits are exempt from Kansas income tax for residents with a federal adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less. IRAs, 401(k)s, and private pensions are taxable at the income tax rates, but public pensions are exempt. The income tax ranges from 3.1 percent to 5.7 percent.

The cost of living in Kansas is lower than the national average. Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.

Health Care

There are over 150 hospitals in Kansas. The University of Kansas Hospital is ranked No. 1 in the state and nationally ranked in eight specialties. The hospital is also high performing in three adult specialties and six procedures and conditions. Stormont Vail Hospital is the No. 2 hospital in Kansas and high performing in pulmonology and lung surgery and four procedures and conditions.