Living in Topeka, KS: A Complete Guide on What to Expect

Topeka is one of those cities that is just the right size. It's not so big that it takes all day to cross, nor so small that you miss out on amenities and entertainment. At about 125,500 people, it's on the small side of the medium and feels spacious as a result. Everyone has plenty of elbow room without the usual crowding-in of an overly dense city. Topeka, KS, is affordable to live in, and you can find plenty of jobs in the area.

But before you pack your moving truck, you're probably wondering what it's actually like to live in Topeka. As locals who have known many out-of-towners, we can give you the scoop on what you'll notice first, what you'll come to love, and the general pros and cons to help you determine if Topeka is the right place for your next chapter.

Pros and Cons of Living in Topeka

Let's start with a general look at the pros and cons of living in Topeka.

Pros

Low cost of living
Spacious and easy to navigate
Good schools
Cozy atmosphere
Great for sports fans
Easy access to other cities like KC (Kansas City)

Cons

Humid seasons and extreme weather
Heavy rush-hour traffic
Small compared to nearby cities

What is the Weather Like in Topeka, KS?

The weather in Topeka is more intense than in other regions. Summers are hot and humid, with highs in the 80s. Winters are short but very cold, snowy, and windy. If you're used to Northern winters, you won't be phased, but if you're coming from Southern climates, Topeka's winters can be a surprise. Invest in a good coat and boots.

Topeka is a four-season city where you'll enjoy spectacular springtime blooms and winter color changes. The snow gets deep enough for sledding in a few local parks, as well.

What is the Cost of Living in Topeka?

The cost of living in Topeka is lower than many other cities, especially compared to the larger nearby cities of Lawrence and Kansas City. Topeka's cost of living is 13% lower than the national average, and housing costs are over 30% lower. Utilities and groceries are slightly lower than the national average.

This becomes one of the primary motivations for people moving to Topeka. The lower cost of living invites a better quality of life if your income remains the same or is comparable after your move.

Things to Do in Topeka

Topeka's entertainment scene is wholesome and happens mostly during the daytime. While there is nightlife, the most diverse activities often include sports, clubs and leagues, charity work, and hobby groups. Like any city, there is also a great landscape of restaurants, shopping, museums, and theaters. There are also plenty of entertainment venues like bowling alleys, arcades, rock climbing walls, mini-golf, trampoline parks, and escape rooms.

NOTO Historic Arts District

North Topeka, or NOTO to locals, is the liveliest part of the city. Historic and beautiful, this district is full of museums, theaters, and some of the best restaurants, cafes, and secret speakeasies that the city has to offer. There's something for everyone, and many Topekans can spend whole weekends enjoying new experiences and visiting their favorite haunts.

Outdoor Activities

Topeka is a very active city full of people who love outdoor activities. From organized sports to more casual activities like swimming and frisbee golf in the park, you will meet a lot of people if you simply head outdoors and find something fun to do. There are many parks in the city and more than a few trails for hiking, running, and biking to stay active. There are also plenty of gyms, from CrossFit to rock climbing, to help you stay active during the blustery winters or the peak of summer heat.

Sports

Topeka is full of sports fans and not all for the same team. No matter who you root for, you're sure to find a group of like-minded locals ready to cheer for your favorite team's victories and meet every weekend during the game season for drinks and game-watching. Sports bars are abundant, as are sports fields where local leagues meet and compete.

If you want to join the locals cheering for Topeka teams, brush up on:

Kansas City Chiefs - Football
Kansas City Royals - Baseball
Scarecrows, Roadrunners, Pilots - Hockey

Festivals and Celebrations

As a daytime city, Topeka has some great festivals. There are celebrations throughout the year that are open to the public. In addition to the yearly festivals, head to NOTO for the First Friday art walks every week during the warm months.

Spring

St. Patrick's Day Parade and IrishFest
Tulip Time - Garden Celebration

Summer

Mulvane Art Fair
GermanFest
Capital City Family and Food Truck Festival
Sunflower Music Festival
Spirit of Kansas Blues Festival
Fiesta Topeka
For the Culture KS
India Mela

Fall

Winter

Careers and Jobs in Topeka

Topeka is the capital of Kansas, resulting in a lot of government jobs. The top private industries in the city are healthcare and manufacturing. Of course, like any city, there are diverse career options in almost every sector, from software to logistics. Topeka has fewer job opportunities than the nearby larger cities, but it's a great place to live if you can work remotely or have a hybrid position in KC or Lawrence that only requires occasionally visiting the office.

Schools in Topeka

The public schools in Topeka are ranked above average. The smaller size of the city comes with educational advantages. The average ratio of students to teachers is 13/1, ensuring teachers can guide their classrooms and provide attention to individual students during class time. The quality of Topeka schools attracts many new residents, from the positive test scores to the robust sports programs.

Making Your Home in Topeka

If Topeka sounds like a place you'd love to live, you'll find a place to call home at Crown Colony Apartments. Our apartments in Topeka are spacious, welcoming, and the perfect launching place to build your new life surrounded by vibrant activity and historic art experiences.