Moving to Topeka? A Complete Newcomer’s Guide to the Capital City
Thinking about making a move to Topeka? You’re not alone. Between the lower cost of living, friendly community, and surprisingly short commute times, more and more people are discovering that Topeka’s a great place to land. Whether you’re relocating for work, school, or just a fresh start, here’s what you need to know to get settled—and love where you live.
Why Are People Moving to Topeka?
Topeka hits that sweet spot of offering big-city resources with a small-town vibe. With just over 125,000 people, it’s big enough to have great schools, healthcare, and entertainment—but small enough to skip the traffic and high price tags.
Here’s what stands out:
- Affordable Homes – Housing costs are well below the national average.
- Reliable Job Market – Strong presence in government, healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
- Great Schools – Public districts and private schools, plus Washburn University.
- Easy Living – Quick commutes, low cost of living, and lots of family-friendly amenities.
Neighborhoods in Topeka
Topeka has something for everyone—historic charm, lake access, suburban comfort. A few local favorites:
- Potwin Place – Old homes, big porches, and a tight-knit community vibe.
- Rockfire at the Lake – Newer homes near Lake Shawnee, great for families.
- Lake Sherwood – Private lake, peaceful surroundings, great amenities.
- Westboro – Known for its character homes and walkable layout.
- Seaman District – Suburban feel with strong schools.
Want a deeper dive? Grab our FREE Relocation Guide for more info! 📥
Local Job Scene
Topeka’s job scene is solid. Here are some of the city’s largest employers:
- Stormont Vail Health
- State of Kansas
- Topeka Public Schools
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
- Frito-Lay
- Mars Incorporated
Remote workers also thrive here thanks to affordable housing, great internet access, and coworking spaces popping up around town.
Remote work? Even better. Topeka’s low cost of living and fast internet make it a great place to live if your job doesn’t tie you to an office.
Want a deeper dive? Grab our FREE Relocation Guide for more info! 📥
What’s the Cost of Living?
According to BestPlaces.net:
- Cost of living is about 17% lower than the national average
- Housing costs are around 40% lower
- Average commute is just 16 minutes
Day-to-day costs—from groceries to insurance—are easier on the budget too.
Things To Do in Topeka
Yes, there’s plenty to do! Topeka’s not a place where you just live—it’s a place where you can get involved and enjoy your time. Some favorites:
- Lake Shawnee – Great for walking, fishing, paddle boats, and picnics.
- NOTO Arts District – Art galleries, events, and local shops.
- Kansas State Capitol – Free tours, and the dome climb has an amazing view.
- Topeka Zoo & Gage Park – Great spot for families or just an afternoon stroll.
- Downtown Topeka – Breweries, First Fridays, Evergy Plaza, and more.
- Children’s Discovery Center – Classes, activities, games, and more for kids and families.
Whether you’re making the move across the country or just across the state, Topeka offers a lot more than people realize. If you’re craving a fresh start in a city that’s both laid-back and full of life, we’d love to help you settle in.
Want a deeper dive? Grab our FREE Relocation Guide for more info! 📥
About the Author:
The above article A Complete Newcomer’s Guide to the Capital City if You’re Moving To Topeka was written by Justin Armbruster of the Armbruster Team at Genesis, LLC, REALTORS®, local leaders in Topeka Real Estate, Marketing, and Social Media. You can contact the Armbruster Team at (785) 260-4384 or through this form. They have helped hundreds of people buy and sell homes in the Topeka area for years and would love the opportunity to help you as well.
Are you thinking about selling your home? They have a passion for listing and selling homes in Topeka and would love the chance to use their expertise in Real Estate, Marketing, and Social Media to help you sell or buy yours! Are you interested in buying a home? Give the Armbruster Team a call.
