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.
Best 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 Subdivision Guide for maps, school ratings, and pricing info.
Local Job Scene
Topeka’s job scene is solid. Here are some of the city’s largest employers:
- Stormont Vail Health
- The State of Kansas
- Topeka Public Schools
- Frito-Lay
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
Remote workers also thrive here thanks to affordable housing, great internet access, and coworking spaces popping up around town.
Cost of Living: A Breath of Fresh Air
If you’re moving from a bigger metro, you’ll likely feel the relief immediately:
- 17% lower overall cost of living than the U.S. average
- 40% lower housing costs
- 16-minute average commute
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 – A go-to for walking, fishing, or relaxing outdoors
- NOTO Arts District – Murals, galleries, and the First Friday Art Walks
- Downtown Topeka – Food, shops, breweries, and live music
- Kansas State Capitol – Stunning dome views and free tours
- Topeka Zoo & Gage Park – A family classic, packed with things to do year-round
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.
🎯 Download Our Free Topeka Relocation Guide for a full list of neighborhoods, school district info, cost-of-living comparisons, and moving tips.
About the Author:
The above article Moving to Topeka? A Complete Newcomer’s Guide to the Capital City was written by Justin Armbruster of the Armbruster Team at Genesis 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. They have helped people buy and sell real estate in all of the following Topeka School Districts:
