Search for any place in the USA:





SperlingViews - Topeka, Kansas

Overview, People, Health, Economy, Housing, Rankings, Climate
Crime, Comments, Transportation, Cost of Living, Religion, Voting

Topeka, KS
Population127,473
Median Age36
Pop. Density2,119
Pop. Change2.99%
Married Population42.45%
Household Size2.3
Unemployment Rate6.60%
Median Home Cost$92,300
Homes Owned52.75%
Home Appreciation2.04%
Percent Religious47.48%
Commute Time19.2

76.23% of people are white, 11.31% are black, 1.35% are asian, 1.38% are native american, and 9.73% claim 'Other'. 7.17% of the people in Topeka, KS, claim hispanic ethnicity (meaning 92.83% are non-hispanic).

Have an opinion about Topeka? Leave a comment.


Patrick
Topeka, KS
Topeka - 10/27/2012

I just made a account on this website just to tell you about how horrible this city is. Please don't ever come here for the sake of you and your family. If you come here, you will probably blow your head off from boredom and depression. This is the saddest place on earth. The only reason the people that live here haven't killed themselves is because they are use to the sadness of this city. Topeka is a horrible place to be. An absolute hellhole. Stay as far away from this city as you can.[read more...]

Patrick
Topeka, KS
Don't ever come here. - 10/27/2012

I just made a account on this website just to tell you about how horrible this city is. Please don't ever come here for the sake of you and your family. If you come here, you will probably blow your head off from boredom and depression. This is the saddest place on earth. The only reason the people that live here haven't killed themselves is because they are use to thesadness of this city. Stay as far away from this city as you can.[read more...]

syl
Sun Valley, NV
jobs - 6/20/2012

I have family in Topeka Ks and I will be moving there soon i also have my housing setup and will be taking my college classes in medical but can anyone tell me how the job market is there is it easy or hard to find a job there?[read more...]

Abhd
Topeka, KS
Poorly organized local government, road maint., To - 7/29/2011

I've resided here for over a decade. I've visited several other metros in this time. Every visit brought the realization that Topeka was severely behind the curve. All my experiences dealing with the local government has been a headache. When TPD wants you they will do everything in their power and your budget to get you (even for a jaywalking) but if you get robbed/mugged/assaulted you're on your own beyond the report(if you're lucky, I had to call TPD back to ask why a report wasn't made one time...). Out of 16 homicide cases 2 have been closed. The stats for the rest are too low to even bother sharing. Reputation pockmarked with serious violations. The local economy is not welcoming of new business that aren't traditionally accepted. I call it "old money" running this town. Large sections of Topeka are owned by groups of individuals that keep a heavy thumb on what THEY think would be best. New young businesses and entrepreneurs are purged every chance they get. The roads are entirely too frustrating. An intersection will get reduced down to single lanes with no left turns; and no detour and warning signs. These "construction sites" turn in to traffic filters for traffic police to take advantage of lack on signage. early and late every month you will see multiple officers watching these locations, then disappear for the rest of the month. Traffic signals went from adequately efficient to being riddled with A.D.D. "signal operation change" signs usually tell me to start my calming exercises. Most of the people the reside here stay for the cost of living or uncontrolled heavy narcotic underground. I've ran into more people missing teeth and marijuana "busts" then needed. Top business to open up here is a bar or liquor store...maybe a gas station that has alcohol also...money storm! It's like being roommates with a addict, they just never see how bad it really is. We are a small metro in my opinion, we've had plenty of time and history to progress past. A lass, an addict doesn't know they're an addict til it's too late. Please just remember you get what you pay for, it may be cheaper here. It definitely shows. Please don't listen to me, research yourself. Country Budget/Project follow through, DOT projects, Crime rate, etc etc. P.S. STAY AWAY FROM RAINTREE APARTMENTS! perfect example of a succubus in apartment form. Currently in suit. Be safe, and hope you find your dream place.[read more...]

Jordan
Topeka, KS
Its one of the most wonderful cities. - 6/21/2011

I have lived in Topeka all my life and I will tell you this, some of these people on these comments are being snobs. A lot of Topeka, Kansas is good depending on the neighborhood. And there are lots of parks and lakes and restraunts. And there are things to do in Topeka like go to the lake, go on a bike ride, go to the park, go to the libary, go out to eat, go to the mall, go for a walk, go to the museum or just other things. And yes there are some bad neighborhoods in Topeka just like any city so people can stop saying it's horrible because it's not depending on where you are just like any other city. And the school are not bad at all. They have perfectly fine students who are smart and behave. And if you move to Topeka I recommend having your kids go to Scott Magnet Technology School. There they have A wonderful compute lab (wireless and regular)and there are computers and laptops in every room, and plenty of school supplies and a nice playground and gym. And the teachers and staff are so nice. And last time I went to a assembly all most all of the kids got a 3.0 grade average. And my kids grew up perfectly fine with lots of friends. AnSO I would totally reccommend moving to Topeka Kansas.[read more...]

Chuck
Topeka, KS
Recreation - 5/2/2011

Topeka, like most midwest towns, an emphasis on youth athletics is ever present. Topeka is no exception with little league baseball and youth soccer leading the way. They have committed much to the improvement of the Shawnee Lake facilities as well as others within the city. Soccer is also no exception with multi-field facilities that are well run. Lakes are also easily accessible and beautiful. Lake Shawnee is a beautiful area with hike and bike trails, camping, boating, fishing, picnic area and plenty of youth athletic fields all within the city limits. Other lakes are nearby within 30 miles in Perry and Lawrenceville that offer larger bodies of water for boating.[read more...]

Lindsey
Topeka, KS
Hate it here - 3/26/2011

I have lived in Topeka, KS my entire life. I am now 18 and I still hate it. I work at a local retail store and almost everyone who comes in has an attitude problem. Not to mention, the majority of the people are sexist/racist. The only thing to do here is go to Walmart where all the creeps are or go to the movies. I fear for my life every night at my house, thinking someone is going to break in. I live in the SUBURBS and the crime rate is high! Seriously, do not live here. Granted, it is cheap to live, but everything about it is terrible. I plan on moving the second I graduate high school.[read more...]

Sam
Topeka, KS
Topeka Kansas is horrible - 2/18/2011

I lived in Topeka for nine years and I have to say it was the worst mistake I've ever made. The cost of living is cheaper, but you get what you pay for. Absolutely no culture,no night life to speak of,Public transportation that consists of buses between 5:AM and 6:PM hourly, and no service on Sunday's. Bad food,High crime rates. By far the worst school system I've ever seen. Unfriendly people,You will run into White supremacists and Religious fanatics (the ones that picket soldiers funerals) A corrupt legal system complete with lawyers who lie about what they filed on your behalf as they take your money and actually filed nothing.(This happened to my twice with two different layers) A bad job market with the lowest minimum wage in the United states. If your thinking of moving to Topeka Kansas please consider any other alternative you may have before making this huge mistake with your life.[read more...]

marjan
Topeka, KS
topeka,ks - 10/22/2010

i am living in topeka for 5 years now.as a imigrant who is married with american[my wife is topekan,we got 2 yrs old boy] was little hard to get acomodate to this life here[i am coming from macedonia,yugoslavia] in terms making friends.all my friends are from the army which i work for 7 years back in europe and i didnt make new once.is not much to do here and also i think that crime rate should be lower.roads should be better[i see improvement] and schools too.i think topeka is behind other citys around and got to move up.down town and east need improvement and maybe more coulture events.best regards to everyone.[read more...]

Allie
Topeka, KS
Mass Transit Exceptional - 7/25/2010

With many people trying to find alternative ways to reduce their foot print on the environment, Topeka has a better than average mass transit system. They also appear to intend to continue improving transportation with newer buses and more routes. This is good for everyone - even those who have personal automobiles - but want to save wear and tear on those costly autos. [read more...]

LIsa
Topeka, KS
Fitting in as an immigrant - 2/4/2010

As an immigrant from Ireland and someone who has transplanted to the US because I have married an American, my experience of feeling part of the local community here in Topeka has been a mixed bag; on the one hand, grocery shopping and all the usual shopping needs have been a very positive experience. The people in the service industry are very kind, warm and helpful and in particular the staff at almost all of the local Dillons supermarkets (Kroger) are just wonderful. However, as a mother of 2, a baby and a toddler, it has been virtually impossible to make friends with other mothers and people in general. I have been snubbed almost most of my 2 and a half years I have been living here. I won't give up, but I have to say this aspect is very hard for a newcomer who doesn't know anybody. People seem to be in their own world and don't take notice of others or else there are clicks that are inpenetratable.[read more...]

Coach
Topeka, KS
Potential - 8/11/2009

Topeka has a lot of potential but has the wrong people planning. For a capital of a State it is ran down. Many people think Wichita is the capital. The town that seem to grow have young people moving there and night life. If young people stay in a town they create a family or “roots” Manhattan “aggieville” Lawrence “Mass street” Wichita “Old Town” Kansas City “Power and light” Topeka ? Getting more people to move to your city creates more needs and then jobs. [read more...]

Bp
Topeka, KS
Overall view of Topeka, KS - 6/8/2009

Topeka is a quiet, family oriented town. There are lots of parks and lakes nearby. Cost of living is awesome, even compared to nearby Lawrence & Kansas City. While it is true that entertainment venues may be limited, it is a short drive to Kansas City or Lawrence for evening and weekend entertainment. The money you save on housing in Topeka makes driving for occasional things to do worth it. Also, there is no traffic, so you will rarely if ever find yourself in traffic jams. This means more time to spend with your family and friends.[read more...]

Clint
Barry, IL
Crime Rate - 3/20/2008

There seems to be this stereotype around Kansas about how dangerous Topeka is and how safe Lawrence (home to University of Kansas) is. While both have low crime for cities their size, Lawrence is actually the more dangerous city, with about 600 violent crimes per 100,000 residents (where 450 is the national average and 700 is considered high). Topeka has closer to 500. So the next time you do a stereotypical comparison of two cities, look up the facts instead of basing your judgment on an "opinion" that could very well be wrong.[read more...]

Clint
Barry, IL
Topeka - Pros/Cons - 3/20/2008

Pros: 1. Low crime rate 2. Low cost of living and housing 3. Affordable place to live Cons: 1. Very poor school system 2. Not much to do 3. Finding a job in Topeka is not easy[read more...]

DF
Topeka, KS
Topeka - 8/1/2007

I listed my pros and cons about Topeka. Pros 1. cheaper than nearby Lawrence 2. some nice parks 3.nice people for the most part Cons 1. limited cultural scene 2. high crime rate 3. awful job market 4. very hot and humid in summers 5.awful selection of rests.[read more...]

Michael
Burke, VA
I grew up in Topeka - 6/15/2007

Now, I live in the Washington, DC area and really miss Topeka! I return to Topeka once a year and am always impressed with the friendliness of the people and the cost of living! I knew someone a few years ago who moved from the east coast to Topeka because "it's a great place to raise a family." --I think that is still true! Topeka would be a great place to retire to, although the job market seems to be a little depressed. The winters and summers can be harsh. Spring is okay, with some severe weather. Fall is beautiful! Overall, the best thing about Topeka (and Kansas) is its people. I live in Washington for the paycheck and hope to return to Topeka (or some place that is like it) when I retire![read more...]

Ariel
Topeka, KS
Living costs cheaper than lawrence - 6/22/2006

Living costs cheaper than lawrence, traffic is horrible in summer because most of the main roads go under construction at the same time. Avoid Topeka Blvd. Ive been rear ending twice in two weeks. Topeka is for the most part divided up ethnically. West side is the cleanest and newest area for living and raising a family. Local college (Washburn) is great for an education but horrible if your looking for a social experience. Most college students vacate the town by 5pm fri and go to lawrence.[read more...]

Derek
Topeka, KS
Topeka: Pros and Cons - 6/19/2006

Pros: The people are friendly by in large. The city has some nice parks. The cost of living is very inexpensive compared to nearby Lawrence. Cons: The city seriously lacks for jobs. Summers are often very humid. Few quality rests. Topeka has a very limited cultural scene. [read more...]

Bryan
Topeka, KS
Great Place - 3/1/2006

Topeka has a decent cost of living.[read more...]

Next >>