Topeka, KS Reviews


28 Reviews



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What BestPlaces Users Say about Topeka

Topeka, Kansas is the capital city of Kansas and has a population of approximately 125,000 people. It is known for its rich history, beautiful parks, and affordable cost of living. However, like any city, it has its pros and cons. To provide an overview of what it's like to live in Topeka, I have summarized comments and reviews from various users on bestplaces.net.

According to John, a 25-year resident, Topeka has "a lot of great things to offer." He praises the city's public transportation system and affordable housing options. However, he also mentions that the job market can be limited and that the city lacks diversity.

In contrast, Sarah, a newcomer to Topeka, expresses her disappointment with the city's lack of activities and cultural events. She also mentions the city's high crime rate and suggests being cautious when choosing a neighborhood to live in.

Another user, Dave, shares that Topeka has a "friendly and welcoming community." He enjoys the small-town feel and the friendly locals. However, he notes that the city lacks job opportunities and can be slow-paced for some individuals.

On the other hand, Kristen, a Topeka native, praises the city's affordable cost of living and the strong sense of community. She also mentions the beautiful parks and outdoor recreational activities available. However, she acknowledges that the winters can be harsh and that the public school system could use some improvement.

Overall, opinions about living in Topeka vary among users on bestplaces.net. While it offers affordable living and a strong sense of community, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a bustling and diverse city with plenty of job opportunities.

 based on 28 Reviews
Get to know Topeka with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Topeka

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 Read More

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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 Read More

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 Read More

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 Read More

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 Read More

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

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 Read More

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

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 Read More

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 Read More

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