Wichita's Pro's and Con's
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3/20/2006
Wichita has it's pro's and con's - as with any other city. As a relative newcomer to this city (my family moved here in 2000), I've noticed a few things I'd like to mention.
Although the economy is still recovering from all the aircraft layoffs (whether or not you want to believe it was caused by 911), it's encouraging to see the city at least consider other industries as options to replace - or at least compete with - the aircraft industry. Wichita does tend to be more service-industry heavy, which makes for a volatile economy since the service industry is the first to suffer during layoff's or a "bear" market.
Housing tends to be decent - even when you consider that it has a tendency to be overpriced in the newly developed areas.
Although it's population is more diverse than the areas that surround Wichita (which isn't saying much), it still has its share of segregated areas that are over-represented by low-income minorities, and crime continues to be a problem in these areas.
The schools are in a constant battle - whether its over science vs intellectual-design; or underfunded vs overfunded schools; or the zero-tolerence policy; or underpaid teachers vs overpaid administrators; or school busing. I, personally, am very disappointed in the state of the public school systems in Wichita - but its still better than some of the schools my children attended in the South!
There is potential here if you can get over the small mindedness of the some of the residents.
sonni | Wichita, KS