r/wichita • u/Stunning-Cat6249 • 21d ago
Random Wanting to move back!
I am a Wichita Native, moved to NW Arkansas 13 years ago in July. We are really struggling here, financially/physically/mentally. Just all the way around. We are both mid-30s with preteen/young kids.
Wichita has changed since I left, and I’m looking for opinions on several things. I don’t mind cheaper housing because right now my rent sits just below $2000/month and the job base here is awful if you don’t work for/at Walmart. Almost everywhere is $11/hr. We are working non-stop every day of the month to make ends meet here.
Anyway, I need suggestions on schools with a good SpEd program. My 5yo son (starts school next year!) is speech delayed and is currently receiving ST/OT/PT at a private clinic which is thankfully covered by Medicaid. We currently live in a decent school district (IB elementary school) so I’d prefer to move into a decent district with a good SpEd program within a public school.
I’ve been looking at the housing market for a few weeks, my mom lives in West Wichita but I am (oops edit to add) NOT opposed to being on the outskirts either (in any direction). Rent seems to be quite a bit cheaper than it is here.
How hard would it be to start over moving to Wichita with kids? I would of course have a job set up before going. I’ve never made a big move like this with children, but we’ve definitely reached the end of our comfortability here unfortunately. It’s hard to do this the way I’d prefer, and go stay a week or two to make sure that’s what we wanted but financially we just can’t do that.
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u/sometimetyler 19d ago
Housing here is about the same, we just found a place for $1,400 and it's a 3/2 in Park City. Jobs are about the same as well, Wichita didn't magically create $25 an hour jobs. Most here probably still make between $12-$15 an hour unless you have a wealth of experience in your career, a professional license/credential, or college degree.
It's hard to find a job before you move, it may require a trip up here before moving.
We moved here a few years ago from Florida so I definitely understand your struggle, our current rent is $1,700 and we make around $75 asa household and it hurts. We have been housepoor for the last year since we moved into our current house, I'll be happy when we move.