Topeka, KS Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Topeka, KS: What You Need to Know

Topeka, the capital of Kansas, is located in the eastern part of the state. Topeka became a center of the civil rights movement when one of its residents filed a lawsuit, Brown v. Board of Education, which led to the end of racial segregation in schools.

The Local History

In 1854, an anti-slavery group from Lawrence, Kansas, led by Charles Robinson of the New England Emigrant Aid Company founded the city. In 1857, Topeka was chartered as a city. In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka that racial segregation violates the U.S. Constitution. Oliver Brown, a Topeka resident, was the lawsuit’s lead plaintiff.

Schools and Higher Education

Washburn University is Topeka’s premier educational institution. It was founded as Lincoln College in 1865 by a charter of the state of Kansas and the General Association of Congregational Ministers and Churches of Kansas. The private university has 6,571 students. There are 11 other universities within 50 miles of the city. In primary and secondary education, the Topeka School District has 27 schools serving 13,189 students. McCarter Elementary School and McClure Elementary School are among the top-ranked schools in the city.

Weather and Climate

Topeka has four distinct seasons, receiving about 38 inches of rain per year, which is the U.S. average. The city gets about 16 inches of snow annually, lower than the national average of 28 inches. Kansas is part of the Tornado Alley, which includes Oklahoma, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, and Texas. On June 8, 1966, Topeka was hit by an F5 tornado, the worst in its history. It injured 15 people, devastated the downtown area, and resulted in about $100 million in damages.

The Cost of Living in Topeka

You’ll get more buying power in Topeka (population: 125,310) where the cost of living is 17.3% lower than the national average. Food and housing costs are also 20.8% and 35.3% lower than the national average, respectively. Topeka’s median gross rent is $790. In Kansas, you’ll pay an income tax rate of 3.10% to 5.70% and 6.50% to 10.50% in sales tax. The state exempts inheritances from income tax.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Downtown Topeka is attracting more residents thanks to its revitalization. The historic area surrounding Washburn University is one of the city’s most popular neighborhoods. Development projects are expected to increase the number of residential units in the neighborhood. If you prefer the suburbs, check out nearby Mission Township and Soldier Township, which are known for their top-notch schools. Residents in Soldier Township praise its affordability and friendly environment.