Nomar Self Storage

March 6, 2026
Moving to Wichita, KS: Neighborhoods, Cost of Living & What to Expect

Wichita is one of the most affordable mid-sized cities in the country — and it's growing. Whether you're relocating for work, school, family, or a fresh start, the city has a lot going for it. But before you load the truck, here's what you actually need to know about moving to Wichita.


Why People Are Moving to Wichita

Wichita sits at the center of Kansas with a metro population of around 650,000. It's home to major aerospace and manufacturing employers like Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation, and Koch Industries. Healthcare, education, and logistics are also big industries here.

What draws most newcomers:

- Low cost of living: Wichita consistently ranks among the most affordable large cities in the Midwest.
- No traffic nightmare: Commutes are short compared to bigger metros.
- Outdoor access: Cheney Lake, Sedgwick County Park, and the Arkansas River trails are all within reach.
- Strong local culture: Wichita has a real downtown, a growing restaurant scene, and deep sports and music roots.


Best Neighborhoods in Wichita to Consider

College Hill
One of Wichita's most established and walkable neighborhoods. Older homes with character, close to boutiques and restaurants along Douglas Avenue. Great for professionals and families.

Riverside
Sits along the Arkansas River. Quiet, tree-lined, and popular with longtime Wichitans. Easy access to parks and the river trail system.

Delano
A revitalized neighborhood west of downtown. It's become one of the more popular spots for young professionals and renters looking for something with character and a low price point.

East Wichita (Rock Road / Kellogg corridor)
More suburban, with newer construction, shopping, and good school options. Popular with families relocating from out of state.

Near Wichita State University
Great if you're a student, faculty, or just want walkable proximity to the university's sports, arts, and events. A mix of rentals, condos, and homes.


Cost of Living in Wichita, KS

Wichita is significantly cheaper than most U.S. cities its size. Here's a general snapshot:

- Median home price: Around $170,000–$210,000 (well below the national median)
- Average rent (1BR): Around $750–$950/month depending on area
- Groceries and utilities: Generally 10–15% below the national average
- State income tax: Kansas does have a state income tax, worth factoring in if you're coming from a no-income-tax state

Overall, your dollar stretches further here than in most Midwest cities.


What to Do Before You Arrive

1. Line up housing early.
Rental inventory moves fast in popular areas like College Hill, Delano, and near WSU. If you're coming from out of state, try to nail down housing at least 30–45 days ahead of your move date.

2. Plan for overlap.
Whether it's a lease gap, a delayed closing, or a remodel at your new place — most people moving to Wichita end up with some kind of timing gap. That's where storage helps.

3. Declutter before you pack.
Moving is the best time to shed what you don't need. Anything you're unsure about, store it — don't let it crowd your new space.


Using Self Storage During a Wichita Move

A lot of people moving to or within Wichita use a storage unit as a buffer. You can move out on one date, keep your things safe, and move in when you're ready — without the pressure of doing it all in a single day.

At Nomar Self Storage on Market Street, we offer drive-up units that make loading and unloading straightforward. No elevators, no long hallways — just pull up and get to work.

Browse unit sizes and availability at our Market Street location.

We also have a second location on W 29th Street if that's closer to your new place.

Not sure what size unit you need? Our size guide takes the guesswork out of it.


Getting Settled in Wichita

Once you're in, here's what locals recommend:

- Hit Old Town for live music, bars, and weekend events
- Explore the Keeper of the Plains at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers
- Check out the Wichita Art Museum and the Exploration Place science center
- Find a local coffee shop — Wichita has a surprisingly solid independent coffee scene

Wichita is the kind of city that grows on you. It's not flashy, but it's solid — affordable, friendly, and more interesting than most people expect.


Ready to Make Your Move Easier?

If you need storage before, during, or after your Wichita move, Nomar Self Storage has two convenient locations and flexible month-to-month rentals.

Learn how Nomar helps households during moves and transitions.

March 6, 2026
Vehicle Storage in Wichita: What to Know Before You Park It Whether you've got a car you're not driving every day, a trailer that lives in your driveway, or a seasonal vehicle taking up space you need back — vehicle storage in Wichita is a practical solution that more people are using than you'd think. Here's what to know before you rent. Why People Use Vehicle Storage in Wichita HOA restrictions A lot of newer neighborhoods in east Wichita and the surrounding suburbs have HOA rules against parking RVs, trailers, boats, or certain commercial vehicles on the street or in the driveway. Vehicle storage solves that problem cleanly. Freeing up garage space The garage was supposed to be for cars. Then it became storage. Vehicle storage lets you use your garage for what it was built for — or vice versa, store the vehicle and use the garage for your workshop, gym, or overflow. Seasonal vehicles Motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and classic cars don't need to sit outside through a Kansas winter. Getting them off the street and into a secure storage spot protects them from weather, theft, and damage. Extra vehicles during a transition Divorce, a family member passing, a kid heading off to college — people end up with extra vehicles all the time. Storage gives you a place to park one safely while you figure out next steps. Work trailers and equipment Contractors, landscapers, and trades workers in Wichita often need somewhere to park work trailers or equipment between jobs. Residential neighborhoods aren't always an option. A storage facility is. What Vehicles Can Be Stored at Nomar Market Street? Our Market Street location offers vehicle storage options including: - Cars and trucks (standard and oversized) - Trailers (enclosed, flatbed, utility) - Motorcycles - ATVs and recreational equipment - Work vehicles and contractor equipment See units available here. Drive-Up Access Makes It Easy One of the biggest practical advantages at our Market Street location is drive-up access. You pull in, park, and go. No maneuvering through narrow lanes or jumping through hoops to drop something off or pick it up. When you need the vehicle, you come get it. When you don't need it, it stays safe and out of the way. Choosing the Right Vehicle Storage Option Not all vehicle storage is the same. Here's what to think through: Covered vs. uncovered If you're storing a daily driver or a vehicle you don't care much about cosmetically, outdoor/uncovered storage works fine. If it's a classic car, a motorcycle you've put work into, or anything where finish condition matters, covered or enclosed is worth considering. Access hours Make sure the facility you choose has access hours that work for your schedule. If you're storing a work trailer, you probably need early morning access. Security Look for gated access, security cameras, and a well-lit facility. At Nomar, our Market Street location has gated access for your peace of mind. Month-to-month flexibility Vehicle storage needs change. A month-to-month rental means you're not stuck in a long-term contract if your situation shifts. How to Prep Your Vehicle for Storage Before you park it for a while, a little prep goes a long way: For cars and trucks: - Fill the gas tank (a full tank prevents moisture buildup and fuel degradation) - Add a fuel stabilizer if storing for 3+ months - Inflate tires to the recommended pressure — slightly above, to account for natural deflation - Change the oil if you're due — old oil left sitting can cause engine issues - Disconnect the battery or use a trickle charger to keep it from draining - Clean the interior and exterior before storing For motorcycles: - Same fuel and battery tips apply - Cover with a breathable motorcycle cover - Put it on a paddock stand if possible to take weight off the tires For trailers: - Make sure tongue jacks are in good working order - Check and lubricate moving parts - If it's an enclosed trailer, crack a vent if possible to reduce moisture buildup Vehicle Storage vs. Leaving It on the Street In Wichita, you can technically park on the street — but it comes with real downsides for anything you're not driving regularly: - Wichita winters can be hard on vehicles (ice, salt, freeze-thaw damage) - A vehicle parked in one spot too long can attract attention or violation notices - Theft and vandalism risk is higher on public streets than in a gated storage facility - HOA rules in many Wichita neighborhoods explicitly prohibit long-term street parking of trailers or RVs For something you're not driving every week, off-street vehicle storage is just smarter. Vehicle Storage Pricing in Wichita Vehicle storage rates vary based on size and type. The best way to get accurate current pricing is to check availability directly on our site — rates are listed with each unit type. See available units here. Also Storing Household Items? If you're storing a vehicle and also need space for furniture, equipment, or other items, a standard drive-up unit works alongside vehicle storage. Many customers use both. Figure out the right unit size with our size guide . See how Nomar helps with equipment and inventory storage . Reserve Vehicle Storage in Wichita Today Nomar Self Storage on Market Street is one of the most accessible vehicle storage options in Wichita. Drive-up, gated access, and month-to-month flexibility. Check Vehicle Storage Availability .