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REFERRAL AND RELOCATION ASSISTANCE |
Developing a sense of community here starts before you arrive at McConnell AFB. We recognize the efforts behind this transition and want to make sure you are satisfied with the details of your move. To obtain referral and relocation assistance, we encourage you to reach out for personalized services provided by the Military Housing Office (MHO) staff.
Not only has Wichita been named an All-American City four times since 1962, it also ranked among the top 32 cities nationally for quality of life. In fact, Money magazine recently named the Wichita community a Top 10 Best Place to live (right above New York City). These rankings communicate affordability, short and easy commutes to work and a high level of public safety for your family - attributes you simply can't find in most metro areas. Wichita's diverse business community truly prizes and encourages entrepreneurship and innovation - values confirmed by companies like Pizza Hut and Coleman Companies, which got their start right here in the middle of the heartland. Wichita boasts an average commute time of 18.5 minutes.
Housing is a particular bargain in the Wichita market. The median selling price of existing (previously owned) single-family homes in the Wichita metro area was $115,200 in the fourth quarter 2009 survey by the National Association of Realtors. Wichita ranked 30th lowest of 152 reporting metro areas; and $57,700 or 33% below the national median price of $172,900.
Wichita is located in the Central Great Plains where masses of warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico collide with cold dry Arctic air masses to create a wide range of weather year around. Wichita enjoys a four-season climate. Summer temperatures exceed 90° F an average of 64 days per year. July is the hottest month with an average daily high of 93° F. Winters are usually mild with only brief periods of very cold weather. Below-zero temperatures occur on average only four days per year. January is the coldest month with average daily lows of 20° F. Annual average noon humidity is 56%.
Kansas ranks among the top ten "sunniest" states. Wichita Mid-Continent Airport operates under VFR (Visual Flight Rules) conditions approximately 91% of the time. Average annual rainfall is about 30 inches, with 70% of that total falling from April through September. Average annual snowfall is only 16 inches. Snowfalls more than 1 inch occur on average five times per year; snowfalls more than 3 inches occur on average only twice per year.
Air quality is very good. Wichita is in compliance with all national ambient air quality standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency and rarely experiences stagnant air masses of the type that cause smog problems typical of many cities. The prevailing (average) wind is southerly at 12 mph (10 knots.)