I moved from California to a tiny town in Kansas, where I bought my first home and feel like I'm finally winning at life

[Shrek]

https://www.businessinsider.com/leaving-california-moved-to-kansas-bought-home-money-goes-farther-2025-2

Neodesha is a small town with about 2,000 people. The closest big cities are Wichita, Kansas City, and Tulsa, Oklahoma — all about one and a half to two hours away.

It was definitely a culture shock coming from California.

Growing up, my dad was in the Coast Guard, so I moved around a lot and was used to adapting to new environments. Even still, I remember going to the grocery store in Neodesha and thinking, "Why do these people want to know my whole life story?" I just wanted to buy my oranges and get out of there.

But slowly and surely, my husband and I started warming up to it. Now one of my favorite things is just talking to people and getting to know everyone. It's nice to know that everyone looks out for each other here.

Trying very hard to think of a town that's 2 hours from Wichita, KC, and Tulsa

Edit: Actually it's much closer to KC than I expected so the article isn't as far off as I thought.

[hlthe2b]

1. Small town life just about anywhere with minimal population.

There is really no such thing as privacy... unless you want to be on the local sheriff's radar.

[Giant Sand]

4. Reminded me of this gem

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[usonian]

2. Glad for you. Life is full of amazing stories.

I moved from the Bay Area, California to a tiny town in California, half a mile in altitude.

Yes, culture shock, buy chainsaws and so on.

An hour drive to any stores I care to shop at.

I was in the Coast Guard, not my Dad.

Major difference is that every day, I get a chance for a 140 degree sunrise or a 140 degree sunset with mountains as backdrop.

And these early birds, that pop up even in the snow (it snows at this altitude)



I manage OK.

Good luck to everyone trying to live a good and fulfilling life.

Happiness is where you make it. It comes from the ❤️

P.S. Grow flowers and vegetables. The deer up here eat everything that's not behind a 7 foot fence.

[Midnight Writer]

3. I got a "wellness check" from my neighbors the other day.

I am old and live alone, and someone noticed they hadn't seen me in few days. So a couple of neighbors came over and knocked on my door and asked if I was OK and if I needed anything.

I'm not an outgoing person, but when I go shopping around here I always strive to smile and be pleasant to everyone I see. It makes everyone's day a little better. And it doesn't cost me a thing.

When I was young, I used to think this small town was so boring. Now, after nearly 80 years of living here, I appreciate the casual pace of living and the mellow, friendly neighbors.

The downside is that there are sure a lot of MAGAs around here.