š About ICT & Wichita
Wichita Tower is located at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) in central Kansas. Wichita is known as the "Air Capital of the World" thanks to its deep aviation history and current aircraft manufacturing industry. The city offers a low cost of living, good schools, and a friendly midwestern vibe ā perfect for starting your FAA journey.
š” Where to Live
Best Areas for New Hires
- Delano ā Historic and walkable with dining, bars, and charm
- Riverside ā Green space, parks, and central location
- College Hill ā Trendy area with craftsman homes and character
Family-Friendly Neighborhoods
š Commute Times to ICT
- 10ā20 min: Delano, Riverside, Maize, Goddard
- 20ā30 min: College Hill, Andover, East Wichita
š Top School Districts
- Maize USD 266 ā A-rated, very popular with families
- Goddard USD 265 ā Strong academics, sports, and safety
- Andover USD 385 ā Great for younger families
š§³ Things to Do ā Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
š² Outdoor Activities
- Sedgwick County Park: Trails, fishing, picnicking
- Botanica Gardens: Beautiful year-round botanical displays
- Exploration Place: Science museum on the river
šļø Indoor & Cultural
- Old Cowtown Museum: Live reenactments and historical village
- Wichita Art Museum & Orpheum Theater: Arts and performances downtown
- Local Breweries: Central Standard Brewing, Wichita Brewing Co.
āļø Nearby Airports
- ICT ā Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National: Full-service airport with Allegiant, Southwest, United, and others
- Mid-Continent Aviation Services / General Aviation: Local and regional private ops
š§ Helpful Resources for Newcomers
š”ļø Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Maize: Very safe, well-kept suburban feel
- Andover: Low crime, great family community
- Delano: Popular with younger professionals; walkable but variable safety by block
š Town Websites
š° Cost of Living
- Housing: Median home price in Wichita ~$180,000; rent for 1BR ~$850ā$1100
- Utilities: ~$160ā$220/month
- Groceries: Slightly below national average; gas ~$3.20/gal
- Taxes: Kansas income tax (3.1%ā5.7% depending on bracket)
š Neighborhood Highlights
- Delano: Trendy and revitalized with breweries and shops
- Maize & Andover: Top pick for families and newer housing
- Riverside: Park access, river trails, and local art
āļø Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Mild to cold, occasional snow/ice
- Spring: Warm and stormy, tornado season awareness recommended
- Summer: Hot, dry, 90sā100s common
- Fall: Comfortable temps and pretty foliage
š Public Transportation & Traffic
- Wichita Transit: Basic bus system ā most residents drive
- Traffic: Minimal congestion ā rush hour is light
š„ Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Ascension Via Christi ā Major hospital system
- Wesley Medical Center: Trauma and regional care
- Multiple urgent cares: ConvenientMD, MedExpress, etc.
š« Social Life & Community
- Young professionals: Delano nightlife, local events, breweries
- Families: Sports leagues, libraries, kid-friendly parks
- Faith & Volunteering: Strong church presence, many nonprofit orgs
š½ļø Dining & Food Scene
- Doo-Dah Diner: Famous for breakfast & brunch
- Public at the Brickyard: Farm-to-table dining downtown
- Los Compadres: Local favorite for Mexican cuisine
š« ATC-Specific Tips
- Facility: Tower-only ā mix of commercial, GA, business jets, and military
- Shifts: ICT is 24/7 ā expect rotating mids, swings, and days
- Airspace: Fairly busy, especially with B-52 military and test flights nearby
š¦ Moving Tips
- Start your apartment search in Maize, Andover, or west Wichita
- Utilities setup through Evergy (electric) and Kansas Gas
- Spring and fall are best moving seasons for weather
ā FAQs
- Is Wichita affordable?
Yes, very low cost of living compared to national average - How's the aviation culture?
Huge! Wichita is home to Textron, Spirit Aero, and aviation schools - Can I live in the suburbs and still have a short commute?
Yes ā Maize, Goddard, and Andover are all 15ā30 minutes from ICT