About the city of Wichita

Wichita is at the center of everything. As Kansas' largest metropolitan area—with a growing population approaching 700,000—Wichita is the commercial, financial, medical, cultural and entertainment hub for the state. Despite its growth, Wichita hasn't lost its friendly Midwestern feel, and that makes it a virtual utopia for aspiring college students.

A secret no longer

Wichitans have known for years—but now national publications are taking note of our low cost of living, growing economy and excellent quality of life. Everywhere you go, you'll see people wearing and displaying the city flag to show pride in what the city has become.

A few of Wichita's recent honors include:

No. 3 U.S. Advanced Industry Hotspot
No. 1 Most Affordable College Town in America
No. 1 Cheapest Apartment Rent in U.S.
No. 2 Most Affordable City in the U.S.
No. 2 Most Recession-Proof City
No. 4 Best Summer Vacation Destination
Top 5 Best Cities to Move To in 2024
Top 10 Best Cities for New College Grads
The 15 Best Midsize Cities for New Grads
Top 10 Best Places to Live
Top 10 Best Value City

Visit the Wichita Convention & Visitors Bureau Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce Greater Wichita Partnership

Exploring Wichita

Local coverband playing at a downtown club

After hours

Wichita features more than 10 distinct shopping, dining and entertainment districts, each with their own vibe and flair. Go clubbing in Old Town. Shop for new looks in Douglas Design District boutiques. Meet up with friends in Delano.

Girls at The Donut Whole in downtown Wichita

Foodies rejoice

Wichita has an incredible spectrum of restaurants, brewpubs, food trucks and coffeehouses. It's what caused Livability.com to name Wichita among its Top 10 Surprising Foodie Cities. There's even a Food Truck Plaza on campus with fine cuisine on the move five days a week.

Friday night in Old Town square, downtown Wichita.

Arts and culture

From national acts performing at Wichita's 20,000-seat downtown arena to a thriving local arts and music scene—there is always something happening. Just walking on our campus exposes you to one the nation's top outdoor sculpture collections.

Soak up the sun

Wichita sits in the center of the U.S. Great Plains and enjoys excellent weather and a mild climate for most of the year. The city has been named one of the Top 50 Sunniest Cities in the U.S., and our students take advantage by exploring 100+ parks and 150 miles of bike and hiking trails—and by enjoying events on our beautiful 330-acre campus.

Explore events on Campus

Explore events happening in Wichita

Open streets ICT - a free community event that closes a busy street from traffic and opens it for activities.

Wichita Scenes

Innovation

A center of innovation and industry

Wichita is known as the Air Capital of the World, a nod to its large aircraft industry—but we have a long history of entrepreneurial spirit and business success. Some of the world's most innovative companies are proud to call Wichita home — including some located right on WSU's campus. The city's size and thriving business community give Shockers endless opportunities for experiential learning and creative collisions with entrepreneurs, dreamers and experts from all disciplines who are working for positive change in the world.