Wichita, Kansas
The “Air Capital of the World,” located in the south central part of the state, Wichita, Kansas is the largest city in the state with over 360,000 residents. Wichita, as a community, celebrates its diversity. As a three-time All-American City award-winner, Wichita offers residents a clean, safe and growing environment. With more than 250 days of sunshine a year, Wichita residents take advantage of outstanding attractions that edify and enhance the city's quality of life. Old Town is Wichita's premiere entertainment district with nightclubs, distinctive restaurants, laid back bars, charming specialty shops and a Saturday farmer's market. Whatever you are looking to do, you will find it when moving to Wichita, Kansas.
History:
Western expansion and financial incentive attracted the first white settlers to the area in the 1850s and 1860s. The first permanent settlement was a collection of grass houses built in the mid-1800s by Wichita Indians. The area’s natives were “moved” to Indian Territory in 1867 to open the area for white settlement; and the trading business followed. The City was finally incorporated in 1870 as a village due to the efforts of the city’s pioneers. A short-lived army post was soon established nearby, providing a market for local businesses, and in 1872, the railroad arrived, making Wichita the destination for Texas cattle being driven for shipment by rail to eastern markets. This industry led to rapid growth of the community. In 1917, the first plane was manufactured in Wichita, Kansas. Over the course of the war, this industry would grow to establish Wichita as the country’s "air capital." In the early 1940’s, World War II brought thousands of aircraft manufacturing jobs to the city, resulting in a population boom.
Economy:
Wichita's principal industrial sector remains manufacturing. Today, aircraft production dominates the industry, playing a significant role in the economic wellbeing of the entire region. In the early 2000s, a national recession combined with the after effects of the terrorist attacks on September 11th depressed the aviation subsector in Wichita. Request for aircrafts plummeted, causing the city’s four largest aircraft manufacturers Boeing Co., Cessna Aircraft Co., Bombardier Learjet Inc. and Raytheon Aircraft Co. to cut over 15,000 jobs. In response to the decrease in production, these companies began production on small and mid-sized airplanes to appeal to business and corporate users. Health care is the city’s second-largest industry, employing an estimated 28,000 people in the local area. Since health care needs remain stable regardless of economic inconsistencies, this field was not subject to the same pressures that affected other industries. In 2004, the Kansas Spine Hospital opened, along with a critical care tower at Wesley Medical Center.
Tourism:
Nearly four million visitors come to Wichita, every year. With the city’s more than 1,000 restaurants located throughout the city, an assortment of cuisine types is available to residence and visitors alike. Shopping is possible through eclectic shops, antique stores and open-air shopping malls. The city is home to numerous museums offering local art, hands-on exhibits, botanical gardens and Indian artifacts. Nightlife entertainment starts with live music, dancing, and a dine-while-you-watch movie theater. Chill out with penguins or play with the tigers at the Sedgwick County Zoo, one of the county’s finest zoos. Check out the Kansas Aviation Museum and see for yourself how Wichita became the "Air Capital of the World." Or, explore the future at Wichita's interactive science and discovery center. If culture you seek, the Wichita Flight Festival honors the city's aviation heritage, and the Asian Festival, Black Arts Festival and Cinco de Mayo Celebration recognize the city's cultural diversity. Last, but not least, check out the Tallgrass Film Festival, which brings independent filmmakers to the city each October.
Colleges/Universities:
• Wichita State University
• University of Kansas
• Friends University
• Newman University
Interesting Facts:
• Wichita is the largest city in Kansas with more than 350,000 residents.
• The city’s workforce has the second-highest concentration of manufacturing jobs and skilled labor in the country.
• Wichita, Kansas is known as the “Air Capital of the World” and home to four major aircraft manufacturers: Boeing, Bombardier Aerospace Learjet, The Cessna Aircraft Company and Raytheon Aircraft Company.
Helpful Links:
• Wichita Real Estate
• Wichita Dental Offices
• Wichita Insurance
• Wichita Box Companies
• Wichita Moving Guide