Wichita
Wichita, the largest city in Kansas, combines metropolitan living with Midwestern hospitality. Located along the Arkansas River, this community celebrates its aviation heritage while offering diverse rental options. Current rental trends show one-bedroom apartments averaging $799, while two-bedroom units average $1,005. The rental market includes downtown loft apartments in converted warehouses and residential communities in established neighborhoods like College Hill and Riverside. Old Town, housed in restored 19th-century buildings, features local shops and entertainment venues. As the "Air Capital of the World," Wichita maintains strong ties to aerospace manufacturing through major employers like Textron Aviation and Spirit AeroSystems. The city's outdoor spaces include the expansive Riverside Park and the Sedgwick County Zoo. Wichita State University enhances the northeast area with educational and cultural opportunities. Community events bring residents together throughout the year, with the Wichita River Festival hosting activities and celebrations along the Arkansas River. The Keeper of the Plains statue, standing where the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers meet, represents an important landmark celebrating the region's Native American heritage.
Saint Louis
Stretched along the Mississippi River, Saint Louis is the second most populous city in Missouri. Regarded as the Gateway to the West, Saint Louis was the starting point of Lewis and Clark’s infamous expedition. Saint Louis’ most iconic landmark, the Gateway Arch, is a memorial celebrating the nation’s westward expansion. In addition to its rich history, Saint Louis offers residents access to exceptional amenities and culture. An apartment in Saint Louis affords you the opportunity to climb sculptures composed of reclaimed building materials at the one-of-a-kind City Museum, or watch the Cardinals play ball at Busch Stadium. Hit the town and catch a performance at the Fabulous Fox, or indulge in some retail therapy at the massive Saint Louis Outlet Mall. There’s incredible architecture to admire in the Washington Avenue Historic District, or you could experience the flora and fauna on display at the Saint Louis Zoo and Missouri Botanical Garden. Convenient Interstates make exploring the Saint Louis area and the national forests to the south a breeze.
Grand Rapids
The second largest city in Michigan, Grand Rapids rests on the Grand River, about 30 miles east of Lake Michigan. Formerly known as the Furniture City, Grand Rapids is now nicknamed the River City as well as Beer City USA for its riverside locale and proximity to 40 craft breweries. Grand Rapids is also the hometown of former United States President Gerald Ford. Fans of the 38th president can learn more about his life and impact on American history at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Notable as an artistic haven, Grand Rapids hosts the annual ArtPrize competition, a 19-day affair drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city and featuring artwork all throughout Downtown Grand Rapids. Frederik Meijer Gardens exhibits an expansive variety of sculptures and gardens both indoors and outdoors. Meyer May House is revered as one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpieces. Located within an hour’s drive of Kalamazoo and Lansing, Grand Rapids is convenient to major highways and Gerald R. Ford International Airport, making for simple travels and commutes.
