It’s not too surprising that a newly released Pew poll nearly half of all Americans would rather live somewhere else in the country. I should know, I’m one of them.
Attending school in Wichita, Kansas isn’t exactly the most glorious location to spend my first years as an adult, and is certainly a location I’d rather not stay in for the remainder of my career, even though it is loaded with opportunities. I’d choose the dry, desert towns of Mojave, California or even Truth or Consequences, New Mexico over Wichita, Kansas almost any day (primarily for their nearby spaceports, but at least there are mountains nearby.)
I was surprised though, that when Americans were asked where they would most like to live, Denver ranked at the top of the list, at 43%. Fourth from the bottom is Kansas City with a rating of 15%, even ranking below Pittsburgh at 17%. Now I can understand the general appeal to Denver, mountains off to the west with some of the best skiing conditions in the lower 48. Although driving through Denver (mind you, that’s all I’ve ever done), I’ve never found the city to be too attractive or appealing. I’d choose a smaller town that’s actually in the mountains before I’d choose Denver.
Perhaps it’s hometown preference here, but Kansas City with its wide boulevards, fountains, good local food (barbeque), lush climate (compared to Denver) and the fact that there are four distinct seasons would seem to make it more appealing. I think that it’s time Kansas City step it up and work on that desirability rating, it has the potential to become more desirable on a national level if it does just a few things:
1. Implement a metro-wide form of mass transit (light rail, improved busses, whatever it is, just do it)
2. Continue revitalizing downtown, make it more livable for those who desire the city lifestyle
3. Fix up the city’s politics a bit; all the fiasco’s surrounding Mayor Funkhouser’s tenure is becoming reminiscent of Chicago-style politics
That’s just a start of course, and I’m sure more Kansas Citians would have more to add to that list.