Site Unseen, Californian Chooses Wichita

Convenient, welcoming and vibrant. That’s how Jerusha Finster, a San Diego Native, describes the charming city of Wichita.

“Wichita is incredibly easy to navigate, the community is genuinely welcoming and there’s a vibrant energy here with so much growth and opportunity,” explained Finster.

The West Coast native had never stepped foot in Wichita until she and her husband and their four children moved to the city in the summer of 2024.

“My husband had visited Wichita before and always spoke very highly of it. When he was offered a position overseeing Midwest operations in the utility sector, he was able to decide where he wanted to live, and he was set on Wichita,” she said. “I found an amazing job opportunity at Key Construction that aligned perfectly with my experience in the construction industry and career aspirations. We felt like we were meant to be here!”

Having most recently lived in Los Angeles and Valley Center, California, a small city in north San Diego, Finster was genuinely thrilled by Wichita’s change of pace and lifestyle.

“The affordability, strong sense of community, safety and family-friendly environment were big draws for us,” she shared. “San Diego is a beautiful place to visit, but it can be challenging to live there.”

Finster quickly noticed the “ease” of Wichita and was impressed by the continued growth downtown and the development happening in the suburbs and the surrounding areas.

“I’ve gained hours back each day that I used to spend sitting in traffic,” she said. “The city’s expansion feels like it’s bringing even more vibrancy to the city, and it’s exciting to see how these developments will shape Wichita’s future.”

Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Meddy’s are at the top of her family’s dining list. They also adore Central Park in Andover, the Greater Wichita YMCA’s, the Sedgwick County Zoo and Botanica.

“The variety of events seem to go unnoticed and the food scene with exceptional restaurants and bars is much more than I expected from Midwestern food!” she enthusiastically shared.

Most of all, the mom of four said she feels welcome in Wichita, noting people are personable, inviting and truly care about one another.

“I often hear people express surprise and the ‘I’m sorry’ when telling them we moved from San Diego to Wichita, but I’d like people to know how wonderful it is here. From an outsider’s perspective, Wichita feels like a hidden gem. It’s a fantastic place to live and raise a family. I feel so welcomed here and look forward to being an advocate for Wichita,” Finster emphasized.