Why Wichita: Melissa Love’s Story
By Emily Barnwell
Live Life
Zealously
A Perfect Fit
Coming from one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country, Melissa immediately appreciated Wichita’s size and pace.
“The size of Wichita is perfect for what we wanted,” she said. “It feels similar to the Texas Panhandle, where my husband and I grew up, and offers everything we need without the constant rush.”
The difference in daily life was striking. In Texas, a 10-mile commute to her school in Frisco took over an hour each way, leaving little time for family activities. In Wichita, that’s no longer a concern.
“People here talk about traffic, but compared to DFW, there is none!” she said. “Now, I feel like we actually have time together during the week.”
Opportunities for the Whole Family
One of Melissa’s favorite things about Wichita is the opportunities available to her children. With a variety of activities to choose from, her boys have participated in wrestling, football, baseball, soccer and summer camps.
It’s something that would have been difficult to juggle in a larger city.
“If we still lived in the DFW area, they would probably only get to try one sport and wouldn’t have any of their school friends on their teams,” she explained.
Beyond sports, Melissa values the Maize School District, where she is employed as a K-4 STEAM educator and her children receive a quality education with plenty of opportunities to grow.
Why Wichita Feels Like Home
For Melissa, Wichita strikes the right balance between convenience and community.
“We have easy access to shopping, entertainment, and great restaurants, plus a school district we love,” she said.
When asked what she would tell others considering a move, her answer was simple: “If you’re looking for a place where you don’t feel rushed, where you have access to everything you need, and where you can be part of a great community, Wichita is the place for you.”
From a fast-paced metro to a city that offers space to breathe, Melissa and her family have found their home in Wichita—where life moves at just the right speed.
