Relive best-of moments in Kansas with recent rankings

Kansas entered recent rankings, highlighting its appeal in different areas. Wichita stood out for its low cost of living, coming in second on a national list and praised as an ideal spot to stretch your budget.

In sports last year, Kansas high school teams shined with many advancing to state tournaments and top players being named to all-state teams. Dining saw The Cozy Inn burger joint in Salina recognized as a favorite small business worth the drive. Abilene was celebrated as one of America's best historic small towns, and Kansas State Wildcats women's basketball entered the 2024 season with a top-15 national ranking, reflecting strong expectations.

NO. 1: FIND OUT WHICH PLAYERS KANSAS HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL COACHES VOTED FOR ALL-STATE TEAMS

Find out who coaches from around the state voted as all-state baseball players this spring. | Published May 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Taylor Eldridge

NO. 2: KANSAS STATE WILDCATS EARN HIGH RANKING IN WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PRESEASON TOP 25

This is the highest K-State has been ranked in a preseason poll in more than two decades. | Published October 15, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kellis Robinett

NO. 3: THE COST OF LIVING IN WICHITA IS ONE OF THE LOWEST IN THE US, REALTOR.COM LIST SAYS

See where Wichita ranked on Realtor.com’s affordable cost of living ranking. | Published November 1, 2024 | Read Full Story by Lindsay Smith

NO. 4: $1.59 BURGER JOINT IS KANSAS’ MOST ‘DEVOTION-WORTHY’ DESTINATION, NEW SURVEY SAYS

This Kansas burger spot dates back to 1922. | Published May 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Lindsay Smith

NO. 5: KANSAS IS HOME TO ONE OF AMERICA’S ‘BEST HISTORIC SMALL TOWNS,’ USA TODAY SAYS

The city has about 6,400 people and is home to rich Wild West history. | Published May 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.