Entrepreneur Finds Contentment Returning From Hawaii to Kansas

Audra Dinell, at 38, felt like she was getting a fresh start when she relocated from Hawaii back to Kansas.

"There's a lot to miss from the places we've lived—people, cultural diversity, and natural scenery like mountains and the ocean—but I'm completely content with our choice to return to Kansas," said Dinell, who had earlier ventured from Kansas to Colorado before residing in Hawaii.

Choosing Kansas in Uncertain Times

As the world grappled with the pandemic in 2020, Dinell contemplated a shift in her career and aspired to buy a home after renting in Hawaii. One of her motivations for moving back was her desire to be close to family and experience the convenience and affordability of Midwest living.

Originally, in 2012, Dinell and her husband moved from their hometown, Wichita, Kansas, to Colorado due to a career opportunity in marketing. The couple welcomed their first child there before making the transition to Hawaii in 2017 for another job opportunity for Dinell.

Reality Check on Cost and Community

Audra described Honolulu as enchanting, but the financial demands of living there were overwhelming. "Relocating from Honolulu to Wichita highlighted a stark difference in living expenses," she observed.

Data highlights the economic disparity: Kansas is significantly less expensive relative to where she used to live. By 2022, Hawaii and Colorado's costs were 11% and 2% above the national average respectively, while Kansas was 10% below.

With many invigorating developments, Wichita, housing nearly 400,000 residents, boasts a thriving community spirit. "When I returned after leaving in 2012, there was an unmistakable vibrancy and collective push towards innovation and collaboration," Dinell commented.

Returning during a global pandemic seemed daunting but proved to be a favorable decision. Happy with the relocation, Dinell relishes being surrounded by her loved ones in an ideal neighborhood.

The couple downsized significantly, opting to sell numerous possessions, preferring simplicity to the hassle of shipping complexities.

Professional Growth in Kansas

Job prospects were a significant factor for Dinell's return. Before their 2020 move, she entertained thoughts of starting a women's leadership group.

"My husband and I had discussed heading back home, reminiscing about my experience with a women's organization in Honolulu, wondering if Wichita offered similar opportunities," she shared.

Seizing untapped potential in the market, she launched an initiative called The Thread. "Our mission is to empower women through building confidence and enhancing professional networks," Dinell explained.

Experiencing fewer restrictive barriers, she noted the Midwest's welcoming nature. "Unlike in previous cities I've lived and worked, connecting with influential figures here is straightforward," she remarked, recounting how securing casual meetings with prominent nonprofit leaders was feasible, aiding both career and community growth.

Family Life and the Best of Both Worlds

While settled in Kansas, Dinell can still afford trips to Colorado and Hawaii, a benefit of the lower living costs in the Midwest. Kansas offers family-friendly attractions, like science centers and ample park spaces, which her kids enjoy, in addition to a variety of dining options.

Though she cherishes Kansas, parts of Colorado and Hawaii still tug at her heartstrings. Biking through Colorado's scenic routes or basking at Hawaii's beaches were daily delights, where she also cherished direct interactions with friendly locals and the perfect climate.

Encouraging others to consider Midwest exploration, she suggested, "I invite friends from places like Hawaii, Colorado, and beyond, who always leave amazed at what we have here."

Final Thoughts

This journey exemplifies how life choices, driven by personal and professional aspirations, can flourish even amidst uncertainties. Dinell's story highlights that rediscovering one's roots can unveil new realms of opportunity and satisfaction.