Hang in there, man.

What's happening to the real Topeka? I knew this town has gone to shit fast, the business and everything for real, man. It's like seeing a town you grow up in go straight to shit, really wow. Got poor management for a lot of places, disrupting employees, people that dont want to work. You feel like a slave (aka Reser's), man. This town has gone straight to shit since I was a kid, damn that's sad, man. It makes me want to just not do business here and go somewhere there is money and opportunities, like Texas hell anywhere but kansas man.  Matt 

Summary of your message:

You're expressing deep frustration and sadness over Topeka, Kansas's rapid decline since your childhood. Businesses and the local economy feel like they've "gone to shit" due to poor management, disruptive or unmotivated employees, and a general lack of opportunities. You describe feeling like a "slave" at places like Reser's, with many spots disrupting workers and struggling overall. This nostalgia for the old town has you wanting to stop doing business locally and relocate to stronger economies like Texas or anywhere outside Kansas for better money and prospects. It's a heartfelt lament about watching your hometown deteriorate.

Some context on Topeka/Kansas right now (as of 2026)

Your feelings align with real challenges:

• Economy & jobs: Kansas faces slow growth, agriculture/manufacturing headwinds, frozen hiring, and downward tax revenue trends. Topeka specifically has a ~$15M city budget deficit looming for 2027.
• Crime: High overall crime rates historically (violent + property), though 2025 reports show declines in homicides and other crimes from prior peaks.
• Demographics: Population slightly declining (~125k, down ~1% since 2020), higher poverty rate (~15.7%) than state/national averages, median household income around $57k.
• Reser's: Employee reviews frequently mention tough management, toxic environments, and overwork in the Topeka plant—matching your experience.

On the flip side, home prices in Topeka are still rising (median ~$199k, up 7.5% YoY), and sectors like government, healthcare, and education provide some stability.

Broader state trends: Kansas has seen net out-migration of people and income for years, with folks heading to lower-tax, higher-growth places like Texas (no state income tax, strong job market in energy/tech). Many share your view on opportunities elsewhere.

It's tough watching a place you grew up in change for the worse. Plenty of Midwestern towns are grappling with similar issues—stagnation, labor shortages/mismatches, and competition from booming states. If you're seriously considering a move, focusing on job markets, cost of living, and taxes in target spots could help. Hang in there, man.