Manhattan has clean water, clean air, clean parks, clean streets, and a low crime rate. A great deal of decent housing is available within walking distance of campus. A car is not an absolute necessity, but your quality of life will be higher if you have one. Food costs are typical for American university towns. I have children.
Private facilities exist as well.
The public school system is generally well-regarded, especially in the elementary schools where class sizes average 22 students. Kansas State University boasts the fine regional Beach Museum of Art and a year-round performing arts series at McCain Auditorium. Our student fitness and recreation center has been rated tops in the country. Just out of town are Tuttle Creek Lake, a vast recreational expanse, and the Konza Prairie Natural Research area. A new Tallgrass Prairie National Park is opening an hour drive to our south.