Salina is a comfortable mid-sized city (about 47,000) that blends real healthcare and dining options, parks and a welcoming small‑city vibe—perfect for multi-week contracts when you want amenities without big‑city hassle.
Within roughly 75 miles you’ve got Manhattan (~67 miles), a lively college town with Kansas State and Flint Hills access, and Junction City (~48 miles) adjacent to Fort Riley—both provide easy weekend escapes, extra dining/nightlife and outdoor options to keep longer stays interesting.