From midwestern charm to the country’s best barbeque, Kansas City, Missouri has more to offer than meets the eye. This quickly growing city boasts a vibrant and diverse community, affordable living, plenty of educational opportunities, a full spectrum of seasons, and tons of entertainment. Read on to find out why you should call Kansas City home.
1. Kansas City is Affordable
Your dollar will stretch further in Kansas City. Compared to national averages, Kansas City has a below-average cost of living and is considered an affordable place to live. The median sales price on an existing single-family home is $248,500 and rent on a two-bedroom apartment averages $1,049 per month.
Therefore, you can experience the perks of living in — or nearby — a major metropolitan area without worrying about inflated pricing.
2. There Are Many Safe Neighborhoods to Choose From
With over 240 neighborhoods, what are the best neighborhoods in Kansas City? There are many great options to choose from, but these are some of the most popular!
Best Neighborhoods in Kansas City
Some of the best and safest neighborhoods in Kansas City include Brookside, Waldo, and Volker. These neighborhoods are within city limits — close to the downtown action — but boast a community feel. These neighborhoods are populated with bungalows, parks, dining, and mature trees and are all popular choices for young families looking to stay close to downtown.
Best Suburban Neighborhoods in Kansas City
The best suburbs of Kansas City are spread across state lines! On the Missouri side, you’ll find that Parkville, Liberty, and Lee’s Summit are all known for their amenities, proximity to the city, and small-town community vibe. On the Kansas side, Olathe, Lenexa, Leawood, and Prairie Village are popular suburbs known for being safe and family-friendly.
Each of these suburbs boasts beautiful neighborhoods and caters to young professionals and retirees alike.
3. You Can Take in Every Season Outdoors
Kansas Cititans enjoy the full seasonal experience. It’s the perfect place to take in the entire spectrum of the seasons, including long, hot summer days and crisp, snow-drenched nights. Fall brings pleasant weather with colorful fall foliage, and the city truly blooms in spring.
Thankfully, KC offers plenty of outdoor activities to indulge in year-round. In the winter months, head up to Weston and enjoy the city’s only skiing, snowboarding, and tubing destination.
As the ground begins to thaw, make your way to one of the city’s 221 parks, 106 playgrounds, five public golf courses, or 158 miles of trails and bikeways. Spring is also the perfect time to pay a visit to Powell Gardens. Explore 970 acres of lush foliage, beautiful flowers, art installations, and activities fit for the whole family.
Soak in a warm KC summer by visiting one of the dozens of local lakes, heading to Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun, or spending a day at the Kansas City Zoo.
When the leaves begin to turn, head to a local pumpkin patch or corn maze — Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch in nearby Liberty has both — or spend your day picking apples and warm up with a cup of hot cider at Louisburg Cider Mill.
No matter the season, Kansas City has plenty of outdoor activity to keep you occupied all year round.
4. KC Has a Hot Job Market
Kansas City is a great place to be whether you’re just beginning your career or looking to ascend to the top of the corporate ladder. There are many major companies based in Kansas City, including:
- Cerner — healthcare information technology company
- Hallmark — greeting card and entertainment giant
- Lockton — accounting firm
- Burns & McDonnell — engineering, architecture, and construction firm
Additionally, several local hospitals are based in Kansas City, making it a hotspot for those in the medical field.
No matter your career field, Kansas City’s booming job market is full of possibilities.
5. There’s Plenty of Educational Opportunities
There are plenty of educational opportunities in KC. Whether you have school-aged children or are looking into higher education in the Kansas City area, you’ll have plenty of options.
Best K-12 Education in Kansas City
The Kansas City area is known for having great public schools. As of 2021, the top ten districts in the area include Blue Valley, Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit, DeSoto, Olathe Public Schools, Park Hill, North Kansas City, Liberty, Shawnee Mission, and Grain Valley.
In addition to having excellent public schooling options, there are also many great private institutions to choose from. The ten best private schools in Kansas City include The Pembroke Hill School, The Barstow School, Notre Dame de Scion School for Girls, Rockhurst High School, St. Teresa’s Academy, Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, Kansas City Christian School, St. James Academy, Whitefield Academy, and St. Thomas Aquinas High School.
Higher Education Opportunities in Kansas City
Many colleges, universities, and other institutions call Kansas City home. For example, Rockhurst University, The University of Missouri – Kansas City, and The Kansas City Art Institute are all located right downtown.
The Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences, William Jewell College, Parkville University, and Avila University are all conveniently located within 20 minutes of the city. Not to mention, The University of Kansas is only a short 40-minute drive away in Lawrence, Kansas.
6. Kansas City Knows How to Have a Good Time
There’s never a dull moment in the Heart of America. Kansas City has over a dozen unique districts and neighborhoods to partake in dining, drinking, and celebrating. Here’s a few of the most popular!
The Country Club Plaza
The Country Club Plaza was originally built in 1923 and holds the title of the United State’s first outdoor shopping mall. The Plaza is modeled after one of KC’s sister cities — Seville, Spain — and spans 15 blocks of breathtaking Spanish architecture filled with shopping, dining, entertainment, and yes — even apartments!
While the Plaza is an excellent place for dinner dates and shopping sprees, it’s also known as Kansas City’s go-to Christmas destination. For the past 90 years, the entire district has been lit up on Thanksgiving with thousands of holiday lights. The Plaza Lighting Ceremony features live performances, guest speakers, and of course, merriment.
Another can’t-miss plaza event? The Plaza Art Fair. On the third weekend following Labor Day, the Plaza Art Fair is held and features fine art, live music, food, and drink.
Power and Light District
Located in the heart of downtown, Power and Light serves as an entertainment and nightlife hub. With dozens of bars, clubs, and restaurants, there’s sure to be something to satisfy your crew.
Power and Light hosts multiple concerts and events throughout the year and is known as Kansas City’s go-to spot to ring in the new year, cheer on the Chiefs to a Super Bowl win, or celebrate Halloween.
Power and Light is also home to the T-Mobile Center, which hosts the annual Big 12 Men’s Basketball Championship and dozens of stadium concerts throughout the year.
Crown Center
The Crown Center district is an excellent place to spend the day. There are plenty of activities in Kansas City for the whole family, and many of them are conveniently located in Crown Center. Top picks include LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, SEA Life Kansas City Aquarium, and Kaleidoscope. In the wintertime, enjoy sipping hot chocolate and ice skating on an open-ice pavilion surrounded by decor, lights, and festive music.
Just across the way from Crown Center, you’ll find Union Station. Union station features rotating exhibits of all kinds, restaurants, shopping, a planetarium, and every KC’ child’s dream: Science City.
While you’re in the area, be sure to stop at the National WWI Museum and the Nelson Atkins art museum.
Crossroads Art District
Looking for unique things to do in Kansas City? Head to Crossroads. The Crossroads Art District is known for hosting exquisite art galleries, ateliers, shopping, dining, and more. It’s home to beautiful loft-style and luxury apartments. Plus, it’s serviced by the Kansas City Streetcar!
Crossroads is a cocktail lovers’ dream destination. Green Lady Lounge features craft cocktails, live jazz, and a sophisticated vibe. Just down the street, local distillery Tom’s Town Distilling Company creates their own craft vodka, gin, and bourbon.
Additionally, Crossroads is home to First-Fridays! On the first Friday of every month, the district is open late to allow Kansas Citians to peruse galleries and artist studios featuring exhibits from local, national, and international artists. First Fridays feature local food and drink, shops, and food trucks.
Westport
Westport is a hotspot for dining and entertainment — and many Kansas Citians looking to enjoy downtown living call Westport home. Westport boasts an array of diverse bars, including Kansas City’s oldest bar, Kelly’s Westport Inn.
Westport played a pivotal role in the westward expansion and boasts many historical sites. But, today it’s better known as Kansas City’s go-to spot for a night of karaoke, dining, and mixed drinks.
The Westside
The Westside is arguably the hidden gem of Kansas City. Located just west of the Crossroads, this charming neighborhood is filled with Latino and Mexican-American influences.
In the mood for brunch? The Westside Local, Chez Elle Creperie and Coffeehouse, and BlueBird Cafe provide delicious, local eats. Looking to catch a caffeine buzz? Head to Goat Hill Coffee Company or Ollama Cafe.
7. You’re a Sports Fan
The City of Fountains is prime real estate for sports lovers. Kansas City is home to the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, the MLB’S Kansas City Royals, MLS’ Sporting KC, The National Women’s Soccer League’s Kansas City NWSL, and more.
Plus, Kansas City has a rich baseball history and currently houses the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
Make Your Move to Kansas City with ApartmentSearch
With affordable living and midwestern charm, Kansas City is an excellent place to begin your career, raise a family, or enjoy retirement. ApartmentSearch makes it easy to find a great Kansas City apartment, whether you’re in search of a short-term rental or looking to settle in for years to come. With advanced filters and search options, ApartmentSearch can help you narrow down an apartment that fits your budget and your lifestyle.
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