When it comes to the heart of America, one state stands out as a gem for potential residents – Kansas. Known for its role in the classic film ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ Kansas offers much more than just a yellow brick road. With a population of 2.9 million people who call this Midwest state home, Kansas boasts a strong sense of community, affordability, and diverse opportunities for those looking to make a new start.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the 15 best places to live in Kansas, providing valuable insights into the local communities, amenities, and lifestyle offerings that make each location unique. From Leawood to Derby, these cities and suburbs have been carefully selected based on factors such as affordability, education, entertainment options, and overall quality of life. So, put on your ruby slippers and get ready to explore the wonderful world of living in Kansas!
Leawood: The Triple Threat
Leawood is not just a city; it’s a triple threat when it comes to living in Kansas. Ranked as the best place to live, best suburb, and best place to raise a family in the state, Leawood offers a tight-knit community, charming houses, and a high median household income. If you’re considering making Leawood your home, here are some key highlights:
Median household income in Leawood is six figures
Charming houses and pride in property ownership
*Top attractions include Town Center Plaza, Museum of Prairiefire, and Leawood City Park
Prairie Village: A Hidden Gem in Johnson County
Prairie Village, located in Johnson County, is a hidden gem in Kansas. Known for its diverse economy, entertainment options, and attractive downtown area, Prairie Village offers a mix of outdoor activities and shopping opportunities. If you’re considering moving to Prairie Village, here are some things to keep in mind:
Unemployment rate in Prairie Village is below the national average
Cost of living is 8.6% higher than the national average
*Top attractions include Johnson County Museum, Harmon Park, and VillageFest
Westwood: Small-Town Feel with Big-City Amenities
Westwood offers residents a small-town feel with big-city amenities. With excellent public schools, dining options, and recreational activities, Westwood is a desirable location for families. Here are some highlights of living in Westwood:
Unemployment rate in Westwood is below the national average
Cost of living is 4.9% higher than the national average
*Top attractions include Overland Park Botanical Garden, Mill Creek, and Legoland
Fairway: Quiet Community with Big-City Amenities
Fairway, located in Johnson County, is a quiet community with big-city amenities. With access to Kansas City and the Missouri River, Fairway offers a balanced lifestyle for residents. If you’re considering making Fairway your home, here are some things to consider:
Residents bring in around six figures annually
Great weather, excellent school system, and quiet community
*Top attractions include Kansas City Zoo, Country Club Plaza, and Science City Science Museum
Overland Park: Suburban Paradise Near Kansas City
Overland Park, just outside of Kansas City, offers a suburban paradise for residents. Known for its diverse economy, entertainment options, and attractive downtown setting, Overland Park is a great place to call home. Here are some highlights of living in Overland Park:
Unemployment rate in Overland Park is below the national average
Cost of living is 7.9% higher than the national average
*Top attractions include Museum at Prairiefire, Oak Park Mall, and Topgolf
Lenexa: Small City with Big Attractions
Lenexa, a small city in Kansas, offers natural family attractions and recreational opportunities. From large open parks to historical sites, Lenexa has something for everyone. If you’re considering moving to Lenexa, here are some things to keep in mind:
Unemployment rate in Lenexa is below the national average
Cost of living is 5.7% higher than the national average
*Top attractions include Lenexa Public Market, Black Hoof Park, and Shawnee Mission Park
Olathe: A Growing City with Excellent Schools
Olathe, located in eastern Kansas, is a growing city with excellent schools and job opportunities. With a thriving economy and affordable housing options, Olathe is a great place to raise a family. If you’re considering making Olathe your home, here are some key highlights:
Unemployment rate in Olathe is below the national average
Homes in Olathe are averaging around $350,000
*Top attractions include Kansas City Automotive Museum, Lake Olathe, and Ernie Miller Park & Nature Center
Roeland Park: Community Living at Its Best
Roeland Park offers community living at its best, with nature parks, walking trails, and recreational activities year-round. Known for its excellent educational system and affordability, Roeland Park is a desirable location for families. If you’re considering moving to Roeland Park, here are some things to consider:
Affordable rental properties in Roeland Park
Excellent educational system for children
*Top attractions include Oak Park Mall, 9/11 Memorial, and Legends Outlets Kansas City
Mission Hills: Affluent Living in a Sociable Neighborhood
Mission Hills, known for its affluent living and sociable community, offers a high quality of life for residents. With quaint coffee shops, family-run eateries, and a small population, Mission Hills is a desirable place to call home. If you’re considering making Mission Hills your home, here are some key highlights:
Average house prices in Mission Hills are around a million
Residents are keen on maintaining a strong community atmosphere
*Top attractions include Country Club Plaza Shopping Mall, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and Jacob L. Loose Park
Shawnee: A Balanced Community with Diverse Population
Shawnee, a diverse community with a population of around sixty-four thousand, offers a balanced lifestyle for residents. With affordable rental properties and a strong sense of community, Shawnee is a great place to live. If you’re considering moving to Shawnee, here are some things to keep in mind:
Median rent in Shawnee is over $1,000 a month
Diverse population with almost $90,000 annual income
*Top attractions include Aztec Shawnee Theater, Shawnee Town 1929 Museum, and Shawnee Mission Park
Lawrence: A College Town with Vibrant Community
Lawrence, the sixth largest city in Kansas, offers a college town vibe with plenty of outdoor opportunities. With affordable rental properties and a great selection of public schools, Lawrence is a vibrant community for residents. If you’re considering making Lawrence your home, here are some key highlights:
Median rent in Lawrence is around $1,000
A great selection of public schools for families
*Top attractions include Massachusetts Street, University of Kansas, and Spencer Museum of Art
Mission: A Diverse Suburb with Job Opportunities
Mission, a suburb of Kansas City, offers a diverse community with job opportunities and great dining options. With access to excellent schools in Shawnee and a safe living environment, Mission is a desirable location for families. If you’re considering moving to Mission, here are some things to consider:
Residents earn around $60,000 annually
Access to top-end schools in Shawnee
*Top attractions include Shawnee Mission Park, Moonlight Markets, and Splash Cove
Manhattan: A College Town with Affordable Living
Manhattan, not to be confused with New York City, offers affordable living in a college town setting. With low median rent and plenty of rental properties, Manhattan is a great place for students and young families. If you’re considering making Manhattan your home, here are some key highlights:
Median rent in Manhattan is far lower than the national average
Residents living in rented accommodation
*Top attractions include Flint Hills Discovery Center, Aggieville, and Bill Snyder Family Stadium
North Newton: The Safest Suburb in Kansas
North Newton is considered the safest suburb in Kansas, offering ideal living conditions and quality housing options. While public schooling may be underperforming, North Newton provides a safe and thriving community for residents. If you’re considering moving to North Newton, here are some key highlights:
Affordable cost of living and quality housing options
Aging population with plenty of amenities
*Top attractions include Kauffman Museum, Blue Sky Sculpture, and Carriage Factory Art Gallery
Derby: An All-Round Good Place to Live
Derby, an all-round good place to live in Kansas, offers affordable housing options and a diverse community. With a variety of family homes on the market and great value for money, Derby is a desirable location for families. If you’re considering making Derby your home, here are some key highlights:
Affordable housing options and variety of family homes
Great range of public schools and entertainment options
*Top attractions include Madison Avenue Central Park, Derby Historical Museum, and Rock River Rapids Aquatic Park
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kansas offers a diverse range of cities and suburbs that cater to different lifestyles and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a tight-knit community, affordable housing options, or vibrant outdoor activities, Kansas has something to offer for everyone. By exploring the 15 best places to live in Kansas, you can find the perfect location to call home and start your next chapter in the heart of America. So, put on your cowboy boots and get ready to experience the best of what Kansas has to offer!