Summary
Recall the film titled ‘there’s no place like home’. You guessed it! The Wizard of Oz! Now, where is Dorothy’s home? Indeed, it is Kansas!
This highly typical state serves as home to 2.9 million individuals, and no, they don’t merely click their heels to magically return! As a Midwestern state, Kansas is well connected to the broader United States via Route 70 and Route 135.
While it is evident that Kansas is a well-connected state, what other attributes do prospective new residents seek in an American state? Consider access to public education, cost of living, and population diversity.
With fifty states available for selection, initiating the search for a new residence within the United States can be overwhelming. Each state possesses its own advantages, comprising a rich tapestry of communities.
We have meticulously examined the vast array of information available regarding Kansas, filtering out the unnecessary while emphasizing the pertinent details in this comprehensive guide on the best places to live in Kansas. This allows you to concentrate on the enjoyable aspect of the process: identifying your new home!
1. Leawood
Source: kcplumberpro.com
Leawood is often regarded as a triple threat in a positive light. It has been recognized not only as the top location to reside in Kansas, but also as the highest-rated suburb in the state and the premier area for family upbringing, according to niche.com.
Local residents consistently highlight that the cohesive community contributes significantly to Leawood’s uniqueness, complemented by the appealing architectural styles of residences and the pride individuals take in their properties.
It is noteworthy that the average household income in this area reaches six figures, which sheds light on the elevated median property values. Surpassing the national average, this locality may be perceived as somewhat exclusive; the median rent exceeds $1,000, with 93% of residents residing in owner-occupied homes, leaving limited options for renters.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best activities in Leawood include:
- Town Center Plaza
- Park Place
- Museum of Prairiefire
- Johnson County Museum
- Leawood City Park
- Indian Creek Trail
- Leawood Aquatic Center
- Ironhorse Golf Club
2. Prairie Village
Source: A.D. Modlin / Flickr
Prairie Village is positioned within Johnson County, recognized as one of Kansas’s top living locales. With a population of approximately three thousand, its name derives from the abundant prairies found throughout the area.
While residing in Prairie Village, residents can partake in various outdoor pursuits, such as enjoying a day of golfing at The Falcon Valley Golf Club or exploring shops at the Village Shopping Center.
The community is characterized by its varied economy, an array of entertainment choices, and an appealing downtown ambiance. Those relocating to Prairie Village for employment opportunities will find a thriving economy.
The unemployment rate here registers at 3.1%, significantly lower than the national average. Conversely, the cost of living is 8.6% higher than the national mean. Nonetheless, it remains more affordable compared to many regions across the United States today.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best activities in Prairie Village include:
- Johnson County Museum
- Harmon Park
- VillageFest
- The Shops of Prairie Village
- Meadowbrook Park
- Art Walk
- Franklin Park
- Overland Park Farmers Market
3. Westwood
Source: Quint2724 / Wikimedia
While residing in Westwood, you will encounter an inviting small-town ambiance while simultaneously benefiting from big city conveniences. With a population around two thousand, the close-knit community facilitates easy connections with neighbors. Residents will find various parks and recreational activities readily accessible throughout the community.
Westwood is also a highly sought-after location for families, offering an outstanding public education system for children. In addition to its commendable schools, Westwood presents a dedicated space for dining, shopping, and other leisure activities.
Additionally, Westwood maintains an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is below the national average. However, its cost of living is approximately 4.9% higher than the national mean. If you consider relocating your family to Westwood, you will find satisfaction, particularly in terms of educational opportunities!
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best activities available in or near Westwood include:
- Overland Park Botanical Garden
- Mill Creek
- River Market
- Westwood Park
- Legoland
- Sealife
- Great Wolf Lodge
- Kansas City Zoo
4. Fairway
Source: User:Charvex / Wikimedia
Situated in Johnson County, Fairway is regarded as one of the premier locations to live in Kansas. With approximately ten thousand residents, the community is notably warm and inviting to both current and prospective inhabitants.
Located merely minutes from Kansas City, residents enjoy access to big city amenities and commuting options. Fairway offers everything one might require while retaining a tranquil and cozy environment. Nearby, the Missouri River provides an excellent location for various outdoor activities, including walking, biking, and fishing.
Furthermore, residents of Fairway generally earn six-figure incomes; thus, the housing market, with an average price tag of $500,000, can be considered feasible for its residents. If you seek an area with favorable weather, a superb school system, and a peaceful community, Fairway is an exemplary choice!
Entertainment & Activities
Among the top activities to explore in Fairway are:
- Kansas City Zoo
- Country Club Plaza
- Science City Science Museum
- American Jazz Museum
- Kaufmann Stadium
- Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
5. Overland Park
Source: Mike Kalasnik from Fort Mill, USA / Wikimedia
Located just outside of Kansas City, Overland Park is recognized as one of the top places to reside in Kansas. Residents value the abundance of outdoor pursuits, such as hiking, biking, and shopping at various boutiques.
In Overland Park, individuals can also enjoy numerous attractions, including movie theaters, art galleries, museums, and nature reserves. Known for its varied economy, entertainment choices, and appealing downtown environment, Overland Park is a lovely place for nighttime outings with friends.
Moreover, Overland Park’s unemployment rate is recorded at 3%, significantly below the national average. The cost of living is approximately 7.9% above the national average. If you appreciate living in close proximity to the city while enjoying a suburban lifestyle, Overland Park is an excellent place to establish your home.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the top activities in Overland Park include:
- Museum at Prairiefire
- Oak Park Mall
- Topgolf
- The White Theater at the J
- Tick Tock Escape Room
6. Lenexa
Source: OrthoArchitectDU / Wikimedia
Considered a small city in Kansas, Lenexa offers numerous natural attractions suitable for families of all ages. Its expansive parks, such as Black Hoof Park, and historical sites like Legler Barn provide a variety of experiences for residents and visitors alike.
While in Lenexa, locals benefit from both recreational locations and diverse dining options alongside community engagement opportunities. The unemployment rate stands at 3.2%, considerably lower than the national average, while the cost of living is about 5.7% higher than the nation’s median.
If you seek a city where activities abound, regardless of the weather, Lenexa represents an ideal choice!
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the top attractions in Lenexa include:
- Lenexa Public Market
- Black Hoof Park
- Shawnee Mission Park
- Spinach Festival
- Mill Creek Streamway Park
- Indian Trails Aquatic Center
- Black Dog Coffeehouse
- Limitless Brewing
- Kansas City Automotive Museum
7. Olathe
Source: Ichabod / Wikimedia
Located in eastern Kansas, Olathe is a city experiencing significant growth, now boasting a population of around one hundred and forty thousand residents, with an increase of 11% since 2020.
Olathe offers a range of activities, from exploring its vibrant downtown area to attending annual festivals. It is an excellent environment for raising families, featuring a highly regarded public education system.
Addittionally, Olathe’s economy flourishes with an unemployment rate of merely 2.9%. Average home prices hover around $350,000, making it an appealing choice compared to many other regions across the nation.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best activities in Olathe include:
- Kansas City Automotive Museum
- Olathe Farmers Market
- Lake Olathe
- Ernie Miller Park & Nature Center
- Heritage Park
- Ensor Park & Museum
- Kill Creek Park
- Coffee Creek Trail
8. Roeland Park
Source: www.roelandpark.net
If you seek a supportive community where everyone is acquainted, Roeland Park is an ideal option. This area features numerous nature parks, walking trails, and recreational activities throughout the year.
Many families choosing to relocate to Roeland Park have done so due to its excellent educational institutions for children. Additionally, Roeland Park is conveniently located near Kansas City, offering further employment opportunities.
Renting property in Roeland Park is among the more affordable and desired options in the broader Kansas City area. With average monthly rents at $992, it remains significantly cheaper than locations like Prairie Village, for example. With 29% of residents residing in rental accommodations, a diverse range of homes are available for prospective tenants.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the different activities to enjoy in Roeland Park include:
- Oak Park Mall
- 9/11 Memorial
- Legends Outlets Kansas City
- American Jazz Museum
- Glenwood Arts Theater
9. Mission Hills
Source: davedehetre / Flickr
Bordering Fairway and situated north of Prairie Village is the suburb of Mission Hills. You may have encountered this name when discussing Fairway, as Mission Hills houses the esteemed Mission Hills Golf Club.
The suburb presents numerous cozy coffee shops and family-owned burger establishments; First Watch – Fairway enjoys considerable popularity for brunch.
With a modest population of approximately thirty-five hundred individuals, Mission Hills fosters a friendly environment. Residents are quite eager to cultivate a thriving community atmosphere, resulting in numerous opportunities throughout the year to contribute positively to the neighborhood.
Mission Hills is an affluent area, with average home prices around a million, and the real estate market remains quite stable within this community.
Entertainment & Activities
Some engaging activities to partake in while in Mission Hills include:
- Country Club Plaza Shopping Mall
- The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
- Jacob L. Loose Park
- Woodside Gym
- Overland Park Farmers Market
- The Primrose Cocktail
- Arbor Villa Park
- Rio Theater
10. Shawnee
Source: sevenMaps7 / shutterstock
Reflecting on our selection of the top places to reside in Kansas, it is evident that this compilation features exemplary locations not only in Kansas but also across the United States as a whole. Shawnee is no exception.
Individuals interested in renting properties in Kansas may discover Shawnee to be a veritable treasure trove. With median rent exceeding $1,000 per month, this region presents a highly affordable option for tenants in the state.
Community residents describe the area as well-rounded, with a diverse population of sixty-four thousand individuals earning approximately $90,000 annually.
Located on the banks of the Kansas River and adjacent to Lake Quivira, Shawnee offers ample opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Entertainment & Activities
Some engaging activities to consider in Shawnee include:
- Aztec Shawnee Theater
- Shawnee Town 1929 Museum
- Shawnee Mission Park
- Super Kidz Club Indoor Playground
- Park Lanes Family Fun Center
- Pioneer Crossing Park
11. Lawrence
Source: Jeff Zehnder / shutterstock
Lawrence ranks as the sixth largest city in Kansas. Situated along the banks of Clinton Lake, similar to Shawnee, this city offers abundant outdoor recreational possibilities.
Located in Douglas County, Lawrence is home to ninety-one thousand individuals, presenting a vibrant rental market, with nearly half of the residents choosing to lease their homes.
With median rents close to $1,000, many individuals opt to rent, though investing in property within Lawrence remains an astute decision, providing great value in a congenial neighborhood. On 21st Street, a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom family home is available at a price significantly below the national average.
Given the excellent array of public schools in the region, young families can cultivate a nurturing and welcoming environment in Lawrence.
Entertainment & Activities
Some notable activities in Lawrence include:
- Massachusetts Street
- University of Kansas
- Spencer Museum of Art
- Allen Fieldhouse
- Clinton State Park
- Lawrence Rotary Arboretum
12. Mission
Source: www.kansastravel.org
Mission is yet another suburb within Kansas City. With abundant job opportunities available in the central business district, establishing residence roughly a thirty-minute drive from the business hub can be a prudent decision.
Mission boasts a wide variety of fast food restaurants as well as more upscale dining options. Residents need not worry about meal preparation!
By choosing to reside in Mission, parents gain access to top-tier schools in Shawnee, as the school district overlaps both locales. Residents reflect diversity, with an average annual income around $60,000.
Despite a concern regarding recent theft incidents impacting crime statistics, local residents maintain a sense of safety and security within their community.
Entertainment & Activities
Some activities worth exploring in Mission encompass:
- Shawnee Mission Park
- Moonlight Markets
- Splash Cove
- Clear Creek Trail
- Kansas City Ice Center and Pavilion
13. Manhattan
Source: SilverEdge / shutterstock
Not to be confused with the suburb in New York City, this Manhattan is distinctly located in Kansas, specifically in Riley County. There are minimal areas that raise concerns in this suburb, and it may have fared even better in a different state.
Median rent here in Manhattan is significantly below the national average, with an appealing rate of $859, attracting individuals to this locality. In fact, a greater portion of the 55,700 residents reside in rented properties rather than owning homes.
This community tends to be transient, attributed to its college town identity. The influx of students brings vibrancy and enhances social interactions, positively affecting the overall community atmosphere.
Entertainment & Activities
Some noteworthy activities to experience in Manhattan include:
- Flint Hills Discovery Center
- Aggieville
- Bill Snyder Family Stadium
- Sunset Zoo
- Linear Trail
- Tuttle Creek State Park
- Manhattan Town Center
- Kansas State University Insect Zoo
14. North Newton
Source: Weldon Schloneger / shutterstock
North Newton is considered the safest suburb in Kansas, marked by an ideal cost of living and an abundance of quality housing options. The demographic skews older, largely due to family migration for educational opportunities in the area.
Although the schools perform adequately against governmental expectations regarding other districts in Kansas, North Newton does lag in certain areas.
However, if public educational quality does not impact your decision-making process, you will find no substantial issues in North Newton.
Just thirty minutes from Wichita, North Newton offers ample provisions for most individuals. For access to major retailers or a taste of urban life, the city is just a short drive away.
Entertainment & Activities
Some activities worth exploring in North Newton include:
- Kauffman Museum
- Blue Sky Sculpture
- Carriage Factory Art Gallery
- The Breadbasket
- Sand Creek Station Golf Course
- Sand Creek Bike Path
15. Derby
Source: sevenMaps7 / shutterstock
Derby is universally considered a commendable location to reside. It offers affordable living suitable for working families and provides a wide variety of family homes on the market, ensuring families can find appropriate matches.
Investors would benefit from substantial value by selecting Derby as their investment destination; a spacious 2-story family home featuring four bedrooms and four bathrooms is currently available for $179,000.
Derby also boasts a solid public school system, with 23% of the 23,000 residents of school age, culminating in a vibrant community atmosphere filled with young people.
As a suburb of Wichita, the city caters to youngsters’ entertainment needs, with movie theaters and other local attractions proving popular weekend destinations.
Entertainment & Activities
Activities available in Derby include:
- Madison Avenue Central Park
- Derby Historical Museum
- High Park
- Warren Riverview Park
- Derby Farmers Market
- Rock River Rapids Aquatic Park
- Derby Bowl
- Derby Sports Zone
- Derby Skate Park
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