If you’re looking for the perfect place to call home in Kansas City, look no further than these nine Kansas City suburbs. From bustling cities to quiet residential neighborhoods, this comprehensive guide will help you find a Kansas City suburb that fits your needs.
Browse through our list, and get ready to discover some of the best real estate in Kansas City.
The 9 Best Kansas City Suburbs
With a range of options, everyone can find their ideal home in one of these remarkable Kansas City suburbs.
Leawood, Kansas
Leawood is a top-notch locale near Bonner Springs in Johnson County, south Kansas City. The city, boasting a population of about 34,000, is known for the Kiewit-Turner plant that builds large commercial buildings.
Real Estate
Relocators are gravitating toward Leawood real estate because of its high value and appreciation rates. With a median price of $655K, Leawood has a vast array of townhome, condo, and single-family home options for residents to choose from. Since Leawood is suburban, there is generally a decent amount of yard space available in homes for sale, providing plenty of room for kids to roam or for hosting gatherings.
Education
Education in Leawood comes from the Blue Valley School District, one of the top-rated in Kansas. It boasts high test scores and graduation rates.
Johnson County encompasses:
- Seven elementary schools
- Three middle schools
- A traditional high school with four magnet/specialty programs
- Blue Valley West High School
These programs cater to students with specialized interests in STEM and performing arts like theater or music production technology.
Activities
Residents celebrate Leawood for its acclaimed parks, including Ironwoods Park, where you can spend the weekend:
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
- Watersports
- Golfing
The city has a reasonable cost of living, with various amenities that make it an ideal destination to settle in. Check out its Town Center Plaza with more than 70 stores. Dining options range from fast food to fine dining, with plenty of restaurants in the area.
Residents and visitors enjoy a wide range of entertainment, including sports, performing arts, casinos, and the Kansas City Ballet. Then there’s the Leawood Children’s Museum, an interactive museum with hands-on exhibits.
Overland Park, Kansas
Overland Park is a suburb of the Greater Kansas City metro area located in north Kansas City, Missouri, with over 107,000 residents.
Overland Park is located in Johnson County on the border with Missouri, and south of the Volker neighborhood. It provides convenient access to Kansas City and jobs with an unemployment rate of just 2.40%.
Real Estate
With 65 neighborhoods to choose from, and a wide variety of housing prices available to home buyers, Overland Park real estate should be at the top of your list. Homes for sale in Overland Park range from $40K to $3.2M, so there is an option to fit every budget.
Education
When it comes to schools and education, Overland Park residents have access to some of the best public schools in the state. They boast a 91% graduation rate, according to the American Community Survey (ACS) part of the United States Census Bureau.
For those seeking more specialized education, this Kansas City suburb has private institutions like MidAmerica Nazarene University and Johnson County Community College. They provide numerous degree programs for career-oriented learning.
Activities
An array of amenities make life enjoyable, including plenty of parks and trails and easy access to the metro area. Shopping centers are abundant and close to residential neighborhoods.
The nightlife in this city is vibrant, with many bars and restaurants for locals to enjoy their time off.
Overland Park is home to the Sprint Center, a 13,300-seat multipurpose arena, and Sprint Theatre, an 827-seat movie theater. Plus, there are numerous fine dining options, nightclubs, and theme parks. Don’t forget the Arrowhead Stadium, home to the Kansas City Chiefs, a 58,000-seat outdoor stadium.
Olathe, Kansas
For those looking to enjoy the Kansas City area without being in Downtown Kansas City or Overland Park, Olathe, the birthplace of developer J.C. Nichols provides a great location with easy access to Missouri and Kansas.
Real Estate
The Olathe, KS, real estate market is relatively calm, giving buyers plenty of room to take their time looking for their next home. With a median listing price of $416K, Olathe homes for sale primarily consist of 4 bedrooms and are an affordable option for Kansas City suburbs. There are definitely more single-family homes in Olathe than condos or townhomes, but each home typically comes with plenty of room to spread out.
Education
In addition to its proximity to some great entertainment spots, Olathe also boasts good schools within its city limits and nearby areas such as Platte County and Clay County.
Several private schools are available if you’re looking into more specialized education options for your little ones.
Activities
Here you can find excellent restaurants and shopping options in commercial neighborhoods. There’s Crown Center on the Missouri side and Pendleton Heights on the Kansas side.
Plus, it’s only a short drive to attractions like The City Market or River Market – two local favorites that are perfect places for families looking for fun things to do together.
Olathe is a superb spot for those seeking to benefit from the conveniences of city living, including being between two states while still having access to areas like Weatherby Lake.
Shawnee, Kansas
Known for the Shawnee Indian Agency, now a museum, Shawnee is a small city with a population of around 37,000. It’s an ideal suburb for families who want to enjoy a quiet and comfortable lifestyle.
It has many family-friendly cultural institutions, including the Kansas Military Institute, a military academy in Mission Hills, and the National Wildlife Federation, headquartered in the city.
Real Estate
Shawnee, KS, provides an even mix of affordable houses for sale, convenient access to Kansas City amenities, and a serene location to call home. Homes for sale in Shawnee have a median listing price of $340K, which is on the lower end of the price range for real estate in the Kansas City suburbs.
Education
Regarding education in Shawnee, several options are available for families wishing to purchase real estate there.
The Shawnee Mission School District, which serves most of the city, offers many educational opportunities, including AP classes and career-focused programs.
Activities
For play, residents and visitors enjoy a wide range of entertainment such as professional and collegiate sports, performing arts, and casinos. For history lovers, it’s only a short drive to the National World War I museum.
Situated near the Kansas City center, Shawnee provides a unique environment for those who enjoy the advantages of city life while retaining their sense of identity and access to green space.
The area has many parks and outdoor activities, such as hiking trails, fishing spots, golf courses, swimming pools, and water sports. There’s also an impressive selection of restaurants ranging from local favorites to national chains.
Liberty, Missouri
Liberty is a small but charming city of just over 30,000 people in Missouri outside Kansas City. It’s located on the border and made up of a friendly community, beautiful parks, and rich history with many museums and historical buildings.
Many buildings in downtown Liberty have been preserved and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can stroll down the brick-lined streets and admire the beautiful architecture.
Real Estate
The real estate market in Liberty, MO, is somewhat competitive, with an average sale price of $331K and homes for sale only staying on the market for around 18 days. Liberty real estate primarily consists of single-family homes with large yards in subdivisions.
Education
Liberty is known for its excellent schools and community events. The Liberty Public School District is one of the top-rated school districts for the Missouri population. It offers various educational programs for students of all ages.
The community also hosts several family-friendly annual events, including the Liberty 4th Fest, the Liberty Fall Festival, and the Liberty Christmas Tree Lighting.
Activities
In addition to its rich history, Liberty has a thriving arts scene. The historic downtown area is home to many local art galleries and studios showcasing the work of talented local artists.
Many festivals are held throughout the year, attracting visitors from all over the country, including the Liberty Fall Festival and the Liberty Fine Arts Festival.
Liberty also has several beautiful parks and recreational areas to explore. The 100-acre Stocksdale Park features hiking trails, a fishing pond, and picnic areas, making it the perfect place for a family outing.
Lenexa, Kansas
Lenexa is a vibrant city in the heart of Johnson County. Here it provides its citizens with an array of benefits that make it one of the most desirable places to inhabit in the Kansas City Suburbs.
It also provides easy access to both sides of the state line (Missouri and Kansas) and offers locals all the comforts of small-town living. Positioned just to the west of Overland Park and south of Shawnee Mission, Lenexa is conveniently located near major thoroughfares, so getting around town is a cinch.
Real Estate
Real estate in Lenexa is an excellent option for those who want convenience while still having plenty of room to spread out. With prices down from the past year, homes for sale in Lenexa sell quickly, so move fast when purchasing Lenexa real estate. The average listing price in Lenexa is around $401K, and most properties are single family houses.
Education
There’s good news for families moving into Lenexa – this town has some great schools. Platte County R-3 School District and Shawnee Mission School District serve most students living within city limits and offer many educational opportunities from preschool through 12th grade.
Highly acclaimed public schools such as Trailwood Elementary and Indian Woods Middle also offer tailored programs. They aim to meet students’ individual needs while fostering academic and social growth.
Several private school options are available in Johnson County, including St James Academy Catholic High School, Notre Dame de Sion High School, and St Pius X Catholic School, boasting a rigorous college preparatory curriculum.
Low Living Costs
One great thing about living in Lenexa is that it’s affordable, with lower housing costs than in surrounding areas.
Lenexa offers excellent value for those on a budget with its housing costs relative to other cities in the Kansas City, Missouri area.
Activities
Lenexa has plenty of attractions like Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park or Shawnee Mission Park. These parks offer picturesque hiking trails and playgrounds for kids. Then there are nearby golf courses or waterparks like Schlitterbahn Vacation Village for fun family days out.
Lenexa also offers a wide selection of stores run by local proprietors like River Market, Crown Center, and Pendleton Heights, with activities suitable for all ages.
In addition to its vibrant downtown district, 39th street or restaurant row, built by J.C. Nichols, provides dining options and a thriving nightlife scene for locals and visitors alike.
Blue Springs, Missouri
Blue Springs is a city of approximately 56,000 with a rich history as a spa town located on the border with Kansas and near the Township of Sugar Creek. The city is known for the Blue Springs Reservoir, a popular spot for birdwatching.
Real Estate
Homes in Blue Springs, MO, sell for a median price of $265K and receive an average of 3 offers per property. While the Blue Springs housing market is less competitive than some other Kansas City suburbs, you’ll still want to move quickly when purchasing real estate in Blue Springs.
Education
One of the main reasons this city stands out as one of Kansas City’s best suburbs is its commitment to academic excellence.
The Blue Springs School District is an excellent public school system of 14 schools. It includes nine elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools, and one alternative school.
These schools have a rigorous curriculum focusing on academic excellence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The schools are close to Kansas City Public library branches.
The city also attracts highly qualified and dedicated teachers committed to providing their students with the best education.
Activities
Many outdoor activities are available, including hiking, biking, fishing, and watersports.
The city is also home to several cultural institutions, including the Missouri History Museum, the Blue Springs Museum, and the Johnson County Museum.
Residents and visitors enjoy a wide range of entertainment, including professional and collegiate sports, performing arts, and casinos.
Prairie Village, Kansas
Prairie Village is a small, affluent city with low crime rates in Johnson County, one of Kansas City’s metropolitan suburbs. The city has a population of around 21,000, and a diverse economic base. The city has a rich history with many museums and historical buildings.
Johnson County holds many festivals throughout the year. Still, it’s known for the Prairie Village Neighborhood Historic District, a district near Mission Hills listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Real Estate
With increasing value and high appreciation rates, Prairie Village real estate is great for those looking to upgrade their lifestyle or simply have more space to spread out. The homes for sale in Prairie Village sell quickly for a median price of $479K, so prepare for a pretty competitive market when buying a home here.
Education
One of the primary reasons for Prairie Village’s high reputation is the quality of its schools.
The Shawnee Mission School District, which serves Prairie Village, also serves Roeland Park, Mission Hills, and is one of Kansas’s largest and most well-regarded school districts.
Activities
The city is also home to many cultural institutions, including the Kansas City Ballet and the Prairie Village Children’s Museum, an interactive museum with hands-on exhibits.
Residents and visitors enjoy a wide range of entertainment. There are professional and collegiate sports, performing arts, casinos, and many outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and watersports.
Lee’s Summit, Missouri
Lee’s Summit is a suburb of Greater Kansas City in Jackson County with a population of over 50,000 and only a short drive to Lake Lotawana. Like many of Kansas City’s suburbs, it maintains an unemployment rate of only 2%.
Real Estate
With homes and townhomes galore, Lee’s Summit real estate offers Kansas City suburb residents a variety of options. The median sale price for homes for sale in Lee’s Summit is $350K and the median price for townhomes is $248K.
Education
The city’s educational system strongly focuses on technology. The classroom has state-of-the-art facilities with the latest technology and resources to support student learning.
Lee’s Summit community is highly involved in supporting the schools, with parents volunteering in the classroom. Businesses also partner with the district to provide resources and support.
This partnership between the community and the schools creates a shared responsibility for student success.
Activities
While in the city, check out Blue Event Center and Expo, an outdoor venue for events, concerts, and trade shows, including numerous opportunities for fine dining, nightclubs, and theme parks.
Conclusion
Kansas City is a unique place with many of the best suburbs, and you’ll never run out of options. These communities offer real estate for everyone, from the upscale Leawood to the vibrant Olathe.
Now’s the ideal time to determine which Kansas City suburb is perfect for you. There are plenty of options out there and local eXp agents to help you find them.
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