If you’re thinking about moving to Kansas City, you probably have a whole bunch of questions. Don’t worry, we’ll answer all of them here!
Consider this your complete guide to what to know before moving to Kansas City, from the job market to the art scene to the rich history to the public transportation and everything in between.
Whatever you want to know about Kansas City, you’ll find it here. Keep reading to learn all about this booming city that straddles the Kansas and Missouri state border and decide where you want to buy a home in Kansas City.
Kansas City at a Glance
Kansas City is the largest city in Missouri, with a population of 500K that is steadily growing as more people see this city’s marvelous potential.
Kansas City comprises over 15 counties in Missouri and Kansas, including Jackson County, Johnson County, and Wyandotte County. The city sits on the border between the two states.
It takes up just under 320 square miles, making it larger than New York City and over twice as big as other major US cities, like Boston and Denver. Keep reading to learn more about this thriving city.
Kansas City Real Estate
Kansas City has some super affordable housing considering it’s a large city, making it a desirable place for young professionals who want to live in a bustling city without paying big city prices.
The median home value is around $112K, 25% lower than the national average. So, you can get a stunning and spacious house for considerably less money here!
The area has many home styles, including Art Deco, Colonial Revival, Craftsman, and Mid-Century Modern.
You’ll notice lots of impressive custom ironwork on gates and fences, giving the area a distinct charm.
So, whether you want a unique and artsy house, a modern place, or a rustic and nostalgic home, Kansas City can deliver. Currently, some of the most desirable neighborhoods include:
- Brookside Park
- Overland Park
- Armoud Hills
- Pendleton Heights
- Union Hill
- River Market.
Cost of Living in Kansas City
Kansas City is a pretty affordable place to live. The cost of living in KC is 8% lower than the national average.
The average household salary can range substantially, from as little as $20K to as high as $100K. But the average is a comfortable $63K per year, and the median is $42K.
The cost of living and the average salary is comparable to major cities in Texas and some of the smaller cities in California. Kansas City ranks as the 66th most expensive place to live out of 140 major U.S. cities, making it substantially more affordable than many other popular cities people move to.
Schools in Kansas City
Kansas City has plenty of schools, from preschools to universities. If you plan to move with children, you may have questions about the public school districts and other options.
The public school system in KC is not ranked particularly high and falls below the statewide average for math and reading proficiency. While public schools in Kansas City are not particularly impressive, there are many high-end private schools to choose from.
Kansas City is home to top-notch private academies for grades K-12, some of which are ranked as the best schools in Missouri. There are also charter schools above the other public high schools, and they are excellent options for families who don’t want to pay steep tuition.
As far as colleges and universities, there are several decent places for higher education, including:
- The University of Missouri Kansas City
- The University of Kansas
- MidAmerica Nazarene University
- Rockhurst University.
Economy in Kansas City
Currently, Kansas City’s economy is booming as more professionals move there. It has an impressive unemployment rate of 2.8% as of 2023. And, as mentioned, the average salary is above the national average.
The top industries in Kansas City are bioscience, technology, financial services, and food and beverage, offering a wide variety of job opportunities.
Some of the most prominent employers and companies in the Kansas City area are the FDA, T-Mobile, UMB, and Tyson Foods! Because of the thriving economy and job market, many people from cities with high unemployment rates, like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Chicago, are moving to Kansas City.
Kansas City Trademarks
Aside from all the KC statistics and nitty-gritty information on job and housing markets, we want to share some other fun aspects of the city. Check out some of the top benefits of moving to Kansas City below!
Spread Out Spaces
With a population of only 500K and well over 300 square miles of space, you can stretch out in KC.
Things are not built on top of each other or squeezed into awkward spaces, so the city feels more open and free than tightly-packed US cities. And unlike other major cities, Kansas City is not loaded with skyscrapers.
BBQ State
Kansas City’s BBQ is mouthwatering goodness you can enjoy daily if you move there. The Kansas City BBQ style is sweet, tangy, and meaty, with thick sauces and hints of brown sugar and maple.
Everything is slathered in BBQ sauce! Kansas City’s best known for its wide use of meats, from pork to beef to sausage to fish.
Commuting Is a Breeze
Kansas City has a variety of options for public transport, including buses, streetcars, bikes, and scooters, so getting around is easy. The average commute times in the city are great. The commute time to get anywhere in the city is 25 minutes using public transit. However, most residents recommend having a car.
Pet-Friendly Neighborhoods
Kansas City living emphasizes furry friends! It’s been ranked one of the most pet-friendly cities in the U.S., with a plethora of dog parks, cute pet stores, dog-friendly restaurants, plenty of affordable veterinarians and animal hospitals, and dog-friendly shopping districts. So, moving to Kansas City with a pet is a no-brainer.
Midwest Hospitality
The locals are extremely friendly and welcoming. Some places, Denver and NYC in particular, are not super happy to have transplants taking up space, but Kansas City locals are happy to see their city grow and welcome new residents with open arms.
A History Buff’s Palace
Kansas City is rich with an interesting and complex history. The city was founded in the early 1800s by French fur traders.
After being a simple cow town for decades, it began to boom with new properties and residents and was a lively place during the 1920s. With an energetic jazz scene and mob corruption, you could spend hours learning about the wild way Kansas City came to be what it is today!
Not Many Teams, But a Loyal Fanbase!
The city doesn’t have a major league sports team for all the sports, but they have the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL and the Kansas City Royals in MLB. Chiefs fans are ride or die, so you can join this passionate fanbase or stir up some fun by rooting for another team!
A True Four-Season City
The weather changes constantly, and you can experience the four seasons. In Kansas City, MO, the temperature can reach as high as 100ºF in summer and as low as 10ºF in winter, so you get to experience it all. With December snowfalls and scorching hot July days, you can enjoy all the seasons!
Fresh as They Come
The local farmer’s markets are among the best in the country, offering fresh vegetables straight from the farm.
You can find locally-grown honey, handmade candles, herbs, spices, and gorgeous fresh-cut flowers. The city has over 30 different farmer’s markets operating through most of summer and spring.
Outdoor Fun Is Just Minutes Away
You can get out of the city and into the country pretty easily if you want to get some fresh air and get away from the city.
You can take a road trip to admire Table Rock Lake, explore the Fantastic Caverns, check out Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, or hike in the Ha Ha Tonka State Park.
Healthcare Is Booming
A little-known fact about the city is it offers some of the best medical care in the country. The healthcare in Kansas City, MO, is affordable, easily accessible, and high-quality, making it one of the best places to go for medical care in the Midwest.
As more people and healthcare professionals move to KC, the medical care in this area only improves.
A Hub for Jazz History
The people here appreciate jazz, and they have a district and walk of fame to show for it! Kansas City has its own style of jazz that came about in the 20s and 30s, with a big band style and lots of improv.
There are still many bars and lounges where you can see live jazz music and transport yourself to the 1920s. Check out the Jazz Museum or just walk along their American Jazz Walk of Fame Induction and Concert Hall.
Tight Local Communities
You may not know your neighbors in NYC, but the folks in this city are much friendlier! It’s easy to make friends at many public events, trivia nights, or community organizations.
Don’t be surprised if your barista remembers your name quickly or if the vendors at your nearby farmer’s markets start making personalized suggestions for you.
Parks Are Plentiful
One of the most appealing things about Kansas City is the many green and spacious parks. A lovely aspect of city living here is the ability to sit outside on the grass, even if you live in an apartment on the top floor.
Many people don’t feel they’re missing out by not having a backyard. Many of these parks also boast majestic fountains for a classy and ethereal vibe.
The Best Libraries in the Midwest
Remember when we mentioned the amazing history of KC? Well, if you’re interested, there is no better place to learn some fun facts and understand the deep history of Missouri than at one of its many superb libraries.
Check out The Kansas City Public Library, The Linda Hall Library, The Mid-Content Public Library, or one of the other fabulous ones in the Kansas City area.
Glowing Art Scene
Kansas City has recently been recognized as having a diverse and welcoming art scene with everything from funky, modern street murals to high-end contemporary galleries to traditional art museums.
And the art doesn’t end there. You can see sensational live performances at many of the local theaters or enjoy jazz music at hole-in-the-wall lounges.
The city is home to Walt Disney’s first animation studio, Hallmark’s headquarters, and the Kansas City Art Institute, so art is built into the city’s culture. If you want to see some amazing murals, visit the Brookside, River Market, or Crossroads neighborhoods!
Gaze at the Stars, Enjoy the Sunset
While KC is still a city, it doesn’t have the intense and overwhelming air pollution of places like NYC and Chicago, so you can still enjoy the stars at night.
And the flat landscape offers some spectacular sunset and sunrise views where the orange sun melts onto the horizon like in a movie.
Stunning Shopping Centers and Stores
KC is also a shopaholic’s dream, with massive modern shopping centers like Country Club Plaza and quaint, small stores in places like KC Plaza and Brookside Shops.
Whether you’re looking for the hottest new designer trends or locally-made gifts, Kansas City is the perfect place to open your wallet and get some cool new stuff!
FAQ: Moving to Kansas City, MO
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about moving to the City of Fountains.
Is Kansas City a good place to move?
Most people find this city to be a great place to move. It’s wonderful for families and young professionals in industries like food service and technology. It’s the perfect city for people who want to live in a city but are tired of hour-long commutes and sky-high housing prices.
What do I need to know before moving to Kansas City?
Some of the most important things to know before moving to Kansas City are that there’s lots of BBQ, it’s an excellent place for young families, there’s affordable housing, and you will probably need a car to get around.
Is it better to live in Kansas City, Kansas, or Missouri?
The answer to this depends on what you want. If you’re looking for a lower cost of living and a slower lifestyle, the Kansas side is more rural and affordable, with about a quarter of the population. The Missouri side is larger and more urban but also comes with a higher cost of living.
What is the salary to live comfortably in Kansas City?
For individuals and couples, a salary of over $42K is enough to live comfortably but not lavishly. For families, a salary of at least $93K is ideal.
Why is Kansas City so cheap?
Things like restaurants, groceries, and utilities cost about the same here as the national average, if not slightly higher. What makes KC such an affordable place to live are the low housing and rental prices, so people don’t have to commit such a large percentage of their income to their housing.
What are the pros and cons of living in Kansas?
The top pros of living in KC are the affordable cost of housing, the amazing food scene, and the spacious city vibe.
The top cons of moving to Kansas City are that most people need a car to get around, there is not much nature-wise (no beaches, mountains, forests, etc.), and the weather can be harsh, with tornadoes common in the spring.
Is Kansas City a happy place to live?
Yes, generally, people who live in KC are happy. It comes with common city-living frustrations, but the KC suburbs and neighborhoods rank high in resident satisfaction. Overland Park ranks in the top five for the happiest cities in the US!
Is Kansas City a walkable city?
KC has safe neighborhoods, but some are much more walkable than others. However, the city has an overall walk score of 35 out of 100, which is not fantastic.
The most walkable neighborhoods include Crossroads, Old Westport, Plaza Westport, and Southmoreland, among others. But in most areas, a car or public transportation is a must.
What is the coldest month in Kansas City?
January is typically the coldest month in this Missouri city, with an average high of 31ºF. The temperature does not usually drop below 20ºF, but the high humidity can make it feel colder. The average humidity in January is 84%.
Are property taxes cheaper in Kansas or Missouri?
Many factors contribute to what the property tax rate will be on a specific property, but both states hover around 5%, with Kansas being ever so slightly higher. Property taxes in Kansas and Missouri are effectively the same.
Bottom Line
Kansas City, MO, is a stellar place to move if you love affordable housing, lively energy, and welcoming people. From the friendly locals to the thriving job market to the lush green parks, there is so much to love about this beautiful city.
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If you’re ready to make the move, contact a local eXp agent, so you can find the perfect property for you and your family.
