A larger majority would agree that living in a big and bustling city is an attractive offer they can't resist. For others, the charm of a smaller community is pretty irresistible.
However, what if there is a place that combines these two attributes?
Situated outside the Kansas City metropolitan area, Overland Park is a suburb that is quite popular for being family-friendly and offering big-city living.
The city offers tons of unique attractions, natural environments, and gardens that have made it an appealing spot for suburbanites and city dwellers.
If you're new to the Midwest and looking to opt for a change of environment, Kansas City has made a good name for itself with its high quality of life.
Let's explore what living in Overland Park, KS basically feels like.
The Real Estate Market: Cost
Is Overland Park, Kansas, a good place to live if you're on a tight budget?
Expect to spend a little bit more than the average U.S. citizen while in this part of Kansas. Nothing too crazy because the average
Overland Park movers still record a high influx of immigrants into the city despite a growing living cost.
It's not California expensive, but to own a home in the city would require reaching deeper into your pockets.
However, renting is where things take a different turn, slightly. Rent is a few dollars short in the city compared to the national average, but depending on your neighborhood prices could hit the roof.
- Average Rent: $2,078
- Median Home Value: $444,883
- 1-year Value Change: 5.0%
Note:
Affordable neighborhoods in Overland Park include Springhills, De Soto, and Edgerton.
A Thriving Economy
There are numerous benefits of living in Overland Park, KS, and the booming economy is definitely one of them.
With top companies like Garmin International, Sprint Cooperation, T-Mobile, Netsmart Technologies, and many other growing businesses, there are a lot of promises to secure a good job.
Tech seems to be the current prevailing industry in the city, but with improvements and development, areas like the health and financial sectors are gradually making impressive footprints in the economy.
- Population: 197,089
- Median Household Income: $100,876
- Unemployment Rate: 2.60%
- Poverty Rate: 4.20%
Note:
Economic data like these suggest that the Overland Park community is productive and flourishing. However, there have been some slight issues noticed in the past months.
Over the last year, the city saw a reduction in the job market by -2.1%. But, on the bright side, the job rate is expected to grow by about 35.5% within the next 10 years.
Transportation: Easy or Frustrating?
Here's some more good news: there are convenient public transportation options in Overland Park.
One of these services is the Johnson County Transit, offering transportation along local bus routes all over the city and towns.
Other transportation services include the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority MAX bus service. Residents of Overland Park can also opt for ride-sharing and taxi services, such as Lyft and Uber.
The average commute time in Overland Park is 25 minutes.
Note:
As a visitor, you shouldn't worry about not being able to access these services when traveling here, as they are available 24 hours a day.
Climate: What to Expect
With its location in the great plains of the US, overland park weather carries a humid continental climate.
There is heavy precipitation with occasional tornadoes and thunderstorms throughout the year in Overland Park, resulting in an average of about 40 inches of rain annually.
You might not need heavy winter clothes in the city. Of course, it snows an average of 13 inches per year, but it's not enough to prevent easy movements or require thick jackets.
Average Seasonal Temperature:
Winter — 35°
Fall — 58°
Spring — 57°
Summer — 78°
Note:
Some of the best months of the year are May, June, and September. But, just prepare for temperatures swinging between the low 20s reaching the high 90s.
Healthcare
The healthcare outlook of Overland Park, Kansas, is positive.
Overland Park is home to various healthcare services and medical facilities for people of all ages. Some examples include Saint Luke's South Hospital and Overland Park Regional Medical Center.
Clinics and emergency care centers are also found throughout the city, providing quality healthcare to citizens in need.
Aside from these places, Overland Park is home to health-related programs like preventive screenings for uninsured people, as well as support groups for individuals with chronic illnesses.
This isn't all!
The city also promotes overall wellness and healthy living by investing in the creation of recreational parks and fostering local activities.
Education
For individuals with kids looking to move here, education is a cornerstone of Overland Park.
Not surprisingly, the city ranks among the top of the state in terms of education, offering several options for students of every age.
Some noteworthy schools in the city include:
- Timber Creek Elementary School
- Harmony Elementary
- Blue Valley North High School
- St Thomas Aquinas High School
Note:
Overland Park emphasizes quality education and has easy-to-access resources for students of all ages. To provide more learning opportunities for its inhabitants, the city hosts various educational events throughout the year.
Crime Rate
Unfortunately, this is where you begin to weigh the pros and cons of living in Overland Park, KS.
Overland Park's crime rate leans a bit higher than the average across every community in the US, at 26 crimes per 1,000 residents.
However, it is essential to note that this city isn't among those with the highest crime rate.
Becoming a victim of property or violent crime is only 1 in 38, and when juxtaposed with Kansas, Overland Park is as high as 89% than in other towns.
On violent crimes, like armed robbery, murder, aggravated assault, and rape, there is a 1 in 451 chance of being a victim, which is a far better figure when compared to the state's 1 in 241.
The property crime rate in Overland Park fairs is worse than the state average though. It's Overland Park's 1 in 42 against Kansas's 1 in 50.
| per 1,000 residents |
Overland Park Average |
National Average |
| Violent Crime |
2.22 |
4 |
| Property Crime |
23.9 |
20 |
Local Attractions
If you have considered moving to Overland Park, then be prepared to be amazed at beautiful outdoor spaces and parks like the Overland Botanical Gardens and Park Arboretum.
Locals also love Shawnee Mission Park and Verhaeghe Park for their scenic walking paths and accessible play structures. Aside from these, there are also other recreational activities like swimming pools and golf courses to keep active.
For seniors, the Matt Ross Community Center also offers several senior-friendly events and activities.
Perhaps you're more into history, art, and cultural relevances, you are not left behind. Overland Park is home to several cultural institutions, art galleries, and museums like
- Johnson County Museum
- Museum at Prairiefire
- Overland Park Convention Center
- Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art
Endnote—Living in Overland Park, KS
Overland Park might be one of the most populous cities in Kansas, but it still gives a country, small-town vibe.
Whether you are a retiree, a family person with children, or a young professional, this city offers something.
Aside from slightly expensive real estate, living in Overland Park, KS offers numerous benefits like job opportunities, excellent schools, cultural attractions, good medical care, and outdoor recreation.
So, if you are looking to relocate and have considered Overland Park, consider the facts of what you want before making a decision.
Good luck!
By Chris Bates
