Moving to Kansas City, MO

Kansas City At-A-Glance

So, you’re moving to Kansas City? Nothing better than that sweet spot where rivers meet and streets hum with bubbling fountains, echoes of jazz legends and the sizzle of barbecue. 

Kansas City might not be your typical coastal paradise or mountain retreat, that’s true, but its rolling hills have a charm of their own. And if it’s the chilly winters that scare you, know that the city makes up for it with a nice blend of Midwestern warmth and a shared love for the Royals and Chiefs. Plus, the city serves up all four seasons in their full glory, so living in Kansas City will never be boring. And, this is an affordable place, with a steadily increasing population.

While the city’s location smack-dab in the middle of the country branded it as the Heart of America, this geographical fact is now also a metaphor for its role as a cultural and economic crossroads. Are you ready to become one of its over 500,000 residents? Stay tuned to see what living in Kansas City is all about, one topic at a time.

Kansas City Is Affordable and Balanced

Think Kansas City, and you might picture jazz tunes and mouth watering barbecue but KC is also where arts and sports high-five each other.

Ever heard of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts or the Crossroads Arts District? Pure magic for art lovers. Foodies have nothing to complain about either — there’s everything from fancy meals to street food trucks. And for those with food sensitivities, KC’s now a wonderland with gluten-free and vegan options galore. Plus, activities like the Taste of Kansas City Food Tours are a big deal.

Sports are huge too. Ever seen the sea of red at a Chiefs game or the blue wave at a Royals match? That’s KC pride right there. And let’s not forget the parks. Swope Park is massive — like Central Park’s cousin but with more than double the elbow room.

The truth is living in Kansas City provides a convenient balance, as it has the perks of a big city without feeling cramped. Plus, the cost of living is a steal and you can get a lot without breaking the bank. Add the many entertainment options, good transportation and solid Wi-Fi and you’ll see why Kansas City also ranks as one of the best U.S. cities for digital nomads.

Forbes also recently named Kansas City a paradise for pets, basing their decision on a mix of low vet bills and loads of pet-friendly spots. There you have it. It’s got history, art, sports and food that’ll knock your socks off, plus it’s affordable and pet-friendly.

Tech Scene on the Rise in Kansas City

While Kansas City might not be your first guess for booming business centers, it’s quickly gaining ground with low business costs and solid resources for startups. It’s an under-the-radar power player in the corporate arena.

The KC economy nowadays goes beyond traditional sectors, buzzing with healthcare, finance and a rapidly growing tech scene that’s creating jobs left and right. While the traditional industries hold their ground, it’s the tech sector that’s really turning heads. According to the Wall Street Journal, Kansas City ranks impressively for the momentum of its tech workforce. It’s not just tech bigwigs like Oracle Cerner powering the growth, but there’s also a rising wave of tech professionals working outside the industry, which really highlights how deep technology has seeped into our lives.

Investments like Meta Platforms’ $800 million data center are magnetic, drawing more talent and businesses. City-led efforts are stoking up a strong tech talent pool, readying Kansas City not just for the jobs of today but those on tomorrow’s horizon too. For instance, Millennials are drawn to Kansas City for what now looks like a strong job market paired with a rather low cost of living. 

Now, amidst all this tech talk, let’s not forget manufacturing. Right in the country’s center, Kansas City leverages its prime position as a logistics powerhouse to keep traditional sectors humming. Top of the list? The auto industry, thanks to Ford’s KC plant.

Unemployment rate: 3.4 percent (as of August 2023)

Average weekly wages for all industries in the Kansas City area: $1,321 (Q1 2023)

Kansas City Has a Healthy Real Estate Market

Snagging a home without emptying your bank account is very much possible in Kansas City. It has a median home value of just $175,400, which is a steal compared to most places — in line with Missouri-wide values, but 28 percent lower than the national one.

Renting isn’t going to eat up your paycheck either. You can land a place for about $1,040 a month. That’s more than its twin city on the Kansas side, but still 10 percent below U.S. median gross rent. 

The real estate market here is in good health and houses don’t sit around collecting dust. Which is good news if you’re a real estate agent. And, with slightly over half the homes owner-occupied, it’s a mix of folks who have been here for ages and newbies just unpacking their boxes.

Note: For the sake of getting the bigger picture, over 64 percent of Americans own their homes compared to only 54 percent in KC.

KC Neighborhoods: From Nightlife to Quiet and In-Between

Moving to Kansas City but don’t have your eyes on a spot yet? Do you prefer artsy vibes, family-friendly streets or something in between? Every little slice of Kansas City life has a distinct flavor, here’s what each one has to offer:

Brookside. You get a family-friendly atmosphere with activities all year round and a mix of charming homes, boutique shops and picturesque, tree-lined streets. Families love it here but be ready to pay a bit more.

Crossroads Arts District. Once-vacant warehouses are now home to galleries and murals. It’s lively and as artsy as it gets. Which might be too much for folks looking for peace and quiet.

River Market. Old-school charm meets modern buzz, as this is home to the largest farmers market in the region. A great place for those who love sampling international cuisine and aren’t bothered by crowds.

Country Club Plaza. Fancy living, with a price tag to match. If you love shopping and fine dining, this is your spot. You get Spanish-inspired architecture and countless fountains for added charm.

Westport. Let’s call it Nightlife Central. The young crowd digs it, so it’s not exactly quiet. If you love the party scene, you’ll fit right in.

Waldo. It’s affordable and has a laid-back feel without lacking nightlife. Families and those who love supporting local spots will feel at home in this southern neighborhood.

Overland Park. The place to be if you’re into that friendly suburban feel without missing out on the fun stuff. It’s got some of the best schools around, parks every few blocks and a sense of safety that’s hard to beat.

Kansas City Traffic Is a Breeze

Kansas City has got a rep for being spread out, but getting around is smoother than you might think. Let’s be real: traffic isn’t a picnic during rush hour anywhere, but in KC it really isn’t a nightmare. In fact, the TomTom Traffic Index says it will take you about 10 minutes to drive six miles, which is not too shabby!

Don’t feel like driving? The city has some public transportation available, especially around the city center. The KC Streetcar, for instance, is free and connects key downtown spots. It runs in a loop between Union Station and the City Market, straight through the Crossroads Arts District and the Central Business District.

Protected bike lanes are rather new and scarce, but City Hall committed to increasing their number in the coming years. These can also be used by pedestrians, wheelchair users, as well as people on scooters or with strollers.

Do you prefer walking? The downtown loop, Old Westport and Crossroads are your best bet for a good stroll. The further out you go, the more wheels you’ll need.

A Kansas City Education Snapshot for All

The resources and programs offered in Kansas City really keep the community’s educational spirit alive and kicking. Public schools are no small affair, serving no less than 14,000 students across 35 districts. What’s cool is the student-to-teacher ratio here is 13:1. This is also the state average, but better than what most places offer throughout the U.S.

If you’re eyeing something different from the traditional school vibe, the city has charter schools. Take Crossroads Academy, for instance — it’s a network of three schools with an extra PreK program. Leaning toward private education? Pembroke Hill tends to turn heads with its challenging programs from kindergarten all the way up to high school.

Looking ahead to higher education? The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) is the best around, with top-notch law, medicine and performing arts programs. For the creatively inclined, there’s Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI), a private art school that offers 13 majors, including creative writing, photography and product design.

A Bit Too Cold but Never Too Hot

If you’re moving to Kansas City, better pack a bit of everything. Why? The weather here is as varied as the city’s famous barbecue sauce.

Locals truly enjoy the diversity of all four seasons and live them to the fullest, but it really depends on what you’re used to. Living in Kansas City may hit differently if you’re a SoCal native, for instance. Better get the lowdown from the folks who live it:

• Summer can get pretty steamy with that Midwest humidity, but the heat doesn’t usually go off the charts. Think warm but not scorching.
• Winter brings its fair share of cold snaps, but you won’t turn into an icicle. Yes, it’s chilly and often gets below freezing, especially in January, but it’s all part of the seasonal charm.
• Spring and fall are when Kansas City really struts its stuff, with mild temps and a showcase of nature’s colors.

As for tornadoes, they’re not the headline act some make them out to be. While Kansas City sits in the infamous “Tornado Alley,” many locals will tell you tornadoes are more buzz than reality in the city itself, happening more frequently in rural areas.

Summer average (June – Aug): 86℉ high, 66℉ low

Winter average (Dec – Feb): 41℉ high, 22℉ low

10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Kansas City

Have you already decided on moving to Kansas City and calling it home? You’ll get to enjoy quiet mornings in the park and join the roar of a stadium in the evening. Since there are so many layers waiting for you to uncover, we’ve lined up 10 things you’ll want to check out. 

1. Discover history at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. Get up close and personal with the Great War. Interactive displays and genuine relics make the past come alive here.
2. Take a day trip to Miami County. Drive about 45 miles southwest of downtown Kansas City and stargaze through a huge telescope, wakeboard on a lake, sip local wines or chill at a drive-in movie. Love nature? They’ve got 11 lakes and trails for days. 
3. Meander through Country Club Plaza. Fancy some shopping or a good meal? It’s a cool place to do all that or just hang out. The buildings look a bit like the ones you’d see in Spain, which makes this place pretty special.
4. Attend a sports game. Whether it’s the crack of the bat or the roar around the gridiron that does it for you, the vibe is electric. Cheer for the Royals at Kauffman Stadium or root for the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.
5. Visit the American Jazz Museum. Celebrate the city’s rich jazz heritage and enjoy a live jazz performance in the Blue Room. Regular hours for live jazz are Monday, Friday and Saturday evenings, with occasional Thursday jazz vibes at noon.
6. Indulge in Kansas City BBQ. You can’t say you’re living in Kansas City without trying the famous barbecue. It’s smoky, it’s savory and it’s everywhere. Here are our top picks: Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Q39 – Midtown and Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque.
7. Relax at Loose Park. Need a breather? This is a beautiful place to unwind, with rose gardens, walking paths and a pretty lake. It’s the perfect chill-out spot.
8. Go to Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. With over 200 species from African elephants to Australian kangaroos and South American penguins, this is a global wildlife adventure right in the city.
9. Attend the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. Get ready to step back in time with knights, jesters and medieval costumes. It’s seven weekends of old-school fun, medieval style in September and October.
10. Take your kids to LEGOLAND. With over 2 million LEGO pieces, this downtown place is a paradise for children aged 3-10. They’ll be wowed by MINILAND, a mini Kansas City built from 1.5 million LEGOs.