Located in the heart of the USA, in the Midwestern area, surrounded by Oklahoma, Colorado, and Nebraska, Kansas is part of the Great Plains.
After a turbulent past, today, Kansas has a lot to offer, and that’s why more and more people are choosing to move to Kansas City, Topeka, Wichita, and the small town of Lenexa, which deserves special attention.
If you are in the mood to live a modern, comfortable life, while preserving some of the old-fashioned charm, moving in Lenexa is a thing to consider.
Is Lenexa a Good Place to Live?
The answer to this question is a huge ‘Yes.’ Only a 20-minute drive separates you from Kansas City, so Lenexa can be considered a suburb of Kansas City, a prestigious and popular city in America.
Lenexa is in Johnson County, surrounded by the picturesque town of Shawnee to the north, De Soto to the west, Overland Park to the east, and Olathe to the south.
With Lenexa, you get the best of both worlds — the convenience of a big city just a stone’s throw away and the serenity of a smaller city for a better, more peaceful life.
Lenexa residents are a testament to the quality of life here, unanimously praising the peaceful and fulfilling life they lead. Who better to vouch for the living conditions than the residents themselves?
History & Demographics
Many personalities and events are involved in the history of Lenexa, from Wild Bill Hickok through the Swiss settler Adam Legler, the legacy of the Shawnee Tribe, the construction of the Santa Fe Railroad, and the Civil War.
1907 is considered the year the city’s legal foundations were laid, when the police station and the first official institution were established. However, some indications of the city can be ascertained as early as 1865, right after the Civil War.
Regarding demography, the city has about 57,400 inhabitants, and immigration is still ongoing. Lenexa is recognized as a promising and progressive city by the younger population.
What is Lenexa, Kansas Known For?
Lenexa offers so many attractive and quality items that it is challenging to decide what to put first.
Natural beauty
Even though it is a lowland area, its beauty should not be underestimated compared to the mountainous regions. Lenexa offers fantastically landscaped green areas, parks, wonderfully cultivated flower beds, and beautiful trees in the very center of the city.
As exceptional places, we will mention:
Black Hoof Park with Lake Lenexa (fishing, boating, diving, swimming, walking, jogging)
Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park (substantial green area with various contents, including golf, where everyone can find an activity for themselves).
There are also parks and organized areas for practicing various sports. When you leave the city, you can walk, ride a bike, or run on the endless plain.
Cultural and Artistic Scene
The town of Lenexa is full of young and working people with specific needs for various contents, so it is a very intense cultural scene.
The Lenexa City Hall Art Gallery hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from its own exhibition, where the artistic activity of local talents is supported through guest exhibitions and festivals.
The Lenexa Historical Society is an important part of the cultural scene. Local history research is nurtured, and notable events from the past are discussed. Education is organized for the youngest, as well as informative workshops for all those interested.
Intent in Purchasing Real Estate
Lawrence, Kansas, has far more affordable housing costs than the national average. In Lawrence, a typical home will cost you around $250,000. Lawrence is known for its low housing costs. However, the home-buying process may be time-consuming and expensive. The down payment and closing charges often total between 15% and 20% of the sale price. Remember that once you buy a house in Lawrence, KS, you will be responsible for a number of additional expenses, such as utilities, repairs, home insurance, and property taxes.
Pros and Cons of Living in Lenexa, Kansas
Let’s discuss the numerous advantages and rare disadvantages of this city.
Pros
So many pros speak volumes in favor of moving and starting a life in Lenexa.
Outdoor activities
After a busy day, it’s nice to know that the city offers the possibility to relax and reset. In Lenexa, enjoyment is available in the mentioned (and many other) parks, activities on the lake, and general relaxation and recreation in nature, in the fresh air.
Lenexa nurtures a specific and beautiful combination of outdoor activities and cultural events. It’s watching movies in the park. With snacks on a blanket, the whole family can hang out. Without obsessing about parking, you can quickly arrive and take your place, on the grass, under the stars.
Community Spirit
As with all smaller communities, intense connection between people is natural here. It is a fantastic and relaxing feeling that the people around you are here to help. Not only neighbors and friends but also other members of the community are trying to be there for each other in all life situations.
Education
It is an essential feature for every parent, and Lenexa won’t disappoint in this sector, too.
There are 11 preschools, five elementary schools, three middle schools, two high schools, 12 private schools, and three public district schools.
All schools are rated excellent and have a high level of teaching.
Also, in Kansas City is the famous Kansas City University, one of the country’s most famous and best universities.
Health care
Parallel to the interest in education is the interest in healthcare. What is more important than well-organized, professional medical assistance nearby?
Lenexa has eminent medical institutions. In addition to the emergency center, there are three other medical centers. A huge Public Health care complex worth 73 million dollars is planned. Lenexa is not lagging behind the highly rated cities of America in this regard as well.
Low Crime rate
Lenexa also boasts exceptional security. The crime rate is low, 1.7 times smaller than the U.S. average. If you are in a dilemma about moving, this speaks in favor of Lenexa as a place where you will sleep peacefully AND raise children.
Cons
Not many cons come to our minds, but there is one thing you must know.
High Cost of Living
Although Kansas generally ranks among the states where it is not expensive to live, Johnson County deviates from the average. Most cities in Kansas are quite favorable for the middle class, which leads a normal life with moderate needs.
However, Johnson County, where Lenexa is located, is significantly more expensive. There are many well-paid jobs and job offers. Many professions are in demand, including standard ones such as doctors, dentists, web developers, medical assistants, workers in tourism and service activities, craft and construction workers, police, firefighters, veterinarians, and horticulture experts.
The salaries are higher, but the costs are also higher. One person needs at least $70k for an average life in Lenexa.
Houses and Flats
Housing in Lenexa depends on your capabilities, so prices vary significantly from affordable to very expensive. Home sales prices range from $250,000 to $1,200,000.
Renting houses ranges from $2,000-6,000, and apartments from $1,500-3,000. Of course, everything depends on the location and the quality of the housing offered. Moving companies in Lenexa can help you easily relocate from one home to another if you decide it’s time for a change.
Weather
Weather conditions in Lenexa are characterized as continental. Summers are warm, and winters are moderate. Although there is snow, there are not very low temperatures. The springs are wet. The problem is sudden changes, with strong winds, frequent tornadoes (remember the Wizard of Oz), and floods are common. All this can come suddenly and expose you and your property to danger.
Final Thoughts
After reading this Lenexa moving guide, we believe you can see that Lenexa offers plenty of reasons to relocate. The city is prosperous, attractive, modern and safe for life. If you are solvent enough for these expenses, your happiness may reside in Lenexa, Kansas.
References
https://data.census.gov/profile/Lenexa_city,_Kansas?g=1600000US2039350
https://www.city-data.com/crime/crime-Lenexa-Kansas.html