Overland Park, a popular city in Kansas, known for being one of the best places to raise a family in the Midwest. Home to over 20,000 people, many families are choosing to move here because of its safety, excellent schools, and many things to do.
Centrally located and close to Kansas City and more it attracts a lot of new families because of its booming job market. This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about Overland Park.
Overland Park Is One of The Best Areas to Live in All of the State
Overland Park has it all. It packs the perfect balance between small-town charm and big-city convenience. Residents enjoy a slower pace of life with easy access to all that Kansas City has to offer. The city boasts a strong economy with a diverse job market, making it an attractive destination for professionals across various industries.
Because of this, Overland Park is experiencing significant population growth. Data indicates that more people are choosing to move into the city than are moving out. To provide a comprehensive understanding of Overland Park’s appeal, we’ve categorized its key attributes into several sections:
Cost of Living
Cost of living in Overland Park, KS is lower than national average while retaining a desirable suburban community with a higher standard of living. Here are some quick snapshots of the cost of living in Overland Park:
Household Income Overland Park
Residents in Overland Park enjoy a higher income compared to the state average. The median household income stands at a substantial $92,769, representing a 43% increase over the state’s median. Individuals also earn significantly more, with a median income of $52,824, which is 44% above the state average.
Housing Market in Overland Park
The housing market in Overland Park reflects the city’s prosperity. The median home price is $575,000 with a median price per square foot of $195. While this places Overland Park in line with the national average for housing costs, it’s important to note that this figure can vary significantly based on neighborhood, property size, and condition.
A similar community elsewhere in the state would cost upwards of 2 million dollars and up.
The average rent in Overland Park is $1,502, which aligns with the overall housing index of 92.8% compared to the national average.
Overland Park Has Diverse Neighborhoods
Overland Park boasts a diverse array of neighborhoods, each offering a unique lifestyle. From the established charm of older communities to the modern appeal of newer developments, residents have ample options to suit their preferences. To help narrow down your search, consider exploring these popular neighborhoods:
- Oak Park: Known for its established character and convenient location.
- Wycliff: Offers a blend of history and modern amenities.
- Regency Park: Features a family-friendly atmosphere with a mix of housing styles.
- Nall Hills: Provides a spacious suburban feel with access to green spaces.
Remember, this is just a starting point. Take the time to explore different areas and find the neighborhood that best aligns with your lifestyle and priorities.
Strong Job Market
Overland Park is home to a diverse job market, driven by the presence of several major companies such as ASE GROUP, Synergy Group, NPC International, Yellow, YRC Freight, Favorite Healthcare Staffing, and Black & Veatch.
The list doesn’t end here but you can rest assured that finding a career in Overland Park will be easy for most professionals. This makes moving to Overland Park one of the best decisions you make, whether you’re a recent college graduate starting your career or someone looking to pivot into a new field.
Furthermore, the proximity of Overland Park with Kansas City makes it a perfect candidate for one of the best places to live in Kansas as residents can commute to Kansas City without having to live in a big city bubble.
As Overland Park continues to attract new residents, we’re here to help make your transition smooth and stress-free. Our Overland Park, KS moving company stands ready to assist with all your relocation needs. Whether you’re moving within the city or coming from out of state, our experienced team can handle every aspect of your move. We’re familiar with the unique challenges and opportunities that come with relocating to Overland Park and the surrounding areas.
Overland Park Offers Plenty Of Things to Do
Don’t overlook Overland Park when seeking exciting activities. While the Midwest may not be the first region that comes to mind for entertainment, Overland Park offers a surprising array of attractions and experiences. If you enjoy exploring new places and trying different things, this Kansas city might just exceed your expectations.
Sports and Recreation
Overland Park boasts the region’s largest soccer center and hosts various sporting events, including minor league baseball, roller derby, pro wrestling, hockey, basketball, and NFL games. Whatever your preferred sport, you’ll find it here.
Escape Rooms
For families with older children, escape rooms offer exciting entertainment. Tick Tock Escape Rooms is a popular choice among the many options available.
American Girl Store
Girls will love visiting the American Girl Doll store, which provides a unique, personalized experience connecting girls with reading.
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
This educational attraction offers families a glimpse into life on a turn-of-the-century Kansas farm, making for an enjoyable and informative day out.
iFly Indoor Skydiving
Experience the thrill of freefall in a safe environment with trained experts guiding you through indoor skydiving.
Nearby Attractions
Legoland Discovery Center in nearby Kansas City makes for an excellent day trip for kids of all ages.
Nightlife
Contrary to expectations, Overland Park offers a vibrant nightlife scene with various options:
- Touche: A nightclub featuring the latest hits
- Johnny’s Tavern: A relaxed bar atmosphere
- Louie’s Wine Dive and Kitchen 119: For a more upscale experience
Aubrey’s Vineyards
Overland Park’s first winery and vineyard, bringing Napa Valley-style wines to the area. They offer various wine series and host regular events.
Non-Alcoholic Adult Activities
- Bury the Hatchet KC: Try ax throwing for a fun and stress-relieving activity.
- Volunteering: Choose from 12 local charities and nonprofits covering various causes, from medical and educational to religious and even golf associations.
Volunteering is an excellent way for newcomers, especially those moving solo, to meet people and become involved in the community while making a difference.
Good Schools
Overland Park is renowned for its exceptional educational system, making it an attractive destination for families. The city is primarily served by the highly-rated Blue Valley and Shawnee Mission School Districts, both of which consistently rank among the top school districts in Kansas and the nation.
These districts boast high graduation rates, strong academic performance, and a wide array of extracurricular activities. Additionally, Overland Park is home to several private and parochial schools, offering diverse educational options to suit various preferences and needs.
The area also benefits from its proximity to several colleges and universities, including Johnson County Community College and the University of Kansas Edwards Campus, providing excellent opportunities for higher education and lifelong learning.
Transportation
Overland Park offers a well-connected transportation network that makes getting around the city and the greater Kansas City area convenient. The Johnson County Transit system provides bus services within Overland Park and to neighboring communities. For those commuting to Kansas City, the RideKC system offers express bus routes.
The city is also well-served by major highways, including Interstates 35 and 435, facilitating easy travel to other parts of the region. However, it’s important to note that Overland Park is not particularly walkable or bike-friendly. The city’s layout and suburban nature mean that most residents find it necessary to own a car for the best convenience.
While there are some areas with sidewalks and bike lanes, the overall infrastructure is primarily designed for car travel. For this reason, having a personal vehicle is highly recommended for those planning to move to Overland Park, as it will provide the most flexibility and ease of movement throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Weather
Overland Park experiences a four-season climate typical of the Midwest. Summers are warm to hot, with average highs in July reaching around 89°F , while winters are cold, with January lows averaging about 22°F. Spring and fall offer pleasant, mild temperatures.The city receives about 42 inches of rain annually, with May being the wettest month.
Snowfall is moderate, averaging around 13 inches per year. Residents enjoy about 217 sunny days annually, slightly above the U.S. average. While the area can experience severe weather, including thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes, particularly in spring, the climate is generally agreeable and allows for a wide range of outdoor activities throughout most of the year. This diverse weather pattern contributes to the city’s appeal, offering residents the full experience of all four seasons without extreme conditions.
