I grew up here, left for college, and came back 3 years ago. I don't understand why more people don't talk about Brookside.
Crime rate at 1,431.4/100K residents is something to {crime_feel}. I'm paying /mo for a 1-bed in Brookside and honestly feels like a steal.
Honestly the biggest downside is property taxes. Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.
Thanks in advance for any insight.
120 upvotes
16 Replies
Sadie C.
Homeowner in Overland Park since 2018. Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. Property values have gone up steadily which is expected given the market.
49 upvotes
Jose Wood
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Kansas City guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Olathe: best food in the city
- Westport: family-friendly with good parks
Tier 2 (best value):
- Leawood: underrated and affordable
- Waldo: newer development, modern amenities
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: great compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. Kansas City is quiet but it's not for everyone. If you value nature over public transit, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider LA.
Happy to answer questions.
48 upvotes
Luke Davis
Good to know.
47 upvotes
Harold C.
Not to be negative but the traffic has gotten unbearable. I still like living here overall though. Just keeping it real.
45 upvotes
charlotte_jameson
That tracks.
43 upvotes
Claire Y.
Great question. Here's my honest take after 7 years:
The good:
- Four seasons
- Good schools in certain areas
- Safe neighborhoods
The not-so-good:
- Nightlife is lacking
- Chain restaurants everywhere
Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. I'd say for families, Kansas City is pretty good.
41 upvotes
Leo Miller
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a teacher in River Market. Been here since 2020. Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here..
Neighborhood-wise, River Market has really changed in the past few years. Crossroads is the up-and-coming spot right now. Northland is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for finance: decent. For education: quiet.
I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.
40 upvotes
Ezekiel
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Kansas City.
Background: 24, couple in our 30s, moved from Nashville 1 years ago for cost of living. Currently in Waldo.
**Housing:**
The market is decent right now. We went with Waldo because the price was right. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Northland - it's affordable and the value is better.
**Work:**
tech jobs are stable here. I was worried coming from Nashville but the market is solid. Salary-wise, expect it varies wildly by field.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 15 months were tough. Then I found my people through a kickball league. Now I have a solid group. Kansas City people are friendly once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: reasonable
- Traffic: manageable if you avoid rush hour
- Dining out: amazing variety
- Entertainment: you make your own fun here
**Would I move here again?**
I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. For students, I'd give it a 8/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
38 upvotes
Jameson Lee
Just to add another data point - we moved from Salt Lake City about 9 years ago. Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. No regrets so far.
37 upvotes
Lucas Cook
My experience has been different actually. I found that People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. Maybe it depends on which part of Kansas City you're in.
31 upvotes
Parker
Interesting take.
22 upvotes
James W.
Just to add another data point - we moved from Indianapolis about 10 years ago. Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. No regrets so far.
20 upvotes
Eleanor A.
Word.
18 upvotes
Isaac Smith
I had the opposite experience.
12 upvotes
Jonathan Alvarez
As someone who lives in Weston, Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.. That said, it depends on your budget.
5 upvotes
Wesley Foster
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Kansas City.
Background: 27, college grad, moved from New York 2 years ago for work. Currently in Leawood.
**Housing:**
The market is pretty good right now. We went with Leawood because the price was right. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Overland Park - it's up-and-coming and the value is better.
**Work:**
legal jobs are competitive here. I was worried coming from New York but the market is mixed. Salary-wise, expect decent if you negotiate.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 13 months were tough. Then I found my people through a church group. Now I have a solid group. Kansas City people are warm once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: reasonable
- Traffic: depends entirely on your commute route
- Dining out: decent but not world-class
- Entertainment: you make your own fun here
**Would I move here again?**
The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.. For young professionals, I'd give it a 7/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
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