Hey everyone, With a population of 103K, Lee's Summit is a mid-size city. The unemployment rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Lee's Summit sits at 115.7 per 100K. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to.
59 upvotes
3 Replies
Bennett Cruz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 4 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is average.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Good luck with whatever you decide..
33 upvotes
Grace Phillips
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
14 upvotes
Cameron Harris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 55, moved here 3 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The cultural scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Highland: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Atlanta, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.