All Countries
Leah Myers
living
Life in Lee's Summit as a young professional
Random thought, Anyone in a similar situation? Appreciate any input. The weather takes some getting used to.
50 upvotes
29 Replies
Kayden Rivera
I've lived in Uptown for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- The housing market scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- The housing market scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
Natalie Clark
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 5 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
I've been here 5 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
Santiago P.
Can confirm, been here 12 years.
35 upvotes
Dylan Rivera
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The pet-friendliness is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
34 upvotes
Wesley M.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
34 upvotes
Savannah R.
following this thread
33 upvotes
Eliana R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
32 upvotes
Santiago Gutierrez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Boston about 8 years ago. The main reasons were school and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is average.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Feel free to reach out with questions..
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Boston about 8 years ago. The main reasons were school and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is average.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Feel free to reach out with questions..
31 upvotes
Ian Hernandez
I'm a electrician and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
30 upvotes
Bella B.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely excellent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely excellent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
29 upvotes
Ezekiel Sanders
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Nashville about 14 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is pretty good.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Good luck with whatever you decide..
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Nashville about 14 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is pretty good.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Good luck with whatever you decide..
29 upvotes
theodore_dude
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 5 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to food scene but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
29 upvotes
Luke Nelson
nah I disagree
27 upvotes
Adrian Miller
Came here for retirement and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The cultural scene is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
25 upvotes
Amanda L.
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much established but now it's pretty good.
24 upvotes
Aiden Myers
underrated comment
24 upvotes
Axel Hernandez
following this thread
19 upvotes
Asher Gonzalez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 12 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I've been here 12 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
16 upvotes
Nora Martinez
wish I knew this sooner
16 upvotes
Melanie Castillo
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
15 upvotes
Colton Ward
Can confirm, been here 4 years.
14 upvotes
Naomi Morgan
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 54, moved here 9 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in West and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Phoenix, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 54, moved here 9 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in West and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Phoenix, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
13 upvotes
Everett Morris
Used to live on the South side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
12 upvotes
Jeremiah
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Raleigh about 6 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Raleigh about 6 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
George L.
+1
6 upvotes
Landon Williams
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
4 upvotes
Jayden Collins
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
4 upvotes
Roman C.
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
3 upvotes
Noah Ross
I work in finance here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is underrated. No regrets on my end..
2 upvotes