I'm a remote worker and With a population of 197K, Overland Park is a mid-size city. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
55 upvotes
28 Replies
Billy G.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is improving in most areas.
40 upvotes
Virginia M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 14 years. Moved from Portland for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are improving. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Urban sprawl is real. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Noah C.
as a local I can confirm
37 upvotes
Carter Castillo
great question, following
37 upvotes
Katherine Reyes
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 6 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
John Thompson
Came here for quality of life and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The weather is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
34 upvotes
naomi_mama
exactly what I was thinking
31 upvotes
Wesley Roberts
couldn't agree more
30 upvotes
Axel Williams
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Tampa about 1 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is average.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Happy to answer more specific questions..
27 upvotes
Daniel Murphy
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
24 upvotes
Addison Carter
100%
23 upvotes
Luke
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
22 upvotes
Julian Jones
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Highland. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in education. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Definitely worth checking out..
19 upvotes
Jaxon
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Minneapolis about 10 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is tough.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
Ruby Price
nah I disagree
17 upvotes
Caroline Mitchell
I've lived in Old Town for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
- The community vibe scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Happy to answer more specific questions..
17 upvotes
Christian Thompson
This.
16 upvotes
Zoey Parker
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in West area are challenging. Kids love it here.
14 upvotes
Charlotte Howard
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
14 upvotes
Claire
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Old Town. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
No regrets on my end..
11 upvotes
Alexa Ramirez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Phoenix it's average.
10 upvotes
Brielle Sanchez
I'm a social worker and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
8 upvotes
Elena R.
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The healthcare is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
5 upvotes
Cameron Phillips
this is the way
5 upvotes
Riley Ruiz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Baltimore about 13 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
4 upvotes
Raymond B.
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor recreation is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
3 upvotes
Emily M.
Bought a house here in 2016 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
2 upvotes
Elijah Allen
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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