Kansas City, MO, is a city with a rich history in jazz music and is home to the iconic Kansas City BBQ. It is often referred to as the “City of Fountains” after the nearly 200 fountains located throughout the city.
While Kansas City has so much to offer, it’s not going to meet everyone’s lifestyle. And even if your job is in Kansas City, you don’t have to be tied to the city. There are plenty of cool places to live near Kansas City that don’t have the same hustle and bustle.
To help you find the right place to buy or rent, we’ve gathered a list of 7 great cities near Kansas City to consider.
#1: Kansas City, KS
Miles from Kansas City: 4
Population: 153,000
Median home sale price: $195,000
Average 1-bed rent: $915
Walk Score: 32
Bike Score: 19
Transit Score: 28
In many ways, Kansas City, KS, is just as much a part of the Kansas City, MO, community as any other city in the metro area. The two Kansas Cities share their culture from NFL and MLB games, the Crossroads Arts District, the American Jazz Museum, and the National WWI Museum and Memorial. As a result, residents of Kansas City, KS, have just as much access to these amenities as residents of anyone living in Missouri.
Specifically, Kansas City, KS, is home to Wyandotte County Lake Park, where you can hike, boat, or fish. There are also lots of museums and historic sites like Sauer Castle, Strawberry Hill Museum & Center, and Old Quindaro Museum.
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#2: Independence, MO
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Miles from Kansas City: 13
Population: 117,000
Median home sale price: $205,000
Average 1-bed rent: $730
Walk Score: 28
Bike Score: 19
Transit Score: 28
Just east of Kansas City is Independence. The city is known for its many parks, the historic Independence Square, and the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site.
There is a lot to do in Independence. You can visit the National Frontier Trails Museum, the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, the Independence Civil War Museum, and more. You can also take a scenic drive down Route 66 or explore one of the many parks in the area.
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#3: Overland Park, KS
Miles from Kansas City: 14
Population: 193,500
Median home sale price: $425,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,115
Walk Score: 35
Bike Score: 16
Transit Score: 46
Overland Park is a unique suburb that offers the best of both worlds – the suburban staples that you know and love, as well as the charming downtown that provides a small-town feel. With its beautiful residential neighborhoods, museums, and parks and Overland Park is one of the great cities near Kansas City to call home.
You’ll find there’s lots to do in Overland Park. There are over 200 parks and green spaces for outdoor enthusiasts, including the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and Roe Park. The city also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with many museums, galleries, and live performance venues. And, of course, there are plenty of shopping and dining options to choose from.
Homes for sale in Overland Park, KS
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#4: Lenexa, KS
Miles from Kansas City: 15
Population: 55,000
Median home sale price: $388,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,125
Walk Score: 33
Transit Score: 34
Lenexa is a great place to live that offers access to big city amenities while still maintaining a community feeling. Lenexa is also conveniently located near many interstate highways and the Kansas City International Airport.
There are many things to do in Lenexa, such as visiting one of the numerous parks and hiking or biking on one of the trails located throughout the city.
Homes for sale in Lenexa, KS
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#5: Blue Springs, MO
Miles from Kansas City: 19
Population: 55,500
Median home sale price: $285,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,350
Walk Score: 25
Transit Score: 31
With its close proximity to Kansas City and its many amenities, Blue Springs is perfect for those who want to be close to the action but also have the option to enjoy some peace and quiet.
There are plenty of things to do in Blue Springs. For outdoor enthusiasts, the city offers many parks, including Blue Springs Lake, which provides a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing. The city also has a number of historical sites, such as Missouri Town 1855, which offers a glimpse into the city’s past.
Homes for sale in Blue Springs, MO
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#6: Lee’s Summit, MO
Miles from Kansas City: 22
Population: 99,000
Median home sale price: $375,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,491
Walk Score: 20
Transit Score: 29
Lee’s Summit is located just outside the southwest corner of Kansas City. The downtown area in the center of Lee’s Summit is full of locally-owned specialty shops, restaurants, and nightlife venues housed in historic buildings.
Some famous attractions in Lee’s Summit include visiting the Shamrock Hills Golf Club, the Lee’s Summit Historical Society Museum, and Longview Lake. Other activities include shopping at the Summit Fair Shopping Center, hiking at Longview Lake Park, and biking on the Legacy Park Trail.
Homes for sale in Lee’s Summit, MO
Apartments for rent in Lee’s Summit, MO
#7: Olathe, KS
Miles from Kansas City: 25
Population: 139,500
Median home sale price: $387,100
Average 1-bed rent: $975
Walk Score: 30
Bike Score: 10
Transit Score: 50
Olathe is a city located in Kansas, southwest of Kansas City. The city is home to many parks, museums, and wineries, perfect for an afternoon.
There are various things to do in Olathe, including exploring the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm, the Kansas City Automotive Museum, the Olathe Community Center, and the Olathe Public Library. Additionally, Olathe is home to several parks and trails, which offer residents and visitors a chance to enjoy the outdoors.
Homes for sale in Olathe, KS
Apartments for rent in Olathe, KS
Methodology:
All cities must have a population of more than 50,000 and be less than 50 miles away from Kansas City. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during August 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau.
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