When it comes to finding the perfect place for your family to settle down, Kansas City offers a plethora of options. From charming neighborhoods to excellent schools and abundant outdoor recreation, there's something for everyone.
Here are the top 8 best Kansas City suburbs for families, each offering unique qualities that make them stand out.
Top 8 Best Kansas City Suburbs for Families
- Overland Park
- Leawood
- Olathe
- Prairie Village
- Lenexa
- Shawnee
- Lee's Summit
- Liberty
Overland Park
With a median home price of $300,000, Overland Park is a highly desirable suburb for families. This vibrant community boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, including the beautiful Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Families can also explore the Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead, where kids can interact with farm animals and enjoy pony rides.
Overland Park is home to the Blue Valley School District, one of the top-rated districts in the state. The suburb offers easy connectivity to downtown Kansas City via major highways, such as Interstate 435 and US-69, with a manageable commute time of around 20 minutes. Local dining options like J. Gilbert's Wood-Fired Steaks and Seafood and Q39 provide delicious culinary experiences for families.
Leawood
Known for its upscale homes and tree-lined streets, Leawood offers a median home price of $500,000. The suburb boasts several parks and green spaces, including Ironwoods Park and Tomahawk Creek Trail, ideal for outdoor activities and picnics. Families can also enjoy shopping at Town Center Plaza, which features a variety of stores and restaurants.
Leawood is served by the Blue Valley School District, known for its exceptional education system. The suburb's proximity to major highways like Interstate 435 and US-69 ensures easy connectivity to downtown Kansas City, with a short commute time of approximately 25 minutes. Local dining options like Rye and Pig & Finch Gastropub offer delectable dishes for families to savor.
Olathe
With a median home price of $275,000, Olathe is an affordable and family-friendly suburb. The city boasts an extensive park system, including the popular Heritage Park, which offers a lake, trails, and sports fields. Families can also visit the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site to experience life on a 19th-century farm.
Olathe is served by the Olathe School District, renowned for its high-quality education. The suburb is well-connected to downtown Kansas City through major highways like Interstate 35 and US-169, with a reasonable commute time of around 30 minutes. Local dining options such as Johnny's Italian Steakhouse and Smokey's on the Blvd provide a range of culinary delights for families to enjoy.
Prairie Village
Prairie Village offers an inviting atmosphere and a median home price of $350,000. The suburb is known for its beautiful parks, including Franklin Park and Harmon Park, which provide ample space for outdoor activities and relaxation. Families can also explore the Village Shopping Center for a variety of shops and restaurants.
The Shawnee Mission School District serves Prairie Village, offering excellent educational opportunities for students. The suburb enjoys convenient connectivity to downtown Kansas City through major highways like Interstate 35 and US-69, with a manageable commute time of approximately 20 minutes. Local dining options like Story and Tavern in the Village provide families with delightful culinary experiences.
Lenexa
Lenexa is a thriving suburb with a median home price of $325,000. The city offers an abundance of outdoor recreation options, including the expansive Black Hoof Park and Lake Lenexa. Families can also enjoy shopping at Oak Park Mall, which features a wide range of stores and eateries.
The Shawnee Mission School District serves Lenexa, providing top-notch education for students. The suburb enjoys easy connectivity to downtown Kansas City via major highways like Interstate 435 and Interstate 35, with a reasonable commute time of around 25 minutes. Local dining options such as Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que and Ignite Wood Fire Grill offer mouthwatering dishes for families to savor.
Shawnee
With a median home price of $290,000, Shawnee is an affordable and family-oriented suburb. The city offers several parks and recreational areas, including Shawnee Mission Park, which boasts a lake, trails, and a nature center. Families can also visit Wonderscope Children's Museum for interactive educational exhibits.
Shawnee is served by the Shawnee Mission School District, known for its excellent academic programs. The suburb enjoys convenient connectivity to downtown Kansas City through major highways like Interstate 435 and Interstate 35, with a manageable commute time of approximately 30 minutes. Local dining options like SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza and Barley's Kitchen + Tap provide delicious meals for families.
Lee's Summit
Lee's Summit offers a median home price of $325,000, making it an affordable and family-friendly suburb. The city boasts numerous parks, including Legacy Park and Longview Lake Park, which offer playgrounds, trails,and sports facilities for outdoor recreation. Families can also visit Paradise Park, an amusement park with mini-golf, go-karts, and laser tag.
The Lee's Summit R-7 School District provides excellent education for students in the area. The suburb is well-connected to downtown Kansas City through major highways like Interstate 470 and US-50, with a reasonable commute time of around 25 minutes. Local dining options such as Third Street Social and Summit Grill offer a variety of culinary delights for families to enjoy.
Liberty
With a median home price of $275,000, Liberty is an affordable and family-oriented suburb. The city offers several parks and green spaces, including Stocksdale Park and Ruth Moore Park, which provide outdoor recreational opportunities for families. Families can also explore the Jesse James Bank Museum to learn about the notorious outlaw's history.
The Liberty Public School District serves the area, offering quality education for students. The suburb enjoys convenient connectivity to downtown Kansas City via major highways like Interstate 35 and Interstate 435, with a manageable commute time of approximately 20 minutes. Local dining options like Luigi's Italian Restaurant and Rock & Brews provide tasty meals for families to enjoy.
