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10 Things You Need to Know If You’re Planning on Moving to Overland Park

With just shy of 200,000 residents, Overland Park is the second-largest city in Kansas. The family-friendly Johnson County suburb has been on numerous “Best Places to Live In” lists for decades, so it’s no surprise that more and more people, especially young families, are moving here.Before calling up a Kansas City Realtor to look at homes in Overland Park, you have to do your research first. Below, we discuss all the things you need to know before moving to Overland Park.

The Climate Is Pleasant

July is the hottest month in Overland Park, with temperatures averaging 87.9 °F. It’s one of the cooler places in the state during this time of the year, but Overland Park’s weather is at its most pleasant during May, June, and September.On the other hand, the coldest month in the area is in January, when temperatures drop to as low as 18 degrees Fahrenheit. January is also a dry month, seeing an average of 3.5 days with at least 0.4 inches of rain compared to June, which is the wettest month with 12.3 days of precipitation.Overall, Overland Park has a pleasant climate characterized by warm, wet summers and cold, dry winters.

The Neighborhood Has Everything You Need

One of the biggest considerations you have to make when relocating is the quality of the neighborhood you’re moving to. Is it safe? Is it near important facilities like hospitals, schools, and businesses?At Overland Park, the answer to all that is yes.Located in the northeastern part of Kansas, Overland Park is just 13 miles from Kansas City, making it easy to commute to a larger metropolitan area if you need to.Overland Park itself is a relatively cozy suburban city. It’s mainly residential, comprised of several neighborhoods and border towns, including Lenexa, Olathe, and Prairie Village.Some of the best neighborhoods in the city, though, are Oak Park, Pinehurst, and Regency Lake Park. There are plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks in these areas, giving them an urban-suburban mix feel.

There Are Plenty of Options for Schools

If you have a school-age child and you’re planning on moving to Overland Park, you’re in luck. The city has plenty of great public and private educational institutions, some of which are regularly ranked among the top schools in the country.Three main school districts provide the city with public education: Shawnee Mission School District, Blue Valley School District, and Olathe School District. Together, these three have 14 public high schools, including the top-ranked Shawnee Mission South High School, Blue Valley High School, and Olathe North High School.There are also over 50 private schools, including St. Thomas Aquinas High School and Holy Spirit High School. If your child is young, you have a choice of over 53 pre-schools and 38 grade schools.

school busThe Job Market Is Diverse

If you’re moving to Overland Park for work, know that you’re picking a place with a diverse job market. It’s the headquarters of large companies, such as Sprint, Synergy Group, and Black & Veatch Engineers. Because of this, the city attracts plenty of young professionals.The local government and the Overland Park Regional Medical Center are also some of the top employers in the city.If you can’t find a job that fits your resume within Overland Park, Kansas City is less than half an hour away by car.You’ll find even more job options in the metropolitan area, and the short drive means you won’t have to deal with long hours behind the wheel after a busy day at work.

Public Transportation Is Not a Problem

If you prefer to use public transport, you have plenty of choices in Overland Park. You can get to and from the city via the I-35 and I-435, as well as Highway 69.The Kansas City International Airport is a mere 40-minute drive away if you’re flying out. The Johnson County Executive Airport is nearest to Overland Park and primarily serves private business jets and general aviation.Getting around Overland Park itself isn’t difficult. The city primarily relies on “The JO,” a local bus service. RideKC also serves the city. It’s a metro-wide bus service that provides local routes within Overland Park and the surrounding towns.

There is a Strong Local Economy

The city of Overland Park encourages residents to shop local, boosting the local economy. Every third Friday of the month, you’ll find Local Life in the city’s downtown. It’s a special day for shopping from local businesses, who then make it worthwhile with special treats, promos, and entertainment.In addition, the Overland Park Farmer’s Market is a hit among the locals and has been for over 30 years. Vendors offer local foods, farm-fresh produce, and baked goods. The Farmer’s Market is a great way to explore your new hometown and give back to the community.

The Cost of Living Won’t Break The Bank

With great neighborhoods, great schools, and a thriving local economy, you’d think it would be way too expensive to live in Overland Park, but you’d be wrong. The cost of living is considered moderate, which means people earn more compared to other cities in the Midwest.The median household income is $100,079, and the median property value is $383,829. This is considered reasonably priced compared to other local real estate markets, especially with an appreciation of 7.9%.Overall, the cost of living in Overland Park is rated 111, a little over the 100 national average. But for all the perks that this wonderful suburb brings, plenty of residents find it worth it.

You’ll Have Plenty of Things To Do

As the second-largest city in Kansas, plenty of businesses and organizations have come up with fun things to do. You can enjoy plenty of lifestyle and leisure activities from dining and shopping to art and sports in Overland Park.For art lovers, there’s plenty of free public art to behold all over town. From the 18-foot Pierced Sky sculpture made from steel, glass, and aluminum to the Hybrid Circle, a stainless steel sculpture located in the center of City Palace, stunning pieces of art surround you in Overland Park.If you want to see more pieces of art and history, the Museum at Prairiefire, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, and the Arboretum & Botanical Gardens are some of the city’s most famous attractions. If you’re more into modern conveniences, you can visit the Oak Park Mall for some shopping.Foodie tours will take you all over Overland Park and its diverse selection of restaurants offering mouthwatering dishes from a variety of cuisines. It’s a great tour to try, especially if you’re new.For entertainment, you have a choice of movie theaters, drive-in movies, and even haunted houses! And for the sporty ones in the family, you can catch a Kansas City Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium, among other options for sports entertainment in and around Overland Park.

Nature Is Beautiful

As we mentioned in the beginning, Overland Park is the largest inhibited park in the country. Naturally, its best feature is the beautiful outdoors.The Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens alone cover over 300 acres of land, including almost 5 miles of hiking trails. The trails will take you through the eternally lush environmental preserve, with challenging paths of limestone bluffs.If you prefer an even more scenic route, the Indian Creek Bike and Hike Trail is 25 miles of paved paths framed by tall trees that lend shade, occasionally interrupted by soothing views of the tranquil creek.The more adventurous members of the family can experience Overland Park’s natural beauty from high up with Zip KC, a zip line adventure park, or Snow Creek, a favorite winter sports destination.It’s Consistently Named One of The Best Cities To Live InMoney’s 50 Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2021-2022 list included Overland Park at #7. It’s the only city in the Kansas City area and in the state to make the list.The personal finance website cited Overland Park’s many outdoor attractions, low unemployment rate, and reasonable real estate prices as some of the reasons the city ranked high on the list.This is just the latest in a slew of “best places to live in” lists Overland Park ranked in over the years.Earlier in the year, this Johnson County suburb got an A-plus grade and ranked 4th on Niche’s annual Best Places to Live report. In 2020, it came in at number seven on Livability.com’s 100 Best Places to Live list.

Moving to Overland Park

Packing up your life and moving to a new place is a decision that no one should take lightly. It requires serious research so you can make sure you can live as comfortably as possible.When it comes to Kansas City real estate matters, Cami Jones has you covered.As experts in Kansas City’s residential real estate, we provide a full-service home-buying experience to all clients. So if you’re thinking of relocating to Overland Park and buying a home, get in touch and we’ll assist you from beginning to end.Call us at (913) 521-5584 or fill out our contact form to book an appointment today.

What to Consider When Buying Your Forever Home in Kansas City

Kansas City is known for having one of the lowest median home prices in the country. In May 2021, the median price of an existing home in KC was $255,000, which was significantly lower than the national average of $350,300.Housing prices in KC have been on the rise these last few months since the COVID-19 pandemic, but the city remains one of the most affordable markets in the US, which is why it continues to appeal to home buyers. If you’re one of those buyers, then expect to get a Kansas City home for a decent price.Beyond house prices, however, you need to consider the other aspects of the location before making any big decisions, especially if you’re buying a forever home. Like with any other neighborhood, living in Kansas City has its pros and cons, after all.

1. Housing Market

Relatively low housing prices and interest rates are driving up the housing demand in the city, but the inventory isn’t enough to accommodate everyone. So expect heavy competition if you’re buying a house in Kansas City.

Stiff competition means acting fast

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A competitive housing market means properties sell fast — often in just a matter of days — giving you little time to ruminate on and compare the houses you’re interested in. So you need to be prepared to act quickly to secure your ideal forever home. This means your real estate agent and loan officer must also be ready to provide whatever services you need right when you need them.Work with a realtor who can schedule tours and viewings of prospective homes as soon as possible. If you don’t act fast enough, the property will probably already have multiple offers when you see it, bumping its price up.Additionally, maintain an open line of communication with your lender so they can write you a pre-approval letter for the specific house you want to put an offer on and immediately calculate the estimated monthly payments for that property.

Be ready to compromise

Searching for your dream home in a highly competitive housing market is incredibly difficult. Even if you find a property that ticks all your boxes, chances are that its starting bid is high or that it already has multiple offers.Because of this, you need to be ready to make compromises on the features of the property you’re getting. Figure out your non-negotiables and where you can be flexible. For example, houses with less curb appeal are worth considering because they’re priced lower. Also, a home’s exterior is generally easier and cheaper to fix than the interior.You should also expect some intense bidding wars, especially for the nicer properties. Determine what your highest competitive offer is to know when to back out of the bid.

2. Job Market

The job market in Kansas City is strong, with multiple thriving industries offering employment opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the city had a 5.4 percent unemployment rate in June 2021, which is lower than the national rate of 5.9 percent.The biggest industries in the city are agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and professional and technical services. Although, retail, construction, and hospitality also offer many full-time positions with competitive wages and benefits.Some top employers in and around Kansas City are Koch Industries, Butler Transport, Dillons, and YRC Worldwide.The only downside to Kansas City’s job market is its hourly wage of $26.21 (lower than the national average of $27.07). If you’ll be traveling out of the state often, then you’ll certainly feel the wage difference.But if you’re planning to stay within the area, this lower rate should be offset by city’s low cost of living. It should go a long way toward helping minimize the impact of a lower income rate on your finances.

3. Taxes and Cost of Living

Relocating to Kansas means dealing with high tax burdens. A report by the 24/7 Wall St. shows that Kansas taxpayers spend about 9.5 percent of their annual income on state and local taxes, which is only a little below the national average of 9.8 percent.

Income Taxes in Kansas and Missouri

Kansas follows a progressive tax structure, with three income brackets that determine your tax rate.$15,000 and below 3.10%$15,000 – $30,000 5.25%Over $30,000 5.70%For married couples who are filing their taxes jointly, the lowest tax bracket is capped at $30,000 and the highest tax bracket starts at $60,000.Missouri also has a progressive tax system, but with nine brackets.$0 to $106 $0$107 to $1,073 1.5% of the Missouri taxable income$1,073 to $2,146 $16 plus 2.0% of excess over $1,073$2,146 to $3,219 $37 plus 2.5% of excess over $2,146$3,219 to $4,292 $64 plus 3.0% of excess over $3,219$4,292 to $5,365 $96 plus 3.5% of excess over $4,292$5,365 to $6,438 $134 plus 4.0% of excess over $5,365$6,438 to $7,511 $177 plus 4.5% of excess over $6,438$7,511 to $8,584 $225 plus 5.0% of excess over $7,511Over $8,584 $279 plus 5.4% of excess over $8,584

Property Taxes in Kansas and Missouri

At 1.37 percent, Kansas also has a relatively high property tax rate — higher than the national average of 1.07 percent. Missouri, on the other hand, has an average effective property tax rate of 0.93 percent.If you already have a job you’ll be transferring to in Kansas, you can input your salary in this paycheck calculator to determine your take-home pay after deducting state and federal taxes.

Cost of Living

Missouri and Kansas, luckily, are two of the cheapest states to live in in the country, with a cost of living index at 85.9 and 83.1 respectively. The costs of gas, groceries, and transportation in these states are below the national average. To put these figures into perspective, half a gallon of milk costs $1.87 in Missouri whereas it costs $2.48 in Kansas — significantly lower than the prices of their southernmost neighbors (over $3.00).Apart from the affordable housing prices, the modest cost of living is what attracts home buyers to Kansas City. The affordable expenses help balance out the high tax burdens and below-average income of KC residents.

4. Weather Conditions

Kansas City has a generally humid climate. This means warm, humid summers and mild to chilly winters. South Kansas City has similar weather but with more precipitation.The biggest drawback of living in Kansas City is that it’s in the middle of Tornado Alley. Kansas has seen an average of 88 tornadoes each year for the last 30 years and Missouri has an annual average of 45.Being located in a disaster-prone city like Kansas City has direct and indirect implications on your finances. First, the potential property damage caused by tornadoes can reach thousands of dollars. Additionally, home insurance rates tend to be higher for properties in disaster-prone locations.Insurers generally charge higher premiums in Kansas City because they see the houses in this location as riskier assets due to their vulnerability to damage. So, if you’re planning to relocate to KC, you need to be ready to pay for sufficient coverage to protect your home from natural disasters because underinsurance can lead to worse financial devastation.

5. Transportation

Kansas City is primarily a car-driven city. Although it has a functional public transit system, getting around the area is easier when driving, especially if you go outside the city frequently.If you already own a vehicle, then transportation won’t be a problem for you. You’ll also enjoy the free travel Interstate 70 offers to those who live on both sides of it. This perk lets you drive to other states without having to pay tolls.Although it’s primarily a car-friendly city, it doesn’t mean that the public commute is worse off. The public transportation in the city operates under RideKC, which offers buses, a free streetcar, and shared bike rides.Commute time isn’t a problem in Kansas City either, unlike other big American cities. The average one-way commute in KC takes 21.8 minutes, which is shorter than the U.S. average of 26.4 minutes.The main drawback here is that there are no trains or subways that go around the city. If you don’t have a means of private transportation but want the freedom to get around the city on your terms, you might want to look at used car options before relocating to KC.

Buying a Forever Home in Kansas City

Other than these five factors, you also want to consider the exact neighborhood you’re moving into. Is it near your workplace, a hospital, the school district, the grocery, and entertainment and leisure spots? These are the establishments you want to live in the vicinity of to make your day-to-day life easier and more convenient.To find your ideal forever home in Kansas City, make sure to work with a real estate agent who’s knowledgeable and experienced in the city’s housing market. They’ll help you find a house that meets all your requirements and place a bid that’s high enough to secure you the property but still falls within your budget.If you need assistance in buying your Kansas City forever home, look no further than Cami Jones Collaborative. We were named one of Kansas City’s top residential real estate agents and teams in 2018 by the Kansas City Business Journal.With Cami Jones Collaborative, you can leverage our fearless negotiation skills and advanced market research strategies to find your ideal home. Expect a full-service home-buying experience that takes care of the entire process from beginning to end, from house-hunting and negotiations to bidding and closing.Planning to buy relocate to Kansas City permanently? Call us at (913) 521-5584 or fill out our online form to book an appointment today.

14 Ways KCMO Welcomes New Residents: An Activity Guide

Many individuals consider Kansas City to be a highly desirable area to relocate to and start an exciting next chapter of their lives. The heart of the city features a wide variety of attractions and activities for individuals who never stop seeking out adventures. However, the hustle and bustle is also balanced out by the multitude of relaxing landscapes that are within a half-hour drive.With KC’s revitalizing energy, the decision to take the big leap and buy one of the many homes for sale there is an easy one. If you’re one of these individuals who is set on moving to KC, you will be delighted by the warm welcome that awaits you in the form of the following activities.

Participating in First Fridays

You’ll be able to enjoy what KCMO has to offer after completing every task listed in your relocation checklist. Wander around the Crossroads Arts District on the first Friday of each month and marvel at the art galleries, many of which are open to the public until 9 PM. When you’re done, you can then walk towards one of several city murals and use them as a photo backdrop to showcase your Kansas City pride.For a more cultural experience that involves music and fine food, you can dine in the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District. Seek out the renowned, slow-smoked barbecue that has piqued the interests of celebrities and former presidents. The combination of oak and hickory woods, along with a splash of a treasured secret sauce recipe will surely be a fitting first taste of the cuisine that your new home has to offer.

Visiting the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center

Pay your respects to the various African-American contributions to the city by visiting the heritage center. Inside, you’ll find their works preserved within educational and entertaining experiences like films, stage performances, workshops and classes, displays, and special ceremonies. The center also features a workspace for children, an auditorium, a resource library, a permanent exhibit space, and a small gallery with artifacts encased in glass. Admission is free for everyone. Guided tours and motorcoach parking is available on-site.

Exploring and Shopping in the Legends Outlets

Combine your love for food and fun by visiting a top-tier shopping and entertainment destination home to mouthwatering restaurant dishes and over 100 designer brand outlets. You can also learn more about 80 esteemed Kansans here: take your time exploring and be inspired by the likes of Carol Marinovich, who was the city’s first female mayor, and five-term Senator and World War II hero Robert Dole in a self-guided audio tour.

Understanding Your Lineage in the Midwest Genealogy Center

Browse through 52,000 square feet of technological and free resources used to research family histories. Depending on the time of year you’ve moved into the city, you may also participate in Midwest Genealogy Center (MGC) family programs or classes. The center covers interesting topics revolving around how beginners can trace their own family’s origins and esteemed genealogists and historians’ presentations.

Browsing through the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art

Cultivate your appreciation for history and art in the four-state region’s largest contemporary art museum, home to the works of both established and emerging artists. Their collections include photos, paintings, sculptures made of clay and other materials, new media, works on paper, student-made pieces, as well as Latino and American Indian treasures. They offer three main programs.

  • Preschool groups that provide hands-on learning experiences for children enrolled in 2nd grade and below, alongside age-appropriate artwork.
  • Family programs for a free workshop available during Spring Break and other events. Everyone is encouraged to create their own art pieces before participating in artists’ lectures.
  • Group visits also provide opportunities for a cross-disciplinary tour, incorporating language arts, social studies, math, and science. Students may also test their knowledge on the significance of diversity. Custom tours may be requested to accommodate the needs of assisted-care groups, Scout teams, and business leadership divisions.

Strolling through the Ernie Miller Park and Nature Center

The Ernie Miller Park highlights a variety of habitats, such as a bottomland forest, upland meadows, tallgrass prairies, and a small stream, along with a picnic shelter and nature trails within its 116 acres. You can also explore nature-based educational programs and experiences through the Ernie Miller Nature Center’s interactive exhibits and live animal displays. Ornithologists and recreational birdwatchers can visit feeders and view a variety of birds from the lobby. Meanwhile, native stream fish are displayed in a 500-gallon aquarium.

Reconnecting with Nature at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

There’s no better way to put down roots in Kansas than to immerse yourself in its lush ecosystem. The Arboretum’s 300 acres are home to over 800 plant species. 45 acres are dedicated to the botanical gardens, including the award-winning Train Garden and Monet Garden. Varied art forms are temporarily exhibited throughout the year, too.

Promoting Learning in the Children’s Peace Pavilion

Learning and living a peaceful lifestyle starts from a young age. The Children’s Peace Pavilion provides parents and caretakers with opportunities to engage children in hands-on activities that promote communication, stewardship, and conflict resolution methods that can be incorporated into their daily lives. Moreover, the Pavilion reinforces the idea that peacemaking goes beyond simply having an absence of war. Kids are guided toward a more holistic approach to peacemaking with topics that mainly revolve around four key concepts: peace for me, peace for us, peace for everyone, and peace for the planet.

Studying Economic Ideas at the Money Museum

Take a free behind-the-scenes look at how money is processed at the Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas. The exhibits are curated to be fun and interactive (like lifting a gold bar worth $400) to facilitate a more engaging way to learn about the economy. You can also go for a more historical approach and view 450 historical coins, loaned to the museum by the Harry S. Truman Library.

Getting in Touch with the Traditional Lifestyle at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead

From April to October, you and your family can explore 12 acres of farmstead, made to replicate a traditional local family farm. The Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead houses over one hundred animals and welcomes you to enjoy pony rides and their fishing pond. A few other notable activities include panning for treasure, fishing with worms and cane poles, riding horse-drawn carriages, touring a one-room schoolhouse, and feeding baby goats.

Picking Up Trinkets at Kansas City River Market

Shop locally from merchants who offer flowers, specialty foods, baked snacks, fresh produce, meats, and other goods from America, the Middle and far East, Europe, and Africa. The market also hosts unique gift shops with knickknacks if you want to start your city pride collection. While you’re in the area, check out the world’s largest pre-Civil War artifacts collection in the Arabia Steamboat Museum, too. Kids’ activities and food celebrations are also major attractions available from April to October.

Wandering the Halls of Union Station

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Known as KC’s “Favorite History Attraction”, Union Station is a 104-year-old historical landmark loved by many. Beyond the preservation of monuments and their corresponding stories, it also hosts world-class traveling exhibitions. Furthermore, be prepared to take frequent moments to pause and gaze at this architectural masterpiece and its attractions.

  • Internationally-awarded Science City, powered by Burns & McDonnell
  • Famed Modern Railroad Experience
  • Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre
  • Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium
  • City Stage and live theater

Indulging in Free Cuppings at the Roasterie Factory Cafe

On the first and third Thursdays of every month, the Roasterie Factory Cafe opens its doors to the public for coffee tasting sessions. Different kinds of coffee from all over the world will be served as the staff directs the experience. Moreover, you and other guests are also walked through the cafe team’s multiple production processes. This includes the following.

  • Roasting, blending, and packaging of your coffee
  • Baking of various confections
  • Brewing and canning cold brew
  • Crafting of your favorite drink

You are also welcome to dine in their six cafes in the city, each designed to reflect the community’s unique personality. Additionally, art shows, pet adoptions, and open mic nights are occasionally hosted at the cafes.

Enjoying the City of Fountains

Last but not least, KCMO welcomes its new residents with more than 200 stunning fountains throughout the entire city. Truly, there’s no better way to settle down and relax one’s mind than by listening to the calming sounds of a fountain’s flowing water and taking in its beauty. One of the most notable spots to do so is at the Country Club Plaza where you can find the Mill Creek Fountain.Once you’ve unwound, you can treat yourself to a trip to fine jewelry stores, salons, and boutiques. There are also plenty of eateries filled with delightful food, including Kansas City steaks, authentic Italian, and Mexican dishes.

Moving to Kansas City

Whether you intend to move alone, with family and friends, or with a significant other, don’t hesitate to live your life to the fullest in a beautiful city. Kansas City has been built on an abundance of historical and cultural influences, good food, and a deep connection to nature. Begin your relocation process to KCMO with professional assistance from Cami Jones Collaborative. Get in touch today with us today!

Insights Into the 2021 Kansas City Real Estate Market

Thanks in large part to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 saw a year of unprecedented growth for the real estate market, and Kansas City was no exception. Over the last ten years, Kansas City has become one of the hottest cities for homebuyers in the country.Heading into 2020, experts predicted that it would be a rather unremarkable year for the real estate market, featuring relatively flat growth of housing prices, increased mortgage rates, and limited inventory for first-time homebuyers.Needless to say, the worldwide pandemic completely flipped the real estate climate on its head. In March and April of 2020, unsure of what would happen next, people opted to refinance their homes after rates hit record lows.In nearly every major city in the United States, housing prices soared due to increased demand and limited inventory.Seeing as how what happened in 2020, in terms of real estate trends, was completely unexpected, experts have used what we learned in 2020 to, hopefully, more accurately predict real estate trends in 2021.So what does this mean for Kansas City?

The Current State of the Real Estate Market in Kansas City

Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO), is the largest city in the state of Missouri and Kansas City, Kansas (KCK), is the third-largest city in the state of Kansas. The entirety of KC straddles the Kansas and Missouri state border.Kansas City has grown exponentially over the past decade or so, making it one of the most popular places to live in America, and it is also considered to be one of the top markets for real estate investments and rental properties in the country. Demand for rental properties is high, as is the quality of life in KC, making the region a popular destination for real estate investors looking to capitalize on the surge of homebuyers and renters.The average rent in KCMO is around $1,032 per month, a number that has steadily increased over the past few years. Renter-occupied properties in Kansas City account for almost half of the total occupied housing units in the region. Kansas City has proved time and time again that it is a safe, secure, affordable place to live for renters, and it is also an excellent opportunity for real estate investors to grow their portfolios.Active listings in Kansas City are down by almost 50% year-over-year (YOY). Average home sale prices have increased by around 15% over the last year. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to locate homes, which is why many KC residents are opting to rent their homes instead of own them.The following are some of the more interesting statistics regarding the real estate market in KCMO, heading into 2021.

  • The value of homes in KC has grown by 10.8% YOY and is expected to grow by another 11% over the next year.
  • The value of homes in KC has grown by just over 50% over the last five years.
  • The median price for a single-family home in Kansas City is $215,000. 
  • The median home price, in general, is $250,000.
  • The median home price per square foot is around $120.
  • There are 217 neighborhoods in Kansas City. The most expensive of which is KCI – 2nd Creek and the most inexpensive is Ruskin Heights.

The real estate market in KC has been supported by a diverse economy and a government that is pro-business.Recommended Read The Best Neighborhoods in Kansas City

Job Market and Education Opportunities

As of October 2020, unemployment rates in Kansas City are down to just 4.5%. Over the past few years, employment in the management, business, sales, office, production, and transportation industries has either matched or outpaced the national averages.It is expected to continue to do so over the next few years as well. KCMO’s and KCK’s combined gross domestic product (GDP) is approaching $139 billion. It has grown by more than 38% over the past decade.aerial-view-of-kansas-cityThe largest unemployment sectors in Kansas City include education, health, business, retail, trade, manufacturing, and construction.Several major companies, including American Century Investments, Commerce Bancshares, Garmin, Hallmark Cards, Interstate Bakeries, and YRC Worldwide, have headquarters based in the Kansas City Metro area.Large companies like Amazon Flex, CarMax, and Hostess have been leading providers of new jobs for Kansas City residents over the last few years.Major universities in the Kansas City metro area include the University of Kansas (located in Lawrence, Kansas), the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and the University of Central Missouri (located in Warrensburg, Missouri).Nearly 93% of Kansas City metro residents have at least graduated from high school, and nearly 38% of residents hold at least a bachelor’s degree.The KC metro area is also home to some of the top public school districts in the nation, including the Blue Valley Unified School District, Olathe Public Schools, and Shawnee Mission School District all located in Johnson County.

Why Johnson County Is Considered One of the Best in the Country

In 2020, Johnson County was ranked as one of the top five best counties to live in the United States. There’s a good reason for that… a lot of reasons actually.johnson-county-courthouseAs mentioned earlier, Overland Park and Olathe, two of the largest cities in the state of Kansas were ranked as being two of the happiest and safest places to live in the country.As of 2020, Johnson County is home to nearly 600,000 residents that are spread across seventeen different cities, including Olathe, Overland Park, Shawnee, Lenexa, Leawood, Prairie Village, Gardner, Mission, and Merriam.While Kansas City itself is not a part of Johnson County, JOCO makes up a significant portion of the Kansas City metropolitan area. Overland Park is the second-most populous city in Kansas (after KC of course) and the county seat is located in Olathe.Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the real estate market and property values in Johnson Country are continuing to rise.In 2020, the average selling price of single-family homes was $394,000. That number is expected to crack $400,000 dollars relatively soon. Nearly 70% of JOCO residents own their homes, and the median rent price is $1,109 per month.Johnson County is home to several unified school districts (chief among them being the Blue Valley and Olathe School Districts) and colleges/universities. It features campuses for the Universities of Kansas and Kansas State.Johnson County Community College (JCCC) is one of the largest and most highly-regarded community colleges in the nation. Nearly 20,000 students are enrolled there.JOCO is home to several parks, coffee shops, restaurants, and bars, and the weather is very balanced. The summers are very hot, and the winters are very frigid.

A Little Bit About the Population of Kansas City

KCMO itself is home to around 500,000 people, while the entirety of the KC metro area houses over 2 million residents.As surprising as it is, the population of Kansas City is growing at a faster rate than other large cities in the midwest, namely St. Louis, Missouri, and Cincinnati and Cleveland, Ohio.The greater Kansas City area is the 38th most populated metropolitan area in the United States. Recent reports claim that over 50% of Kansas City’s population growth is attributable to the people moving to the city from all over the country.According to population experts, the population of the KC metro area is expected to grow by another 400,000 residents by the year 2040.Due to the population growth taking place in KC, as well as the popular homebuying destination it has become, the real estate market has become increasingly competitive and is expected to continue to do so in the years to come.

Moving to Kansas City Soon? Use This Ultimate Relocation Checklist!

An Excellent Place to Live

The Kansas City housing market is ripe with opportunities, but what is the quality of life like? The Kansas City metro area, particularly cities like Overland Park and Olathe, KS, are ranked as being two of the happiest and safest cities in America.beautiful-fountain-in-kansas-cityForbes has designated Kansas City as one of the best places to live in for business, careers, job growth, and education, and the cost of living is around 3% below the national average.KCMO is also one of the least congested metropolitan cities in the United States, and it has some of the shortest commute times.Four major highways, I-70, I-49, I-35, and I-29, all pass through KC, and the Kansas City International Airport (KCI) is served by major airlines like Air Canada, American, Delta, Southwest, and United.There is a sense of pride that permeates throughout Kansas City. The locals are proud to call this region their home. Spots like the Power & Light District in downtown KCMO are popular destinations for both tourists and locals alike.The city is famous for its delicious Kansas City-style barbecue and is home to major league sports teams like the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), the Kansas City Royals (MLB), and Sporting Kansas City (MLS).

Moving to Kansas City Soon? Check out these featured listings!

Cami Jones Homes’s Relocation Experts Can Help!

At Cami Jones Collaborative, when we say we know Kansas City, we really mean it! We have been lending our knowledge and expertise to both experienced and first-time homebuyers relocating to Kansas City for years.We can help you get to know the intricacies of the area and will assist you with all the minute details associated with the buying process. Get in touch with our relocation specialists by calling (913) 521-8883!

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The Best Neighborhoods in Kansas City

Thinking about relocating to Kansas City? One of the first questions our relocation clients ask is: “What are the best neighborhoods in Kansas City?”With over 240 unique neighborhoods to choose from, finding the answer to this question can be slightly overwhelming. This is especially true for newcomers and often for locals. The atmosphere varies widely from one KC neighborhood to the next. In some areas, the locale is so distinct it almost feels like its own miniature city.When looking for a home in Kansas City, getting to know the neighborhoods is a must. Luckily, you don’t have to do it alone. Let’s take a look at some of the best neighborhoods in Kansas City, along with what makes them stand out from the rest.Note: If you don’t see a neighborhood on this list that sounds like the right place for you, consult with one of our agents. They know this town and will be able to help you find where the best place is for your new home!

The Best Neighborhoods in Kansas City: What Makes Them So Great?

The neighborhoods below all cater to different lifestyles and budgets – keep reading to learn more.

1. Brookside, MO — Small Town in a Big City

Brookside provides the familiar comforts of a small town in a big city.Just close enough to the action, yet still blissfully suburban, this neighborhood is located on the Missouri side of Kansas City.This beautiful neighborhood is known for its warm, inviting atmosphere, unique shops, and gorgeous homes. Approximately 11,000 residents call this tight-knit Kansas City neighborhood home.The first ‘suburban’ shopping area in Kansas City, this neighborhood is full of opportunities to indulge, amuse, and explore. From numerous local shops, upscale eateries and stylish coffee shops to quaint restaurants and a laid back night-life, Brookside has something to satisfy almost every interest. For those who prefer a walkable community, this neighborhood is a wonderful fit.Best neighborhood in Kansas City for: Almost anyone. Young professionals and families will both enjoy the plethora of amenities and comforts this neighborhood has to offer.Highlights: Close to the city, but not in the city. Countless unique places to dine, shop, and play.

2. River Market, MO — Walkable and Modern

This downtown Kansas City neighborhood has been revitalized for a new generation of young professionals. The result? Urban living with neighborhood vibes.Despite the big city atmosphere, comforts of the Midwest still permeate this urban area. Home to the region’s largest Farmer’s Market, the renowned City Market offers fresh produce and goods on Saturdays and Sundays, “Bringing ‘Farm to Table’ in the heart of the city.”One of those places you can almost get away with saying goodbye to your car, River Market is perfect for those who value an urban, walkable lifestyle.The majority of current River Market residents are in their late 20s and early 30s. However, there are also plenty of older residents and even some families with children who are drawn to the unique atmosphere of this area.The cost of living is considered standard, ranked 1% above the national average. River Market offers housing opportunities to suit a variety of incomes and lifestyles, from stylish lofts and condos to contemporary homes to various upscale and income-based apartment complexes. For those who enjoy life in the city, the possibilities are plentiful in River Market.Best Neighborhood in Kansas City for: Career-minded young professionals and people who value downtown, city lifestyles.Highlights: Reasonable cost of living, a variety of luxury and affordable real estate options.

3. Overland Park, KS — Family-friendly and Safe

Located just 15-20 minutes from the heart of downtown, this beautiful area is home to about 183,755 residents.Although it is quite large, this town in Johnson County, KS is perfect for young families and couples looking to settle into a quiet suburban lifestyle.Overland Park is brimming with local amenities and family-friendly activities. The area is home to various outdoor trails and parks and local restaurants, providing plenty of opportunities for awesome leisurely family time.Whether you’re spending a day with the kids at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead or exploring the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens–you’ll never run out of exciting ways to fill up your weekends.The cost of living in Overland Park is right around normal, just 3% higher than the US average. An investment in real estate in this area tends to be a good one since Overland Park has some of the highest home appreciation rates in the country.The schools in the Overland Park area are also considered some of the best in the country. For example, the Blue Valley School District was one of Niche’s 2019 Best School Districts in America.This neighborhood is best for: Families with children, looking for a safe place to raise a family with plenty of fun activities. Buyers or investors looking for a secure long-term real estate investment.Highlights: High home appreciation rates, low crime, family-friendly community in close proximity to the city

4. Leawood, KS — Luxury Suburban Lifestyle

A few miles from Overland Park, Leawood presents another peaceful, suburban neighborhood in the Kansas City area.Leawood is full of gorgeous upscale homes and estates. If a quiet, luxurious neighborhood in the suburbs is your ideal lifestyle, this area will be the perfect fit.Similar to Overland Park, Leawood is a quiet community known for its family-friendly atmosphere. Trendy, upscale restaurants, casual dining, and the renowned Leawood Stage Company provide plenty of opportunities for entertainment, relaxation, and wholesome fun.Leawood also has access to excellent public schools, with almost 100% of all high school students receiving their diplomas. Average test scores in this community are almost 90% higher than the rest of the state and 43% higher than the national average.Best Neighborhood in Kansas City for: Homebuyers looking for premium real estate options in a quiet, suburban neighborhood. Families looking for well-renowned schools.Highlights: Peaceful, Upscale, family-friendly neighborhood

5. Volker, MO — Laidback and Diverse

We are going to head back into Missouri to an area of the city which is highly walkable with plenty to do an see, this Midtown neighborhood is at the center of the action.Volker is home to a youthful and diverse population, featuring plenty of opportunities for shopping, a budding nightlife district, numerous outdoor parks, and sidewalks on almost every street.The real estate in this bustling Kansas City neighborhood consists of sprawling homes, red-brick apartment buildings, bungalows, and plenty of large houses converted into apartments. Perfect for creatives and adults without children, if you enjoy the freedom of a laid back lifestyle, you will love the atmosphere in Volker.Best Neighborhood in Kansas City for: Young creatives and eccentrics. Young professionals without children.Highlights: Night-life district, diverse population.

6. Waldo, MO — Starter Home Heaven

Waldo is a cute, quaint community located right on the edge of the city center. If you’re just starting out in real estate or looking to start over, this neighborhood will likely be a good fit.With plenty of locally-owned shops, boutiques, trendy coffee shops, day spas and nightlife, this neighborhood has plenty of choices to keep you busy on the weekends.The cost of living in Waldo is affordable, reportedly 16% lower than the national average.A perfect place to find your first home, this neighborhood is also known for being a great place to find affordable real estate. A quality two-bedroom home typically runs anywhere from $80,000 to $200,000.Best Neighborhood in Kansas City for: Young professionals looking to find their first home. People looking to downsize.Highlights: Bikeable, walkable, affordable. More than half of businesses here are locally owned.

Which Neighborhood is Right for You?

Ultimately, when searching for the perfect home in Kansas City, the devil is in the details. Determining the best place to live will depend largely on your individual needs.From cost of living and local culture to public school districts,  and overall livability–there’s a lot to consider.

How Our Relocation Specialists Can Help

Cami Jones Collaborative knows Kansas City. Our relocation specialists can help you get to know the area and assist you with all the small details to make the buying process as easy as possible.Let Cami Jones Collaborative help you move into your new life. Together we’ll find your perfect fit in Kansas City. Get in touch with our relocation specialists today by calling 913-521-8883

Comparing the 6 Largest Kansas City Area School Districts

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Whenever we are helping clients purchase a new home, school districts are often top of mind.  The school district in which you reside in is important not only for your family, but for resale value on down the line.  For the benefit of our clients, especially those new to the Kansas City area, we thought we’d go through the area’s larger districts and provide some highlights of each.According to Niche.com, the following are the largest districts serving the KC area in 2018 based on student enrollment using data from the U.S. Department of Education.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1596831069439{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]

Olathe (KS) Unified School District

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2982″ alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1596832105103{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_btn title=”Find Homes in the Olathe (KS) Unified School District” color=”turquoise” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fcamijoneshomes.com%2Fhomes-for-sale-results%2F%3FboardId%3D76%26location%3D%26propertyType%3DSFR%252CCND%26status%3Dactive%26minListPrice%3D%26maxListPrice%3D%26squareFeet%3D%26bedrooms%3D0%26bathCount%3D0%26_openHomesOnlyYn%3Don%26_dateRange%3Don%26_virtualTourYn%3Don%26_reoyn%3Don%26_golfCourseYn%3Don%26_basementYn%3Don%26_horsePropertyYn%3Don%26_fireplaceYn%3Don%26_newConstructionYn%3Don%26_poolYn%3Don%26yearBuilt%3D%26lotAcres%3D%26garageSpaces%3D%26styleLike%255B%255D%3D%26schoolDistrict%255B%255D%3DOlathe%26_areaAndSearch%3Don” css=”.vc_custom_1625864416426{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Olathe boasts 48 schools and just over 30,000 students enrolled.  It is the second-fastest-growing district in Kansas.  Olathe has racked up an impressive 17 Blue Ribbon School Awards and cites a 94% graduation rate.  Olathe Unified is generally bounded by 159th Street to the south, Cedar Niles Road to the west, 87th Street to the north, and Quivira to the east.  The newest high school, Olathe West, cost over $80 million to build and more closely resembles a business start-up space or college campus.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1596831022360{margin-top: 20px !important;}”]

Schools 35 Elementary Schools9 Middle Schools4 High Schools
Students 30,022
Graduation Rate 94%
Average SAT Score 1310
Average ACT Score 27
Reading Proficiency 46%
Math Proficiency 42%
Teacher Ratio 14:1
Median Home Value $224,000

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Shawnee Mission (KS) School District

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2983″ alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1596832399174{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_btn title=”Find Homes in the Shawnee Mission (KS) School District” color=”turquoise” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fcamijoneshomes.com%2Fhomes-for-sale-results%2F%3FboardId%3D76%26location%3D%26propertyType%3DSFR%252CCND%26status%3Dactive%26minListPrice%3D%26maxListPrice%3D%26squareFeet%3D%26bedrooms%3D0%26bathCount%3D0%26_openHomesOnlyYn%3Don%26_dateRange%3Don%26_virtualTourYn%3Don%26_reoyn%3Don%26_golfCourseYn%3Don%26_basementYn%3Don%26_horsePropertyYn%3Don%26_fireplaceYn%3Don%26_newConstructionYn%3Don%26_poolYn%3Don%26yearBuilt%3D%26lotAcres%3D%26garageSpaces%3D%26styleLike%255B%255D%3D%26schoolDistrict%255B%255D%3DShawnee%2BMission%26_areaAndSearch%3Don” css=”.vc_custom_1625864455000{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Shawnee Mission has just under 28,000 students in its 43 schools.  The district is located in northeast Johnson County, KS.  There are 5 high schools in the district.  The district has consistently been ranked among the finest school districts in the nation earning praise locally, regionally, and nationally.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1596831433305{margin-top: 20px !important;}”]

Schools 33 Elementary Schools5 Middle Schools5 High Schools
Students 27,590
Graduation Rate 90%
Average SAT Score 1290
Average ACT Score 27
Reading Proficiency 49%
Math Proficiency 44%
Teacher Ratio 16:1
Median Home Value $165,307

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Blue Valley (KS) Unified School District

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2988″ alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1596833392286{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_btn title=”Find Homes in the Blue Valley (KS) Unified School District” color=”turquoise” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fcamijoneshomes.com%2Fhomes-for-sale-results%2F%3FboardId%3D76%26location%3D%26propertyType%3DSFR%252CCND%26status%3Dactive%26minListPrice%3D%26maxListPrice%3D%26squareFeet%3D%26bedrooms%3D0%26bathCount%3D0%26_openHomesOnlyYn%3Don%26_dateRange%3Don%26_virtualTourYn%3Don%26_reoyn%3Don%26_golfCourseYn%3Don%26_basementYn%3Don%26_horsePropertyYn%3Don%26_fireplaceYn%3Don%26_newConstructionYn%3Don%26_poolYn%3Don%26yearBuilt%3D%26lotAcres%3D%26garageSpaces%3D%26styleLike%255B%255D%3D%26schoolDistrict%255B%255D%3DBlue%2BValley%26_areaAndSearch%3Don” css=”.vc_custom_1625864472651{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text]22,600 students call Blue Valley home and attend its 34 schools, five of which are high schools.  Blue Valley is 91-square miles and the boundaries include I-435 to the north, State Line Road to the east, 215th Street to the south and a western border that goes between Quivira and Pflumm.  Recently, the Blue Valley Southwest debate team concluded their record-breaking season at the National Speech and Debate Tournament with a historic national championship.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1596831844725{margin-top: 20px !important;}”]

Schools 20 Elementary Schools9 Middle Schools5 High Schools
Students 22,793
Graduation Rate 97%
Average SAT Score 1380
Average ACT Score 29
Reading Proficiency 63%
Math Proficiency 57%
Teacher Ratio 14:1
Median Home Value $261,200

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Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2985″ alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1596833422639{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_btn title=”Find Homes in the Kansas City, Kansas Public School District” color=”turquoise” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fcamijoneshomes.com%2Fhomes-for-sale-results%2F%3FboardId%3D76%26location%3D%26propertyType%3DSFR%252CCND%26status%3Dactive%26minListPrice%3D%26maxListPrice%3D%26squareFeet%3D%26bedrooms%3D0%26bathCount%3D0%26_openHomesOnlyYn%3Don%26_dateRange%3Don%26_virtualTourYn%3Don%26_reoyn%3Don%26_golfCourseYn%3Don%26_basementYn%3Don%26_horsePropertyYn%3Don%26_fireplaceYn%3Don%26_newConstructionYn%3Don%26_poolYn%3Don%26yearBuilt%3D%26lotAcres%3D%26garageSpaces%3D%26styleLike%255B%255D%3D%26schoolDistrict%255B%255D%3DKansas%2BCity%2BKs%26_areaAndSearch%3Don” css=”.vc_custom_1625864494277{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text]There are over 23,000 students enrolled in the urban district’s 46 schools.  With a Head Start program, three preschools, 33 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 5 high schools, the district serves a wonderfully diverse mixture of students. A remarkable 75 different languages are spoken in the homes of KCKPS students.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1596832497425{margin-top: 20px !important;}”]

Schools 33 Elementary Schools8 Middle Schools5 High Schools
Students 23,292
Graduation Rate 74%
Average SAT Score 960
Average ACT Score 20
Reading Proficiency 14%
Math Proficiency 11%
Teacher Ratio 14:1
Median Home Value $91,600

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North Kansas City (MO) School District

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2986″ alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1596832662849{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_btn title=”Find Homes in the North Kansas City (MO) School District” color=”turquoise” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fcamijoneshomes.com%2Fhomes-for-sale-results%2F%3FboardId%3D76%26location%3D%26propertyType%3DSFR%252CCND%26status%3Dactive%26minListPrice%3D%26maxListPrice%3D%26squareFeet%3D%26bedrooms%3D0%26bathCount%3D0%26_openHomesOnlyYn%3Don%26_dateRange%3Don%26_virtualTourYn%3Don%26_reoyn%3Don%26_golfCourseYn%3Don%26_basementYn%3Don%26_horsePropertyYn%3Don%26_fireplaceYn%3Don%26_newConstructionYn%3Don%26_poolYn%3Don%26yearBuilt%3D%26lotAcres%3D%26garageSpaces%3D%26styleLike%255B%255D%3D%26schoolDistrict%255B%255D%3DNorth%2BKansas%2BCity%26_areaAndSearch%3Don” css=”.vc_custom_1625864511588{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Enrollment is right at 20,000 students in the district’s 31 schools.  NKC Schools is situated just north of Kansas City’s downtown.  The school district offers optional Pre-K and before/after school programs, expansive gifted/honors opportunities, career and professional academies, A+ certified high schools, as well as nationally recognized adult and community education programs for learners of all ages.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1596832728252{margin-top: 20px !important;}”]

Schools 22 Elementary Schools5 Middle Schools4 High Schools
Students 20,763
Graduation Rate 96%
Average SAT Score 1200
Average ACT Score 24
Reading Proficiency 54%
Math Proficiency 52%
Teacher Ratio 15:1
Median Home Value $139,735

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Lee’s Summit (MO) R-7 School District

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2989″ alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1596833454234{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}”][vc_btn title=”Find Homes in the Lee’s Summit (MO) R-7 School District” color=”turquoise” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fcamijoneshomes.com%2Fhomes-for-sale-results%2F%3FboardId%3D76%26location%3D%26propertyType%3DSFR%252CCND%26status%3Dactive%26minListPrice%3D%26maxListPrice%3D%26squareFeet%3D%26bedrooms%3D0%26bathCount%3D0%26_openHomesOnlyYn%3Don%26_dateRange%3Don%26_virtualTourYn%3Don%26_reoyn%3Don%26_golfCourseYn%3Don%26_basementYn%3Don%26_horsePropertyYn%3Don%26_fireplaceYn%3Don%26_newConstructionYn%3Don%26_poolYn%3Don%26yearBuilt%3D%26lotAcres%3D%26garageSpaces%3D%26styleLike%255B%255D%3D%26schoolDistrict%255B%255D%3DLee%257Eap%255Es%2BSummit%26_areaAndSearch%3Don” css=”.vc_custom_1625864530489{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Lee’s Summit claims just over 18,000 students at its 26 schools.  The school district has met all criteria to earn the state’s top designation for academic achievement — accredited with distinction.  The R-7 School District serves Lee’s Summit, Greenwood, Lake Lotawana, Lake Winnebago, areas of Raintree Lake, area of Lakewood and some outlying rural areas, with a small portion of the district extending into Cass County and Kansas City.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1596832916830{margin-top: 20px !important;}”]

Schools 19 Elementary Schools4 Middle Schools3 High Schools
Students 18,410
Graduation Rate 95%
Average SAT Score 1280
Average ACT Score 26
Reading Proficiency 62%
Math Proficiency 56%
Teacher Ratio 15:1
Median Home Value $210,400

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”2″ accent_color=”#d70080″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Thinking of listing your home and making a move?  Let our team help you!  We make the listing process easy and will have you on the road to selling your beautiful home in no time!  Give us a call today!  You can reach our team at 913.402.2550.  Want to come see us?  Our office is conveniently located at 5000 W. 135th St. Leawood, KS 66224.In the meantime, please like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

6 HOT Johnson County Neighborhoods

The spring housing market is upon us, and we wanted to call attention to 5 hot Johnson County neighborhoods.  What makes a neighborhood hot?  Typically, it’s a combination of location, desirable schools, close to amenities, sense of community.  These factors result in low inventory and sales prices at or above asking!The Kansas City metropolitan area boasts so many unique and hot areas, and it ultimately depends on the lifestyle you’re seeking.mills-farm-homeIf you’re an urban dweller, then you might consider Union Hill, River Market or Quality Hill.  There are dozens of loft and condominium options and newly revitalized neighborhoods.Want something more family-friendly, but still close to the action?  Prairie Village, Brookside and Waldo have long been popular options and were some of the city’s first suburban, planned neighborhoods.If it’s new construction you’re after, you’ll likely have to look further south (South Overland Park/Olathe), east (Lee’s Summit), west (Lenexa and Shawnee) or even north (Highlands of Weatherby).  No matter what your family is looking for, our real estate experts can help!Today, we are going to take a look at some of the most coveted neighborhoods in Johnson County, Kansas. If you are interested in learning more about these and different areas of Kansas City, click below and take a look at our Full Neighborhood Guide![vcex_button url=”https://www.camijoneshomes.com/the-best-neighborhoods-in-kansas-city/” size=”medium” align=”center”]See Full Neighborhood Guide[/vcex_button]

1. Mills Farm (South Overland Park)

Located at 159th and King Street (in between Switzer and Quivira), Mills Farm is a very popular community.  Homes start in the 500’s (The Meadows) and go to 2M+ (The Estates/Enclave).Mills Farm’s convenient location provides easy access to both I-435 and I-35. The development is in the Award Winning Blue Valley School District with great restaurants and entertainment opportunities nearby.The homes here are absolute stunners and many have features that you wouldn’t find in most single-family homes like outdoor kitchens or putting greens!Homebuilders who built in Mills Farm (include but are not limited to):

  • Larson Homes
  • Willis Construction
  • Harrington
  • Lambie-Geer
  • Starr Homes
  • John Gray Homes

2. Lions Gate (South Overland Park)

Lions Gate is located at approximately 143rd and Nall and extends south to 151st St.  It is also in the Blue Valley School District and features a beautiful clubhouse on the lake and over 40 acres of private community green space.Nicklaus Golf Club at Lions Gate offers a Nicklaus-designed, 18-hole course, tennis, swimming with fine dining options. The neighborhood is minutes from the awesome gym at Blue Valley Recreation Center!Top KC Builders who built homes in Lionsgate include (but not are not limited to):

  • Bodine-Ashner
  • Ashner Construction
  • Harrington Development
  • Rick Standard
  • Gianni
  • Dusselier & Marks
  • Thomson-Sailors

3. Deer Valley (South Overland Park)

Deer Valley has many amenities that today’s families are looking for:  Great schools, a two-acre lake, asphalt trails, a 20-acre Streamway Park, a pool complete with a cabana!The neighborhood is located off 159th Street, between Switzer and Quivira.  (It’s situated next to Mills Farm.)  The median list price is just under $500,000.  Deer Valley also has super easy access to 69 Hwy.People in this neighborhood enjoy dogs, home improvement & DIY, walking, parenting school-age kids, volunteering, and dinner parties.

4. Hallbrook (Leawood)

Hallbrook has long been one of the most elegant and prestigious addresses in Johnson County.  The subdivision is located West of Stateline Road and North of 119th Street.Hallbrook has a rich heritage that dating back to 1927 when Joyce C. Hall, founder of Hallmark Cards, decided that his family would live on this (then) remote, wooded expanse of land.At that time Mr. Hall purchased 730+ acres of land and most of that land has now been developed into the Hallbrook that is there today.Hallbrook Farms opened its last tract of residential land and is constructing a new residential area, known as Hallbrook East Village. Finished homes will range from the $700,000s to $1.3M+.The area has a rich history that dates back to 1927 when Joyce C. Hall, founder of Hallmark Cards, Inc., settled his family on this wooded expanse of land. Today, it is home to the award-winning, private Hallbrook Country Club.

5. Highlands Creek (Leawood)

This neighborhood sits between Roe Avenue and Nall, just south of 143rd Street.  The median list price is $1.2M.  Highlands Creek is minutes away from Town Center, One Nineteen and Park Place for shopping and dining.  The schools include are fantastic and include: Overland Trail elementary and middle schools and Blue Valley North High School.According to Nextdoor, people in this neighborhood enjoy gardening and landscaping, home improvement and DIY, dogs, the Kansas City Chiefs, parenting school-age kids, and the Kansas City Royals – that’s a pretty solid list if you ask us!

6. Mission Hills

The northern half of Mission Hills, north of 63rd Street, informally called “old Mission Hills” and is dominated by luxurious houses on large lots. There are two private country clubs in this area: the Mission Hills Country Club and the Kansas City Country Club.The southern half, consisting of developments Belinder Hills, Indian Hills, and Sagamore Hills, contains affluent residences and the private Indian Hills Country Club.Both sides of this area offer something special. Whether you like newer construction or a home with a little history, Mission Hills is a great place to settle in.We’ve profiled some hot neighborhoods in south Johnson County…but the city is full of jewels! Finding the right place for your home is a big decision and can be a bit challenging – especially if you are new to the city – so, let us help you.Click below to view our current listings or call us at (913) 521-8809 and tell us what you are looking for in your next home![vcex_button url=”https://www.camijoneshomes.com/homes-for-sale-featured/” size=”medium” align=”center”]View Featured Listings[/vcex_button] 

Our Favorite Brunch Spots in Kansas City

Brunch is one of those versatile meals that always leaves us with fond memories. Whether it’s a family meal or a fun time with friends, brunch is a great way to spend those late morning hours.There are so many awesome brunch spots around Kansas City that it can be hard to choose. Luckily our team of Kansas City experts have done the research (a tough job, but someone had to do it) to put together this list of awesome low-key brunch spots right here in Crown Town.

Check Out These Awesome Kansas City Brunch Spots ASAP

Eggtc

The name alone shows how dedicated this restaurant is to traditional brunch foods. Eggtc is a homey restaurant that focuses on all the favorites: eggs, crepes, waffles and pancakes, breakfast burritos, and so much more.The nice thing with this particular restaurant is that they know their strengths and they focus on them. They skip dinner and only serve breakfast, lunch, and brunch. Come for the food and stay for the deliciously crafted coffee drinks!If you’re looking for one of the best brunches in KC, Eggtc is a great place to start!

Blue Bird Bistro

Good organic food is what Blue Bird Bistro is all about. They skip the preservatives and additives and go straight for wholesome foods cooked with love.They offer a Sunday brunch full of succulent foods such as soups, cured salmon, salads, eggs of all preparations, and more!They also have great vegetarian and vegan options as well, making it a perfect choice for all types of brunch fans.

brunch-foodBristol Seafood Grill

If you’re a fan of delicious seafood, then this is the brunch spot for you.Bristol Seafood Grill offers a wide variety of options such as smoked fish, shrimp, crab soufflé, and more. Their lobster mac and cheese is one of the best things on the entire brunch list – trust us on that one.But don’t worry. If you bring a friend who isn’t a fan of seafood, there are plenty of wonderful choices for them, too! Dishes such as omelets, waffles, grits, and corn hash are available for those who aren’t into the fish thing.

BLVD Tavern

Take your brunch experience to the Crossroads at Blvd Tavern. We love the atmosphere of this hip spot and the food even more! They have a wide variety of options that are sure to impress. From chilaquiles to French toast and corned-beef hash, BLVD Tavern brings breakfast comfort food to another level. With a full bar and delicious drink specials, this brunch spot is definitely where it is at in our opinion!

Beautiful Brunch Spots in Kansas City Are Easy to Find

Although the restaurants listed above are some of our favorite brunch spots in Kansas City, don’t worry. There are many more wonderful restaurants in the area that have delicious brunches.Finding that perfect brunch spot is all about experimentation. If one doesn’t suit your needs, try another. With so many places to choose from, you’re bound to find a Kansas City spot that makes you crave a good brunch meal.Whether you are looking to move to Kansas City or already live here and want a new place to call home the Cami Jones Collaborative Team is here for all of your other Kansas City real estate needs!Learn More about Buying a Home with Cami Jones Collaborative!

Our Favorite Things to Do This Season in Kansas City

At Cami Jones Collaborative, we love to go out and explore the city when the weather starts warming up! We want our clients to be in the know about all of the cool things that Kansas City has to offer whether they just moved here or have lived around KC their whole lives and want to just find something new and fun to do.

7 Awesome Things to do in Kansas City During Spring and Summer

friends-outdoors-summer1. Go to a Baseball Game

There is nothing like attending a baseball game when the weather is perfect. We love going to both Royals and T-Bones games throughout the spring and summer. If you are new to KC, we highly suggest catching a game! Click to view the 2019 Royals schedule and the 2019 T-Bones schedule.

2. Attend Shakespeare in the Park

Shakespeare in the Park, also known as the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, is a free event that runs from June 11th to July 7th and starts at 8:00pm Tuesday-Sunday.  We highly suggest heading out to Southmoreland Park and enjoy some amazing live theater performances this summer!

3. Catch an Outdoor Movie

Movies in the Park at Shawnee Mission Park is a great way to revamp the typical at-home movie night when evenings start to warm up. All of the movies played at this cool community event are family-friendly so you can even take the kids to see some of their favorites. Gates open at 7:30pm and the movie starts at 8:00pm. Did we mention that admission is only $1.00? Make sure you bring a blanket and some lawn chairs!Upcoming movies:

  • June 12: Beauty & the Beast
  • June 26: Wonder Woman
  • July 10: Despicable Me 3
  • July 24: The Land Before Time
  • August 7: Coco

4. Explore Powell Gardens

Powell Gardens is a must during the spring and summer. They have eight themed gardens that you can walk through with all with different types of plants and landscapes. You can even pack a picnic and enjoy lunch surrounded by beautiful flowers.

5. Visit a Famer’s Market

Farmer’s markets happen all around Kansas City in the spring and summer months. Enjoy eyeing fresh produce, browsing jewelry and crafts made by locals and soak up some sunshine. You should, of course, check out City Market, but here is a full list of farmer’s markets going on in the area.

6. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is probably the first place that comes to mind when you think of art museums in Kansas City, but the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is definitely an impressive establishment that is deserving of a spot on this list. They have a fantastic permanent collection and regularly bring in new exhibitions all of the time. The museum is a bit smaller than the Nelson, so you can look at every beautiful piece easily in an afternoon.

7. See an Outdoor Concert

Kansas City has a fantastic music scene and offers a ton of outdoor concerts throughout the warmer months. Some of our favorite venues to see shows at include the Starlight Theater, KC Bier Co. and CrossroadsKC at Grinders. Great music and drinks in the great outdoors, what more could you ask for in an evening of summer fun?!Our team at Cami Jones & Company truly loves all things Kansas City and want to help you find the KC home of your dreams. Give us a call today!  You can reach our team at 913.521.8806.  Want to come and see us? Our office is conveniently located at 5000 W. 135th St. Leawood, KS 66224.

5 Favorite Holiday Activities in Kansas City

Christmas in Kansas City is truly a wonderful time of year. There is a chill in the air and the holiday spirit can be found throughout the entire metro area. With so much going on during the holiday season, it can be hard to find the time to go out and explore the city, but we suggest taking a few hours to enjoy one – if not all – of these special Kansas City traditions with the ones you love.

Our List of Can’t Miss Holiday Activities in Kansas City

Kansas City natives are well aware of these extraordinary places and events but, if you just moved to Kansas City or are planning to relocate here soon, this is a list of our favorite things to do during the holiday season!

1. Have Some Holiday Fun at Union Station

Union Station (pictured at the top of this post) is one of the most iconic places in the city, and if you haven’t been there during the holidays, you are missing out on some of the best holiday decorations in the city. If seeing the beautifully decorated trees, and professional displays aren’t enough to justify the drive downtown, they also have a variety of family-friendly holiday activities going on every day before Christmas. Click here to visit their website for more information on events and activities.

2. Christmas at Crown Center

Crown Center is a well-known holiday hotspot in Kansas City. They have a huge ice skating rink that is open every day, Santa’s Gingerbread Station, a favorite among KC kids, holiday choir performances, and you can even get some of your holiday shopping done at one of their many boutiques!

3. Have a Winter Walk on the Plaza

The Country Club Plaza has a lighting ceremony every year on Thanksgiving. There are few things more magical than taking a stroll through The Plaza and seeing the Christmas lights. This could be the perfect end to a romantic evening or a magical experience for your little ones.

4. See a Live Show

Kansas City has a thriving theater scene, and sometimes going to see a live show is exactly what you need to get into the holiday spirit. A favorite of ours is the Kansas City Ballet’s The Nutcracker (showing Nov. 30-Dec. 23). The Coterie Theater in Crown Center has something a little more kid-friendly; their annual production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is showing through December 30th.Click here for a full list of live holiday shows around the city.

5. Visit Candy Cane Lane in Prairie Village

If you are in Johnson County and want some holiday fun that is close to home – or you want to look at holiday lights from the warmth of the car – we suggest paying Candy Cane Lane a visit. While driving through this quirky winter wonderland, you will see candy canes (of course), giant Christmas trees, show-stopping displays, and beautifully lit homes. Candy Cane Lane is located on Outlook Street and 79th Street in Prairie Village, KS. For more information on where to see Christmas lights in Kansas City, click here.At Cami Jones Collaborative, we do more than just sell you a home; we help you navigate your transition in Kansas City so you feel both welcome and comfortable.Our relocation specialists are here to help you! Let our team help you find the perfect home in this wonderful city. Give us a call today!  You can reach our team at 913.521.8806.  Want to come and see us? Our office is conveniently located at 5000 W. 135th St. Leawood, KS 66224.