The perfect cocktail of affordability, career opportunities, and feel-good Midwestern hospitality makes Overland Park a great place to consider living in 2025.
It's a city full of friendly neighbors who will bring you cookies just because it’s Tuesday. Little wonder the city is consistently ranked among the best places to live in the U.S.
But what exactly about Overland Park makes it a good place to live in 2025?
What should you know about the city before moving to Overland Park?
Well, there's a lot to unpack!
Let’s look at what life is like here, from the cost of living and education to neighborhoods and safety.
Affordable Cost of Living
The big question on your mind is probably, ‘Why move to Overland Park?’
One of the biggest draws of Overland Park is the affordable cost of living, a decent 10% lower than the national average. Compared to big metros like Chicago, New York, or even Denver, you realize you make significant savings living in Overland Park.
For instance, a single person needs about $4,300 every month to live comfortably here. But for a family, this amount increases to $6,600 per month.
Your biggest expense will be housing. But even that is about 16% lower than the national average, a great deal when you consider the quality of neighborhoods.
For many, this is a steal that should have you getting quotes from many of the moving companies Overland Park provides its residents.
Average House Rent: $1,531
Median Home Value: $450,000
Expense Category | Compared to the National Average |
Housing | 16% lower |
Food and Groceries | 22% lower |
Utilities | 15% lower |
Healthcare | 22% lower |
Transportation | 9% lower |
Note:
For about $1,712, you can get yourself a decent two-bedroom apartment.
The Economy and Employment Opportunities
Moving to Overland Park is a financially rewarding decision, and it’s not just because of the lower cost of living.
Imagine living and working in a city with a median household income higher than the national average.
Overland Park is more than just a pretty face. It’s a business hub where major employers like Garmin, Black & Veatch, Netsmart, and T-Mobile are headquartered or have major campuses.
…and that's not all!
Commerce and retail aren't the only industries hot in Overland Park. The job market also has big players in healthcare, finance, education, and technical services.
Moreover, it's a city having a noticeable push for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Population: 197,089
Median Household Income: $100,876
Unemployment Rate: 3.1%
Poverty Rate: 4.2%
Did you know Kansas has relatively low income taxes, and there is no city income tax in Overland Park?
Sales Tax Rate: 3.1% - 5.7%
Individual Income Tax Rate: 9.36%
The Education Quality is Top of the Class
If you are moving with kids or plan to have one soon, their education is in good hands in Overland Park.
The Blue Valley School District is one of the highest-rated in the entire Midwest. With a quality rating better than 99% of all Kansas and 91.8% of all U.S. school districts.
Schools here are known for their college readiness, excellent teachers, and stellar extracurriculars. Shawnee Mission Public School District is another strong contender with a solid reputation.
Note: If you prefer private or parochial education, you have options.
Some of the top schools here include:
Timber Creek Elementary School
Harmony Elementary
Trailwood Elementary
Oak Hill Elementary
Cottonwood Point Elementary
Transportation and Access to Kansas City
When it comes to logistics, moving to Overland Park means you are just 20 minutes from downtown Kansas City.
The benefits of this include enjoying the perks of a lively urban scene like sports, concerts, and art galleries without living in the hustle and bustle.
Commuting is relatively stress-free. Highways 69, I-435, and I-35 cut through the city, making it easy to navigate.
Plus, the average commute time is about 25 minutes, 7 minutes less than the national average. So, traffic is light compared to most metro areas, meaning you can get around town within 30 minutes, even during rush hour.
Note:
Although public transportation may be limited, it's manageable via RideKC, the local bus system. Unsurprising, most people (about 77.8% of the residents) rely on their cars.
The Neighborhoods are Diverse
If the burning question on your mind is, ‘Is Overland Park, Kansas, a good place to live?’ Then, you don’t have to worry much about it.
As a young professional, a growing family, or even an empty nester, Overland Park has a neighborhood that will suit your lifestyle needs.
Prairiefire — a trendy, modern, and walkable neighborhood. It is great for young professionals and couples.
The Blue Valley — a family-focused area with some of the best schools in Kansas.
Downtown Overland Park — up-and-coming with a small-town charm and walkable shops, cafés, and farmers' markets.
Chapel Hill or Lionsgate — the ideal neighborhoods for upscale living with golf course views and luxury amenities.
Outdoor and Leisure
Overland Park is bursting at the seams with green space.
With 80+ parks, miles of trails, the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, you will never be short on outdoor adventure.
Also, spots like Indian Creek Trail and Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead provide engaging activities. Soccer, golf, tennis, swimming, biking, hiking—you name it—are all home activities here.
Your kids will never complain about boredom again after moving to Overland Park!
If you are into food and fun, you can hit up the downtown farmers’ market, local breweries, and rooftop patios or enjoy the Summer Concert Series in the Park.
Low Crime, High Peace of Mind
Now, to the moment of truth: Is Overland Park, Kansas, safe?
Well, while Overland Park may not be the safest city in the country, it regularly ranks as one of the safest cities for its size.
The violent crime rate is significantly below the national average, but property crimes tend to take a different tune. Common property crime here is theft, with over 3,000 incidents.
However, since the neighborhoods are well-patrolled, residents often describe the city as a place where they feel safe walking their dogs at night or letting their kids play in the yard.
You may want to still keep an extra eye on your property, though.
per 1,000 residents | Overland Park Median | Kansas Median | National Median |
Violent Crime | 2.04 | 4.3 | 4.0 |
Property Crime | 22.61 | 20.94 | 19.0 |
The Vibe is Divine
What makes Overland Park special is not just the stats, it's the community feel.
Locals take pride in their city, and there's always something to celebrate here and bring everyone together.
From live music and food truck fests to cultural celebrations and sports leagues. Plus, the four-season climate brings colorful falls, mild winters, fresh springs, and sunny summers.
So, you will enjoy being outside most of the year!
While moving to Overland Park, bring on the patio brunches and park picnics, the fun never ends.
Key Takeaway
If you’re looking for a place offering affordable living, great schools, career opportunities, and a real sense of community, moving to Overland Park might just be your perfect match in 2025.
It has just the right amount of charm to feel like home and enough opportunity to grow roots. Plus, you'll be minutes away from Kansas City to catch a Chiefs game, indulge in some world-famous BBQ, or explore city culture whenever the mood strikes.
So, is Overland Park enough for you?
