Best Places to Live in Kansas

Overland Park is Kansas's second-largest city and consistently ranks among America's best places to live, located in prestigious Johnson County. The city offers robust job opportunities with major employers like T-Mobile, Black & Veatch, and the University of Kansas Health System. Residents enjoy top-tier neighborhoods including modern Prairiefire development, upscale Corbin Park, and family-friendly Oak Park. With 20-30 minute commutes to Kansas City and lower cost of living than comparable metros, Overland Park delivers exceptional quality of life making it one of the best places in Kansas.

Lenexa is a thriving suburban city in Johnson County, strategically positioned along I-435 and I-35 corridors southwest of Kansas City. The city offers diverse employment in healthcare, technology, and logistics, with 20-minute commutes to downtown via major highways. Residents enjoy the Shawnee Mission School District, over 30 parks, Lake Lenexa recreation, and vibrant community events throughout the year. Lenexa combines relaxed suburban living with convenient metro access and strong economic opportunities making it one of the best cities in Kansas.

Located in Johnson County, Olathe is one of the fastest-growing cities in the metro area and often ranks among the best places to live in Kansas. The city offers a strong job market with many industries and easy access to Kansas City via I-35 and K-10. Residents benefit from top-rated public schools, a mix of new and established neighborhoods, plenty of parks, and a welcoming community feel. With family-friendly living, commutes under 30 minutes, and a balance of urban conveniences and suburban comfort, make Olathe one of the best places to live in Kansas.

Basehor is a growing suburb in Leavenworth County, located between Kansas City and Lawrence with easy highway access. While local jobs are limited, most residents commute 25–30 minutes to Kansas City or nearby metros via I-435 and Highway 24-40. The city features top-rated schools, safe family-friendly neighborhoods, a welcoming small-town feel, and nearby shopping at The Legends outlets. With affordable housing, strong community connections, and a convenient location, Basehor offers families a blend of quality schools, suburban comfort, and easy metro access.

Shawnee is a well-established suburb in Johnson County, located between I-435 and I-35 just west of Kansas City. The city offers easy access to jobs across the metro, with most commutes taking 20–25 minutes. Residents benefit from the Shawnee Mission School District, quiet neighborhoods with tree-lined streets, and many parks, including the popular Shawnee Mission Park. With affordable housing, a safe and family-friendly setting, and convenient highway access, Shawnee offers comfortable suburban living with strong community values.

Spring Hill is a fast-growing suburban community in northern Miami County, located 30 minutes south of Kansas City along Highway 169. The city offers expanding job opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, and construction, with many residents commuting to Kansas City via I-35. The community offers family-friendly neighborhoods with newer homes, excellent schools, and community events year-round. Its affordable housing, low crime rates, and small-town atmosphere paired with metro access make Spring Hill one of the best cities to live in Kansas.

Gardner is a small agricultural community in southern Johnson County that offers a friendly, small-town feel with easy access to the Kansas City metro. The city has growing local job options and convenient 30–40 minute commutes to Kansas City and Olathe via I-35. Residents enjoy affordable housing, close-knit neighborhoods, good schools, and community events that celebrate local traditions. With lower living costs than northern Johnson County suburbs, a family-focused atmosphere, and outdoor fun at Gardner Lake, Gardner provides simple small-town living with nearby city convenience.

Lawrence is a lively college town in northeast Kansas and home to the University of Kansas, with about 30,000 students adding energy to the city. It offers jobs in education, healthcare, and growing tech fields, with easy commutes to Kansas City and Topeka. Families enjoy friendly neighborhoods, a walkable downtown, bike trails, and strong Jayhawks basketball pride. With affordable living, public transit, and small-town charm, Lawrence blends academic strength with an active lifestyle.

Tonganoxie is a small, welcoming town in Leavenworth County, located about 30 minutes west of Kansas City. It offers a mix of rural and suburban living, with most residents commuting to Kansas City, Lawrence, or Leavenworth via Highway 24-40. The town is known for its close-knit community, good schools, local events, and affordable homes in quiet neighborhoods. With a low cost of living, friendly atmosphere, and easy access to nearby job centers, Tonganoxie offers true small-town Kansas living for families seeking peace and affordability.

Kansas City, KS (KCK) is a growing city located where the Missouri and Kansas Rivers meet. It is one of the most popular cities in Kansas, known for strong job growth in logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare, led by the University of Kansas Health System. Residents enjoy the historic Strawberry Hill neighborhood, diverse dining on Central Avenue, and shopping and entertainment at The Legends Outlets. With the Kansas Speedway and Sporting KC stadium nearby, KCK offers affordable living, exciting sports, and a diverse community.