Just another dump in a flyover state - 3/9/2020

Wasted 20 yrs living here, a lot of people want out but get trapped once they have families, I consider myself lucky and happy to have left this dump. This place is boring with simple minded country folks. Nothing to do but go to a small shopping mall oak park mall or drive 40 minutes to the plaza in KCMO for shopping or dining, not many choices either or drive 30 minutes to KCKS go to Nascar If this is your thing.. Overland Park itself is a just a bunch of brown or beige cookie cutter homes. The only plus side here is that housing is affordable as you are only paying for construction materials as the actual land is worthless. unlike other cities where people want to live in, here you can purchase a 4k sqft for what you would buy a starter home anywhere else. So if you want a big house and your life revolving about mowing a big lawn this is the place for you. James |

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Overland Park is Family Utopia - 2/17/2020

Overland Park is family Utopia. If you want a good place to raise your family with above average to great public schooling then OP is the place for you. Housing is a little expensive but not as bad as your Chicago's, Denver's or St.Louis. And if you don't want new housing then the established neighborhoods are still in good standing and you can find affordable housing. If you have kids that are active you'll have no problem placing them in sports, dance, etc. There's plenty of places for that both rec. and tournament. The Kansas City area is home to a couple of regionally recognized soccer complexes (I don't like soccer but it's good for the community), a former NBA arena changed into a multi-court basketball and volleyball tournament venue, several tournament quality baseball facilities and more. In Overland Park are also two high quality school districts and a handful of top notch private schools. As a family you'll have plenty to do as well. There are a sufficient number of parks, entertainment boxes (such as Main Event, Skyzone, etc.), shopping, and loads of places to eat. Also as part of the Kansas City metro you are close to the KC Chiefs and Royals, Sporting KC (MLS soccer), Kansas City symphony, Crown Center (Hallmark shopping center, yes THE Hallmark cards), Plaza (high end shopping and eating), Kansas City Power and Light entertainment district downtown and World's of Fun (amusement park). The most recent knock on OP is the expansion of Apartment/Retail/Entertainment developments on the main streets of the city. Longtime locals HATE this because of the influx of population these developments are going to cause. My view on this is that at one time Overland Park was a small suburb of Kansas City. Now it is a LARGE suburb of Kansas City and in some ways becoming it's own city next to Kansas City. So it's a city that is becoming a legit city. But it's still a family city. If you're moving to the KC area it's probably the best place to live. If you want to live in the midwest with all four seasons it's a good place for that too.

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How often does the EPA test the air quality? - 2/3/2018

We visited Overland Park and a very nice place. I was also told that Overland Park is also one of the most expensive cities to live in the US. In looking at the water and air quality, I'm thinking wow! What happened here? On the air quality...how often do they assess the air...every day? Doubtful. With that said, if they check it once a year or so, isn't that only a snapshot of the air quality at that specific time? To post the chances of getting respiratory diseases and such, is that really an accurate assessment? And the water...what happened here??? Really? If Overland Park is one of the most expensive places to live, why don't they have better water or is that not an accurate assessment either?

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Life in Overland Park is what you make of it - 3/24/2016

I have lived in Kansas/Missouri my whole life. I have lived in Wichita KS, St. Charles/St. Louis, MO; and the last 22 years in Overland Park, KS (which is like living in KS and MO at the same time.) Kansas and Missouri are quite similar so I can honestly say that I know the area. They say that the USA is the "melting pot" of the world. I would say that the Greater Kansas City area (Kansas City and the 30 or 40 towns around it that combined make up the area) is the "melting pot of the melting pot". Since we are in the center part of the USA, many large businesses have made this area their headquarters. We have people from every state and a lot of people from many different countries. Some have been transferred here and are just working here. Some are citizens that have lived here their whole lives. Some hope to become citizens and are working here to make a better life for themselves. I have read previous comments about Overland Park and from those comments I could tell before I checked where these people lived and if they had lived here for very long. If you want a place to live that is upper class, we have that. If you want a middle class life style, we have that. If you are in the lower class and are trying to make ends meet, we have that. In general, the people are friendly, the food is good and there is something for everyone. Unlike, what some have said, we do have things to do here. But to be entertained is expensive. If you can entertain yourself then there is plenty to do here. We have lots of lakes and ponds to walk around, sit and enjoy or fish to your hearts content. We have parks of all sizes from little corner parks with a few bbq pits and a couple of swings to parks that have multiple sections with equipment for each age groups and climbing rocks and lakes and many walking paths. We have lots of 'nature'. Like was said in another comment "the winters are cold with some snow, the springs are unpredictable but wonderfully new, the summers are hot but not too hot with some rain, and fall is colorful and full of anticipation. It is said of Kansas/Missouri, if you don't like the weather just wait a couple of hours and it will change. We have history, The Civil War - Kansas for the North and Missouri for the South which made an interesting combination. Indian history and missions, Santa Fe Trail and under an hour you can see Leavenworth Federal Prison next to Ft. Leavenworth and the state capitol in Topeka. We have Jazz and the Blues, museums, Kansas City Symphony, trolley cars, KC Zoo, World of Fun/Ocean of Fun, Legoland, Science City, Wonderscope, Powell Gardens. We have baseball, football, soccer, hockey, Nascar racing, golf and many malls if your into malling. Yes, there are stuffy people in this general area. A lot of thoses people were transferred into the area and live in subdivisions where other people who were transplants live. We have poor needy people. But this is a place where you can make life whatever you want to make of it. We can enjoy life and freedom here at a speed where we can take a few minutes to breathe every once in a while. If you are planning to move to this area: Welcome!

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Big beige houses, for you and me...(and soccer mom - 4/26/2015

We have lived in Overland Park for the better part of 25 years. In my job I travel the country, so have a basis for comparisons to other places I have been, or lived. OP is your typical large suburban city, with the older core to the north (more middle class) as development moved south. The part of the city south of 435 is more upper middle class. For the most part, people here are Midwestern nice. You can strike up a conversation with most strangers and if you make an effort, it is no hard to meet people. Like any affluent suburb, it has its share of new money, self-absorbed jerks (like Scottsdale or the NW Dallas burbs) and people trying to keep up with the Joneses. There is very little diversity in OP. The largest "minority" is Asian (8%) with the largest portion of that group coming from India. African-Americans and Hispanics are hard to find in OP. OP has easy access to attractions in the KC metro area by car. There is also bus service. No light rail. The state of Kansas has very few natural attractions. Once you have seen the Flint Hills, the Chalk Monuments and fields of sunflowers, that's about it. Fortunately the Missouri Ozarks and Arkansas are a few hours away. You will experience all 4 seasons here. Winters are always cold (with periods below zero) but it does not always snow. Summers can have temps over 100 but the last 2 have been mild. Fall is usually lovely. Spring can be temperamental since we are on the north end of tornado alley. Politically, OP is more moderate than the rest of a very "red' state. Democrats do win office here on occasion. That being said, CA or NY liberals would still stick out here. Cost of living in OP is 15-20% higher than the national average, but you can get a lot of house for your dollar compared to the coasts and some sunbelt cities. Housing prices run between $100-150/Square foot, rents around $1 per SF per month. Property taxes are higher than the rest of the state. The city of OP has its act together. They proactively plan growth, infrastructure and manage their finances well. Crime is relatively low. This combined with the fine school districts, reasonable housing costs and kid friendly attractions in the metro KC area make it a good safe place to raise a family. The Blue Valley School District serving the area south of I435 is very strong, with all high schools producing average ACT scores of 25 or higher. The north part of OP is served by the Shawnee Mission School District. Of the high schools there, East is the closest comparable to the Blue Valley schools. There are many opportunities for kids to be active in club sports or other activities outside of school. Not exciting, not diverse, not culturally or geographically stimulating. Safe, family friendly, boring Midwestern suburban cul-de-sac living with good public schools.

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Overland Park has lost its charm. - 8/15/2014

My parents moved to Overland Park in the mid 80's and the area has lost any small town kansas (heart of America charm) that made the area such a wonderful place to live to begin with.Its become a area that has become over run with elitist pompous upper middle class citizens.I swear the people of this community act like its Orange County California.I worked at The blue valley school district as a janitor.I was amazed how the teachers and custodians where treated like servant's to over privileged high school children and patrons who only care about their own selfish obsession with blue valleys image.If you're a pompous millionaire wanna be,and the east or west coast is to expensive then Overland Park is just for you.

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BV schools - 3/23/2014

Can't beat Blue Valley schools - the dedication of the teachers is second to none.

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Housing can be affordable - 10/25/2013

Overland Park, KS is a burdgeoning suburb just south and west of Kansas City, MO. Housing is affordable, depending on where you live and your buying power. First location: Lots of value based property exists in OP north of the I 435 loop that encircles the Greater Kansas City area. by value based I mean existing homes that are turning over to young families and people looking to buy their first home. You can get into a nice but modest 3 BR 2 bath home around 200K. There are plenty of "McMansion" neighborhoods in the sprawling suburb, especially south of I435. But if you're looking for "good value" and don't need to impress your relatives, like the idea of less congestion, good to great schools, shorter commute times and great parks, North-Central Overland Park can be great value.

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OP, Kansas - 6/1/2013

Good place to live in regards to infastructure. Safe, clean ,neat, good zoning. Boring & very homgenious in looks and people.

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Great Place To Live!!!! - 11/1/2012

I grew up in Kansas City, KS and have live in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and San Diego; and all of these cities are substantially more materialistic and unfriendly than Overland Park. Obviously in every city there are people that take themselves way to seriously, and there are some people in Overland Park that are centered around money but the majority of people are hard working, honest, and great neighbors. The schools are phenomenal, there are parks and bike trails everywhere, and plenty of resturants and shopping areas. I would agree with Tony's opinion on transit, as most large cities have a public transit system and it's one thing that is really stopping OP from getting an A+ grade. If you are one of the people that has met nothing but materialist people in this great city, you're simply hanging with the wrong crowd and need to find your friends elsewhere! There are a ton of us out here who just enjoy having fun and have no desire to "keep up with the Joneses".

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Looks good on paper... - 10/11/2012

My husband is a consultant, and we can live anywhere in the midwest we choose. In 2007 we moved to Overland Park for the great schools, inexpensive houses, and proximity to KC. It seemed perfect - but then we met the people! It truly is a mecca for materialistic and the close-minded. Our neighborhood had a high-school-like pecking order. No one was interested in anything but money and showing off. We have lived all over the midwest (WI, MN, IA, IL) and never experienced anything like it. Of course we met some nice people, but the overall feeling was so empty. It doesn't feel like a cohesive town - Just a bunch of suburban neighborhoods scattered about. We couldn't bear for OP to be our daughters' hometown, so we moved to the twin cities in 2011.

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OP Truth - 5/23/2012

I completely agree with Robert. My family has lived in other cities/states and have never encountered meaner, more materialistic, money grubbing, two faced people in our lives. OP people really do teach their children that money is the most important thing in the world. When you meet someone new, the first thing they will tell you about is all the things they own and how much money they have. My opinion, don't move here if you want your children to grow up well balanced and adjusted to the real world! I wish we would have never moved here! Oh, and for all the OPers that would say I'm only saying this because I'm jealous/poor. I'm not saying this because I'm jealous, not that it matters but my husband is a doctor. I'm saying this because it's true and want to get the truth out to people who want to know about this city. These people are just plain mean and uncaring and teaching their children to be the same...

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best place evarrr! - 2/5/2012

So I have lived in Overland Park ever since my husband and I got married and had to relocate because of his job. I was a little worried at first because, to be honest, he is 57 and I am 23. But you know what, I totally fit right in. Like, this place is awesome. I feel like everyone cares as much about their stuff as much as I do. It's great. We don't have much of a lawn that we have to mow and my little pomeranian Phoebe just loves walking around the Plaza with me (well she rides in her awesome doggy bag that I carry hehe). I mean I know the Plaza isn't really in OP but KCMO is close enough and gas isn't too bad for my Denali (its not like gas is 4 bucks a gallon or anything). OH and i just love my workout classes at Lifetime. Its like, I have i have my own "workout" community there or something! I know Kansas is like flat, but when you have the money you can like buy your happiness anywhere here. There are soo many shopping opportunities! And don't get me started on all those awesome restaurants. Oh yea, and there aren't any bums unless you like go downtown. They can't afford OP so no worries there. Well, I hope that everyone else loves it as much as I do <3 lovies.

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Cost of Living - 1/25/2012

Looking for reviews on Overland Park cost of living.

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Overland Park - 4/11/2011

OP is a nice place to live. It is next to Kansas City and you can hop on 435 and be anywhere you want to be in a city that is jam packed with fun stuff to do.

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Overland Park, Get Over Yourself! - 4/5/2011

I moved to Kansas in June 2006 from Los Angeles and I was born in KCMO in 1969. My parents left KCMO in 1970. Alot of my immediate family remains, with no plans of trying something new. Since I've lived here it's unreal how far and slow Kansas is behind the curve. This KU thing is so out of touch, It is like the only school in the world. There thing's happening around in other cities and Overland Park still has it head up it's B#%T! Funning to watch. Homes are reasonable. I believe a light rail system could help. I'm blessed to be formally trained and realize that this area has alot of catching up to do, every major metro has some form of rapid transit system.

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Kansas City - 7/7/2010

Nice place to live, but it is too cold for me.

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An honest review - 7/20/2009

I moved my family to Overland Park from the East Coast back in 1999. At the time, my job was offering lucrative transfers for employees. After talking it over with my wife, we decided the Midwest might be a better place for us to raise our children, so I took the offer. Ten years later, we've seen the good and the bad, and feel we can offer a true evaluation of living in Overland Park. Good 1. It's cheaper to live here than it is on the East Coast 2. Very nice houses 3. Lots of business (Sprint and Cerner are the major employers) 4. Great schools 5. Nice parks 6. Lots of entertainment options nearby (pro sports teams the Cheifs, Royals and Wizards, Worlds of Fun Theme Park, Country Club Plaza, etc.) 7. Safety 8. Located close to a major international airport 9. Located about an hour away from the University of Kansas Now the bads: 1. It's cheaper, but not that much cheaper. Property taxes more than make up for the seemingly cheap price for a house 2. Very bland and extremely conservative population 3. It's about keeping up with the Joneses. People are materialistic and love their children through money, not actual love 4. Traffic is becoming heavier and heavier as the suburbs continue to grow 5. Lots of broken families and households due to money being the biggest priority 6. Unpredicatable weather throughout most of the year Overall, we aren't loving it here, but we aren't hating it either. Likely after our last child graduates high school in two years, we'll move back East. For the Midwest, they have somewhat skewed values compared to other cities and towns in the area. It was a bit disheartening as that was a big reason why we ended up settling here. If you decide to settle here, you'll have a nice, clean, safe life, but your children will be exposed to closed mindedness, greed and materialism that could give them the wrong ideas on how to live life. My two cents, for what it's worth.

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People, before you get excited read this - 7/18/2009

Overland Park, the people. The economy is going backwards there anyway and it will keep going downwards, wherever there is a place, where people do not act themselves, is destined to be doomed... Look, this is a nice city, safe, reasonable house pricing, good schools. Also, good jobs, But, The people I have visited many cities (nature of the job) and i continue to find Overland Park people as sick, racists (I am very white by the way) and just plain depressed. I think it has to do with their school culture, arrogant and filled with politics. Do not move here, you will soon find out that they are a bunch of Robots and the are sucked out of life. No one in this City acts him/her self. Think about it, they are lost between whether they are southerns or east coast or west coast. Better go to New York or Texas (the extreme opposites) than this place. At least in New York, people are can be either real good friends or absolute strangers and so is the way in Texas. Find what you are inclined to, west coast, east, south, but please not Overland Park where people are sucked out of life, un natural, and arrogant in a very rude way.

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Quality of Life in Overland Park - 6/25/2009

OP is a great place to live because of great schools, reasonable cost of living and easy to get around.

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