Big beige houses, for you and me...(and soccer mom
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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.
Tim | Overland Park, KS