Top 10 Downtowns Near Kansas City

Everyone's always talking about downtown Kansas City, but let's be real. People that are moving here aren't necessarily living right on Main Street and Grand Boulevard. The truth is that some of the best downtowns in all of Missouri and Kansas are hiding right out in the suburbs and smaller cities around KC.

Today, I'm going to rank the top 10 best downtowns in the Kansas City metro. Some of them you're probably going to expect. You've heard them mentioned plenty of times. But others? They're going to be total curveballs.

If you're new here, my name is Kyle, and I've helped hundreds of people move to, from, and around the Kansas City metro. So if you're even thinking about moving in the next 3 days or 3 years, reach out at movingtokc.net/info.

Alright, so let's jump into this list.

Table of Contents

1. Downtown Kansas City
2. Downtown Prairie Village
3. Downtown North Kansas City
4. Downtown Overland Park
5. Downtown Parkville
6. Downtown Lee's Summit
7. Downtown Lenexa
8. Downtown Liberty
9. Downtown Olathe
10. Downtown Blue Springs
11. Downtown Kansas City

Coming in at number one is downtown Kansas City, and I know I said this was about areas near downtown, but this comeback story is too good not to talk about.

The Power & Light District, the Crossroads, the River Market, downtown KC is absolutely crushing it right now. I remember 15 years ago when downtown felt empty after 5 PM. Now it's got energy seven days a week.

You've got incredible restaurants, the streetcar connecting everything, thousands of people living in converted lofts and new high-rises, and development happening on every corner. The KC Current stadium at the riverfront, South Loop Park being built over I-670, new hotels, new apartments. It's wild how much has changed.

And the best part? Prices are still reasonable compared to downtowns in cities like Denver or Austin. You could pay $200K for a loft that needs work, or $600K+ for something completely modern with city views.

Downtown KC has become a legitimate place to live, work, and hang out, not just visit occasionally. And with projects like the streetcar expansion and Berkley Riverfront continuing to develop, this is just the beginning.

2. Downtown Prairie Village

At number 2, we've got downtown Prairie Village, and specifically the area around the Shops at Prairie Village.

Now, Prairie Village isn't a traditional downtown, but the Shops functions like one. You've got local shops, restaurants, coffee houses, and that walkable small-town feel that makes Prairie Village so desirable.

What sets Prairie Village apart is the combination of charm and location. You're minutes from Brookside, close to the Plaza, and in one of the most walkable suburbs in Johnson County. The tree-lined streets, mature neighborhoods, and that sense of community make it feel special.

Home prices around Prairie Village's downtown area are not cheap. Expect $450-700K+ depending on condition and proximity to the action. But you're paying for Shawnee Mission East schools, walkability, and that Prairie Village lifestyle that people move here specifically for.

This area has been "discovered" for a while now, so it's not a hidden gem. But it's popular for a reason. The quality of life here is just different.

3. Downtown North Kansas City

Coming in at number 3 is downtown North Kansas City, and this one's probably the biggest surprise on the list.

NKC has quietly become one of the coolest spots in the entire metro. You've got Chicken N Pickle, Cinder Block Brewery, The Rabbit Hole, and a whole strip of local bars and restaurants that feel more like a neighborhood in Portland than suburban Missouri.

What makes NKC work is authenticity. These aren't chain restaurants or corporate developments. It's local business owners who saw potential in this area and made it happen. The result is a downtown that actually has personality and draws people from all over the metro, not just locals.

And the value here is still incredible. You can find homes near downtown NKC in the $250-400K range, which is amazing for something this close to downtown Kansas City with this much walkable energy.

The area around Swift and Armour is where most of the action happens, and it's legitimately walkable. You can bar hop, grab dinner, catch live music, and never get in your car.

NKC is the kind of place where you move and wonder why you ever considered more expensive areas that don't have half the character.

4. Downtown Overland Park

Coming in at number 4 is downtown Overland Park. Now, this one's a bit different because OP's downtown is really focused around the farmers market area and 75th and Metcalf.

What makes this work is the $34 million renovation they're doing right now. When it's complete, you'll have indoor vendor spaces, outdoor shade structures, expanded seating, and a true community gathering space for concerts, watch parties, and events. Plus, all the local shops and restaurants that have been building up around the market area.

The farmers market itself is already one of the best in the metro, and now they're building infrastructure around it that could turn this into a legitimate downtown destination.

Home prices around downtown OP vary wildly depending on which side you're on. You could pay $350K for an older ranch that needs work, or $800K+ for something completely updated and walkable to the action.

What you're getting is quiet suburban neighborhoods, great schools, plus all the amenities that make Overland Park consistently rank as one of the best places to live in the country. And once this farmers market renovation is done, downtown OP could move way up on this list.

5. Downtown Parkville

Number 5 on our list is downtown Parkville, and this one's honestly underrated. If Hallmark movies were real, downtown Parkville would absolutely be the set.

Parkville sits right on the Missouri River bluffs, so you get these incredible views plus a walkable downtown that feels like it hasn't changed in 50 years, in the best way. You've got local boutiques, cafes, antique shops, and Park University right there adding some energy to the mix.

English Landing Park connects right to downtown, so you can walk from coffee shops to riverfront trails without getting in your car. And the farmers market here draws people from all over the northland.

Now, the trade-off is that Parkville can feel a little disconnected from the rest of the metro. It's about 20 minutes north of downtown KC, so if you work south of the river, the commute adds up. But if you're looking for small-town charm with river views and a legitimate walkable downtown, this might be your spot.

Expect to pay $400-700K for homes near downtown Parkville, but you're paying for that unique riverfront location and Park Hill schools.

6. Downtown Lee's Summit

At number 6, we've got downtown Lee's Summit. This is one of those downtowns that just keeps getting better every time I visit.

Lee's Summit's historic downtown has that perfect mix of local character and modern energy. You've got boutique shops, local restaurants, breweries, and they just completed the first phase of the $41 million Green Street Development. That includes an indoor farmers market, outdoor performance area, public art, and plans for a boutique hotel down the road.

The downtown area feels authentic, not like it was designed by committee. You can grab dinner, catch live music, and actually enjoy being there without feeling like you're at a strip mall.

Home prices around downtown Lee's Summit are still one of the better values for what you get. Expect to pay $350-500K for something walkable to the action, and you're getting Lee's Summit schools, which are ranked #4 in Missouri.

Plus, Lee's Summit has that "Overland Park of Missouri" vibe: great amenities, family-friendly, but without the Johnson County price tag.

7. Downtown Lenexa

Coming in at number 7 is downtown Lenexa, and specifically, Lenexa City Center. This one might surprise you because it's not a traditional downtown. It's completely planned and built from scratch. But you know what? It works.

City Center is basically what happens when you take the best parts of suburban living and make it walkable. You've got restaurants, shops, apartments, a farmers market, the civic campus, and even a public library all in one interconnected area. It's polished, it's modern, and it actually feels like a community gathering place.

The farmers market here is legitimate, ranked among the best in the metro. And there are events year-round, from concerts to festivals to the Lenexa BBQ Battle.

Now, homes near City Center aren't cheap. You're looking at $400-600K for something walkable to the action. But for Johnson County schools, modern amenities, and that planned community feel, it's actually solid value.

Lenexa's not trying to be quaint or historic. It's building a blueprint for what modern suburban downtowns can look like. And honestly? It's working.

8. Downtown Liberty

At number 8 on our list is downtown Liberty. This one's got that historic small-town square that feels straight out of a movie, and I mean that in the best way.

Liberty's downtown centers around the courthouse square, and it's one of those places where you can actually park, walk around, grab coffee, hit up local shops, and feel like you're in an actual community. They've got the Liberty Historic Square with local businesses, restaurants, and regular events throughout the year.

And here's what's exciting: Liberty just approved a major revitalization plan for their historic downtown that includes new lofts, shops, restaurants, and more housing. The goal is to keep that small-town charm but layer in modern amenities and gathering spaces.

Home prices around downtown Liberty are still reasonable. Expect to pay about $300-450K for something walkable to the square. Plus, you're getting into the top-rated school district in Clay County, which doesn't hurt for resale value.

Liberty's about 30 minutes north of downtown KC, so you get that small-town feel without being completely disconnected from the city.

9. Downtown Olathe

At number 9, we've got downtown Olathe, and I'll admit, a year ago this one wouldn't have even made my list. But downtown Olathe is having a moment right now.

Old Town Olathe is getting a complete glow-up. You've got new spots like Char Bar BBQ and Pizza 51 moving in, plus the County Square Commons project that's bringing new energy to the historic core. The downtown area has that authentic small-town feel, but with modern restaurants and shops that actually make it worth visiting.

And here's what's cool: Olathe's downtown still feels accessible. You're not paying downtown Kansas City prices, but you're getting walkable streets, local businesses, and regular events throughout the year.

Home prices near downtown Olathe range from about $350-500K, which is solid value for Olathe schools and Johnson County location. Plus, it's where they host the Old Settlers Day Festival and Parade every September, so you can walk right out your door to take part in the festivities.

Olathe's the kind of place where you can have that small-town downtown experience but still be 30 minutes from everything else in the metro.

10. Downtown Blue Springs

Coming in at number 10, downtown Blue Springs. I know it sounds crazy. Blue Springs isn't exactly known for its walkable downtown vibe. But hear me out.

This one's all about potential. For years, downtown Blue Springs has been, well, lacking. But the city just launched a massive master plan to completely revitalize the core over the next decade. We're talking mixed-use projects, new housing, streetscape improvements, and pedestrian upgrades across five different zones.

Right now, you can still find solid homes near downtown Blue Springs in that $250-350K range, but I'd get in now before this transformation really kicks into gear. The city's committed over $100 million to this downtown revitalization, and when cities put that kind of money behind a vision, things change fast.

Blue Springs already has great schools, ranked #7 in Missouri according to Niche, plus easy access to lakes and outdoor space. Once downtown gets its glow-up, this could be one of the best values in the metro for that small-town charm with big-city proximity.

Finding Your Perfect Downtown

So what do you think about this list? Each of these downtowns offers something unique, from the urban energy of downtown Kansas City to the small-town charm of Liberty and Parkville. Whether you're looking for walkability, local shops and restaurants, or that sense of community that comes with a true downtown, the Kansas City metro has options that can fit your lifestyle.

The beauty of Kansas City is that you don't have to sacrifice downtown living just because you're not in the urban core. These suburban and smaller city downtowns offer authentic experiences, local character, and real walkability, all while giving you access to great schools and more space than you'd find in the city center.

If you're thinking about making a move to the Kansas City metro, or you're looking for a place that offers that downtown lifestyle, we'd love to help. My team and I have helped hundreds of people find the right neighborhood for their lifestyle and budget.

Just head over to movingtokc.net/info to grab our free relocation guide, or shoot us an email at info@movingtokc.net. And if you want to stay plugged into everything happening in Kansas City, from new restaurants to development updates, be sure to subscribe to the KC Scene newsletter.

Thanks for reading, and I'll see you in the next one.

Hey, I’m Kyle Talbot—Kansas City real estate agent, content creator, and team lead of Moving to KC the #1 relocation-focused real estate team in Kansas City. We help people relocating to Kansas City—as well as local buyers and sellers—navigate the KC housing market with ease.