What Should I Know Before Moving To Kansas City?

So, You’re Thinking About Moving to Kansas City?

Whether you're relocating for a new job, looking for more space, or just craving that Midwest-meets-culture vibe, Kansas City should absolutely be on your radar.

From our unbeatable mix of affordability and charm to our low-key great food and explosive growth, KC is one of the fastest-growing metros in the U.S.—but it comes with a few quirks.

I’m Kyle with Moving to KC, and I help people just like you move here every day. Let me break it all down so you know what to expect—and where you might want to live.

🧭 First Things First: Kansas City Is Two Cities

Let’s clear up the biggest relocation surprise: there are two Kansas Cities.

• Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO) — This is the big one, with downtown, the Plaza, stadiums, and most of the iconic landmarks.

• Kansas City, Kansas (KCK) — Smaller and more affordable, with lots of potential and fast-growing suburbs.

And then you’ve got dozens of suburbs, ranging from upscale (hello, Leawood) to family-friendly and affordable (think Blue Springs or Liberty).

💸 Is Kansas City Affordable? You Bet.

Kansas City’s cost of living is 7% below the national average, which means you’ll get a lot more house, patio, and driveway for your money. But the financial perks depend on which side of the state line you land on.

• Missouri side: Lower home prices and taxes overall, but there's a 1% city earnings tax in KCMO.

• Kansas side: Higher home prices and property taxes—especially in Johnson County—but no earnings tax and elite schools.

Everyday expenses like gas, groceries, and eating out? Still comfortably below cities like Denver or Chicago.

🗺️ Explore the City with This Interactive Map

Want to get a real feel for the layout of KC before you visit? Check out this amazing tool from Visit KC:

🔗 Explore the Interactive Map

• Browse neighborhoods

• Discover attractions

• Plan your future commute

• See what life looks like across the metro

It’s like Zillow meets Google Maps—but local and way more fun.

🏘 Where Should You Live? KC Has It All.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the kinds of places you’ll find across the metro:

💡 Pro tip: If schools are a priority, Johnson County (KS) is hard to beat. Blue Valley, Olathe, and Shawnee Mission districts are consistently top-ranked.

💼 The Job Market Is Booming

Kansas City ranks among the top cities for job seekers. And in 2025, opportunity is everywhere.

• Tech: Garmin, VML, and Cerner all call KC home

• Manufacturing: Panasonic’s $4 billion EV battery plant in De Soto is creating 12,000+ jobs

• Healthcare: KU Health System, HCA Midwest, University Health = top-tier care + careers

• Logistics & Transportation: With our central location, KC’s a hub for moving goods

🚘 Transportation: You’ll Need a Car (Mostly)

KC is spread out. Unless you’re living downtown, you’ll probably want wheels.

That said, we’ve got:

• RideKC bus system

• Streetcar (free and expanding!)

• Easy highway access — most people get across town in 20–30 minutes

• A brand-new $1.5B airport terminal with more direct flights

🚨 Tip: Want to avoid long airport drives? Consider living north of the river—Parkville, Gladstone, or KC North.

🌦 The Weather? Let’s Call It “Spicy”

Welcome to the Midwest—where you’ll use your furnace and A/C in the same week.

• Spring + Fall: chef’s kiss 🌸🍂

• Summer: humid and hot 🥵

• Winter: could be 60°, could be snow. It’s chaos ❄️

Buy a coat, keep sunscreen in your car, and prepare for anything.

🏫 Schools That Make People Move Here

If you’ve got kids, education might be at the top of your list—and KC delivers:

• Best Districts (Kansas): Blue Valley, Shawnee Mission, Olathe, De Soto

• Strong Options (Missouri): Lee’s Summit, Liberty, Park Hill

• Great private school options too—like Pembroke Hill and Rockhurst

Families love the balance of affordability, safety, and academic performance in our suburbs.

🍖 Let’s Talk Food (It’s Not Just BBQ… But Also BBQ)

Yes, KC BBQ is everything. (Slap’s. Q39. Joe’s KC. Thank me later.)

But our food scene in 2025? It’s exploding:

• James Beard-nominated chefs

• Trendy taco joints + mezcalerias

• Artisanal bakeries + cocktail bars

• Urban food halls and farmers markets

You’ll eat well here. Promise.

🏆 KC Newcomer Checklist

Is KC right for you? Let’s check:

✅ You’re done with hour-long commutes
✅ You like space (and yards!)
✅ You want good schools without $1M price tags
✅ You want more house for your money
✅ You’re looking for growth, stability, and a sense of community

❓FAQs About Moving to Kansas City

Q: Is KC a safe place to live?
A: Like any metro, it depends on the neighborhood. I’ll help you find a great fit.

Q: Can I get around without a car?
A: Technically, yes—if you stay downtown. But a car will make life a lot easier in most areas.

Q: What’s the vibe?
A: Friendly, laid-back, family-oriented—with enough arts, music, and sports to keep it interesting.

🎯 Let’s Find Your Spot in Kansas City

I’m Kyle Talbot—your local guide, real estate pro, and relocation wingman. If you’re even thinking about making the move, let’s chat.

📲 Call, text, or email anytime
▶️ Watch our KC neighborhood tours on YouTube
📷 Follow @movingtokc for local insights and listings

Whether your move is 30 days away or a year out—we’re here to help you land in the perfect place.

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.