Located in the state of Missouri, Kansas City is a large city with a population of 471,767 residents. Not a fan of sitting in traffic? One big advantage of living in Kansas City is the reasonable commute times to work. With an average one way commute time of 22 minutes, getting to work is faster than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Kansas City, Missouri could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Kansas City, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, cost of living, health & safety and more.
Kansas City, MO receives 77 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #25 in Missouri and #2,458 in the USA. Clearly, Kansas City is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Kansas City also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! Based on the grades for each individual category, Kansas City has received high marks for cost of living (A+) and housing (A). There are some categories that Kansas City ranks poorly for, including: crime (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
Based on the proximity of local amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks, shops, etc., Kansas City has received a higher than average score for its local amenities. If you’re planning on relocating and making this area your permanent home, it’s nice to know that there is an ample amount of amenities and things to do within walking distance or a short drive. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: National World War I Museum, Country Club Plaza, and Country Club Plaza.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Kansas City has an unemployment rate of 0% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
Finding affordable real estate and apartments for rent in Kansas City can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Kansas City is actually affordable. The median home price for Kansas City homes is $135,900, which is 3.8% lower than the Missouri average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Kansas City, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 0% lower than the Missouri average.
| Statistic | Kansas City | Missouri | National |
| Average one way commute | 22min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.1% | 81.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.6% | 9.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.1% | 1.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.1% | 1.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.6% | 4.6% | 4.6% |
| Walk | Bike | Compact | Car | S.U.V. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | |||||
| Duration | |||||
| Cost/Month |
Here are the best places to live in Missouri
10 best cities to buy a new house in Missouri
These are the 10 most affordable cities in Missouri
Top 10 cities in Missouri with the best education system