12 Reasons Why You Should Move to Kansas City

Kansas City has become a major destination—and with good reason. Spanning both Missouri and Kansas, the metro area’s midwestern charm, stunning landscape, and delicious dining make a lasting impression.

The area doesn’t only appeal to tourists. In 2022, over 163,000 people moved to Missouri from out-of-state, while Kansas welcomed 94,000 new residents. Many of these people chose the Kansas City metropolitan area, which is exactly where this article comes in.

As the moving experts, U-Haul is here to lay out some of the reasons to consider a move to Kansas City:

1. Robust economy

Kansas City recovered from the pandemic better than most other U.S. cities, ranking ninth out of the nation’s 50 largest metros. The economy is also extremely diverse, with no one sector making up over 15% of the area’s total employment. Healthcare, e-commerce, and retail are just some of Kansas City’s thriving industries.

2. Great schools

Are you considering a move with school-aged kids? Both the Missouri and Kansas sides of the Kansas City metro are known for their high-ranking public schools.

According to the Niche 2024 Best Schools List, these are the top school districts to look at in the area:

  • Blue Valley
  • Blue Springs
  • DeSoto
  • Lee’s Summit
  • Olathe
  • Park Hill
  • Shawnee Mission
  • Liberty
  • North Kansas City
  • Basehor-Linwood

But you don’t have to limit your family to public schools. Kansas City offers lots of amazing private schools too. Some of the best private learning institutions include the Pembroke Hill School, the Barstow School, and Rockhurst High School. When it comes to educating your kids, you really can’t go wrong here.

3. Central location

The secret is out: new residents love Kansas City’s central location. We’re talking easy access to the hidden gems of both Kansas and Missouri—and longer-distance travel is just as simple. Flights to New York and Los Angeles, for example, are under four hours.

And let’s not forget that Colorado and Nebraska are within road-trip distance. In Kansas City, there are tons of options for your next getaway.

4. Strong job market

An enticing job market is one of the main reasons people move out-of-state. Kansas City has a powerful labor force, with total nonfarm employment rising by 20,400 over the year ending in August 2023. Education, health services, and hospitality experienced the most growth, followed by logging and construction.

It makes sense that the Kansas City job market is strong. Major corporations like Garmin, T-Mobile, and Hallmark are all headquartered in the area.

5. Low cost of living

According to the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (EDCKC), the cost of living in Kansas City is 2.5% below the national average. Groceries, gas, and utilities are all affordable compared to many other parts of the U.S.

There’s a healthy housing market too. In November 2023, the average home sold for just $317,000 on the Missouri side and $218,200 on the Kansas side of the metro. Clearly, moving to Kansas City doesn’t have to break the bank.

6. Safe neighborhoods

Curious about where to live when you relocate to Kansas City? There are plenty of safe neighborhoods that’ll appeal to everyone. Within city limits, Brookside, Volker, and Waldo are comfortable, tree-lined, and community-oriented.

There are several nice suburbs in the area too. Parkville, Lee’s Summit, and Lake Waukomis are quiet, stunning options on the Missouri side. On the Kansas side of the metro, family-friendly suburbs include Olathe, Prairie Village, and Leawood.

7. Appealing entertainment

There are a few things you’ll want to see when you move to Kansas City. (Consider the dive bars on 39th Street, the shops on the Country Club Plaza, and the Kansas City Zoo.) There’s truly entertainment for everyone here in the metro, including for kids.

Legoland, Union Station, and the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium are a great place to start. Don’t forget to drop by the city’s historic jazz district for some extra variety.

8. Vibrant arts scene

Planning a long-distance move to Kansas City? You’ll be surprised by the metro’s buzzing art scene. The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts will deliver the inspiration you crave. The Kansas City Regional Arts Council (ArtsKC) is an incredible resource too.

9. Cultural diversity

If you aren’t familiar with Kansas City, it may come as a surprise that the area is extremely diverse. The metro welcomes people from all backgrounds and cultures, and it shows. Celebrations like Japan Festival, Irish Fest, and Fiesta Kansas City are evidence of this. Be sure to join in on the fun after you move!

10. Great sports teams

Whether you’re relocating solo, as a family, or in retirement, the sports teams in Kansas City can’t be beat (pun intended). Here you’ll find fans of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, the MLB’s Kansas City Royals, and more. The metro also has an incredible baseball history that you should definitely learn more about.

11. World-class barbecue

Did you know that Kansas City has some of the country’s best barbecue? It boasts over 100 smoked meat eateries, each one with a unique take on Kansas City-style barbecue. It’s no wonder that the metro hosts serious, high-profile cooking competitions like the American Royal World Series of BBQ.

12. Ample green space

Visit Kansas City, and you’ll notice the metro’s abundance of green space. If we’re talking numbers, it’s worth noting that KC Parks operates 220 lush parks and over 130 miles of greenways. The area’s 12,000 acres of nature include dozens of lakes, picnic shelters, and athletic fields for your outdoor enjoyment.

Trust U-Box for Your Next Move

Thank you for considering U-Box for your upcoming move to Kansas City. Here at U-Haul, our goal is to offer a stress-free moving and storing experience—each and every time. With our portable storage containers, we deliver convenience right to your doorstep.

So take your time and load your belongings at your own pace. Once you’re ready, our reliable drivers will transport your U-Box container directly to your new residence. If you need help loading or unloading, you can find local laborers via Moving Help to assist.

Ready to get started? Get a U-Box container quote today and make your move to Kansas City as seamless as possible.

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