Kansas City

About Kansas City

Kansas City is nicknamed the City of Fountains, because it's home to over 200 different water features. The collection of fountains represents much of its culture, history and identity, ranging from large sculptural pieces in the downtown area to small, simple water features in local parks and green spaces. Kansas City's oldest fountain was built in 1898 and is called The Women's Leadership Fountain. Most of the original fountains in the city were installed for practical reasons, and the local Humane Society constructed over 100 fountains to dispense drinking water for horses, dogs and people.

Kansas City has a rich culture rooted in jazz and blues music, barbecue and craft breweries, and the city never lacks for entertainment. Several professional sports teams make their home in Kansas City, and it's an educational hub for colleges, universities and trade schools.

Living in Kansas City

If you're planning to join the job market in Kansas City, you'll find a variety of open positions. The top industries include agribusiness and the federal government, but there are also jobs in numerous sectors, including retail, food service, technology, health care and accounting. The city has earned several distinctions for its flourishing economy.

Kansas City has abundant housing options, with many neighborhoods that offer easy access to amenities. All year long, the city hosts festivals, parades, fairs and other community events that foster socialization and provide entertainment. For a theater buff, Kansas City has many performing arts companies. You can see a show at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre downtown or at the Starlight Theatre, a large outdoor venue that hosts a variety of performances.

Another one of Kansas City's claims to fame is its world-renowned barbecue. There are an impressive number of barbecue restaurants in the metropolitan area alone, and a local organization hosts one of the world's biggest annual barbecue contests.

Neighborhoods in Kansas City

Here are a few neighborhoods in Kansas City that you'll definitely want to explore:

Country Club Plaza

Country Club Plaza is one of the oldest outdoor shopping centers in the U.S., and is surrounded by cozy homes and apartment communities. The area has a Spanish-inspired design, modeled on a traditional village with mosaic tile artwork and sculptural fountains.

Westside

Westside has earned a spot on several "Best of" lists, and it's one of the most culturally and racially diverse areas in Kansas City. It's home to a fairly young population, including a number of multi-generational families.

Westport

The Westport neighborhood originated as a stop along the Santa Fe Trail, a 19th-century route that provided a connection to the American Southwest. Today, many people move there for the historic homes and quiet tree-lined streets.

Brookside

Brookside is a family-friendly community with plenty of shopping and dining within walking distance of many homes. Kansas City's rich Irish heritage is celebrated in this neighborhood during the annual St. Patrick's Day Warm-Up Parade, complete with bagpipers, Irish dancers and dogs.

Kansas City Schools

Kansas City Public Schools, which was founded in 1867, serves the schools. The city is home to a variety of elementary, middle and high schools, as well as early learning centers and an adult career center. You can also choose to enroll your child in a local private school, with hundreds of options available within city limits.

If you're planning to pursue higher education in Kansas City, you have your pick of many different colleges and universities. There are several campuses that provide specialized study tracks, including the Kansas City Art Institute and Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences.

Resources for Moving to Kansas City

Here are a few handy resources to help you make a smooth transition to Kansas City:

• Utilities: Kansas City Power & Light Company is the area's main electricity provider, and the city manages water and sewer services through the Kansas City Water Services Board.
• Garbage and Recycling: The city provides curbside collection of trash and recyclables, as well as leaf and yard waste pick-up during the fall and spring. You can request bulky item pick-up, and there are several drop-off locations for miscellaneous waste disposal.
• Public Transportation: Kansas City offers many options for public transit, including buses, street cars and city-run taxis. Public transportation routes link many of the area's neighborhoods, making it convenient to access much of the city.

Kansas City Housing

The median home price in Kansas City is significantly lower than the national average, as is the cost of rent. The city has a large variety of housing options, ranging from downtown apartments to cozy, single-family homes in the suburbs. You'll find plenty of affordable homes in Kansas City, no matter what style you're looking for.