Olathe

About Olathe

Olathe is a large city near Kansas' eastern state line, bordered by the cities of Lenexa and Overland Park. Its population has been steadily increasing in the past several decades, earning Olathe a spot among the largest cities in the state.

Incorporated in 1857, the city of Olathe was named for a Shawnee word meaning "beautiful." The city is known as the Cowboy Boot Capital because tradition holds that former resident Charles Hyer was one of the original inventors of the cowboy boot in 1875.

Living in Olathe

Olathe is well-known for the exceptional quality of life it provides its residents, and has been named one of the best small cities in the U.S. Because it's just 20 miles southwest of downtown Kansas City, Olathe has many cultural and economic advantages. Additionally, the city's school system is considered one of the best in the nation.

There are plenty of options for outdoor recreation in Olathe, on the city's fitness trails, tennis courts and baseball diamonds. Some additional popular activities include biking, running, fishing, boating and swimming. Olathe has two public lakes and four public swimming pools, and the area is also a popular place for hot-air ballooning.

Jobs in Olathe

Olathe is home to several large commercial and industrial parks that house a number of large companies and organizations. A few of the large employers based in these complexes include ALDI, Honeywell, Grundfos and Farmers Insurance Group. There's also a Federal Aviation Administration air traffic control center in Olathe, as well as a busy executive airport.

If you're looking for a job in the area, these businesses are a great place to start. However, there are several other large employers in the area as well, spanning many different industries. The Olathe Unified School District, GARMIN International and Olathe Medical Center provide thousands of local jobs.

Olathe Schools

A few school districts manage the public schools of Olathe: Olathe Unified School District, De Soto School District and Blue Valley School District. Olathe Unified School District has won many Blue Ribbon School Awards as well as a Kansas Award for Excellence and is also known for its music education programs.

Resources for Moving to Olathe

As you prepare for your move to Olathe, the following information will be helpful:

• Utilities: KCP&L, Westar Energy and Atmos Energy are the city's primary energy providers. The city and county water districts both manage public water services.
• Garbage and Recycling: You'll purchase city-designated bags to use for trash and recyclables disposal, both of which will be collected on a regular basis.
• Transportation: Johnson County Transit operates a network of bus routes throughout Olathe.
• Personal Vehicles: Motor vehicles must be titled in the county where the vehicle is garaged and cannot be legally operated without a title. Kansas Highway Patrol must inspect vehicles that were formerly titled in another state before the owner can apply for a Kansas title.
• Pets: All outdoor dogs and cats must be licensed unless they are kept in a cage or a covered run. A special permit is required to house more than four animals older than four months of age.

Olathe Housing

Homes in Olathe are, on average, more expensive than in many parts of the Kansas City metropolitan area. The median home price is well above the national average as well, rising steadily in recent years. The large and active housing market is filled with a variety of options, however, so you can find something to suit your tastes and budget.