Located in the heartland of America, Kansas City is a culturally rich and diverse city that offers a unique blend of suburban charm and urban excitement.
With a population of just over 500,000, Kansas City is the largest city in Missouri and the sixth largest city in the Midwest. This city is famous for its barbecue, jazz music, and sports scene, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Let’s explore the advantages and challenges of living in this vibrant city and help you decide if it is the right place to call home.
Pros of living in Kansas City
The city is steeped in history, culture, and entertainment, making it a top choice for anyone living in the Midwest. Here are some pros of living in Kansas City.
Affordability
Kansas City is one of the most affordable cities in the United States. According to Forbes, it is the third-cheapest city in the country to live in, with a cost of living that is 9.7 percent below the national average.
This makes it an attractive choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank.
See: Cheapest Neighborhoods To Live In Chicago
Vibrant Culture
Kansas City is home to an incredibly vibrant and diverse culture. The city is famous for its close proximity to the home of jazz, and it is filled with live music venues that play a variety of genres.
Additionally, Kansas City is a hub for art, with its many galleries and museums showcasing everything from classical works to contemporary masterpieces.
Great Food Scene
Kansas City is known for its mouthwatering barbecue and offers some of the best cuisines in the nation.
The city has a long history of perfecting the art of smoking meat, and residents can enjoy a variety of slow-cooked meats topped with delicious sauces. In addition to barbecue, Kansas City offers an impressive selection of restaurants that serve everything from Mexican to Italian cuisine.
Thriving Sports Scene
Sports lovers will enjoy living in Kansas City, home to several successful sports teams. The Kansas City Chiefs are a beloved football team that has won numerous championships, including the Super Bowl in 2020 and 2023. The city also boasts a vibrant baseball team, the Kansas City Royals, who have won two World Series championships.
Outdoor Recreation
A wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities surrounds Kansas City. The city boasts over 200 parks, providing plenty of space for hiking, biking, picnicking, and more.
The Missouri River runs through the city, offering water sports like kayaking and fishing. Additionally, Kansas City has several world-class golf courses, perfect for avid golfers.
Excellent Healthcare
Kansas City has several top-notch healthcare systems, including the University of Kansas Hospital and Saint Luke’s Health System.
Both hospitals have received recognition for their high-quality care, making them a top choice for anyone who values their health.
Strong Job Market
Kansas City’s economy thrives, with several major employers, including Cerner Corporation and Hallmark. The city has diverse job opportunities, from technology and healthcare to finance and manufacturing.
Additionally, the unemployment rate in Kansas City is below the national average, making it an attractive choice for job seekers.
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Cons of living in Kansas City
Moving to a new place comes with its own pros and cons, and Kansas City is no exception to this rule.
While Kansas City may seem like a good place to start your new life, there are some things you may want to consider before moving. Here are the cons of living in Kansas City:
Tornado Alley
Kansas City is located in Tornado Alley, a region in the central United States prone to tornadoes. This means that residents in the area are at a higher risk of experiencing a tornado than in other areas in the country.
While the city has systems to warn residents of an incoming storm, it can still be a scary experience for some.
High-Income Taxes
Kansas City is known for having some of the highest income taxes in the country, at about 3.10% to 5.70%. This means that residents who earn a high income could pay a significant amount toward taxes. In addition, the sales tax rate in Kansas City is 9.13%, which is higher than the national average.
The high tax rates can affect your disposable income, making a living comfortably or investing in other necessities challenging. It is also worth noting that the tax system in Kansas is very complicated, which can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the process.
Landlocked Area
Kansas City is located in the heart of the Midwest, a landlocked region far away from coastal resorts. This location means that Kansas City doesn’t enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze or the vibrant marine life on the coasts.
Living in Kansas City can be disappointing if you’re a beach lover, as you have to travel long distances to reach the nearest beach or seaside resort. Additionally, coastal states may have more temperate weather patterns, which may be appealing compared to the harsh Midwest climate.
High Crime Rate
Kansas City has a high crime rate compared to many other cities in the Midwest. The rate of violent crimes, such as robbery, assault, and murder, is relatively high, affecting your safety and loved ones. Kansas City is reported to have one of the highest homicide rates in the United States, with a murder rate of 30.4 per 100,000 people.
The high crime rate is often concentrated in specific neighborhoods, and it’s essential to research before settling on a place to live. In addition, the Kansas City police department is often stretched thin, which can affect their response time and ability to enforce the law effectively.
Highly Unpredictable Weather
Kansas City is known for having highly unpredictable weather, with extreme temperatures and weather conditions that can change rapidly.
In the summer, temperatures can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while winters can get as cold as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. The city also experiences severe thunderstorms and snowstorms, which can be dangerous and cause property damage.
Conclusion
Kansas City is a great place to live, filled with a variety of amenities and opportunities for everyone. The city has something for everyone with its affordable cost of living, vibrant culture, mouthwatering cuisine, thriving sports scene, outdoor recreational opportunities, excellent healthcare, and the robust job market. While Kansas City may have its fair share of pros, it is essential to consider the cons before making a move. With high-income taxes and a high crime rate, it may not be the best place to settle down for some.
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