Thinking about relocating to Overland Park? You probably want space, a straightforward commute, and a community that fits your lifestyle. You also need clear numbers, simple next steps, and local context you can trust. This guide gives you a practical overview of neighborhoods, prices, commutes, schools, healthcare, and a step-by-step plan to land smoothly in Johnson County. Let’s dive in.
Overland Park snapshot
Overland Park is the second-largest city in Kansas with about 203,000 residents as of July 2024. The median household income is roughly $105,000, and the owner-occupied median home value is about $413,600 based on 2020–2024 estimates. You can confirm these citywide numbers on the Census QuickFacts page for Overland Park.
Home prices shift by neighborhood and by the data source you use. Market snapshots show a median sale price around $472,500 as of January 2026. Listing-price medians often run higher because they reflect active inventory rather than closed sales. When you compare prices, note whether you are looking at sold or listing data and always timestamp the figure.
Housing affordability is an active local topic. City and regional stakeholders have discussed adding more “missing middle” options to diversify home types. You can read about a predesigned-homes effort in local coverage of the Portfolio Homes concept.
Neighborhood guide by lifestyle
South Blue Valley area (66221, 66224, 66223)
South and southeast Overland Park offers newer subdivisions, larger single-family homes, and a higher overall price range. You will see modern floor plans, larger lots, and many planned communities. This area is a common target for buyers seeking recent construction and neighborhood amenities.
Central College Blvd corridor (66210, 66213)
Central Overland Park mixes established single-family neighborhoods with townhomes and condos. It sits near office parks and the College Boulevard corporate corridor, which can shorten commutes for professionals. Expect a range of resale homes and some newer infill.
North and Downtown Overland Park (66204, 66212, 66206)
Northern pockets and Downtown Overland Park have established neighborhoods and smaller yards in some areas. You will find local retail, a popular farmers market, and the city’s arts and recreation district. This is a practical choice if you value short local errands and a traditional neighborhood feel.
West 135th and Prairiefire area
The west and southwest feature newer mixed-use districts, single-family and townhome communities, and family-focused recreation. The Museum at Prairiefire anchors a cluster of dining and entertainment. If you want newer construction in a master-planned environment, include this area on your list.
Typical home types
- Condos and townhomes: Often the lowest entry price, especially near central corridors and mixed-use areas.
- Starter single-family: 1960s to 1990s ranch and two-story homes. Price and condition vary by block.
- New-construction subdivisions: Most common in south and southwest pockets with modern layouts and larger lots.
- Luxury and estate homes: Concentrated in select neighborhoods and in southern areas.
Tip: Use zip-level medians as a first filter when you set your budget. South zips such as 66221 often post higher medians, while central and northern zips like 66212 or 66204 can offer more price range. Always verify current pricing before you tour.
Commute and transit basics
Key highways and drive times
Overland Park residents rely primarily on US‑69, I‑435, and I‑35. These corridors shape most commutes and have ongoing improvement priorities, including US‑69. The average travel time to work for Overland Park residents is about 20 minutes, based on Census data. Your actual drive will vary by neighborhood and time of day.
Pro tip: Before you place an offer, map your peak-hour drives to your workplace from a few short-listed neighborhoods. Focus on interchanges like 69 and 435, College Boulevard, and Metcalf when you test routes.
RideKC transit options
Johnson County transit services operate under the RideKC brand. Park-and-ride and transit centers serve Overland Park, including a hub at Johnson County Community College. Routes have been realigning in 2025 and 2026, so check current RideKC bulletins before you plan a daily commute. If you work in downtown Kansas City, use your exact office address to plan a trial run with current schedules.
Schools and enrollment steps
Overland Park is served by multiple public school districts, notably Blue Valley USD 229 in the southern part of the city and Shawnee Mission USD 512 in northern and central areas. Boundaries can differ inside the same zip code, so school assignments should always be confirmed directly with the district before you make housing decisions. Start with the district portals for boundary maps and enrollment details.
If schools are important to your move, cluster showings within the same attendance zones and plan a quick visit to the schools you shortlist. Your agent can help line up those stops during a house-hunting trip.
Healthcare, employers, and amenities
Hospitals and specialty care
Access to healthcare is strong, with major facilities in the city. Overland Park Regional Medical Center is a regional hospital with an active expansion program. Menorah Medical Center provides additional hospital and specialty services. When you compare homes, factor in distance to your preferred providers.
Major employers and office hubs
Overland Park hosts regional headquarters and office parks that support careers in engineering, healthcare, IT, and corporate services. Companies regularly listed by the local chamber include Black & Veatch, area health systems, T‑Mobile corporate operations, and Hill’s Pet Nutrition. If you expect to work in the College Boulevard corridor or nearby, the central and south neighborhoods can trim commute time.
Parks, culture, and family recreation
Families gravitate to Overland Park for its parks, trails, and cultural stops. Favorites include Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Johnson County Community College and the Nerman Museum, Oak Park Mall, and entertainment at Prairiefire. Build in time during your scouting trip to visit a few of these spots. It helps you confirm which area feels like home.
Step-by-step relocation plan
1) Pre‑search (2+ months out)
- Set a complete budget that includes mortgage or rent, property taxes, HOA dues, utilities, and commute costs.
- Get mortgage pre‑approval if you plan to buy.
- Shortlist 3 to 6 neighborhoods or zips based on commute, school district, and amenities. Use zip-level medians as a first pass and note the date and metric.
2) Research and remote prep (3–6 weeks out)
- Confirm school boundaries and enrollment steps with the appropriate district. Start record requests early.
- Model your exact commute with RideKC schedules and park‑and‑ride options where relevant. Test routes from JCCC or Oak Park Mall hubs if those align with your commute.
3) House‑hunting trip (2–4 days)
- Cluster showings by neighborhood to compare like with like. Include drive-time checks during AM and PM peaks.
- Arrange school visits where possible. Capture notes on boundaries, transfer policies, and enrollment timelines.
- If you cannot attend closing in person, confirm remote options with your agent and title company early.
4) Logistics and move‑in
- Set up utilities and local services. The City of Overland Park maintains a helpful page of county and state service contacts for new residents.
- Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration with the Kansas Division of Vehicles. Review the KDOR instructions for address changes and credentials.
- Request school and medical records, including immunizations, and upload required forms through district portals.
5) First 30 days in town
- Review HOA rules, trash pickup, parking guidelines, and neighborhood meeting schedules.
- Register to vote or update your registration through state resources if desired.
- Test multiple commute routes and adjust departure times to find your best window.
How a local team helps
Moving across state lines is a lot to juggle. A local real estate team can turn a complex plan into a straightforward checklist.
Here is how we typically support relocating buyers:
- Neighborhood shortlists: We narrow your options to a 3 to 5 property target list based on commute, budget, and school boundaries.
- Virtual previews: We provide live video tours and floor-plan summaries before you fly in.
- Lender and inspector referrals: We connect you with trusted local partners for pre‑approval, inspections, and repairs.
- Trip coordination: We schedule showings by neighborhood and include peak-hour drive tests, 2 to 3 school visits, and time for offer strategy.
- Temporary housing: We help you secure short-term options if you need to bridge the gap between contract and closing.
- Closing logistics: We manage timelines, remote paperwork, final walk‑throughs, and utility transfers.
Ready to plan your move with a local guide who makes it feel easy? Reach out to Blake & Associates for a calm, concierge path to your next home.
FAQs
What does Overland Park cost today?
- The owner-occupied median home value is about $413,600 based on 2020–2024 Census estimates, and recent market snapshots show a median sale price near $472,500 as of January 2026. Always check whether a figure reflects sold or listing data and note the date.
How long is the average commute in Overland Park?
- The average travel time to work is about 20 minutes, according to Census data. Your drive will vary by neighborhood, corridor, and time of day, so map peak-hour routes before you buy.
Which districts serve Overland Park homes?
- Overland Park includes areas served by Blue Valley USD 229 and Shawnee Mission USD 512, among others. Since attendance zones can differ within the same zip code, confirm boundaries and enrollment steps directly with the district before making a decision.
Can I take transit to downtown Kansas City?
- RideKC operates Johnson County routes with park‑and‑ride locations such as JCCC. Routes have been evolving, so check current RideKC schedules and bulletins and plan a test run from your exact address.
What family amenities are nearby?
- Local favorites include Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, JCCC’s Nerman Museum, Oak Park Mall, and the Prairiefire district. Visiting these during your scouting trip helps you pinpoint the right neighborhood.
