Living in Kansas City: Pros and Cons
Kansas City continues to make its way into the headlines. From being named a host city of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to just completing its time in the spotlight as the host of the 2023 NFL Draft. While it may look good on television, when it comes to the everyday, what are the real pros and cons of living in Kansas City? In this article, Team Blake will detail the advantages and disadvantages that come with living in KC.
Pro: Kansas City’s Cost of Living
When it comes to pros and cons of living in Kansas City, the best place to start is by looking at the numbers. Let’s talk cost of living! According to Numbeo, the world’s largest cost of living database, a family of four’s estimated monthly cost is $3,624 without rent in Kansas City. Rent in Kansas City is, on average, 58.4% lower than in New York, and 30.1% less expensive than New York overall. When it comes to rent and the price of homes, Kansas City’s average rent comes to $1,220, while average home prices land around $439,207, according to RentCafe.com. From luxury high-rise apartments and condominiums to family homes surrounded by open land, Kansas City and the surrounding area offer a bit of everything for potential buyers.
Con: Transportation Challenges
While Kansas City and the surrounding neighborhoods offer plenty of diversity in home types and overall environments, this all creates a challenge when it comes to transportation. Unlike larger cities, KC does not have a public railway that easily connects suburbs to the city center. Owning your own car still remains the best way to travel around. However, Kansas City is working to improve its infrastructure by expanding its streetcar line that exists in the core of downtown Kansas City. By 2025, the KC Streetcar plans to finish construction on its Mainstreet Extension project winding through Westport, Midtown, and the Country Club Plaza.
Pro: A Savory and Substantial Food Scene
Foodies everywhere can rejoice for the food scene in Kansas City. You may have already known about the intense and extensive barbeque scene but Kansas City’s offerings extend far beyond just smoked meats. From the best burger joints to immersing yourself in the Italian eateries of KC, you’ll never be bored (or hungry)! Despite being in the middle of the county, Kansas City offers plenty of authentic cuisines from other countries. For example, when you travel down Southwest Boulevard you’ll find only the best in Mexican food, whereas heading north to Strawberry Hill will lead you straight to the best povitica from Strawberry Hill Baking Company. In addition to filling main courses, KC has plenty of local shops perfect for any sweet tooth. For ice cream lovers, Betty Rae’s offers both unique and classic ice cream flavors. Chocolate lovers will enjoy the family-owned Swiss chocolate confectioners Andre’s.
Con: Landlocked
It should come as no surprise that you won’t be waking up to the sound of waves crashing outside when you live in Kansas City. While the Midwest has its own beauty to behold, it is landlocked. While you may find a few lakes, rivers, and ponds where you can enjoy your fishing and water activities, you’ll have quite a ways to travel in order to reach the beach. Despite the lack of oceanside, it is extremely unlikely that you will have to worry about any tsunamis or hurricanes making their way to Kansas City.
Pro: Entertainment Galore
Kansas City is no longer the one-horse town it used to be. The entertainment options for families, couples, and singles, seem to grow day by day. The Power & Light District offers classic bars, restaurants, and clubs for weekend warriors. In addition, the Kansas City sports scene is unmatched. From the 2023 Super Bowl winners to the first soccer stadium purpose-built for a professional women’s soccer team, KC has to be one of the easiest places to catch a game. Kansas City offers an amazing range of professional sports teams to cheer on each season. Kansas City’s professional teams include:
- Kansas City Chiefs (NFL)
- Kansas City Royals (MLB)
- Kansas City Current (NWSL)
- Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
- Kansas City Mavericks (ECHL)
- Kansas City Comets (MASL)
- Kansas City Monarchs (American Association of Professional Baseball)
If sports aren’t your thing, take a spin through Kansas City’s robust jazz scene. Start your journey at the American Jazz Museum and swing your way through some of the hottest jazz clubs in the city. Green Lady Lounge and Lonnie’s Reno Club are a must-go.
Con: All Seasons are Showcased
For those new to the Midwest, the weather may be a huge shock to someone who is used to a more consistent weather pattern. When you’re in Kansas City, you’ll have the pleasure of experiencing every season (sometimes all in the same day!). Kansas City winters can be icey and harsh. On the other hand, Kansas City summers can be hot and humid. That’s not to say there isn’t relief in between. Spring can offer beautiful days at the park and nights driving with the windows down and fall can provide cozy nights around a campfire and the perfect opportunity to break out a flannel or two.
Pro: Professional Real Estate Agents Ready to Help
Our final pro that comes with living in Kansas City is the access to knowledgeable and friendly real estate agents ready to help you find your dream home! Team Blake is full of Kansas City Ambassadors that are ready to help you find the right home in the right neighborhood. Using your interests and lifestyle, we can give you insight into what areas may fit better and the advantages and disadvantages that come with each. If you’re ready to see the pros and cons of Kansas City for yourself, contact Team Blake today!
