If you’re thinking about moving to Kansas City, you’re in good company. Many families are moving to this bustling Midwest metropolis that’s been consistently rated one of the best places to live. This growing region has been getting a lot of press the past few years for its lower cost of living, fantastic employment opportunities, diverse entertainment scene, and overall quality of life. From its humble beginnings as an early hub for fur trapping and trade along the Missouri River, Kansas City has grown to become the largest city in Missouri. It’s also 27th on the list of the largest metropolitan areas in the country. There are lots of perks to this happening hometown, and we’ve listed our top six reasons why you should consider making it your new address. 

Photo credit: Dean Hochman, CC, Flickr

Top Employers Are Based Here

The employment outlook is bright for Kansas City, as the region attracts companies from a number of industries, from healthcare and technology to retail goods, food production, and business services. Major U.S. companies have corporate or established regional headquarters in the greater Kansas City metro, including H&R Block, Crayola, Hallmark, Russell Stover Candies, T-Mobile, Kansas City Life Insurance, and Garmin. The median household income for the area is $54,194 according to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau information. Prior to the pandemic in 2019, Kansas City saw year-over-year increases in total employment for nine consecutive years, with the unemployment rate at an impressive 3.3 percent, the lowest since 1999. 

An Affordable Midwest City

Photo Credit: Boulder Springs Community

One of the most attractive things about Kansas City is its affordability. From groceries to gas and housing to recreation, its cost of living is 2.5 percent below the national average. Families and students move to this bustling region and tend to stay put because of the abundant job opportunities and overall quality of life. The median sales price of a home is $250,000, well below the national median of $329,000. Property taxes are lower than the national average too, about .93% compared to 1.1%. KC has become one of the most affordable metros to live in the Midwest. 

Top-Notch Colleges and Universities

Photo Credit: University of Missouri-Kansas City

Options for higher education abound in KC with several top-performing colleges and universities. The University of Missouri-Kansas City is part of the University of Missouri school system that offers many quality programs including education, law, and medicine. One of the country’s top medical schools also makes its home here—Kansas City University Medicine and Biosciences is the largest provider of physicians in the state. If a career in the arts is in your future, consider the Kansas City Art Institute for specialties in animation, graphic design, filmmaking, and more. 

Nonstop Arts and Entertainment

Photo Credit: visitkc.com 

Being bored is not an option in Kansas City! This boomtown’s got your time off covered with lots of attractions, performances, and places to see. Get your jazz and live music fix at any one of the local clubs or venues, like Green Lady Lounge, Starlight Theater, or The Phoenix. Fine art and theater performances are all over the city, including the Kansas City Symphony and Kansas City Ballet. Art and history buffs will enjoy the many museums and galleries located downtown and in the surrounding neighborhoods. Experience the country’s rich musical history at the American Jazz Museum, or be inspired at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Learn more about the Great War at the National WWI Museum and Memorial, or check out the region’s railway heritage at Union Station.

Famous Barbecue and Food Scene

Kansas City is a popular foodie destination for good reason. The barbecue alone is worth the move! People pilgrimage from all over the country (and world) to taste the area’s famous barbecue that easily rivals that of Memphis or Austin. For the quintessential experience, make a stop at Gates BBQ or Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que. Crave something a little different? Make it a date night at a fine dining restaurant like The Antler Room or Corvino Supper Club. The city has no shortages of delicious steak houses including Jess & Jim’s Steakhouse and Stock Hill. Kansas City is recognized as one of the best U.S. cities for beer lovers, you can sample and enjoy some of the area’s tastiest craft brews throughout its many restaurants, bars, and speakeasies. 

Kansas City Is a Sports Mecca

Photo Credit: KC Kingdom

If you’re a sports fan, you’re going to love KC! The city boasts professional sports teams in baseball, football, hockey, and soccer to keep you and your family entertained all year long. Residents are passionate about their Chiefs and 2020 Superbowl champions! There’s also no shortage of baseball fans—the Kansas City Royals also pack Kauffman Stadium on the regular. And if you can’t snag tickets to games with your favorite teams, you’re sure to find fellow fans cheering them on at local pubs, bars, restaurants. 

Thinking about moving to Kansas City? Authentic Custom Homes is currently building six new communities in the surrounding areas and we have more on the way. Visit our Kansas City region page for all the details and to schedule your visit!