44 Reasons to Move to Kansas City [The Best of KC]

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We can all agree there are many reasons to move to Kansas City, but which are important to YOUR family?

KC is relatively cheap. It’s a great city for families.

…and there are TONS of things to do in Kansas City. Plus, there are places where kids eat free every night of the week. Who doesn’t love that?!

Be sure to also check out our 5 Things to Know When Moving to KC with Kids.

Why Move to Kansas City?

Kansas City is a unique city, offering big-city amenities with a small-town feel. Life in Kansas City is perfect for families to call home. 

There are also tons of things to do with kids here! Grab The POGO Pass for 23 kids’ activities for less than $50! This is a steal.  

Read the Deals, Discount Codes & Money Saving Tips guide for even more ways to save in KC. 

Check out the best reasons to move to KC below. If you’re thinking of relocating to Kansas City, read more to check out what it’s like to live in Kansas City.

1. Outdoors!

There are SO many parks and places to play in Kansas City! Over 220 to be exact. Your family will have places to explore for months. 🙂 There are parks downtown, fountains all over KC, & tons of playgrounds for your kids to enjoy. Check out the Best Parks & Trails in Kansas City to find the perfect fit for your family! There are also fun places for day trips or weekend trips from Kansas City.

2. Our Local Libraries

KC is blessed with award-winning libraries throughout the metro. The Mid-Continent Public Library is nationally recognized as a top library, with TONS of family activities, events, and everything in between. There are other great libraries like the Olathe Public Library Branch, Johnson County Libraries, and the Kansas City Public Library. Find some of the libraries’ weekly events on our online calendar, including stuffed animal sleepovers, story times, STEAM programs, and computer classes.

Pro-Tip: The MCPL Calendar is chock-full of FREE things to do with your kids. 

3. Kansas Sunsets

Like John Wayne said, “Have you seen a Kansas sunset?” Marvel at the colorful pinks, warm oranges, and open views to soak in the picture-perfect sunsets. The beautiful sunsets are something spoken of in countless songs and poems. They are definitely worth moving for.

4. You can SEE the stars

There isn’t a better place to take in the wonderful starry nights. With all the open spaces, there are plenty of places for your family to gaze at the stars!

5. Midwestern Hospitality

Yes, Kansas City is a city, but we are one big community full of midwestern kindness. There isn’t a shortage of smiles and waves you get around KC. Block parties, neighborhood grillouts, holiday parties—your family will feel welcome wherever they go! We like to keep things casual and have fun, so come make some new friends.

6. KC = Family-Friendly

There are fun things to do with your family every day in Kansas City. Throughout the year, there are countless activities, events, camps, festivals, summer movie series & everything in between. The iFamilyKC events calendar is a fantastic place to find things to do with your kids!

7. Fresh, Local Produce!

Yes. Kansas/Missouri is known for farming, but that means FARMER’S MARKETS too! Shop fresh, local produce to feed your family at the many markets throughout the metro.

8. KC River Market

The City Market at the River Market is one the oldest & largest public farmers’ markets in the Midwest. It has connected local farmers to the KC community since 1857, so it is definitely a great feature to explore. Not only is the River Market home to City Market but there are also tons of delicious restaurants and fun shops all around the square.

9. BBQ

Depending on which person you ask, you’ll get a different answer as to which BBQ is the best. There are tons of local joints to taste, like Jack Stack, Q39, Gate’s BBQ, Joe’s Kansas City, and Arthur Bryant’s. Check out our complete Best of KC BBQ Guide for more yummy ideas.

10. Kaleidoscope

Free, fun things to do are the best things to do. Hallmark organizes an amazing creative outlet for kids to come & create countless art projects! Hallmark donates their leftover art supplies for your kids to get artsy at their creation center at Crown Center AND it’s free.

11. Affordable Living

Every family wants to save money, so come on over to KC! Affordability is one of the best pros of living in KC!

Kansas City ranked 7th for the most affordable homes, according to the ACCRA affordability index. Virtually everything is cheaper here than the national average, including groceries, utilities, housing, transportation, and healthcare.

12. Escape City Life Easily

Even though Kansas City is a city, you can escape to the country in less than 30 minutes from pretty much anywhere in the city.

13. Growing Art Scene

The growth of art districts across the KC metro has given us a diverse and exciting art scene. If you prefer classical art you can explore the Kaufman Center for the Performing Arts, or you can explore the contemporary art galleries located around downtown KC…there is something for every art lover in Kansas City.

14. We are Full of History

If your family loves history, KC is the place for you. We have the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the WW1 Memorial and Museum (the only one in the U.S.), the American Jazz Museum, and the College Basketball Experience, which holds the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, just to name a few. Each allows us to explore a different part of history, but there is SO much more in KC!

Check out our Kansas City Museum Guide for a FULL list of museums & educational opportunities in town!

15. The Nelson Atkins Museum

The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art is full of amazing artwork and is FREE! There are world-renowned paintings housed in their galleries, as well as an expansive outdoor sculpture garden. Check their calendar for upcoming events.

16. Some of the Best Hospitals in the Country

The KC metro is home to The University of Kansas Hospital and Children’s Mercy Hospital, which are both nationally recognized hospitals each year. They provide outstanding medical care to KC families in conjunction with the many other fantastic hospitals around the city. Your family is in good hands when you call KC home.

17. The Plaza

You’ll feel like you’re on a European getaway at the County Club Plaza, with its beautiful European architecture and many fountains. The outdoor shopping center is located just south of downtown KC and is home to tons of shops and restaurants for your family to enjoy.

18. The City of Fountains

Kansas City is known as “The City of Fountains”. We are said to have more fountains than Rome, and we even have our own City of Fountains Foundation that is responsible for maintaining our beautiful fountains so they can be enjoyed for years to come.

Pro Tip: The Plaza is full of fountains to admire.

19. Soccer

We are a sports city through and through, but soccer is by far the most popular sport for kids to play. The Overland Park Soccer Complex is one of the most well-known in the country and is home to the Blue Valley Soccer Club. There are also countless other soccer clubs that call the KC metro home, which also compete at the national level.

Livability even named Overland Park, KS, the United States’ top “soccer city”.

20. Downtown

Downtown is a great place for a night out or a Staycation in Kansas City with the kiddos. It is full of great restaurants, and fun things to do, like Science City, and even hosts First Fridays, a monthly art and culture event that gets the whole city excited.

21. Food Food Food!

Even though we are smack dab in the middle of the country, our food scene boasts a wide variety of options. From fantastic BBQ to delicious Thai cuisine, KC has everything to offer. Lidia’s is famous Italian fare housed in an old railroad house downtown, or try comfort food—the best fried chicken you’ll ever have, at Stroud’s.  It’s a KC tradition you do not want to miss. You’ll find more ideas for KC restaurants, lots with seasonal offerings, HERE.

Pro Tip: GIANT Wings from the Peanut are a favorite for anyone living in Kansas City…you HAVE to try!

22. We Have the Meat

There’s a stereotype that Kansas Citians love meat, and that couldn’t be more true. You can buy chicken, eggs, beef, pork, and many other types of meat that are raised locally, so you know your family is eating the best products possible, right in your own backyard! Check out the fantastic local butchers throughout town, including the Local Pig (our family’s favorite).  They even host butchering classes, so you can learn to butcher yourself  AND you get to take the product home. Classes fill up 6 months in advance, though, so plan ahead. Fritz’s Meat & Sausage is another local gem serving KC families since 1927 that you need to check out. Since 1946 Bichelmeyer Meats has been providing meat bundles, prepared foods, AND check out their “Dad’s Come Back” sauce!

23. Branson is only 3 hours away

Branson is a family-friendly vacation spot with too many things to do to list them all. Your family can enjoy the day at Silver Dollar City, a theme park with TONS of fun rides and an old-time feel, shop at the numerous outlets, or hop aboard the Branson Scenic Railway! There are water parks, shows, mini golf, and bumper cars. Your kids will have more things to do than you have time for! Check out our Guide to Branson Family Fun for more ideas.

24. Lakes in Every Direction

If you love boating, swimming, or anything outdoors, you can find a great lake only a short drive away. Whether you go to Table Rock Lake, Smithville Lake, Lake Jacomo, or Longview Lake, your family is sure to have fun outdoors. There are also great trails and parks at all the local lakes!

Pro Tip: KC Watersports is a cable lake just south of KC that offers wakeboarding for all ages & skill levels. It’s a great way to spend a summer day with the kids getting active. 

25. Very Little Traffic

Even though the Kansas City metro is home to over 2 million people, you wouldn’t know from the traffic. Besides rush hour, there isn’t much traffic, which makes living in Kansas City less stressful.

The KC metro is very spread out, which helps with traffic and gives families plenty of room to play without being on top of each other. However, the KC public transportation system is not the best, so you will need a car to get around. 

26. Nationally Ranked Education

The Kansas City metro is home to many wonderful education systems. The Blue Valley School District is consistently nationally ranked as one of the best school districts in the U.S. There are other great options like Lee’s Summit School District, Parkhill School District, & Shawnee Mission School District. US News ranks the best High Schools by state; check out the best schools in Kansas and Missouri!

27. KU!

The University of Kansas is only a short 45-minute drive from Kansas City. Your family can enjoy a KU basketball game at the infamous Allen Fieldhouse, or send one of your own kiddos to the fantastic university (and get in-state tuition).

28. KC Royals

Tailgating at a Royals game is a MUST. Since they won the World Series, the Royals have been The sports event to attend in KC. Our boys in blue are KC staples through and through! Check out the KC Royals kids fan club and Sluggerr’s Den too.

Pro Tip: Hi-Boys is right down the street from the stadium and has some of the best burgers and onion rings in KC! Don’t miss out on all its yummy deliciousness.

29. Kansas City Chiefs

Our KC  Chiefs have taken over our hearts! We’ve always loved them, but with Mahomes, at the helm, we’re destined for more fun and excitement on the path to big wins. Kansas City is proud of our Chiefs, so a game is a must for any sports-loving family. If you plan to build a life in Kansas City, you better read up on the Chiefs…Check out the KC CHIEFS KIDS FAN CLUB and get your littles engaged.

30. Sporting KC

We already mentioned KC is a soccer city, but Sporting KC really brings it home. The competitive, professional soccer team has been in the running for the MLS Cup for the last few years, so it is always an energetic thing to do with the kids.

31. Mavericks Hockey

You wouldn’t think ice hockey would have a home in Kansas City, but our Mavericks Hockey team is a fun night out for the whole family! Experience the thrill of a hockey game for half the price of most sports tickets.

32. Monarchs Baseball

The Kansas City Monarchs are our local Minor League Baseball team. They provide a fun way to watch some baseball on the cheap. The stadium is great & Monarch Baseball tickets are super affordable.

33. First Fridays

If your family likes art, food, music, or fun in general First Fridays is the place to be. Every first Friday of the month the Crossroads Art District turns into KC’s most lively thing to do. Explore food trucks, art galleries, fashion shows, street performers, and a wide variety of local, regional, & national artists. There is no shortage of live entertainment for your family to enjoy! Festivities begin at 5 p.m. and events change each month.

34. Hiking

We’ve already mentioned the great parks & trails throughout Kansas City, so hiking options are in no short supply. Your family can enjoy the great outdoors throughout the metro…there are too many places to hike!

35. Experience all 4 Seasons

Kansas City weather is anything but predictable. Your family can enjoy all the seasons fully right here in town! Summer is the perfect time for a float trip, check out our Float Trip Guide.  Our Halloween Guides and our Fall Fun Guides have everything you need to know for fall family events and activities. Our Winter Guides keep you updated on sledding, ice skating, Christmas, Santa, and more.  Our iFamilyKC Spring Guides provide Spring Break fun, camps, staycation ideas, Easter scoop and so much more. We have you covered.

36. Our New Street Car

Kansas City just added a street car downtown that runs from the River Market to Union Station. Your family can ride the street car for free & explore the city in style…and maybe do a little less walking. Our streetcar is one of just 33 fun things to do in KC featured in our online GUIDE. Bookmark it for easy access. 🙂

37. Starlight Theatre

The Starlight Theatre outdoor amphitheater hosts concerts, movies in the park, theater productions, and every entertainment option in between. It is a great place for you to enjoy music and movies. and the arts while also enjoying the great outdoors!

38. Growing Job Market

The Kansas City metro is far better than the national average for job seekers. There are many large companies that call KC home like Cerner, University of Kansas Health Systems, Garmin, H&R Block, and Hallmark, just to name a few. You can find many job opportunities here, which is definitely a pro for living in Kansas City. Couple that with the low cost of living, and your family will be living large here in KC!

39. Drive-In Movies

Not every city has drive-in movie theaters, but KC has a few for your family to enjoy. Grab a pizza, and some blankets, & head to the drive-in for a cheap night of family fun. You pay one ticket price & get to see a double feature—two movies for less than the price of one at the theater. We’ve got a Drive-In Movie Guide for you too!

40. ScreenPLAY!

B&B Theaters opened its first-ever ScreenPLAY! theater right here in KC! Your kiddos can play in the tunnels INSIDE the movie theater and enjoy a kid-friendly feature film. Check the link above for movies and times.

41. iFamilyKC 

Ok yes, we are a tad biased…But seriously! This magazine, website, blog, and group have really helped families get out and see what Kansas City has to offer! (we’ve received countless stories of families who can’t live without our resources.) They never knew so many new and fun places existed. Not to mention, moving across states can cost a lot of money, so I was always looking for deals on family activities.

iFamilyKC is the first place parents & grandparents look for discounted, fun, and cool things to do in Kansas City. We make Kansas City living easier for families!

To avoid that awkward “mom dating” I joined a ton of Facebook groups (like the iFamilyKC Parents Group!) to find other families in the area. Finding friends in KC is definitely a way to get you out and experience what KC has to offer.

42. Garage Sales are Big Here

Each spring, summer, and fall, there are garage sales galore! Get to know Kansas City by shopping at garage sales throughout the town. Many neighborhoods host organized garage sale weekends, or you can have your own successful garage sale with these garage sale tips!

43. So Many Places to Take Family Pictures in Kansas City

All the natural beauty makes life in Kansas City more enjoyable. Plus, it provides a perfect backdrop for your family photos. There are TONS of places, so you will never run out of new scenery. 

44. Tons of Family Friendly Breweries

Moms & dads increasingly seek their favorite craft beers, and Kansas City does not disappoint! We have over 38 family-friendly breweries throughout the metro. Many provide yummy food to accompany the beverages, plus activities, games, and outdoor seating too.

Do you Like Living in Kansas City?

There can be pros & cons to living in Kansas City, but we love it overall!

Otherwise, we wouldn’t be writing this piece! Rest assured, we have done our homework. Kansas City is a great place to raise a family. There are tons of kids’ activities all over town, and the people couldn’t be more friendly. Our city has a small-town feel with the comforts of city life.

KC is definitely a kid-friendly city.

If you’re planning on relocating to Kansas City, do it!

Moving to Kansas City Advice

Our best advice: move here! There are pros and cons to living in Kansas City, but it’s like that everywhere. The pros of living in KC, definitely outweigh the cold winters & stereotypes that you’re a farmer…

These Kansas City tips will help you adjust to KC in no time! All you have to do is get out there. 🙂

Want to stay ahead of the loop and know the scoop? Check out our iFamilyKC Parents Group or join The Scoop to get KC events & deals sent right to you. 

From our family to yours, iFamilyKC.