10 Reasons People Love Living in Overland Park

As the second biggest city in Kansas, Overland Park offers residents a lifestyle that’s equal parts exciting and laid-back. The area’s natural beauty, paired with its strong community ties, are just two of the reasons why more and more people are starting to call this place home. Here are some more reasons why people love living in Overland Park.

Overland Park features decently affordable housing: in fact, the median home price here is about $350,000, which is lower than many other major cities. The overall cost of living is also affordable, so you can take full advantage of the area without blowing your budget. Homes tend to be single-family units on large plots of land, so you’re sure to get your money’s worth here. You’ll certainly be able to find a spacious and comfortable home in which to raise your family.

 

Overland Park is anything but boring. With a population of just under 200K, there are plenty of residents to keep things diverse and exciting. Enjoy restaurants and a range of activities, both indoors and out. 

However, what you won’t find in Overland Park are the stressful lines and traffic jams that often come with busy cities. People here are laid-back and relaxed, and the city allows them to stay active without feeling too overwhelmed. Overland Park is truly a city without the hassle, and you’ll feel right at home in this close-knit community.

 

Overland Park supports local businesses and sustainability, especially through farmer’s markets. For over 30 years, the Overland Park Farmers Market has served up fresh produce, baked goods, and specialty items at their downtown location. There are hundreds of vendors, from Fairway Creamery, LLC to Bauman’s Mobile Meat Market. 
If you’re looking for something a little different than your average grocery store run, plan a weekend excursion to the Overland Park Farmers Market. Bring your sustainable bags, and get ready to shop local!

 

There’s no denying that Overland Park is a musical city. From street performances to lively bars, there’s a song around every corner. Local musicians often set up shop on the sidewalks during town events and farmer’s markets. 

There are also several bars where you can jam, such as The Piano Room, Greenlady Lounge, or Knuckleheads. Kick back with a brew, and enjoy the tunes any day of the week!

 

Overland Park is beautiful, mainly because of the park, hence its name. The Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens offer over five miles of trails for wandering and enjoying time in the sun. People love the Erickson Water Garden birds and butterflies or the caboose and boxcar at the Train Garden. 

For kids, there’s the Children’s Discovery Garden, where you can study fossils and animal footprints or look for frogs at the frog pond. Overland Park also hosts a summer music series called Music in the Park. Families and their furry, four-legged friends often gather for an evening of entertainment and picnicking under the summer stars.

 

Art lovers enjoy The Nerman Museum Of Contemporary Art at Johnson County Community College, which has a constant rotation of modern exhibits — from sculptures to paintings. Founder Jerry and Margaret Nerman sometimes even show their work, which adds a personal touch to the museum experience. 

There are also a ton of free exhibits scattered throughout the city, including the Shim Sham Shimmy on Metcalf and The Walking Man at Johnson Community College, as well as a piece made of recycled goods at the recycling center. There’s something to marvel at around every corner.

 

Fishers love the Overland Park fishing scene, and non-fishers quickly learn and enjoy this calming pastime. Several areas offer great fishing: South Lake, Summercrest Lake, Kingston Lake, and Wilderness Lake, to name a few. South Lake and Kingston Lake are the city’s two biggest lakes, and they both have large fishing piers. Be sure to sign up for your fishing license, and get ready to make some big catches.

 

In keeping with its community feel, Overland Park’s downtown area is rife with mom-and-pop shops. The Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead features a line of cute shops, like Vic’s General Store, Alex and Emily's Ice Cream Parlor, and Ben's Bank. The Farmstead also has some awesome attractions for kids, like animal interactions, flower and vegetable gardens, and a historic one-room schoolhouse. Take the kids for a day of interactive learning and fun!

 

In addition to quaint shops, Overland Park also has a couple of malls with larger retailers. Oak Park Mall offers popular chains, like Macy’s, while Prairiefire has unique boutiques and many entertainment opportunities. Get a new outfit at The Chic Boutique, or treat yourself to a manicure at French Tip. 

You’ll also find some delicious cafes and restaurants, like Maru Sushi and Grill and Rock & Brews. Rock & Brews is the latest business venture from KISS band members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. It’s a rock ‘n roller dream, with great music and delicious food and drinks. The Prairiefire fun doesn’t stop there. There’s also an AMC dine-in theater, a bowling and bocce bistro; a museum; and a fine arts gallery. This new addition to Overland Park has added even more fun and excitement to the area.

 

One of the things Overland Park is famous for is its delicious barbecue, known as some of the best in the country. Jack Stack Barbecue serves up tasty, classic BBQ fare in an upscale setting. The food is so good, you’ll have trouble not licking your fingers clean! Order the “burnt ends” to feel like a local, or you could be bold and get the seafood. Everything on the menu is well worth it. 

Are you interested in moving to Overland Park? Contact Trent Gallagher Real Estate today! They’d be happy to help you find the home of your dreams.