Kansas City: One of the Midwest’s Most Desirable Cities

Kansas City is a vast metropolis in Missouri along the border with Kansas. Home to more than 500,000, it is the most populous city in the state and one of the Midwest’s most prominent. Below, we’ll explore some unique characteristics of Kansas City that make it one of the most desirable places to live in the Midwest.

ECONOMY & AFFORDABILITY

Many choose to live in and around Kansas City to benefit from its significant and diverse economy, which is powered by several industries, including substantial financial and government sectors. Major offices and headquarters of companies and government agencies in Kansas City include the Internal Revenue Service, H&R Block, UMB Financial Corporation, and more.

Even though residents have access to a large and diverse job market, Kansas City’s home prices have not surged out of control. According to Realtor.com, the median listing price of a home in Kansas City was $240,000 in April 2023.

Food Scene

Foodies across the U.S. flock to Kansas City for its one-of-a-kind culinary experiences. Best known for its barbecue, it has a distinct food scene that makes it a standout destination. One of the most popular dishes in the city, offered at many local fine dining destinations and eateries, is slow-smoked meat, often served with thick barbecue sauce and a side of fries.

In addition to world-renowned barbecue, Kansas City has restaurants providing international food options ranging from Vietnamese cuisine to French bistros. These restaurants are surrounded by local breweries and distilleries that are ideal for washing down your tasty meal.

MUSEUMS & CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS

Kansas City boasts high-quality museums and cultural institutions that make it a blast for people of all ages and interests. For art enthusiasts, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has more than 40,000 pieces that span across many eras and cultures, and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is a smaller museum with a permanent collection of nearly 1,500 works of modern and contemporary art.

Kansas City has many other great museums and cultural institutions for those with different interests. The American Jazz Museum highlights the development of one of America’s most popular genres, and the National World War I Museum and Memorial documents a critical time in world history.

SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Kansas City is popular for its incredible sports and entertainment options. The city has a rabid sports fanbase, particularly for the Kansas City Chiefs, who took home last year’s Super Bowl championship.

Kansas City is also home to the Kansas City Royals as well as Sporting Kansas City, and soccer fans in the area are likely excited that Kansas City has been chosen as one of the sites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Aside from sports, there is plenty more to Kansas City’s entertainment options. Kansas City is known as one of the country’s foremost musical cities, having played a significant role in the development of jazz and blues. That musical legacy is still going strong within the many music venues across the city, including more than 40 that regularly feature jazz and blues performances.