KC is Connected at the Heart

By KELSEY HAYNES

Welcome to Kansas City, a Midwestern metro made up of a multitude of unique communities all interconnected where it matters most; pride in America’s heartland.

It’s got all the big city amenities, yet still maintains its small-town vibe. It’s a place where there is always someone new to meet even though everybody may know your name. There’s no shortage of places to “cheers,” build a career, enjoy family fun and exercise new ideas — no matter which pocket of town you live in.

Whether you prefer a rural, urban or suburban landscape to call home, there are plenty of ways to customize your day-to-day to meet all of your lifestyle wants and needs.

Big City Vibes

Urban neighborhoods located in the heart of KC are brimming with vibrant energy.

Downtown you’ll find stunning views of the city’s lights from sky-high luxury apartments as well as intimate stomping grounds in emerging districts like the West Bottoms and Electric Park.

Just north of Downtown on the fringes of River Market, the Berkley Riverfront area draws sand volleyball enthusiasts and dog lovers to its spacious trails and courts.

Travel a smidge south to explore Martini Corner and Westport — prime locations for some of KC’s hottest restaurants, bars and live music venues. Young professionals bring heart to these neighborhoods where free-to-ride public transit makes it easy to get anywhere you want to go.

Culture All Around

An eclectic blend of cultures brings a rich style to the KC region.

The 18th & Vine and Crossroads Arts Districts are where art and history come together to create diverse experiences. Home to museums, galleries, eclectic shops and modern housing options, this is where creativity meets culture.

Along 39th Street and throughout Midtown, you’ll catch a glimpse of some of the most colorful murals across the metro.

The Spanish-inspired architecture of the Country Club Plaza exemplifies why KC is also called the City of Fountains. Dozens of water features decorate the streets and corners of this home to top designer fashion shops and premier restaurants.

Strawberry Hill in Kansas City, Kansas (or KCK to locals), is a thriving neighborhood that honors its Slavic founders’ roots with authentic cuisine and museums.

Scenic Suburbs

From quiet nature spots to bustling walkable community centers, the neighborhoods of KC offer something for everyone.

Parkville and Liberty are quaint, historic towns known for their beautiful nature sanctuaries and trails. Johnson County suburbs offer residents rolling hills and parks to explore, such as Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park in Lenexa.

Lee’s Summit is consistently ranked on Money’s Best Places To Live due to its spacious, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods as well as an abundant park system bordered by multiple lakes. Overland Park, named the No. 1 Place to Raise a Family by WalletHub, has a variety of outdoor shopping and posh retail outlets, as well as an eclectic downtown core.

Shawnee’s recent renaissance has launched a variety of chic clothing shops, restaurants and drink establishments. Visit the colorful Iron District in North Kansas City, where boutiques and eateries are housed in converted shipping containers. Or take a walk through the picturesque streets of Prairie Village.

Get Away Nearby

Ready to venture off the beaten path? There are plenty of don’t-miss spots just beyond the metro.

Lawrence, home to the University of Kansas and less than an hour’s drive west, features a lively downtown with restaurants, breweries and music venues.

Just north of KC lies St. Joseph, a unique pocket of Midwest culture and history. Stop in Weston along the way to venture through the multi-level limestone cellar at O’Malley’s 1842 Pub or visit Green Dirt Farm.

Travel south to Miami County and have a tasting tour of authentic Missouri wine at one of the many vineyards in the area or take a walk on the wild side by visiting the big cat sanctuary, Cedar Cove Feline Conservatory and Education Center.

Whether you like to get loud out on the town or prefer a quiet stroll, whether you can’t get enough of the late-night hustle and bustle of the city or love family trips to check out local art, if you like all these things and more — there’s a place for your heart in KC.