{"id":1675,"date":"2023-10-18T19:32:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-18T19:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ssdcmoving.local\/?p=1675"},"modified":"2026-02-11T20:47:20","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T20:47:20","slug":"things-to-know-before-moving-to-kansas-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.selfstorage.com\/blog\/things-to-know-before-moving-to-kansas-city\/","title":{"rendered":"Moving to Kansas City"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Kansas<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re on the hunt for a new job, a new home, or a new lifestyle, it\u2019s worth looking into different cities that may appeal to you<\/a> before making a decision. Kansas City, Missouri<\/a> may appeal to you with its strong job market and low cost of living<\/a>, but there\u2019s plenty more to make note of before moving there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kansas City may be in Missouri, but it\u2019s right on the border with Kansas and offers easy access to a lot of the Midwest, earning it the nickname \u201cthe Heart of America\u201d. You\u2019ll find a rich history of music and the arts, plenty of jobs in many industries, diverse and friendly neighborhoods<\/a>, and a robust public transport system. In this article, we\u2019ll highlight some of Kansas City\u2019s appeal and help you get a sense for what it\u2019s like to live there!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Music, arts, and sports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kansas City is a landmark in the rise of American jazz, having been home to legendary groups and performances led by names like Count Basie and Charlie Parker. If you\u2019re a jazz fan, you can take a walk through music history at the American Jazz Museum<\/a> or check out current legends and up-and-coming performers alike at the Blue Room Jazz Club<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jazz isn\u2019t Kansas City\u2019s only claim to fame, though; there are plenty of art galleries, museums, and public sculptures to appreciate throughout the city. If you prefer performance art, you can see everything from ballet to opera at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parks and public fountains are everywhere in Kansas City, adding a little color and life to your downtown stroll. The Kansas City Library<\/a> offers avid readers a huge selection of books, as well as its iconic parking garage painted to look like a massive bookshelf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sports fans will find plenty to appreciate as well. While Kansas City doesn\u2019t have a basketball team any more, football fans can tailgate and cheer for the Chiefs. If you prefer baseball, you\u2019ll be able to cheer on the Royals (MLB) or the Monarchs (AAPB).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jobs and industry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Middle America Regional Council reports<\/a> that Kansas City has bounced back rather well from the COVID-19 pandemic\u2019s dip in employment, having 1,152,600 filled positions as of December 2024. Unemployment has also remained low at around 3.6% as of the same time period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Around 20% of Missouri\u2019s state employment comes from Kansas City, with the top industries being healthcare, manufacturing, retail, finance, and tech. Hallmark Cards, Garmin International, H&R Block and AMC are all headquartered in the city, and other major employers include FedEx, Honeywell and Children\u2019s Mercy Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost of living<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to the popularity of Kansas City\u2019s job market<\/a>, the cost of living in the Heart of America is right on par with the national average as of 2026. This may not seem remarkable at a glance, but it\u2019s much lower than most other major cities, especially in housing and transportation costs. These are offset by slightly higher energy and food costs than the rest of the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking to purchase a home in Kansas City, you\u2019d better move quickly; the average home value is $240,055<\/a>, reflecting a steady growth over the past few years. Almost half the homes sell for under list price, however, so you may be pleasantly surprised if you make a lower offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rent prices, on the other hand, are on a steady decline. The average rent out of all available properties in Kansas City is currently $1,380 per month<\/a>, a $15 decrease from 2025 and 31% lower than the national average.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neighborhoods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

No matter what lifestyle you prefer, you\u2019ll be sure to find a Kansas City neighborhood<\/a> where you fit right in. There are over 240 distinct neighborhoods, so let\u2019s go over a few of the most popular from fast-paced urban life to cozy family-friendly spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waldo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Despite the name, Waldo isn\u2019t hard to find; it\u2019s located near the center of Kansas City and offers affordable housing with a close-knit community. It\u2019s considered great for families, with plenty of neighborhood-wide events to enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

River Market<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for more of an urban lifestyle and want to focus on your career, River Market is the place for you. You\u2019ll pay more for housing, but in exchange you\u2019ll get beautiful views and plenty of job and leisure opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Volker<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Folks looking for nightlife and shopping opportunities will thrive in Volker, home to a diverse young population and some of the hottest bars and clubs in the area. The Country Club Plaza shopping center is also nearby, offering plenty of trendy clothes and accessories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Armour Hills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Offering nature walks and a suburban style, Armour Hills is perfect for families and outdoorsy types. It\u2019s right next to Waldo, giving you access to their neighborhood events as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brookside<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Serious foodies and casual diners alike will love Brookside\u2019s wide range of restaurants and cuisines to try. The neighborhood also boasts a charming array of fairs and parades perfect for the whole family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other neighborhoods to include in your Kansas City home search:<\/p>\n\n\n\n