16 Pros and Cons of Living in Overland Park, KS

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Overland Park (OP), KS is an affluent, family-oriented community that offers a high quality of life.

Despite its young age – a little over 60 – OP has quickly grown into the 2nd largest city in the state.

The city’s beautiful neighborhoods, thriving economy, green spaces, and low crime rate are appealing to anyone.

Not to mention its glowing rate of #7 on Money’s 2021 and 2022 list of 50 best places to live in the U.S.

But there are pros and cons to making Overland Park, KS your new home.

And that’s what we’re going to explore.

Pros of Living in Overland Park, KS

Situated in the heartland of the country, Overland Park has a population of around 200,000.

For such a young city, it has much to offer those relocating to the area, such as:

1. Stable Job Market

OP has a stable job market with multiple opportunities for employment as well as career growth.

If you’re looking for a place to advance your career, Overland Park could fit the bill.

In OP, you’ll have access to such industries as IT, retail, financial services, healthcare, and education.

There’s a consistent demand for experienced workers so job security isn’t a problem.

OP has the economic environment and structure to launch a new business as well.

Add to that the city’s closeness to Kansas City to put even more job options within your reach.

2. Higher Salaries

Salaries In Overland Park are higher than the national average.

That’s a good incentive for one-income families as they can count on more money coming into the home.

On average, personal incomes range around $40,000 annually.

Median household incomes are about $72,000 a year.

Salaries vary depending on your profession, experience, and employer.

But it’s good to know you can earn a good wage to support your family.

3. Exceptional School System

The schools in Overland Park rank high in academic performance.

If you have children, you can rest assured they will receive a good education.

The public school system benefits from first-rate resources like modern technology, expansive libraries, and sports facilities.

Here, your kids can enjoy a safe, stimulating learning environment.

One weak area is the school system’s tendency toward exclusivity which can minimize multicultural experiences.

4. Safety

Overland Park residents live in a fairly safe, secure community.

The overall crime rate in the city is much lower than the national average.

The city’s police force takes a proactive stance to deter crime and protect its people.

The city also encourages its residents to participate in programs promoting community welfare and well-being.

As a result, Overland Park is considered one of the safest places to live in the state.

5. Slower Pace of Life

Overland Park has the “small town feel” without leaving big city amenities behind.

If you want urban amenities without the stress of urban life, you would fit in well in Overland Park.

OP residents can visit local attractions without enduring long wait times or overcrowding.

You can commute to Kansas City for work and return to a relaxing, peaceful setting when the day is done.

And pets?

This pet-friendly city even has special restaurants for pups!

6. Parks! Parks! And More Parks!

There are over 80 parks in Overland Park where you can enjoy the great outdoors.

Spend the day hiking, biking, or playing sports at the park of your choice, or attend a festival, concert, or farmers’ market.

Overland Park Arboretum features beautiful botanical gardens and a fairytale playground for kids to enjoy.

Tomahawk Creek Trail is known for its scenic trails that offer an escape from everyday life.

At Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, your kids can mingle with farm critters and explore the natural beauty of the countryside.

7. Easy Commutes

An efficient road network makes it easy to travel in and around Overland Park.

Major highways like I-35 and I-435 provide easy access to every part of the city as well as nearby towns.

City buses offer transport to work, shopping centers, hospitals, the downtown district or anywhere else you want to go.

This gives you a break from driving.

MCI (Kansas City International Airport) is but a 40-minute drive away to facilitate domestic or international travel.

8. Activities Galore

Overland Park offers a plethora of activities for its residents to enjoy.

The Great Midwest Balloon Fest and Fall Festival are two of the city’s top attractions.

OP features an amazing art scene with talented artists promoting their works everywhere!

The Walking Man, Shim Sham Shimmy on Metcalf, and Stems Plein Air Paint are favorite gathering places for local artists.

You can also view retro art, vintage movies, and live performances at the Glenwood Arts Theater, open since 1967.

Cons of Living in Overland Park, KS

Overland Park is a mix of both good points and “bad,” depending on your perspective.

Here are some negative aspects to consider:

1. High Cost of living

Overland Park’s cost of living exceeds both the state and national averages.

The high cost of homes is one reason it’s so expensive to live in this area.

In 2023, the average cost of a single-family home was around $375,000.

Food and healthcare also cost more in Overland Park than in surrounding areas.

To its credit, Overland Park has a high median income ($87,600) to help counter the community’s high living costs.

2. High Housing Costs

Houses cost more in Overland Park than in other areas in the state.

Prices range between $375,000 and $400,000 for pre-existing homes.

These are homes built primarily in the late 1900s or early 2000s.

You may pay even more for recent constructions due to higher demand.

Historic Overland Park, Wycliff, Nall Hills, and Pinehurst Estates are some of the top neighborhoods in the city.

Many OP residents feel their quality of life justifies the high housing costs.

3. Tax Rate

Taxes in Overland Park are higher than the state and national average.

High taxes, however, help support the area’s high quality of life.

The income tax rate in Overland Park is 5.7% compared to a 4.6% national average.

The city’s sales tax rate is 9.1% as compared to 7.3% in other parts of the country.

Property taxes are also high, coinciding with high housing costs.

All this to say, you may pay more in taxes here than where you’re coming from.

4. Tornadoes

Overland Park is prone to severe weather events like torrential rains, tornadoes, and ice storms.

Tornadoes are a common occurrence in OP due to the city being in “Tornado Alley.”

OP residents are constantly on the alert against severe weather threats like tornadoes.

If you move here, you’ll have to do the same.

Your family’s safety depends on your staying in the know.

5. Seasonal Allergies

If you have allergies, you could have a rough time in Overland Park.

Much of the area’s natural flora and fauna is bad for allergy sufferers.

Tree pollen from oak, pine, and cedar trees is high during early spring, followed by Fescue grass pollen in summer.

Weed pollen can be felt in early fall coming from ragweed and other local plants.

Warm, dry, windy conditions tend to raise the pollen count even higher.

6. Traffic

Overland Park is a densely populated area with a high percentage of cars.

As most families travel by car, traffic can become hectic, especially during rush hour.

Major highways may back up during your morning or evening commute.

You may deal with aggressive drivers, which can add to a stressful commute.

During winter, you may need to contend with snowy or icy roads, making your commute more hazardous.

7. Not Oriented to Singles

Overland Park is a family-oriented community offering numerous benefits for families.

Singles may have a hard time navigating living in a family-oriented environment.

There may not be a lot of places in the area to meet other singles or even a lot of other singles to meet.

You may not find engaging activities conducive to your lifestyle.

These are just a few of the problems singles may face living in an area populated predominantly by families.

8. Weather

Overland Park has hot, muggy summers and cold, snowy winters, with pleasant spring and fall seasons in between.

Humidity levels of 90% are not uncommon during summer.

Muggy weather can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems.

An AC home is a must to escape the oppressive heat and humidity of summer.

On the flip side, winters in Overland Park are bitterly cold.

You may find yourself spending a great deal of summer and winter indoors!

Pros and Cons of Living in Overland Park, KS – Summary Table

Overland Park Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Overland Park Safety Review

Safety Index:

74

• OVERALL RISK: LOW
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
• MUGGING RISK: LOW
• TERRORISM RISK: LOW
• SCAMS RISK: LOW
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM