Weather
Kansas enjoys 230 sunny days a year, with the highest average temperature being 92 degrees and the lowest being 18 degrees, which typically happens in January. This is an area of transition between humid subtropical climate and a humid continental climate, leading to hot and muggy summers offset by cold, dry winters.Neighborhoods
Overland Park sits in northeastern Kansas, at the meeting of Interstate 435 and U.S. Route 69. Because it’s just 13 miles from Kansas City, it’s easy to commute into this large metropolitan area for work or play, while staying relatively sheltered in the suburb of Overland Park. This city is made up of an eclectic mix of neighborhoods, with border towns including Prairie Village, Olathe, Merriam, Mission, Shawnee, and Lenexa. Top neighborhoods in Overland Park include Oak Park, Nall Hills, Wycliff, Regency Park and Pinehurst.Cost of Living
The cost of living is moderate here in Overland Park. This means people tend to earn more money than other comparable Midwest cities, on average. Median household income is $82,651 and the median property value is $261,200, which is reasonably priced in comparison to other local real estate markets. The cost of living in Overland Park is 111, higher than the state average of 83.Drivers’ Licenses
Within 90 days of your move, you will have to register your vehicle in the state, or you could pay a penalty. You can obtain a Kansas Driver’s License at any DMV location. If you have a valid out of state license, you don’t have to take a driving test. You may take a supplemental driving course if you wish.Schools
With three main school districts providing public education to Overland Park residents: Shawnee Mission School District, Blue Valley School District and Olathe School District. The Shawnee Mission and Blue Valley school districts each have five public high schools; Olathe School District has four. The schools that regularly rank among the top in the country include Shawnee Mission South High School, Blue Valley High School and Olathe North High School. You can also choose from a few private schools, including Holy Cross High School, Holy Spirit High School, Ascension High School and St. Thomas Aquinas High School. These all fall under the direction of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
Employment
The unemployment rate at last check was 3.3%, compared with a U.S. average of 3.7%. Future job growth over the next decade is estimated to reach 35%, higher than the US average of 33%. Overland Park serves as the headquarters to major area employers such as Sprint (the city’s largest employer), Synergy Group, Embarq, YRC Worldwide, KBP Foods, Waddell & Reed, Compass Minerals, Ceco Concrete, and Black & Veatch. Because Overland Park is so close to Kansas City, it’s easy to get to the major metropolitan area. The job market has been increasing, at least until the pandemic hit. Now, it’s slowing climbing its way back up, like many American cities. If you are moving here for work, you couldn’t have picked a more diverse job market and stronger local economy.Public Transportation
You can easily get to and from Overland Park via interstates 35 and 435 and U.S. Highway 69. The city relies on a local bus service called “The JO” from Johnson County Transit. You can also hop on a Greyhound bus at one of the many terminals in Overland Park. If you plan to fly for travel, head to the Kansas City International Airport, just a 40-minute drive.Things to Do
Overland Park ranks in the top 10 on the “100 Best Places to Live in the United States” list compiled each year by CNN Money. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to keep you engaged and busy in Overland Park. The Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is great for nature lovers, spanning more than 300 acres. Same with Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, considered one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area for families. If you love to shop till you drop, you’re in luck. Head to the Oak Park Mall. If art and history are more your speed, try the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art and the historic Downtown Overland Park area for plenty of green spaces and farmer’s markets.