Is Kansas City a Good Place For Young Professionals?

Kansas City, stretched between the states of Kansas and Missouri, is one of the largest cities in the Midwest. Its unique geography, low cost of living, and professional opportunities make it a place where thousands of people move to each year. Whether you’ve landed a new job in the city and need to move there full time or want to move first and then look for a job, this city is a great choice for starting fresh. With plenty of things to do, places to go, and excellent cuisine, you’ll find living in Kansas City a breeze. Ready to start fresh in a new city? Keep reading to discover the best tips for moving to Kansas City, Missouri and why it’s the perfect location for young professionals.

Why Choose Kansas City?

Kansas City is the largest city in the state of Missouri, both in terms of population and area square footage. It’s home to over 500,000 residents and is one of the most vibrant, lively, and energetic cities in the Midwest. If you’re planning a move to Kansas City, there are some steps you need to take first and learn about the city. Whether you’re moving for a job, want to get a new start, or aim to improve your lifestyle, Kansas City can exceed your expectations if you give it a chance. KCMO is especially attractive for young professionals due to its expanding job market, as well as the favorable conditions to start your own business there. Even if you don’t have a job lined up, you won’t have any issues finding one when you move there. But like with any move, the entire process can be stressful and overwhelming so it’s best to prepare as much as possible. This way, you’ll find it easier to settle in and adapt to your new environment and lifestyle.

Kansas City History and Fun Facts

Before your big Kansas City move, here are some brief history and fun facts you should know about this great city. Before it was incorporated in 1850, the territory served as a port on the Missouri River. Later on, it was officially named Kansas City to differentiate it from another city nearby called Kansas Territory. Now, you may know or have heard of another Kansas City in Kansas but this is not a different city in another state. It’s actually the same city sitting on the border of these two states. So Kansas City belongs to both the state of Missouri and the state of Kansas. This is why you’ll often find abbreviations like KCMO and KCK that clarify which half of the city you’re referring to. There are several large neighborhoods in KCMO, of which the most popular ones include the River Market District, the Country Club Plaza, Volker, Union Hill, and the Vine District. KCMO is a vibrant, youthful city with rich culinary, music, art, sports, and entertainment scenes. No matter your age, background, lifestyle, habits, and personal taste, you’ll always find something creative and fun to do in KCMO. If you’re moving with your family and have young kids, your best choice is living in the suburbs, most of which are located on the Kansas side. But no matter where you choose to settle, make sure to do proper research on each neighborhood and what it has to offer in terms of amenities, housing, commute, and safety. If you have kids, you should also research the schools in the district, as well as the colleges and universities in the area.

Finding a Job In Kansas City

KCMO has been voted one of the best cities to work in in the U.S., with more and more professionals and companies moving to Kansas City. The top industries in KCMO include finance, healthcare, IT, and insurance but you can find any type of job there. The unemployment rate is lower than the national average, at around %3.1. Before you start looking for a job in KCMO, it’s important to do some research on the salary, income taxes, property taxes, and other deductions and expenses you can expect. This way, you’ll know if changing jobs will provide a better life for you or if you’ll be earning the same salary just in a different state. This is not to say you can’t find a great job in Kansas City. In fact, the rising job market is one of the main reasons so many people make KC their home. Even if you want to change professions and do something completely different, chances are you’ll find a job in your field quickly. If you decide to open your own business, the odds are in your favor. Both states (Kansas and Missouri) have favorable conditions for new businesses and tax rates that won’t break your budget. Make sure to do some research on running a business in both states so you can decide where to register your new company. Depending on the state you choose, you may need to move to the part of Kansas City that belongs to that state.

Finding a Home In Kansas City

Aside from being a great place to work, Kansas City is also one of the 50 best places to live in the U.S. It’s an affordable place to live with an average median income of around $55,000. The average housing price is around $230,000 and you can find some great properties both downtown and in the suburbs, depending on your preferences, the neighborhood you want to live in, and whether you live alone or with your family. The costs to move to Kansas City depend on where you’re coming from. If you’re moving from another state, you will likely pay more for an interstate move. If you’re moving from within the state, it’s best to get a moving quote so you know exactly how much you can expect to pay. The cost of living in Kansas City is lower than the national average which is why so many people, especially young professionals decide to move there. The monthly rent is around $900 depending on location but groceries, clothes, and other everyday necessities are pretty affordable for most people. Even if you’re a student and plan to work part-time, you’ll be able to afford a decent apartment either close to your job or your university. If you don’t have a car yet, try to find a place to live with supermarkets and other amenities nearby so you can save even more money in the beginning.

Things To Do In Kansas City

Aside from work, living in Kansas City can be a lot of fun, with so many amazing places to go and things to do. First, there are tons of eateries, restaurants, cafes, and bars with different crowds, music choices, and cuisines. You’ll find BBQ spots on every street, all of which have their own unique ways of preparing the food. Then, there are public events, festivals, and family-friendly activities that you can attend for free. Since Kansas City has one of the largest Irish populations in the U.S., you’ll have a lot of fun attending St. Patrick’s Day parties, drinking some seriously good beer in an Irish pub, and eating traditional Irish food from the popular Browne’s Irish Market. There are also sports events, outdoor shopping experiences, museums, and fine arts exhibits. Kansas City is famous for its Jazz scene and there’s even a jazz museum (The American Jazz Museum) where you can learn all about the history of jazz in the city and famous jazz musicians from KC. After all, what you do for fun and how you spend your time in KC depends on your expectations, lifestyle, and of course, income range. Most activities in KC are affordable so you don’t have to worry about being bored. Kansas City also has some of the best nightlife in the area, with a variety of nightclubs, party venues, live entertainment, dancing, and barbeque spots. It’s important to note that Kansas City isn’t very walk-friendly and if you live in suburbia, there’s no reliable public transportation to downtown. This means you’ll need a car to get anywhere, which can be a dealbreaker for some. If you don’t mind driving everywhere, you’ll find the city traffic pretty smooth as there are almost no traffic jams.

Moving to Kansas City? Follow These Tips for an Easier Transition

Whether this is your first interstate move or you’re a Missouri native, these tips will help you make the transition easier. From fun things to do, delicious BBQ, and buzzing nightlife to having plenty of professional and career opportunities, you’ll love living in Kansas City. Planning on moving to Kansas City soon? Read this post on how to find the best movers in KC and what to look for in a professional moving company. It’s the best way to prepare for this big life change and make sure you’ll settle in nicely in your new home. If you’ve already packed your bags and are ready to go, we’re here to help you move! Reach out to us today to get a free quote and let us make your moving day an exciting and stress-free experience.