Kansas City is one of the largest cities in the Midwest and it contains an eclectic mix of culture while still managing to maintain its quaint charm. From political corruption in the 1900s to landing the 15th spot on Bloomberg's list of 50 best cities to live - the city has transformed into an urban sprawl with a little something for everyone to enjoy.
More than 200 picturesque fountains are spread across the city giving it the nickname the "City of Fountains." The city's reputation for debauchery and rebellion in the 1920s and journalist Edward Morrow's statement on this has earned it the nickname "Paris of the Plains."
This guide will provide you with some helpful tips and information on just about everything you need to know if you're going to be making the move to Kansas City. From the city's neighborhoods and school systems to the employment options and recreational activities available within the city, you'll find it all in this guide so that you can go into your move with the knowledge that is needed to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.
Kansas City Climate
Situated at the confluence of the Missouri River and Kansas River, the city typically experiences four distinct seasons. The climate is a modified form of a humid continental climate with the city receiving the most amount of snow in the late winter. A milder climate with periods of fluctuation is spread throughout the rest of the year.
Mild nights and warm days characterize summer with the warmest temperatures occurring in the month of July. As the city is situated in Tornado Alley, it is susceptible to storms during the spring and late summer seasons. The city is also prone to flooding.
Kansas City Neighborhoods
One of the best kept secrets of Kansas City is the Brookside neighborhood with well-manicured streets, different housing options, restaurants, and shopping. It has retained its original 1920 charm and architecture. With city convention center, art deco buildings, historic theaters and restaurants, the Downtown area is considered as a perfect destination for the performing arts. Quality Hill is the neighborhood for those craving the urban experience with tree-lined streets, historic mansions, and row houses.
Once home to the city's first businesses, the River Market neighborhood is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Kansas City and is rapidly embracing the urban lifestyle. West Bottoms has one of the largest collections of the nation's haunted houses and it is also famous for the Riverfront Heritage Trail. The Westside neighborhood shows diversity not just in its inhabitants who live there, but also in the types of homes. Life in this neighborhood is a continuous celebration of creativity and diversity. Jazz grew up in Kansas City and the historic intersection of 18th and Vine was considered the center of jazz music during the 20s, 30s, and the 40s.
Living Costs in the City
Low real estate costs and the availability of foods and consumer products have resulted in a low cost of living which is approximately lower than the US average by 6.5 percent. Sales tax is 6.3 percent and is subject to change beginning in July 2013 upon the decision of Kansas legislature. Costs incurred on grocery, alcohol, tobacco, clothing, communication, furniture, recreation, and restaurants are low when compared to other cities.
Education and healthcare costs are high. Apart from being an agricultural hub and a federal government city and a major business center in the Midwest, the city's increasing employment and white collar professionals have led to an increase in the standard of living.
Registering Your Car
You have 30 days to register your car in Missouri from the date of the beginning of your residency in the state of Missouri. Registration is done at various licensed offices of the Missouri Department of Revenue. All motor vehicles are exempt from the safety inspection for the first five years following the model year of manufacture, regardless of change of ownership.
Out of state driver's licenses valid or expired no more than 184 days, along with the required documents, need to be submitted to obtain a Missouri driver's license. In case you lose your license, you are asked to submit a current clearance letter from the state, and also have to take the written, vision and driving tests again to obtain a driver's license.
Kansas City Moving Resources
Moving and storage companies are ready and willing to help you with your move to Kansas City, whether you're moving from out of state or from another county in Missouri. Make sure you get estimates from multiple moving services before you commit to hiring any (at least three estimates). Check back to our guides for tips on how to choose your moving service wisely with important questions to ask, differentiating between types of estimates, and mistakes to avoid. Visit the following pages at Movers.com to get quotes for the following services:
Kansas City Schools
A number of public and private primary schools, colleges and universities are located within the Kansas City area. Kansas City is served by 16 different school districts, including 10 public school districts such as the Kansas City School District, the North Kansas City School District, the Center School District, the Liberty School District, and the Park Hill School District, to name a few. The Catholic schools in Kansas City are governed by the Diocese of Kansas City.
Some of the notable institutes of higher learning with campuses located in the city include the Kansas City Art Institute, Park University, the University of Missouri - Kansas City campus, William Jewell College, Saint Paul School of Theology, Rockhurst University, Avila University, and the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences.
Kansas City Employment
Several Fortune 500 companies have their headquarters located in Kansas City. Some of these include the Sprint Nextel Corporation, H&R Block, YRC Worldwide Inc., International Asset Holding Corporation, Hallmark Cards, Applebee's, and AMC Theatres. Kansas City's economy is thriving and currently accounts for over 20 percent of the Gross State Product for the state of Missouri. Even though the place offers plenty of employment opportunities, it is a requirement that you prepare well in all cases.
Public Transportation
The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) oversees public transportation in Kansas City. It is popularly called Metro. Various services offered by the ATA are metro bus service, metro-area express rapid bus transit service, share-a-fare paratransit service for the elderly and for those who are physically challenged, and metroflex on-demand response routes.
Various counties in the city have different payment systems and as such, rules vary as to which door - front or rear - is to be used for boarding and exiting. Day passes which can be purchased on any Metro bus and it allows for unlimited boarding. These passes expire at midnight and cannot be used with a transfer.
Culture and Contemporary Life
The Kaufmann Center for the Performing Arts houses the Kansas City Symphony and Lyric Opera, of which the latter offers a contemporary American opera production. The Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, founded by Marilyn Strauss, is conducted near the Nelson Atkins Museum. The Kansas City Ballet is also located at the Kaufmann Center for the Performing Arts and presents an annual repertory that is split into three seasons and contains classical and contemporary ballets.
The Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival is conducted annually and attracts top jazz stars and out of town audiences. The Westport entertainment district and 18th and Vine area contain the highest congregation of live music venues. The casino scene in Kansas City has been expanding ever since riverboat casino gaming was approved by a referendum. The city is also world famous for its steak and barbeque, especially the slow smoked way of cooking various types of meat. Kansas City is also famous for other staples like baked beans, Cole slaw, French fries, and cinnamon rolls.
Moving to Kansas City
There are ample reasons for relocation to Kansas City - low cost of living, employment opportunities and better quality of life. One of the many advantages of moving to Kansas City is its well-developed infrastructure and lack of traffic congestion. Home of many barbeque cook-offs and contests, the city boasts of more than 90 establishments that are based on this particular cuisine. Kansas City ranks second in the agricultural industry after Chicago.
Kansas City Relocation Tips
- It is advisable to schedule your move during the fall as the chance of severe storms and tornados is lesser than during the spring and early summer.
- You should make it a habit to listen to the weather report, especially during tornado season. If you hear any warnings, take cover immediately.
- Before buying or renting property in Kansas City make sure it is close to a storm shelter.
- Have an evacuation plan in place and go over it with your family so that you know what to do and where to meet in case of an emergency.
Make prior arrangements with utility companies like electric, telephone, water, and cable - before you move into your new home, unless you want to have a candlelight dinner during your move.