Olathe is the fourth largest city in the state of Kansas and is a popular destination for hot-air balloon enthusiasts and sail boarding. In 2008, Olathe earned the distinction of being ranked 11th by CNN Money Magazine on their annual list of the "100 Best Places to Live in the Unites States."
In addition, Olathe was also ranked as the 24th fastest growing city in the nation by the U.S. Census Bureau. The city has grown rapidly over the last few decades, thanks mostly to its growing economy and its proximity to the Kansas City metropolitan area, as Olathe is considered one of the largest suburbs in the Kansas City metro area. The construction of I-35 in the 1950s as part of the Interstate Highway system, connected Olathe directly to Kansas City and played a major role in the growth of the city's residential population and economy.
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 Olathe. 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.
Olathe Climate
The state of Kansas has an average of 230 sunny days per year and the highest average temperature recorded annually is around 92 degrees. The lowest average temperatures typically occur in January, when it can drop to as low as 18 degrees.
In the Olathe area, there exists a transition zone between the continent's humid subtropical climate and a humid continental climate, which is part of the reason why Olathe experiences hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters.
Olathe Geography and Neighborhoods
The city of Olathe is a total of 60.42 square miles and contains two public lakes, Lake Olathe and Cedar Lake. Lake Olathe is the larger of the two lakes at 172 acres, while Cedar Lake encompasses only 45 acres. The city is bordered by Lenexa, Overland Park and Gardner, and is situated in Johnson County.
Living Costs in the City
The cost of living in Olathe is slightly higher than the national average and its booming economy has caused a spike in the cost of living within the city, making it higher than other cities of comparable size throughout the state of Kansas and the Midwest. The median family income in Olathe is $81,048, much higher than the national average.
The median home price for an average home in Olathe is $187,745, which happens to fall almost directly on the national average for median home prices. However, this figure is still much higher when compared to other real estate markets in surrounding areas. Olathe's proximity and easy access to Kansas City may be the reason for the higher cost of living.
Registering Your Car
Upon your arrival in Kansas after moving to the state permanently, you have a total of 90 days to update your registration and have your vehicle registered in the state before you may be required to pay a penalty.
A Kansas Driver's License can be obtained at any Kansas DMV location. The state requires new Kansas residents to update their license from their previous state to a Kansas driver's license as soon as possible after establishing permanent residency in the state. A driving test does not have to be taken if you have a currently valid out of state license, but supplemental driving courses are available.
Olathe Moving Resources
Moving and storage companies are ready and willing to help you with your move to Olathe, whether you're moving from out of state or from another county in Kansas. 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:
Olathe Schools
Olathe has one of the best school systems in the country. The Olathe School District and the Blue Valley School District serves the city of Olathe and is comprised of 34 public elementary schools, nine middle schools and four high schools within Olathe with a total of 26,894 students enrolled. The four public high schools located in Olathe are Olathe North High School, Olathe South High School, Olathe East High School and Olathe Northwest High School.
In addition to the 47 public schools in Olathe, the city is also home to several private schools and a few institutions of higher learning such as MidAmerica Nazarene University and the Kansas State School for the Deaf, which was established in 1866 and was the first school of its kind to open in the state of Kansas.
Olathe Employment
When it comes to employment, Olathe has a bevy of commercial and industrial parks where several major companies are located. Some corporations that call the city of Olathe home are Honeywell, ALDI, Garmin, Grundfos, Farmers Insurance Group and also Husqvarna, and Olathe is home to more Farmers Insurance Group employees than any other city in the nation.
With a relatively low employment rate and a job growth rate that's a staggering 34.33 percent, the job market is on the rise in Olathe and the local economy is in a period of great growth. The Federal Aviation Administration also operates an Air Route Traffic Control Center in Olathe.
Public Transportation
Route K was a transportation system provided by Johnson County Transit to offer an affordable bus system helping commuters to reach major destinations. However, in 2010 this service was terminated due to very low ridership and budget restraints. Olathe has since entered into an agreement with taxi companies to provide rides at a reduced cost.
Although the city of Olathe does not have its own public transportation system, the local bus service, "The JO," is provided by Johnson County Transit. The closest major airport is Kansas City International Airport, which is approximately a 40-minute drive from Olathe, while the Johnson County Executive Airport is located in Olathe and is currently the second busiest airport in the state of Kansas.
Culture and Contemporary Life
Olathe has a long list of parks and trails located within the city limits that will offer a little something for nature enthusiasts and fitness buffs alike. There are more than 30 parks located in Olathe and several nature trails as well. In total, there are 22 miles of trails that can be found throughout the city and in its many parks. For additional recreation, the Ensor Park and Museum is also located in the city and offers fun and educational activities for visitors of all ages.
Moving to Olathe
Whatever your reasons for moving to Olathe, whether it be for a change of scenery or for employment, the city beckons you with its charm. The first step in the process of moving to Olathe is choosing a moving company after first checking their BBB ratings, insurance and license. The moving rates are charged by the hour if you are moving within the state boundary, while for a long distance move the charges will depend on the total weight or volume in cubic feet of your belongings. In the latter case, you can ask about a flat rate or any special discounts that are available with the mover.