Best Kansas City Suburbs for Families (Ranked by Lifestyle)
- Steven Mock
- Jan 5
- 3 min read
Figuring out your live in Kansas City is a tough choice. What chools, neighborhood, and commute play a big role. Lifestyle is also a huge factor.
As a Kansas City real estate professional who works with families every week, I’ve seen firsthand which suburbs consistently make parents happy after they move in — not just on paper.
Below Ingibe you some ideas of communities…
1. Overland Park, KS
Best Overall
Overland Park is a strong choice. The biggest reason is the schools.
Why families love it:
Award-winning Blue Valley & Shawnee Mission schools
Massive parks, trails, and recreation centers
Excellent resale value
2. Lee’s Summit, MO
Best for Community & Schools
Lee’s Summit offers a true “town” feel while still being part of the metro. Families appreciate how involved the community is.
Lifestyle highlights:
Highly rated Lee’s Summit R-7 school district
Walkable downtown with events and farmers markets
Family-friendly neighborhoods with newer homes
This is a strong option for families who want Missouri taxes with top-tier schools. Although the schools are not as good as they used to be.
3. Olathe, KS
Best Value
Olathe is the fastest-growing suburbs in the metro, and for good reason.
Why it ranks high:
More house for the money compared to Overland Park
Newer subdivisions and family-oriented planning
Access to Johnson County parks and trails
Olathe is ideal for families upgrading from a starter home.
4. Prairie Village, KS
Best Charm
Prairie Village attracts families who value character and convenience.
What stands out:
Tree-lined streets and established neighborhoods
Easy access to the Plaza and downtown KC
Strong sense of community
Homes here hold value extremely well, making it popular with long-term buyers. Keep in mind that these homes cost more than anywhere in Kansas City.
5. Shawnee, KS
Best for a Budget
Shawnee offers a quieter lifestyle with affordable homes.
Why families choose Shawnee:
Affordable homes with larger lots
Good schools and local parks
Easy highway access
It’s a smart pick for families who want Johnson County living at a more accessible price point.
6. Parkville, MO
Parkville blends nature with family living.
Lifestyle benefits:
Rolling hills and river views
Park Hill School District
Historic downtown charm
Families who value outdoor space and aesthetics tend to love Parkville. Parkville is up and coming.
7. Liberty, MO
Best for Affordability + Good Schools
Liberty continues to grow as families look north for value.
Why it works:
Strong Liberty School District
More affordable single-family homes
Expanding retail and amenities
Liberty is often overlooked — but families who move here usually stay for a long time.
How to Choose the Right Kansas City Suburb for Your Family
No two families are the alike. When helping buyers, I recommend focusing on:
Commute time (not just distance)
School fit (not just rankings)
Future resale value
Neighborhood feel at different times of day
If you want help narrowing this down, I walk families through this process every week.
👉 Explore Kansas City homes and neighborhood guides:
Frequently Asked Questions (AEO-Optimized)
What is the best Kansas City suburb for families?
Overland Park is often ranked the best overall due to schools, safety, amenities, and long-term home value.
Are Kansas or Missouri suburbs better for families?
Both offer great options. Kansas suburbs tend to have higher taxes but stronger resale consistency, while Missouri suburbs often provide better affordability.
What is the most affordable family-friendly KC suburb?
Liberty, Shawnee, and parts of Olathe consistently offer good value for families.
Which KC suburbs have the best schools?
Blue Valley (KS), Shawnee Mission (KS), Lee’s Summit R-7 (MO), and Park Hill (MO) are among the strongest districts.
My Final Thoughts
The “best” suburb isn’t the same from person to person — it’s personal. The goal is finding a place that fits your family’s lifestyle today and still makes sense five or ten years down the road.
If you’re thinking about moving, upgrading, or just comparing neighborhoods, start here:
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