Best places to live in Kansas
Written by:
March 31, 2021
realtor.com
Best places to live in Kansas
What do you look for in an ideal town? Proximity to trails, lakes, and beaches? How about top-ranked schools for your children? Would you like a professional or college sports team nearby, or do you prefer museums and art walks?
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Kansas using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
On the list, there’s a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.
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#25. Hillsboro
- Population: 2,839
- Median home value: $88,700 (71% own)
- Median rent: $606 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $47,009
- Top public schools: Hillsboro Middle/High School (B+)
- Pictured: 2472 Falcon, Hillsboro ($329,000, 2 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $88,700 (71% own)
- Median rent: $606 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $47,009
- Top public schools: Hillsboro Middle/High School (B+)
- Pictured: 2472 Falcon, Hillsboro ($329,000, 2 bedrooms)
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#24. Lansing
- Population: 11,900
- Median home value: $173,000 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,169 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $89,213
- Top public schools: Lansing Middle School (B+), Lansing High School (B+), Lansing Elementary School (B)
- Pictured: 24115 146th St, Leavenworth ($675,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $173,000 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,169 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $89,213
- Top public schools: Lansing Middle School (B+), Lansing High School (B+), Lansing Elementary School (B)
- Pictured: 24115 146th St, Leavenworth ($675,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#23. Derby
- Population: 24,067
- Median home value: $165,200 (71% own)
- Median rent: $951 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $73,322
- Top public schools: Park Hill Elementary School (B+), Derby High School (B+), Derby North Middle School (B+)
- Top private schools: St. Mary Parish Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 11821 E 79th St S, Derby ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $165,200 (71% own)
- Median rent: $951 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $73,322
- Top public schools: Park Hill Elementary School (B+), Derby High School (B+), Derby North Middle School (B+)
- Top private schools: St. Mary Parish Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 11821 E 79th St S, Derby ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#22. Sabetha
- Population: 2,552
- Median home value: $108,500 (66% own)
- Median rent: $643 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $54,810
- Top public schools: Sabetha Middle School (A-), Sabetha Elementary School (A-), Sabetha High School (A-)
- Pictured: 2205 116th Rd, Sabetha ($199,000, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $108,500 (66% own)
- Median rent: $643 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $54,810
- Top public schools: Sabetha Middle School (A-), Sabetha Elementary School (A-), Sabetha High School (A-)
- Pictured: 2205 116th Rd, Sabetha ($199,000, 6 bedrooms)
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#21. Maize
- Population: 4,579
- Median home value: $165,300 (62% own)
- Median rent: $855 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $65,481
- Top public schools: Maize Elementary School (A), Maize South Elementary School (A), Maize Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 9705 W Village Pl, Maize ($650,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $165,300 (62% own)
- Median rent: $855 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $65,481
- Top public schools: Maize Elementary School (A), Maize South Elementary School (A), Maize Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 9705 W Village Pl, Maize ($650,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#20. Merriam
- Population: 11,185
- Median home value: $169,400 (60% own)
- Median rent: $945 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $63,806
- Top public schools: Crestview Elementary School (A-), East Antioch Elementary School (A-), Shawnee Mission North High School (B+)
- Top private schools: La Petite Academy of Merriam (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6623 Wedd Pl, Merriam ($379,500, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $169,400 (60% own)
- Median rent: $945 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $63,806
- Top public schools: Crestview Elementary School (A-), East Antioch Elementary School (A-), Shawnee Mission North High School (B+)
- Top private schools: La Petite Academy of Merriam (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6623 Wedd Pl, Merriam ($379,500, 3 bedrooms)
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#19. De Soto
- Population: 6,254
- Median home value: $227,800 (66% own)
- Median rent: $763 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $60,625
- Top public schools: De Soto High School (A), Lexington Trails Middle School (A), Mize Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 28585 W 85th Ter, De Soto ($750,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $227,800 (66% own)
- Median rent: $763 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $60,625
- Top public schools: De Soto High School (A), Lexington Trails Middle School (A), Mize Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 28585 W 85th Ter, De Soto ($750,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#18. Lindsborg
- Population: 3,301
- Median home value: $154,300 (62% own)
- Median rent: $668 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $52,813
- Top public schools: Soderstrom Elementary School (B+), Smoky Valley High School (B+), Smoky Valley Middle School (B+)
- Pictured: 225 W Lincoln St, Lindsborg ($225,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $154,300 (62% own)
- Median rent: $668 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $52,813
- Top public schools: Soderstrom Elementary School (B+), Smoky Valley High School (B+), Smoky Valley Middle School (B+)
- Pictured: 225 W Lincoln St, Lindsborg ($225,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#17. Andover
- Population: 13,062
- Median home value: $201,000 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,304 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $89,302
- Top public schools: Andover Central High School (A), Wheatland Elementary School (A), Andover Central Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Andover KinderCare - Kansas (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1904 E Central Ave, Andover ($3.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $201,000 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,304 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $89,302
- Top public schools: Andover Central High School (A), Wheatland Elementary School (A), Andover Central Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Andover KinderCare - Kansas (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1904 E Central Ave, Andover ($3.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#16. North Newton
- Population: 1,778
- Median home value: $158,000 (57% own)
- Median rent: $604 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $67,188
- Top public schools: Newton Senior High School (B-), Sunset Elementary School (C+), Santa Fe Fifth & Sixth Center (C+)
- Pictured: 3307 Woodside Dr, North Newton ($389,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $158,000 (57% own)
- Median rent: $604 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $67,188
- Top public schools: Newton Senior High School (B-), Sunset Elementary School (C+), Santa Fe Fifth & Sixth Center (C+)
- Pictured: 3307 Woodside Dr, North Newton ($389,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#15. Bel Aire
- Population: 7,858
- Median home value: $161,000 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,103 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $90,795
- Top public schools: Wheatland Elementary School (A), Andover Middle School (A), Northeast Magnet High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Sunrise Christian Academy (B)
- Pictured: 7952 E Caribou Pl, Bel Aire ($615,000, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $161,000 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,103 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $90,795
- Top public schools: Wheatland Elementary School (A), Andover Middle School (A), Northeast Magnet High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Sunrise Christian Academy (B)
- Pictured: 7952 E Caribou Pl, Bel Aire ($615,000, 6 bedrooms)
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#14. Mission
- Population: 9,523
- Median home value: $179,700 (47% own)
- Median rent: $984 (53% rent)
- Median household income: $61,144
- Top public schools: Shawnee Mission East High School (A+), Roesland Elementary School (A), Highlands Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 6511 Outlook Dr, Mission ($675,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $179,700 (47% own)
- Median rent: $984 (53% rent)
- Median household income: $61,144
- Top public schools: Shawnee Mission East High School (A+), Roesland Elementary School (A), Highlands Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 6511 Outlook Dr, Mission ($675,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#13. Manhattan
- Population: 55,290
- Median home value: $209,700 (39% own)
- Median rent: $910 (61% rent)
- Median household income: $50,537
- Top public schools: Manhattan High School (A), Susan B. Anthony Middle School (A), Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Manhattan Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2923 Tatarrax Dr, Manhattan ($995,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $209,700 (39% own)
- Median rent: $910 (61% rent)
- Median household income: $50,537
- Top public schools: Manhattan High School (A), Susan B. Anthony Middle School (A), Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Manhattan Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2923 Tatarrax Dr, Manhattan ($995,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#12. Olathe
- Population: 137,618
- Median home value: $238,100 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,019 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $90,435
- Top public schools: Blue Valley West High School (A+), Morse Elementary School (A+), Pleasant Ridge Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Heritage Christian Academy (A-), Prince of Peace Catholic School (unavailable), St. Paul Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 10700 Beacon Ave, Kansas City ($167,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $238,100 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,019 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $90,435
- Top public schools: Blue Valley West High School (A+), Morse Elementary School (A+), Pleasant Ridge Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Heritage Christian Academy (A-), Prince of Peace Catholic School (unavailable), St. Paul Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 10700 Beacon Ave, Kansas City ($167,900, 3 bedrooms)
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#11. Mission Hills
- Population: 3,574
- Median home value: $963,600 (99% own)
- Median rent: No data available (1% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Shawnee Mission East High School (A+), Highlands Elementary School (A), Westwood View Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 5964 Overhill Rd, Mission Hills ($4.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $963,600 (99% own)
- Median rent: No data available (1% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Shawnee Mission East High School (A+), Highlands Elementary School (A), Westwood View Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 5964 Overhill Rd, Mission Hills ($4.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#10. Shawnee
- Population: 65,540
- Median home value: $237,500 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,008 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $87,120
- Top public schools: Shawnee Mission Northwest High School (A), Olathe Northwest High School (A), Mill Valley High School (A)
- Top private schools: Maranatha Academy (A), Midland Adventist Academy (B+), St. Joseph Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 14810 W 60th St, Shawnee ($1.5 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $237,500 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,008 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $87,120
- Top public schools: Shawnee Mission Northwest High School (A), Olathe Northwest High School (A), Mill Valley High School (A)
- Top private schools: Maranatha Academy (A), Midland Adventist Academy (B+), St. Joseph Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 14810 W 60th St, Shawnee ($1.5 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#9. Lenexa
- Population: 54,011
- Median home value: $260,900 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,148 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $87,102
- Top public schools: Aubry Bend Middle School (A+), Shawnee Mission Northwest High School (A), Olathe Northwest High School (A)
- Top private schools: St. James Academy (A), Christ Preparatory Academy (B+), Holy Trinity Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 21221 W 94th Ter, Lenexa ($1.6 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $260,900 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,148 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $87,102
- Top public schools: Aubry Bend Middle School (A+), Shawnee Mission Northwest High School (A), Olathe Northwest High School (A)
- Top private schools: St. James Academy (A), Christ Preparatory Academy (B+), Holy Trinity Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 21221 W 94th Ter, Lenexa ($1.6 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#8. Lawrence
- Population: 96,369
- Median home value: $195,500 (45% own)
- Median rent: $924 (55% rent)
- Median household income: $53,639
- Top public schools: Lawrence Free State High School (A), Southwest Middle School (A), Langston Hughes Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Bishop Seabury Academy (A+), Veritas Christian School (A-), St. John Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 115 N Running Ridge Rd, Lawrence ($1.5 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $195,500 (45% own)
- Median rent: $924 (55% rent)
- Median household income: $53,639
- Top public schools: Lawrence Free State High School (A), Southwest Middle School (A), Langston Hughes Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Bishop Seabury Academy (A+), Veritas Christian School (A-), St. John Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 115 N Running Ridge Rd, Lawrence ($1.5 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#7. Roeland Park
- Population: 6,769
- Median home value: $172,900 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,182 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $75,965
- Top public schools: Roesland Elementary School (A), Highlands Elementary School (A), Indian Hills Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Bishop Miege High School (A), St. Agnes Elementary School (unavailable), Horizon Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5404 Nall Ave, Roeland Park ($499,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $172,900 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,182 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $75,965
- Top public schools: Roesland Elementary School (A), Highlands Elementary School (A), Indian Hills Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Bishop Miege High School (A), St. Agnes Elementary School (unavailable), Horizon Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5404 Nall Ave, Roeland Park ($499,900, 4 bedrooms)
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#6. Westwood
- Population: 1,657
- Median home value: $250,500 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,652 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $79,955
- Top public schools: Shawnee Mission East High School (A+), Westwood View Elementary School (A), Indian Hills Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Shawnee Mission Christian School (A-)
- Pictured: 2711 W 49th St, Westwood ($967,500, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $250,500 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,652 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $79,955
- Top public schools: Shawnee Mission East High School (A+), Westwood View Elementary School (A), Indian Hills Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Shawnee Mission Christian School (A-)
- Pictured: 2711 W 49th St, Westwood ($967,500, 4 bedrooms)
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#5. Hesston
- Population: 3,803
- Median home value: $138,200 (69% own)
- Median rent: $648 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $60,286
- Top public schools: Hesston Middle School (A-), Hesston Elementary School (A-), Hesston High School (A-)
- Pictured: 7432 W Dutch Ave, Hesston ($600,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $138,200 (69% own)
- Median rent: $648 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $60,286
- Top public schools: Hesston Middle School (A-), Hesston Elementary School (A-), Hesston High School (A-)
- Pictured: 7432 W Dutch Ave, Hesston ($600,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#4. Fairway
- Population: 3,960
- Median home value: $376,700 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,363 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $111,995
- Top public schools: Shawnee Mission East High School (A+), Roesland Elementary School (A), Highlands Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 6016 Windsor Dr, Fairway ($2.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $376,700 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,363 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $111,995
- Top public schools: Shawnee Mission East High School (A+), Roesland Elementary School (A), Highlands Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 6016 Windsor Dr, Fairway ($2.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#3. Overland Park
- Population: 191,011
- Median home value: $276,100 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,164 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $86,487
- Top public schools: Blue Valley North High School (A+), Blue Valley High School (A+), Blue Valley West High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (A), St. Thomas Aquinas High School (A), Overland Christian Schools (B+)
- Pictured: 10712 W 165th St, Overland Park ($5.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $276,100 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,164 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $86,487
- Top public schools: Blue Valley North High School (A+), Blue Valley High School (A+), Blue Valley West High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (A), St. Thomas Aquinas High School (A), Overland Christian Schools (B+)
- Pictured: 10712 W 165th St, Overland Park ($5.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#2. Leawood
- Population: 34,670
- Median home value: $463,200 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,619 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $157,515
- Top public schools: Blue Valley North High School (A+), Blue Valley High School (A+), Overland Trail Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Michael the Archangel School (unavailable), Nativity Parish School (unavailable), The Phoenix Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 11413 Meadow Ln, Leawood ($3.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $463,200 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,619 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $157,515
- Top public schools: Blue Valley North High School (A+), Blue Valley High School (A+), Overland Trail Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Michael the Archangel School (unavailable), Nativity Parish School (unavailable), The Phoenix Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 11413 Meadow Ln, Leawood ($3.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#1. Prairie Village
- Population: 22,170
- Median home value: $290,600 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,337 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $91,136
- Top public schools: Shawnee Mission East High School (A+), Briarwood Elementary School (A), Highlands Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Kansas City Christian School (A), St. Ann School (unavailable), Highlawn Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3908 Homestead Ct, Prairie Village ($1.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $290,600 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,337 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $91,136
- Top public schools: Shawnee Mission East High School (A+), Briarwood Elementary School (A), Highlands Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Kansas City Christian School (A), St. Ann School (unavailable), Highlawn Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3908 Homestead Ct, Prairie Village ($1.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
