Overland Park is an easy city to love, with its reasonable cost of living, low crime rate,…read morehighly-rated schools, mild four season climate, and clean, plentiful water. The city's slogan is "Above and Beyond. By Design.", and that is evident when you drive around this well-planned, nicely maintained 60 year old city.
The appeal of Kansas' second largest city (population 197,000) has not gone unnoticed, since it ranks high on many recent national rankings including #6 best city to raise a family, #15 happiest city, #11 best city for a job, #1 soccer city, and #6 best city for a millennial.
The city's government maintains reasonable sales and property tax rates by being fiscally responsible, while still properly maintaining the city's streets and parks, and being very responsive to citizens' requests. For example, the city's web site offers "OPCares", where residents can submit non-emergency concerns. I have submitted requests for downed traffic signs which were handled promptly the next day. You will not often see a pothole in Overland Park.
The city is located just a short drive (20 min or so) from Kansas City's attractions, including the Power & Light district, the Nelson-Atkins museum of Art, Country Club Plaza, the Sprint Center, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Chiefs games, and Royals games. It also has great attractions of its own, including the Overland Park Arboretum, the Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead, a farmer's market, a trendy downtown area, a world class soccer complex, five golf courses (one designed by Jack Nicklaus), 77 parks (seven with lakes), and an extensive creekside hiking/biking trail system.
The city's future looks bright, since it is not completely surrounded by other cities, allowing it to grow to the south. Excellent, and a great place to call home!