10 Reasons Why Living in Lenexa, KS is Awesome — Local’s Guide

Source

Move over Kansas City, Lenexa, KS, has been stealing the spotlight as one of the Midwest’s most exciting places to live. 

Between August and October 2024, more than 800 people moved into Lenexa from major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, Seattle, Wichita, and Dallas combined.

With the recent 1.9% surge in population since 2020, it’s clear that people are flocking to this suburban city for good reasons. 

While bigger cities like Kansas City and Overland Park close by have their own draws, Lenexa offers a unique mix of small-town friendliness with all the perks of a growing, well-connected city. 

But why are people packing up and relocating to Lenexa? 

Is living in Lenexa, KS, that big a deal? 

Let’s explore 10 reasons why Lenexa seems to be a fabulous place.

1. Commute Is Actually Fun

Everyone agrees that Kansas City is where most of the action happens in the state of Kansas.

Well, living in Lenexa means you are perfectly positioned to commute to Kansas City easily. In a drive of less than 20 minutes, you hit Kansas City.

But here’s the better part of the gist: this drive is one you will actually enjoy. 

Imagine having a quick, scenic route to downtown KC and other major suburbs while skipping the usual bumper-to-bumper grind — a peculiar advantage during your relocation. 

Here is a bit of moving advice: Lenexa sits right at the crossroads of I-435, I-35, and K-10, making trips fast and straightforward. 

Find your way on these roads, and you’ll be well on your way into Lenexa.

2. There’s Always Something to Celebrate

The biggest mistake is to think that small towns are eternally sleepy. 

Lenexa has a serious party spirit. Its incredible community events are suitable for residents of all ages to enjoy year-round. 

The famous Lenexa Spinach Festival is as intriguing as it is unique (yes, it is an entire festival dedicated to spinach). Even the more common Fourth of July fireworks come with a lot of local flair here in Lenexa.

Moreover, there are also summer concert series and enough events to fill the Lenexa calendar with fun and family-friendly activities. 

These events create a sense of community and make you feel like you are part of something uniquely Lenexa.

3. Lenexa City Center — Your Own’ Mini Downtown’ Hub

One thing any of the Lenexa movers you meet will tell you about this place is that its city center is loaded. 

Lenexa has built a fantastic city center that brings together shopping, dining, entertainment, and residential spaces all in one place. 

With unique shops, trendy restaurants, and local businesses, the Lenexa City Center makes convenience a destination. Living in Lenexa, KS means the City Center Library will be a local favorite for both you and your kids. 

The public events also held here bring the community together in a big way. Think of it as your little slice of urban living without the hustle and bustle of a big city.

4. There are Epic Green Spaces Around

What is a healthy community without green spaces? 

If you’re a nature lover, Lenexa has you covered. This city is packed with beautiful parks, trails, and outdoor spaces.

From the 1,600-acre Shawnee Mission Park (just minutes away) to the Black Hoof Park with its incredible lake views and walking paths, your yard lawns are not the only green you will see in the city. 

There are also so many playgrounds, sports fields, and even a disc golf course that it’s easy to stay active. 

5. The Food Scene is Impressive

Kansas City may be famous for BBQ, but Lenexa is home to an impressive lineup of local eateries that will keep you coming back for more. 

You get to enjoy classic Midwest comfort food to your stomach’s fill. Or perhaps farm-to-table freshness and innovative international flavors are more to your taste — either way, Lenexa got you covered.

Some specialties of Lenexa KS restaurants include:

• Jack Stack Barbecue
• Silo Modern Farmhouse
• Ronnie’s Restaurant
• Sierra Grill

Note:

Lenexa’s dining scene is deliciously diverse. The city’s farmers’ market is one of the best in the area — it’s packed with fresh produce, artisanal goodies, and locally crafted items.

6. Awesome Schools for Quality Education

Well, food in Lenexa, KS is not all there is to this place. The city offers highly rated public and private schools for parents and children, making it a fantastic choice for families. 

Its public schools in Lenexa are in three school districts: De Soto School District, Olathe School District, and Shawnee Mission Public School District. 

Each one with a school quality rating better than 85% of all U.S. school districts.

The schools here have excellent academic performance, extracurriculars, and community involvement. With small class sizes and attentive educators, Lenexa schools have everything your kids need to thrive. 

7. Homes Have Space to Breathe

Yes, affordable housing is a perk, but there’s more — you get more space in Lenexa!

The average apartment size here is 945 sq. ft. For context, the average apartment size in Texas City (where everything is purportedly bigger) is 825 sq. ft.

Homes in Lenexa come with generously sized yards and peaceful streets, perfect for families, pets, or just enjoying some green space of your own. 

Whether that’s a starter home, a spacious family house, or anything in between, you can get something quite decent on a capped budget. 

• Average House Rent: $1,454
• Median Home Value: $424,800

Compared to nearby Kansas City and Overland Park, living in Lenexa, KS, gives you a lot more bang for your buck when it comes to housing costs, rentals, and space.

8. Low Crime, High Peace of Mind

How safe is Lenexa, KS? 

Lenexa ranks as one of the safest cities in Kansas. Its crime rate is lower than the national average in both violent and property crime categories.

For instance, there is a 1 in 447 chance you will be a victim of a violent crime in Lenexa, compared to the 1 in 241 chance of Kansas as a state. 

per 1,000 residents	Lenexa Average	Kansas Average	National Average
Violent Crime	2.23	4.15	4.0
Property Crime	15.44	19.92	20.0

Property crime is about 1.69 per 1,000 residents for burglary, as against the national average of 2.70 per 1,000 residents. 

9. Art is Alive: Local Murals, Galleries, and More

Lenexa may not have the art districts of Kansas City, but it has its own artsy flair. 

The city encourages local artists to showcase their work in public spaces. For that, you’ll find murals and sculptures that add color and creativity to everyday spots around Lenexa.

Living in Lenexa, KS means being treated to a variety of art exhibits at City Hall and community projects, with creators and enthusiasts getting involved.

10. Job Opportunities that Fit Like a Glove

Lenexa gives you the career boost you need for stability. For instance, the city is home to a range of industries, from healthcare, professional services, and retail to finance. 

Plus, with Kansas City just a short drive away, you can access even more career options without having to live in a larger metro area.

The job market here is ideal for both young professionals and those looking for a career change in a welcoming environment.

• Median Household Income: $101,074
• Unemployment Rate: 2.9%
• Poverty Rate: 5.83%

Key Takeaway: The Awesomeness of Lenexa

Lenexa is a community with a heart for fun and lots of energy. 

Whether you’re coming for the great schools, the gorgeous green spaces, or the unique festivals that bring people together, there’s a reason everyone’s talking about Lenexa as one of Kansas’s best-kept secrets. 

Remember…

Living in Lenexa, KS offers big-city convenience without the noise, and you shouldn’t miss an opportunity to make this place your new home.