Overland Park, Kansas

With a population of 200,000-plus, Overland Park is Kansas City’s most populous suburb and the state’s second most populous city. It’s big on community, green spaces, and outdoor recreation.

There are 83 parks and 10 miles of trails in the city to bike, hike, or walk around in, while Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens offer 300 acres to explore. The Tomahawk Creek Trail in nearby Leawood’s Foxhill South Park is worth a visit to get lost in some greenery. There are ample opportunities to get involved in sports, whether by joining a recreational league at the community center, watching tournaments at the Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex, or heading over to Arrowhead Stadium to watch Travis Kelce and the Chiefs. 

Overland Park is very kid-friendly, with a whole host of activities for little ones. Strang Park offers an inclusive playground, the Museum at Prairiefire showcases a full-scale T. rex, and Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is home to 200-plus animals. Schools in the area are nationally ranked, with high schools touting a nearly 95% graduation rate.

For parents, the work and play dynamic is strong. Overland Park has a strong jobs market, serving as headquarters for companies like UnitedHealth Group and T-Mobile. At night, they can enjoy outdoor concerts, local breweries, and vibrant retail districts. Those craving the country music scene can find it at Guitars & Cadillacs, Kansas’s long-standing country venue.