General Statisics for the Kansas City Area

Kansas City, Missouri

1. Population: Approximately 508,000 residents.
2. Landmarks: Home to the National World War I Museum and Memorial.
3. Economy: Major industries include healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.
4. History: Founded in 1838, known for its rich jazz and blues heritage.
5. Transportation: Features a free streetcar line downtown and several interstate highways.

Overland Park, Kansas

1. Population: About 200,000 residents.
2. Economy: A hub for telecommunications and financial services industries.
3. Education: Home to the highly rated Blue Valley School District.
4. Parks: Contains more than 83 parks and nearly 1,800 acres of open space.
5. Culture: Known for the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.

Olathe, Kansas

1. Population: Approximately 145,000 residents.
2. History: One of the fastest-growing cities in Kansas, founded in 1857.
3. Economy: Strong manufacturing sector, with companies like Garmin.
4. Education: Part of the Olathe Public Schools, one of the top districts in the state.
5. Attractions: Home to the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site.

Independence, Missouri

1. Population: About 117,000 residents.
2. Historical Significance: Known as the hometown of President Harry S. Truman.
3. Economy: Retail and healthcare are major sectors.
4. Landmarks: The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum is a key attraction.
5. Events: Hosts the annual Santa-Cali-Gon Days, celebrating the town’s role in pioneer trails.

Lee’s Summit, Missouri

1. Population: Approximately 101,000 residents.
2. Education: Served by the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District.
3. Economy: Growing healthcare and retail sector.
4. Recreation: Over 1,200 acres of parkland, including Longview Lake.
5. Community: Known for strong community involvement and family-friendly events.

Lenexa, Kansas

1. Population: About 55,000 residents.
2. Economy: A key center for biosciences and technology.
3. Education: Served by the Shawnee Mission School District.
4. Recreation: Features Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park and several community festivals.
5. History: Incorporated in 1907, originally a stop on the Santa Fe Trail.

Shawnee, Kansas

1. Population: Approximately 67,000 residents.
2. History: One of the oldest cities in Johnson County, founded in 1856.
3. Economy: Strong in manufacturing and retail sectors.
4. Parks: Home to the large Shawnee Mission Park and Lake.
5. Community: Known for a strong sense of community and annual events like Old Shawnee Days.

Blue Springs, Missouri

1. Population: About 56,000 residents.
2. Education: Part of the Blue Springs School District, highly regarded in Missouri.
3. Economy: Dominated by retail, healthcare, and light manufacturing.
4. Recreation: Offers numerous parks, including Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area.
5. History: Established in the mid-19th century, a key stop for pioneers on the Oregon Trail.

Liberty, Missouri

1. Population: Approximately 32,000 residents.
2. Historical Significance: Home to William Jewell College, founded in 1849.
3. Economy: A mix of education, healthcare, and retail.
4. Landmarks: Known for its well-preserved historic downtown district.
5. Community: Offers a range of community events, including the annual Liberty Fall Festival.

Raytown, Missouri

1. Population: About 29,000 residents.
2. History: Founded in 1827, originally a stopping point on the Santa Fe Trail.
3. Economy: Predominantly residential, with local retail and small businesses.
4. Education: Served by the Raytown School District.
5. Parks: Features several parks, including Kenagy Park and C. Lee Kenagy Nature Park.

Prairie Village, Kansas

1. Population: Approximately 22,000 residents.
2. History: Developed in the 1940s, designed as a planned community.
3. Economy: Predominantly residential, with local boutiques and small businesses.
4. Parks: Known for its tree-lined streets and well-maintained parks, including Harmon Park.
5. Community: Frequently listed among the best places to live in Kansas.

Gladstone, Missouri

1. Population: About 27,000 residents.
2. Economy: Primarily residential, with a mix of retail and local businesses.
3. Education: Served by the North Kansas City School District.
4. Parks: Includes several parks, such as Oak Grove Park and Happy Rock Park.
5. Community: Known for a strong community spirit and a variety of local events.

Belton, Missouri

1. Population: Approximately 23,000 residents.
2. History: Founded in 1871, originally a railroad town.
3. Economy: Retail, light manufacturing, and healthcare are key sectors.
4. Education: Served by the Belton School District.
5. Parks: Features several parks, including Memorial Park and Wallace Park.

Grandview, Missouri

1. Population: About 25,000 residents.
2. History: Incorporated in 1912, once home to President Harry S. Truman.
3. Economy: Includes manufacturing, retail, and distribution centers.
4. Parks: Features the Grandview Amphitheater and several community parks.
5. Transportation: Located along Interstate 49, providing easy access to Kansas City.

Merriam, Kansas

1. Population: Approximately 11,000 residents.
2. Economy: Predominantly residential, with a mix of retail and small businesses.
3. Parks: Known for its extensive trail system and parks, including Merriam Marketplace.
4. Education: Served by the Shawnee Mission School District.
5. History: Established in the 1880s, originally a resort town.

Mission, Kansas

1. Population: About 10,000 residents.
2. Economy: Strong retail presence, including the Mission Market.
3. Parks: Home to several small parks, including Broadmoor Park and Anderson Park.
4. Community: Known for its vibrant community events, such as the annual Sunflower Festival.
5. History: Incorporated in 1951, originally a trading post on the Santa Fe Trail.

North Kansas City, Missouri

1. Population: Approximately 4,500 residents.
2. Economy: A major industrial hub, with numerous businesses and manufacturing centers.
3. Transportation: Well-connected by major highways and public transit.
4. Recreation: Features Macken Park, a large community park with various amenities.
5. History: Incorporated in 1912, originally a planned industrial city.

Raymore, Missouri

1. Population: About 23,000 residents.
2. Economy: Primarily residential, with growing retail and small business sectors.
3. Education: Served by the Raymore-Peculiar School District.
4. Parks: Known for its parks and recreation facilities, including Hawk Ridge Park.
5. Community: Strong community involvement with annual events like the Raymore Festival in the Park.

Harrisonville, Missouri

1. Population: Approximately 10,000 residents.
2. History: Founded in 1837, rich in Civil War history.
3. Economy: Retail, healthcare, and small manufacturing are key sectors.
4. Education: Served by the Harrisonville School District.
5. Parks: Features several parks, including City Park and the Harrisonville Community Center.

Excelsior Springs, Missouri

1. Population: About 11,000 residents.
2. History: Known for its mineral water springs, which were believed to have healing properties.
3. Landmarks: Home to the historic Elms Hotel and Spa, visited by President Harry S. Truman.
4. Economy: Tourism, healthcare, and small manufacturing.
5. Community: Hosts annual events like the Waterfest, celebrating its history as a spa town.

Smithville, Missouri

1. Population: Approximately 11,000 residents.
2. Landmarks: Known for Smithville Lake, a major recreational area.
3. Economy: Primarily residential with a growing retail sector.
4. Education: Served by the Smithville School District.
5. Community: Offers a variety of outdoor