What Makes Kansas City So Special?
North, south, east or west, Kansas City offers a wealth of attractions in
every direction. The striking local landscape includes wide
boulevards, beautiful parks, fantastic architecture and more than
200 fountains.
In fact, Kansas City's commitment to its parks and landmarks is
well known throughout the country, making it one of the most
beautiful cities in America. In addition, our city's long list of
diversions includes world-class museums, a vibrant arts scene,
superb shopping and great jazz clubs.
In July of 2010, Kansas City was listed as one of the top 10
cities for young adults. We have below-average rents, low cost of
living, money and momentum behind future developments and
innovative jobs in business, research and technology.
The true differentiator for Kansas City is its friendly
citizens. There is the hustle and bustle with any city, but you'll
see more smiles, willingness to help and always plenty of
suggestions regarding the best place to enjoy barbeque!
Geographically Central = Easy Access Everywhere
Incorporated in 1850, today Kansas City is a thriving cultural and
economic metro with more than 2.1 million residents. Kansas City is
often referred to as "The Heart of America," with a metropolitan
area comprised of seven Missouri counties and four in Kansas.
Surrounded by gently rolling terrain, easy access by air, rail, bus
and car makes for easy travel anywhere you want to go. Click the
following to see what
National Geographic has to say about Kansas City.
The Good Life Means Getting More for Less
Kansas City's cost of living has consistently been at or below the
national average. A major component of the overall low cost of
living is the affordability of housing in the area, allowing people
to get more space for less money. In the fourth quarter of 2010,
Missouri had the eight lowest cost of living in the United
States.
The Right Combination for Business and Industry
Both the geographic and population centers of the United States lie
within 250 miles of Kansas City, making the metropolitan area a
natural hub for intermodal transportation, warehousing,
manufacturing and distribution. With a diverse economy, businesses
are relocating to or expanding in the Kansas City area can take
advantage of a wide range of financial incentives provided by state
and local government agencies. It's an exciting time to be part of
Kansas City's continued growth.
- Kansas City is the 29th largest metropolitan area in the United
States.
- Five of the area's largest cities are Kansas City, Mo.
(482,299); Overland Park, Kan. (174,907); Olathe, Kan. (121,962),
Kansas City, Kan. (143,209) and Independence, Mo. (121,180).
- Bloomberg's Businessweek states that Blue Springs, Mo.
is one of the best places to raise your kids in 2010. Blue Springs,
located on I-70 less than 30 minutes from downtown Kansas City,
Mo., has a low cost of living, nationally-recognized schools,
parks, hiking trails and a central location.
- The Kansas City Barbecue Society reports that KC has more
barbecue restaurants per capita than any other city in the
nation.
- KC is home to the largest maker of boxed chocolates in the
world. Based here since 1932, Russell Stover Candies still hand
dips more than 25 million pieces of chocolate each year.
Greater Kansas City is headquarters to three Fortune
500 companies (Sprint Nextel Corporation, YRC Worldwide Inc.
and Seaboard) and additional Fortune 1000 corporations
(Great Plains Energy, AMC Theatres, DST Systems, Garmin
International, Cerner and Russell Stover Candies). Three
international law firms, Lathrop & Gage, Stinson Morrisson
& Hecker, and Shook, Hardy & Bacon are also based in the
City. Hallmark Cards' gross revenues certainly would qualify it for
both lists, but it cannot be included because it is privately owned
by the Hall family.
Kansas City is literally "on the money." Bills issued by the
Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City are marked the letter "J"
and/or number "10." The single dollar bills have Kansas City's name
on them. The Kansas City Federal Reserve built a new bank building
that opened in 2008 and relocated near Union Station. Missouri is
the only state to have two of the 12 Federal Reserve Bank
headquarters (St. Louis also has a headquarters).
One of the largest drug manufacturing plants in the United
States is the Sanofi-Aventis plant located in south Kansas City on
the campus developed by Ewing Kauffman's Marion Laboratories.
Ford Motor Company operates a large manufacturing facility just
outside of Kansas City in Claycomo at the Ford Kansas City Assembly
Plant, which currently builds the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Ford
F-150 and Mercury Mariner.
Go, Explore, and Enjoy
You don't have to travel far to find fun and interesting
activities. Amid skyscrapers and fantastic art deco buildings,
Kansas City is a city backed by a vibrant arts scene, world-class
attractions and an eclectic mix of shops. Hip, urban, vibrant and
cosmopolitan describes the re-energized downtown. The Kansas City
Power & Light District along with the state-of-the-art Sprint
Center are all part of a $4.5 billion urban renaissance.
If It's Hip, It's In The Power & Light
District
Kansas City's new Power & Light District
features a terrific mix of restaurants, entertainment venues,
shops, boutiques, live music, theaters and additional unique
amenities. Comprised of an eight-block neighborhood in downtown
Kansas City, the district links together the Kansas City Convention
Center to the west and the Sprint Center to the east. With trendy
spots like The
Shark Bar, The Mosaic, Lucky Strike Lanes, Vinino Wine Bar
& Bistro, ChefBurger and Raglan Road Irish Pub, just to name a
few, the district has an engaging 24/7 vibe attracting visitors and
locals alike.
Kansas
City has bountiful arts and entertainment including:
