The 5 Best Kansas City, MO, Suburbs
The Kansas City metropolitan area is becoming an increasingly popular place to live. Kansas City is unequivocally one of the best places to live in Missouri thanks to the abundance of tech jobs, a creative environment for up-and-coming artists and enough buzzy things to do for young professionals. And, in 2024, GOBankingRates named it the seventh most affordable, fastest-growing city in the country. There is a compelling mix of major cultural attractions plus hundreds of parks to enjoy in your sprawling shared backyard. And Kansas City comes at an attractive price tag with a cost of living below the national average.
KC also has one of the country’s largest metro areas, over 2 million strong, meaning you’ve got plenty of choices if you’re looking for a city outside but still close to the metropolis. Check out these five Kansas City suburbs worth considering for your next move.
In This Article
1. Lee’s Summit, Missouri
Distance from Kansas City, MO: 19.8 miles
There’s a lot to love about living in Lee’s Summit. Residents can enjoy good public transit, including city buses and a commuter rail line from Amtrak that stops on Main Street. There’s affordable housing, highly rated schools, an expanding greenway and a bevy of outdoor activities, showcased twice a year in “Lee’s Summit Illustrated,” the local Parks & Rec magazine. Need more proof that this Kansas City suburb is a great place to be? Lee’s Summit made our 2023 lineup of the Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S.
Major industries include education, health care and retail, with many of the shops being locally owned. Metropolitan Community College’s Longview campus enriches the community with a Cultural Arts Center, certificate programs on everything from accounting to automotive tech and the hugely popular Flights of Fancy Kite Festival every spring, where you can see the world’s largest windsock.
Why is Lee’s Summit, MO, one of the best Kansas City suburbs?
Outside of its close proximity to Kansas City, Lee’s Summit residents have access to several distinct neighborhoods. But the real star is Lee’s Summit’s award-winning downtown, which is getting even better soon thanks to a new plaza that will feature public art, shopping, entertainment, restaurants, apartments and a boutique hotel. Head downtown for the farmers market, special events like the summer jazz festival, and really good homemade ice cream from Poppy’s. It’s easy to see why Lee’s Summit tops the list of best Kansas City suburbs.
2. Independence, Missouri
Distance from Kansas City, MO: 9.8 miles
Named after the Declaration of Independence, this Kansas City suburb is deeply historic. Best known as the hometown of President Harry S. Truman and the start of the Oregon Trail, Independence was an international trading hub in the first half of the 19th century. Today, when wandering around downtown, you’ll still come across an 1820s log courthouse, an 1850s jail and an 1870s train depot. And both the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum and Truman’s home are free to visit.
Budget-minded families will appreciate Independence — and not just because it has a massive warehouse of undeliverable shipments at bargain prices, called Cargo Largo — but also for its affordability. According to Redfin, the latest median sale price for a house is only $227,500.
Why is Independence, MO, one of the best Kansas City suburbs?
You don’t have to sacrifice when it comes to indulging in big-city amenities. Like Lee’s Summit, Independence has a stop on Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner train, just a 10-minute walk from the visitors center. The city also boasts close to 800 parks along with a 5,800-seat arena that is home to the Kansas City Mavericks (hockey) and Kansas City Comets (soccer) and hosts dozens of events throughout the year, running the gamut from circus to wrestling to rodeo.
3. Raymore, Missouri
Distance from Kansas City, MO: 25.1 miles
Just over 30 minutes from Kansas City — a straight shot on I-49 and U.S. Highway 71 — Raymore preserves a small-town feel despite being one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Raymore is a good pick if you want some more land where you live and a quieter day-to-day. The town’s population of 26,000 provides plenty of space to spread out. The average property size is a roomy 8 acres, and there are plenty of farms on the outskirts of town when you’re looking for fresh produce or a fall corn maze. It’s also relatively safe, with a crime rate well below the national average.
In your downtime, soak up the city’s rustic charm by browsing antique shops, hiking the 79-acre Hawk Ridge Park (with a new inclusive playground and free monthly concerts June through October), or riding through the countryside on the nearby Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad.
4. Liberty, Missouri
Distance from Kansas City, MO: 15.6 miles
On the northeast edge of Kansas City, Liberty is convenient for frequent travelers. This cozy Kansas City suburb is less than a half hour from both downtown KC and the airport and is located right off I-35, which runs straight up to Minneapolis and south to Dallas, which is handy for your next road trip.
While the relatively small population (just 30,000) and ample greenspace (500 acres of parks and 16 miles of trails) give it a sparse suburban feel, you’ve got all the urban luxuries in town, from spas to sushi. Catch a free concert by the Liberty Summer Band in June, or browse free art at galleries across the city, including one at William Jewell College.
Why is Liberty, MO, one of the best Kansas City suburbs?
Liberty School District, which happens to be the city’s top employer, is highly rated and includes the innovation-focused EPiC Elementary School. Another plus for families is that Liberty is safer than the vast majority (89%) of other U.S. cities. Founded in 1822, it’s historic too, with several buildings on the National Register of Historic Places and a walkable downtown boasting old-timey museums and a bonafide, brick-fronted mercantile.
5. Blue Springs, Missouri
Distance from Kansas City, MO: 18.9 miles
The 10th largest city in Missouri, Blue Springs was settled along Little Blue River, which gave the city its name. Today, the 60,000 residents of this Kansas City suburb can still enjoy plenty of water activities like fishing, jet skiing and kayaking, thanks to the multiple lakes within a 20-minute drive.
And if you’re into outdoor recreation, there’s lots more where that came from. Think wildlife-watching at the 1,071-acre Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area, aerobics classes and a surf simulator at the newly expanded Carson Ross Community Recreation Complex or a round or two at the Adams Pointe Golf Club. The 18-hole championship public golf course is also certified as an Audubon sanctuary and one of the few ADA-compliant courses in the country.
Why is Blue Springs, MO, one of the best Kansas City suburbs?
With an excellent health care system, nationally recognized schools, affordable housing (the median home list price is under $320,000), and a convenient location off I-70, this community-minded suburb is easily one of the best places to live near Kansas City.
Intrigued? Here are the best places to live in Missouri!