If You’re Moving to Kansas City, Here’s What You Need To Know

World-class features

Kansas City offers world-class features for art, sports, and travel.

Voters recently approved a new airport, by an overwhelming majority. Appropriately, for the city of fountains, a two-story fountain will be the centerpiece of a modern KCI.  The airport design also includes convenient features like close parking, and two-level curbside pickup and drop-off. Edgemoor will develop the airport, paid for by airlines and passengers. The newly designed airport is expected to be complete by 2021, opening the city up to new possibilities.

The Kansas City Royals provide plenty of action in the spring, summer, and fall. The American League Central team won two World Series titles, four league championships, seven division titles, and one wild card berth. The team last won the World Series in 2015. With affordable tickets, it’s easy to catch a game at the ballpark after work.

On Sunday’s during the fall, it’s a faceoff of BBQ and football in the parking lot of Arrowhead Stadium. The Kansas City Chiefs attract a large crowd every week, for a seat in the modern designed stadium. It’s also considered by the Guinness Book of World Records, to be the loudest stadium.

The aforementioned Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is home to the Kansas City Ballet, Lyric Opera, and Kansas City Symphony. With diverse performances, there’s always something to hear or see at the Performing Arts Center.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art features more than 35-thousand works of art for FREE to a million visitors every year. Nearby, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is an acclaimed, FREE contemporary art museum that also features modern art.

There’s entertainment for everyone in KC, no matter your budget.

Searching for homes in Kansas City

Now that you know why you should live in Kansas City, it’s time to search for a home. Brian Freeman, of the Freeman Team of ReeceNichols, is a lifelong resident of Kansas City and real estate agent with nearly 15 years experience.

“I like to help you love where you call home,” Freeman said.

While most buyers focus on finding the perfect house, Freeman suggests you start with what matters most to you. Rate your top three priorities: schools, proximity to work, lifestyle, neighborhood, house amenities, etc.

Freeman asks clients, “What are your likes and dislikes about where you’re moving from, and what things do you want to emphasize as we move forward in your home buying process?”

There’s a happiness factor. Do you want to live in a quaint neighborhood or near shopping malls and big box stores? Schools are usually the number one priority for a family with children.

Second, proximity to work is something you should consider when moving to a new city. Drive the commute during rush hour to get a feel for your drive time each morning.

Freeman said the Northland is a favorite with relocating professionals, especially those who travel or work downtown, because of its close proximity to the airport and the city center. You also get larger homesites, even acreage opportunities, and the northern suburbs are close to Smithville Lake which offers boating, camping, fishing, swimming and golf.

Third, take a home buying trip. It’s a great way to get a lay of the land. Allow a couple days, up to a week, to travel the city with your real estate agent or relocation guide. Kansas City is an easy city to navigate, so buying is often doable when relocating to Kansas City.

There are major interstates, like I-35, I-70, and I-435. If you get on 435, you’ll drive a loop around the city. You can be anywhere you want in no time.

Fourth, consider what you can get given the housing market.

“We’ll sort out the pros and cons of what’s available, and always keep an eye on the potential resale of the property, and how that may or may not influence your decision making,” Freeman said.

Schools

If you move to Missouri and have a family, you need to discuss schools with your relocation expert. Are public schools a must or are private and parochial schools something you’re willing to consider?

While there are great school districts in Missouri like the Liberty and Lee’s Summit school districts, Kansas City schools lost their accreditation. That doesn’t mean you have to dismiss all Kansas City addresses.

Some Northland neighborhoods have KCMO addresses but are in the Liberty school district, which is a big plus.

Heather Bortnick is another Kansas City real estate agent. With 25 years of real estate experience in Kansas and Missouri, she knows the area well.

“I live in Kansas City, Missouri, personally. So I’m a huge a fan,” Bortnick explained. “I get frustrated with agents sometimes who automatically dismiss it and say you have to live in Kansas.”

Unlike Missouri, most, Kansas school districts have good reputations. “I never discourage looking in Kansas City, Missouri. There are other avenues school wise. You just need to be aware,” Bortnick explained. “It’s a little more challenging.”

For example, Academie Lafayette is a great option for kids living in the Kansas City school district. It’s a highly regarded French immersion charter public school. Many families living in Brookside and surrounding neighborhoods send their kids to Academie Lafayette, avoiding private school tuition.

Kansas City certified financial planner

Once you move to Kansas City, meet with a financial advisor to get your financial house in order. Using sophisticated software, your planner will organize your investments, analyze your risk tolerance, and help you strategize retirement goals. He’ll also be able to help you work through any financial obstacles.

Ask friends, colleagues, neighbors, and family for recommendations of a financial planner. These are the 10 questions you should ask him.

One of the main questions should be how the planner gets paid. A fee-only financial planner is paid by the client. Other advisors, receive commissions, which may make them biased in selling you financial products that earn them the most money.

A fee-only planner puts your financial interests first! Even if you have a financial planner from your old city, it’s good to get a Kansas City financial advisor because they can advise you of the local cost of living factors and taxes.

Plus, they’re a valuable resource for your new city — offering information on contractors to hire for your house projects. Financial planners are full of connections.

Estate planning after a move

Don’t forget about your estate. It’s one of those things none of us like to talk about, but it makes a huge difference to your loved ones. You should update your estate plan every few years to reflect a divorce, marriage, growing family, and changing family dynamics. Your estate should include a will, beneficiary designation, and medical directive.