Just how far away is Kansas City? Well, the city sits in the middle of two states — but not just any two states. If you’re wondering where exactly Kansas City is located, you’re probably not alone. After all, it can be easy to get confused by the location of different U.S. cities and towns; some are even found in more than one state. However, this isn’t a common occurrence. The city of Kansas City is located entirely in Missouri — as its name suggests. Even so, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other interesting facts about Kansas City and its location in real life. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about whether Kansas City is in Kansas or Missouri and how that affects your day-to-day life if you live here:
Is Kansas City In Kansas Or Missouri?
Kansas City is located in the U.S. state of Missouri, not Kansas. It sits on the borders of both states and is known as a “border city”. Officially, Kansas City is labeled as having a single metropolitan area that stretches across 14 counties, five in Missouri and nine in Kansas. The geographic boundary between the two states runs through the heart of downtown Kansas City, so while it falls within Missouri’s boundaries it still has strong ties to its neighbor just to the west most notably Royals baseball teams and Chiefs football teams play at stadiums located in Missouri but claim they represent “Kansas City” as their hometown team.
Why Is Kansas City In Missouri?
1. History
Kansas City is the oldest city in Missouri and is the capital of the state. There are many things to learn about the city’s history, including the fact that Lewis and Clark passed through the area in 1804 and made references to the area that eventually became Kansas City. One of the most interesting things about Kansas City’s past is that it was once a stop on the Underground Railroad.
2. Cultural Diversity
Kansas City’s diversity is one of the most incredible aspects of the city. The city hosts many events each year to celebrate its diversity, including the Annual African Arts and Culture Festival, and the Fiesta Parade, which celebrates Mexican culture. Kansas City also frequently hosts events to celebrate Asian and LGBT culture, including Celebrate Pride, Asian American Festival, and the KC Pride Festival.
3. Food
The quality of Kansas City restaurants is what makes the city so great for foodies. The city has several Michelin-starred restaurants, including The John Howie Steakhouse, which is the only steakhouse in the United States to hold a Michelin star. There are also many great ethnic restaurants in the city, many of which are family-owned. The city is home to the Midwest Food Truck Festival, as well as the Taste of Kansas City food festival, both of which celebrate the many great food trucks in the city.
4. Sports
Kansas City has been a major sports city for a long time, and there are many reasons why. One of the biggest reasons is the fact that the city is home to the Kansas City Royals, who are a Major League Baseball team. The Royals have won two World Series Championships (1985 and 2015) and have been one of the most successful baseball teams in the country. The Kansas City Chiefs are another professional sports team in the city, and they have won five NFL Championships (1 Super Bowl Championship, 4 Conference Championships, and 1 Wild Card). The Kansas City Mavericks are a minor league hockey team, and they have also been a significant part of the city’s sports scene.
5. Weather
The weather in Kansas City is another reason why people love living in the city. The weather is mild all year long, and the city is often ranked as the least-humid city in the country. The weather is also very predictable, which means there are few surprises. This predictability makes the weather ideal for outdoor activities, like golfing, and also for activities that require planning, like weddings. One of the most interesting facts about the weather in Kansas City is that there are an average of 45 tornadoes each year in the area. This is one of the most tornado-prone cities in the country.
6. Health Care Benefits
The health care benefits in Kansas City have been ranked as some of the best in the nation, and this is one of the top reasons people move to the city. The city is home to many large healthcare companies, including Humana, Express Scripts, and Medco Health Solutions. This means that many people who work in the healthcare industry can choose to move to this area. The city is also home to the University of Kansas Hospital, which is one of the most-awarded hospitals in the country, and it is often ranked among the best hospitals in the country.
7. Cost Of Living
The cost of living in Kansas City is another reason why people love living here. With a cost of living that is only a little higher than the national average, people can save a significant amount of money each year. Kansas City has also been ranked as one of the best cities for quality of life, which makes it one of the most desirable cities for people who want to live in a great place.
8. Education Benefits
The city is home to the University of Kansas, one of the most prestigious universities in the country. The city is also home to the Community College of Kansas and Eastern, which is one of the largest community colleges in the state. There are also many other notable universities in the region, including the University of Missouri, the University of Kansas, and the University of Kansas School of Medicine. The city is also home to many notable public schools, including the Kansas City Public Library, which was the first public library in the country to have a public internet connection.
9. Other Stuff You Should Know
Kansas City also has a great airport, making it one of the best cities for people who fly in and out of the area frequently. The city is also home to the Country Club Plaza, which is one of the most iconic areas in the country. The Plaza is a popular tourist attraction, and it is also a popular place for people to shop. There are also several beautiful parks in the city, including the Liberty Memorial and the Plaza Park.
Difference Between A City And A Town
- Generally, cities are larger than towns and have more developed infrastructure and economies. Cities tend to have higher populations and more diverse cultures than towns. They often have many different types of businesses, services, attractions, schools, and other amenities that towns may not have.
- Towns are usually smaller in size with a lower population density than cities and may have a more rural or suburban feel. They usually have fewer businesses and amenities than cities, but maybe home to many local farms, stores, restaurants, schools, and other services that can provide a unique sense of community for its residents.
- Cities are governed by larger governing bodies such as city councils or mayors which can make large-scale decisions that affect the entire city. Towns often have smaller governments or town councils and may not have the same level of influence as cities.
- Cities tend to be more congested than towns due to their greater population density, leading to higher levels of air pollution and other environmental issues. Towns, on the other hand, generally have less congestion, leading to cleaner air and fewer environmental issues.
- Cities are more likely to have access to public transportation such as subways, buses, and trains. Towns often do not have access to these large-scale public transportation systems but may offer other types of transportation such as shuttles or carpools.
- Cities often have a greater variety of housing options than towns, including apartments, houses, and condos. Towns may offer some of these same types of housing but in more limited numbers.
- Cities are typically more expensive to live in than towns due to their higher cost of living. Rent and other expenses such as utilities and taxes tend to be higher in cities than in towns.
- Cities may be more prone to crime due to their larger population and greater anonymity than towns, while towns tend to have lower crime rates as they often have a strong sense of community and smaller populations.
Other Things You May Not Know About Kansas City
- Kansas City is home to a variety of museums and cultural attractions, including the National World War I Museum and Memorial, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City Zoo, Science City at Union Station, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, American Jazz Museum, and Hallmark Visitors Center.
- Kansas City is known for its delicious barbecue dishes. The city is home to many of the world’s best-known barbecue restaurants, including Arthur Bryant’s, Gates Bar-B-Q, and Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Q.
- The city is also known for its strong jazz heritage. It was home to an array of jazz greats such as Count Basie and Charlie Parker. The American Jazz Museum is a must-visit for any visitor to the city, as it features exhibits and artifacts about jazz legends past and present.
- Kansas City is also home to some of the best shopping in the Midwest. Popular tourist stops include Country Club Plaza, an outdoor shopping center featuring upscale retailers like Tiffany & Co. and Brooks Brothers, and Zona Rosa, which has more than 150 retailers.
- Kansas City is known for its unique public art scene. The city hosts a variety of murals and sculptures throughout the downtown area, as well as an annual Art in the Loop festival that celebrates local artists.
- The city is also home to a vibrant theater and performing arts scene. Popular venues include the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Kansas City Repertory Theatre, and Starlight Theatre.
- Lastly, Kansas City is home to a variety of professional sports teams, including the Royals (MLB), Chiefs (NFL), Sporting KC (MLS), and T-Bones (independent baseball). Other popular attractions include Kansas Speedway and Legends Outlets.
Bottom Line
If you’re curious about the location of Kansas City, you’re likely wondering how far away it is from the Great Plains in the middle of Kansas. Well, the city is located in Missouri, not Kansas, and is situated on the Missouri River. The city is also located near Mexico, Canada, and an amazing LGBT community — and is one of the most Democratic cities in the Midwest, thanks to its Democratic politicians and controlled government. With all that, it’s clear that Kansas City is a truly unique place, regardless of where it’s located.
