JOHNSON COUNTY, KS
County Offices
111 South Cherry Street
Olathe, KS 913-715-5000
www.jocogov.org
Chamber of Commerce
5800 Foxridge Drive
Mission, KS 913-262-2141
www.nejcchamber.com
Serving as the focal point for growth and expansion within the metroplex as well as for the state of Kansas, Johnson County stands in a class of its own as one of the most beautiful and desirable suburban areas in the nation. Mature elm trees, gently rolling hillsides, and a thriving economy blend natural beauty with a progressive attitude. Johnson County has accounted for the lion’s share of the total population growth in Kansas, welcoming thousands of new residents each year. The county’s largest community is Overland Park. Other fast-growing cities in the heart of Johnson County include Olathe and Lenexa, although smaller towns like Prairie Village and Shawnee attract newcomers to an affordable selection of houses and quaint, historic charm.
Praised by Fortune magazine and other national indicators as one of the premier counties in the country, Johnson County offers an outstanding business climate and an exceptional quality of life. Residents enjoy a short travel time to their workplace, and even those employed outside the county find a quick and easy commute. In contrast to most of the nation’s larger cities, the average commuting distance within the metroplex is just 20 miles. This enviable level of transportation efficiency is made possible through a vast network of efficient freeways, highways and parkways. For an even simpler commute, ride-share programs and bus service are available.
Services
Nationally recognized for its superb public schools, Johnson County provides quality educational opportunities in a modern, well-equipped and caring environment. A number of choices for private education and parochial schools are also available, from preschool through college-preparatory high schools and academies. Special programs for the gifted and challenged combine with a wide range of extra-curricular activities to give each student the opportunity to develop to his or her full potential.
The metroplex provides a wide selection of choices for higher education close to home, from major universities and four-year colleges to community colleges and technical and vocational schools. Johnson County claims several institutions of higher learning, including Johnson Community College in Overland Park. Leading the state in enrollment, JCCC offers a variety of Associate degrees, continuing education courses and specialized training programs.
State-supported institutions like the University of Kansas Medical Center and the University of Missouri at Kansas City combine with a medley of private colleges with full-service campuses or extensions in the metroplex. Among them are Avila College, Baker University, Brown Mackie College, Cleveland Chiropractic College, Columbia College, DeVry University, Donnelly College, ITT Technical Institute, Kansas City Art Institute, the Kansas City University of Medicine & Biosciences, Saint Mary College, and William Jewell College.
A recognized leader in the area of healthcare, Johnson County is home to some of the region’s finest hospitals and medical centers. Residents can find the latest in diagnostics and treatment at such facilities as the Olathe Medical Center, the Shawnee Mission Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, St. Lukes Hospital and Children’s Mercy Hospital South.
Lifestyle
Newcomers to Johnson County will discover some of the finest cultural, entertainment and shopping resources available in the entire metroplex just beyond their front doorstep. Overland Park alone is home to more than 40 shopping centers, from open-air plazas to enclosed modern complexes with hundreds of shops, department stores, restaurants, eateries, and theaters. The city’s College Boulevard business district is so well-developed that many regard it as Kansas City’s second “city center.”
Johnson County is brimming over with amenities and attractions, from historic sites and cultural venues to fine dining and entertainment. Shawnee features the Johnson County Historical Museum and Old Shawnee Town, a pioneer community that takes visitors back in time to the mid-19th century. Few attractions hold as much fascination as the Wonderscope Children’s Museum with its hands-on interactive exhibits or the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. The New Theatre in Overland Park has been called the best dinner theatre in America, while Shawnee Mission Park draws record crowds to its summer theater under the stars and weekend Broadway musicals.
Regardless of your recreational interests, Johnson County has first-rate facilities and opportunities. Bicycle enthusiasts can join the Johnson County Bicycle Club, while the Johnson County Sailing Society sponsors summer races at the Shawnee Mission Park Lake. The local ski club is one of the finest organizations of its type in the nation, recognized for its exceptional record of community volunteerism as well as sports and social activities. Golfers can choose their favorite green from some of the most challenging and luxurious public and private courses in Greater Kansas City.
Acres of lush parks and community centers are ideal for boating, water sports, tennis, racquetball, roller skating, league sports, swimming, aerobics, arts and crafts, dance, ice-skating, picnicking, festivals and celebrations. Four state campgrounds are located within an hour’s drive, and the Snow Creek Ski area in nearby Weston, Missouri, is equally accessible.
Even more remarkable than the amenities available in Johnson County is the affordability of quality real estate. In spite of the area’s tremendous growth, natural beauty, and clean, attractive cities, home prices are still among the lowest of any major city in the nation. Newcomers can choose a quaint historic home in a well-established neighborhood, or build a custom masterpiece on a richly wooded lot surrounded by an exclusive lakeside community.
With its outstanding communities, vital economy, and unsurpassed quality of life, it is little wonder that Johnson County continues to receive high marks on every desirability list—not just within the region or the state but across the nation.
Fairway
Municipal Offices
913-262-0350
www.fairwaykansas.org
Chamber of Commerce
913-262-2141
www.nejcchamber.com
When it received its name in 1938, Fairway was simply a subdivision located in close proximity to three panoramic golf courses. Continued popularity and rapid growth resulted into the creation of a separate town of Fairway in 1949. Today, this beautiful community is one of the loveliest in the entire metroplex, offering a variety of handsome homes in its gracious residential neighborhoods that create an almost storybook atmosphere. Served by an excellent network of highways and freeways, residents are minutes from the cultural, recreational, and shopping amenities of Kansas City, MO. In addition to being a golfer’s paradise, Fairway offers easy access to area parks and lakes for boating, sailing, fishing, picnicking, and special events. Sports facilities offer league play in a variety of sports.
Lake Quivira
Municipal Offices
913-631-5300
www.cityoflakequivira.org
Chamber of Commerce
913-631-6545
www.shawneekschamber.com
Located within Johnson County and extending into Wyandotte County, the picturesque community of Lake Quivira is an ideal choice for those who prefer living in an intimate, upscale community just minutes from major educational, cultural, shopping, and employment centers. Distinctive homes and tranquil neighborhoods are nestled among the town’s lush rolling hills and scattered along its scenic lakefront acreage. Area youth are served by two highly respected public school districts, although options for private or parochial school education are available within an easy driving distance. From professional sports arenas in Kansas City to the highly developed resources of Overland Park, the best of the metroplex is “just around the corner.” Opportunities are available for joining sports leagues, swimming, golfing, tennis, boating, and sailing. Lush parks offer trails for horseback riding, bicycling, nature walks, or jogging.
Leawood
Municipal Offices
913-339-6700
www.leawood.org
Chamber of Commerce
913-498-1514
www.leawoodchamber.org
Fueled by the opening of the beautiful Town Center Plaza and expanding business parks, Leawood is enjoying an influx of quality residential and commercial development. Served by the major thoroughfares of Interstate 435 and state route K-150, this “State Line Corridor” borders Overland Park, Prairie Village, and Kansas City, MO. Recognized as one of the finest residential havens in the suburbs, Leawood offers a pleasing mix of older, well-kept neighborhoods along tree-lined streets and vibrant new subdivisions. Newcomers will appreciate the availability of large lots, excellent schools, convenient shopping, a beautiful city park, and an active recreation department. Activities include tennis, golf, swimming and sports leagues. Abundant parks provide stocked ponds for fishing as well as facilities for holiday and special events, hiking and biking, horseback riding, and nature walks. The Leawood Aquatic Facility includes a pool, a water slide, and cascading fountains.
Lenexa
Municipal Offices
913-477-7500
www.ci.lenexa.ks.us
Chamber of Commerce
913-888-1414
www.lenexa.org
Named for a Shawnee tribal princess, Lenexa is distinguished as one of the state’s fastest growing cities in both residential and industrial development. Conveniently located just 14 miles from downtown Kansas City, residents enjoy a quick and easy commute to every metroplex destination. Lenexa blends scores of modern business parks with a solid technological infrastructure, abundant amenities, and a wide variety of attractive and affordable homes. Many picturesque residential areas feature quiet, shaded streets nestled into the area’s rolling hillsides. A full calendar of community events like the Great Lenexa Barbecue Battle has earned Lenexa the title of “City of Festivals.” The focal point of the area is the 1,250-acre Shawnee Mission Park with its 150-acre lake, a public beach, a marina, boating opportunities, horseback trails, camping areas, an outdoor theatre, nature trials, tennis courts, and other sports facilities.
Merriam
Municipal Offices
913-322-5500
www.merriam.org
Chamber of Commerce
913-262-2141
www.nejcchamber.com
Newcomers who are looking for a quiet, peaceful residential haven with an abundance of distinctive and attractive older homes will want to consider Merriam. With its close-knit community spirit and small-town friendliness, Merriam creates a hometown appearance and feeling—the kind of special place where strong friendships can take root and thrive. Although residents can enjoy the relaxed pace of a tranquil neighborhood atmosphere, the finest cultural, educational, and employment centers of Kansas City are just minutes away via Shawnee Mission Parkway and other major highway connections. Local parks, playgrounds, and sports facilities provide opportunities for picnicking, family activities and league play. Antioch Park’s lush 44 acres include fishing lakes, an arboretum, and a lovely rose garden.
Mission
Municipal Offices
913-676-8350
www.missionks.org
Chamber of Commerce
913-262-2141
www.nejcchamber.com
Long-established and balanced in its commercial and residential development, Mission is one of the first suburbs of Kansas City. Named after the historic Shawnee mission that was first built in the area, the community has developed into a popular choice for families and those who enjoy the intimacy of a smaller town. Newcomers will discover beautiful older homes shaded by mature trees as well as attractive modern developments and upscale residential properties surrounded by gently rolling hills. Fine schools, abundant shops and services, local shopping, and excellent highway connections add to the convenience of everyday living. Playgrounds, tennis courts, golf courses, parks, picnic areas and sports fields combine with easy access to professional sports arenas and the Country Club Plaza’s cluster of entertainment venues.
Mission Hills, Mission Woods
Municipal Offices
913-236-8926
www.missionwoods-ks.org
Chamber of Commerce
913-262-2141
www.nejcchamber.com
Mission Hills and Mission Woods are distinguished as truly exclusive and elegant residential enclaves that offer access to some of the most beautiful and popular golf courses in Greater Kansas City. Nestled in the heart of the metroplex along the border between Johnson county and Kansas City, MO, these communities offers tree-lined streets that ramble over gently rolling hills to create a lush setting for magnificent mansions, handsome estates and meticulously landscaped properties. Mission Woods perches just north of Mission Hills at the very tip of the Mission Hills Country Club. Area youth receive a first-rate education in the highly acclaimed Shawnee Mission Schools, adding to the attraction of this upscale community. Known for an exceptional quality of life and premier golfing, both Mission Hills and Mission Woods neighbor the world-class cultural venues, entertainment spots and professional sports arenas of Kansas City, MO.
Olathe
Municipal Offices
913-971-8600
www.olatheks.org
Chamber of Commerce
913-764-1050
www.olathe.org
Just 20 miles from the downtown district of Kansas City, Olathe is a well-planned community of residential development. Named after the Native American word for “beautiful,” this attractive and rapidly growing city serves as the county seat for Johnson County. Families are drawn to the handsome housing options, superior schools, the extensive park system, and a warm and friendly atmosphere. Olathe offers affordable homes in long-established neighborhoods along quiet, shaded streets or the possibility of generous acreage and contemporary construction in newer developments. Home of the historic Mahaffie Farmstead, the community enjoys superb recreational amenities that include its own lake. Olathe Lake provides nearly 175 acres of water surface for fishing, boating, sailing, and swimming. Other highlights include local nature center, league sports, recreation programs, and golfing and swimming facilities.
Overland Park
Municipal Offices
913-895-6000
www.opkansas.org
Chamber of Commerce
913-491-3600
www.opks.org
One of the largest cities in Kansas and the fastest-growing suburb in the metroplex, Overland Park claims some of the region’s most dynamic corporate and commercial activity. Progressive in its growth patterns, Overland Park is home to an active arts commission, premier shopping districts and malls, state-of-the-art hospitals, outstanding educational opportunities, and superb recreational facilities. Housing options range from cozy single-family homes along tree-lined streets to magnificent estates on sprawling acreage. Modern duplexes, townhouses and apartments are also scattered throughout the area, many with resort-style amenities. The fine balance of beautiful neighborhoods, attractive housing options, excellent highway connections, and healthy economy make this community a literal benchmark for urban success. Thousands of acres of green space include scores of parks, a children’s petting farm, and miles of biking and hiking trails. Golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools and water slides combine with opportunities for canoeing, sailing, fishing and other outdoor activities.
Prairie Village
Municipal Offices
913-381-6464
www.pvkansas.com
Chamber of Commerce
913-262-2141
www.nejcchamber.com
The community of Prairie Village nestles between the sweeping golf courses and elegant neighborhoods of Mission Hills and the vast urban center of Overland Park. This peaceful area offers charming neighborhoods with affordable, attractive houses in a variety of architectural styles. Lovely parks add to the tranquility of the residential sectors. Retail goods and conveniences are close to home in such attractive shopping districts like the quaint Prairie Village Shops or the cluster of upscale stores in Corinth Square. Prairie Village is an ideal choice for those who desire a serene, residential setting that offers easy access to first-rate urban resources. In addition to local parks, tennis courts, pools, playgrounds, golf courses, and sports facilities, Prairie Village is equally convenient to the expansive amenities in Overland Park and the superb cultural and sports centers of Kansas City, MO.
Roeland Park
Municipal Offices
913-722-2600
www.roelandpark.net
Chamber of Commerce
913-262-2141
www.nejcchamber.com
Neighboring the communities of Mission and Fairway as well as Kansas City, KS, Roeland Park was one of the first areas to develop when residents of Kansas City first began to establish a suburban lifestyle. Because of its rich legacy of long-established neighborhoods, Roeland Park offers a diverse and pleasing blend of charming older homes. Enhancing the quality of life are good schools, local shopping, and easy access to Kansas City’s first-rate cultural, shopping, and recreational resources. Amenities in or nearby Roeland include golf courses and parks with ballfields, tennis courts and picnic areas. Professional sports arenas and entertainment centers are a short drive from home in Kansas City, MO.
Shawnee
Municipal Offices
913-631-2500
www.cityofshawnee.org
Chamber of Commerce
913-631-6545
www.shawneekschamber.com
Once rolling farmland, historic Shawnee has matured and grown into a popular residential community for young professionals and families seeking a tranquil residential haven within close proximity to urban resources. Quiet neighborhoods along tree-lined streets blend with well-developed shopping and commercial centers and more than 1,200 acres of lush parkland for leisure fun and sports activities. Attractive and affordable, the housing options range from quaint older homes to modern construction in new subdivisions. Excellent freeway access connects residents to the Country Club Plaza and downtown districts of both Kansas Cities. More than a dozen local parks provide sports facilities, playgrounds and tennis courts. Mid-America Sports Complex offers 70 acres of sports facilities. Nearby Shawnee Mission Park Lake offers boating, sailing, fishing and swimming.
Spring Hill
Municipal Offices
913-592-3624
www.springhillks.com
Chamber of Commerce
913-592-3893
www.springhillks.org
Straddling the Johnson and Miami county lines, the welcoming community of Spring Hill combines the relaxed atmosphere and small-town spirit of a rural area with access to urban amenities. In fact, this fast-growing area is rapidly transforming from a quiet bedroom community into a town that offers local employment opportunities. Area children attend schools that are ranked among the finest on state and national levels. In addition to the students within the Spring Hill city limits, the school district serves another 8,000 residents who live in the surrounding countryside. Local services and amenities are well developed and include a city-owned championship golf course, a swimming pool, a sports complex, recreation programs, and neighborhood parks. Serene Spring Hill Lake offers an opportunity for fishing by permit, although no boats are allowed. Hillsdale Lake just eight miles south of Spring Hill provides flood protection along Big Bull Creek. This recreational site offers a campground, horse trails, and hunting preserves. Fishing and picnicking are other popular activities.
Stanley, Stilwell
Overland Park Offices
913-895-6000
www.opkansas.org
Chamber of Commerce
913-491-3600
www.opks.org
The advent of the railroad drove the founding of historic Stilwell and Stanley in the 1800s. After the turn of the century in the early 1900s, the two villages made up one of southeastern Johnson County’s only developed areas and served as a shipping and supply point for a rich agricultural district. Characterized today as suburban neighborhoods of Overland Park, both Stanley and Stilwell essentially dissolved into the city’s metropolitan growth and expansion. The selection of housing in these neighborhoods ranges from modest older homes and two-story family homes with sweeping front lawns to multi-acre properties in new developments. Award-winning schools, major healthcare institutions, and the first-rate cultural amenities and attractions are all close to home. In addition to lush parks and superb recreational amenities, exceptional sites like the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens and the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead make this a wonderful family-oriented environment.
Westwood, Westwood Hills
Municipal Offices
913-362-1550
www.westwoodks.org
Chamber of Commerce
913-262-2141
www.nejcchamber.com
The small community of Westwood is situated at the very corner of Johnson County from Highway 50 north to the county line, in close proximity to Kansas City. Like a postcard photograph of a Midwestern scene, Westwood offers manicured lawns and meticulous landscaping, beautiful older homes, and some of the most picturesque neighborhoods found anywhere in the metroplex. Ideally situated between College Boulevard in Overland Park and the bright lights of Kansas City, Westwood offers a quick and easy trip to the best of the metroplex. Residents can choose from golf courses, country clubs, tennis courts, sports facilities and lush parks. Professional sports, entertainment spots and lakes for water sports are minutes from home. Although small in size and population, neighboring Westwood Hills is also regarded as one of the loveliest residential choices. Westwood Hills is filled with charming neighborhoods, serene streets lined with mature shade trees, and a showcase of eclectic architectural styles ranging from simple to elegant. The award-winning Shawnee Mission School District makes this an ideal community for families as well as young professionals.
