Californian contemplating move to Overland Park...any thoughts?? (Lawrence, Shawnee: houses, established neighborhood)

[flamingo24]

We (me, my wife, and two kids) are thinking about moving to Overland Park, KS, in July of '09. We currently live in Orange County, CA, but the economic situation has encouraged us to find a more affordable place to live. I know the schools are very good, there is very little crime, the weather is mild, etc. etc. I know all that. But, I'd like to hear from people that have relocated to OP from other states, but especially from CA. Also, I lived in Prairie Village for about 3 years when I was young (5-7 yrs old) and I loved it there. I was pretty bummed when we moved back to CA. Now that I am 36 and have my own family, I'd like to see if anything has changed for the better or worse over the years. Once again, if you have moved to OP from another state or from CA, please let me know what you think of the area.

Thanks

[Sunnnee]

I lived not that far from there years ago when I was in Kansas city. Overland Park, from what I remember is like the OC of KS. The houses are nice and the neighborhoods were well kept. Can't comment too much now, but I think you would get more for your $$ and be able to pay cash for your house after your sell in OC. Good Luck and go for it!

Sonia
http://www.travel4kids.ning.com

[GraniteStater]

Housing is very cheap in OP compared to the OC. If you are cashing out of the OC do not be lured into overpaying in OP. I have lived in many areas of the US, and Overland Park is a very large and spread out city. It has a huge diversity in employment. Median prices for houses are in the 200K-250K range for a very nice neighborhood. If you want newer construction look to the southern portion of the city south of 119 street. However, you can actually find even better bargains in OP in established neighborhoods north of I-435 dependent on location. School districts in OP are Shawnee Mission and Blue Valley. The Blue Valley district in OP starts a little south of I-435. The Shawnee Mission district is along and north of I-435.
You did not mention if you are potentially working in Overland Park, but I would not personally recomend buying at the far edge of the city on the south side. The city always wants to annex more land on that end of town, and it is quite a bit further removed from cultural offerings in KC, MO as well as KCI airport if you need to travel.

[smarya76]

I just moved from Overland Park to Northern California. Even though I had always wanted to mve to Cali I am really homesick. I grew up in OP and I love it now. I have 2 kids who attended the Blue Valley schools and it was the best. I was shocked when I saw the schools here. Funding is terrible! I live in a small town here in the Bay area. California positives are of course weather, lots of stuff to do and for me thats about it . I would love to move back but again thats my opinion. Maybe if my kids were younger and I had moved then it would have been different. OP is more cosmopolitan and sophisticated than people think. You're definetly not going to have warm winters but as I wish I had learned you have to make the best out of it.

[caydriver]

I live in New Mexico but was raised in DeSoto, (the 60's) and frequently return. Still a very nice town with good schools. People are friendly and seem to welcome new arrivals.

[denverian]

I grew up in OP, but lived in Orange County for 10 years. Both places have their positives and negatives, but economically speaking, you'll do much better in OP. Plus the traffic is nothing like OC. The weather mild? I don't think so - cold winters quickly turn into hot, humid, buggy summers. Outdoor liviing isn't big in the KC area.

[Lil Jhwk]

Originally Posted by flamingo24

We (me, my wife, and two kids) are thinking about moving to Overland Park, KS, in July of '09. We currently live in Orange County, CA, but the economic situation has encouraged us to find a more affordable place to live. I know the schools are very good, there is very little crime, the weather is mild, etc. etc. I know all that. But, I'd like to hear from people that have relocated to OP from other states, but especially from CA. Also, I lived in Prairie Village for about 3 years when I was young (5-7 yrs old) and I loved it there. I was pretty bummed when we moved back to CA. Now that I am 36 and have my own family, I'd like to see if anything has changed for the better or worse over the years. Once again, if you have moved to OP from another state or from CA, please let me know what you think of the area.

Thanks

Good luck during the winter out there!! I just moved from Kansas. I lived in Lawrence (20 mins from OP) and winters were HELL!!! I hope you love snow and ice and during the spring I hope you love tornadoes! The weather sucks in Kansas. It's very unpredictable. One day it could be nice and the other extremely bad. Watch out for the wind too. Some days it could become 60 mph!

[luzianne]

Originally Posted by flamingo24

We (me, my wife, and two kids) are thinking about moving to Overland Park, KS, in July of '09. We currently live in Orange County, CA, but the economic situation has encouraged us to find a more affordable place to live. I know the schools are very good, there is very little crime, the weather is mild, etc. etc. I know all that. But, I'd like to hear from people that have relocated to OP from other states, but especially from CA. Also, I lived in Prairie Village for about 3 years when I was young (5-7 yrs old) and I loved it there. I was pretty bummed when we moved back to CA. Now that I am 36 and have my own family, I'd like to see if anything has changed for the better or worse over the years. Once again, if you have moved to OP from another state or from CA, please let me know what you think of the area.

Thanks

It's still a great place to live and you will be able to buy a MAGNIFICENT house for much less than you'd pay for much less house in CA. I'd look in the newer areas of Overland Park if I were you - south of 119th - since the cost of housing for you will seem very inexpensive compared to CA and you will be able to get a very nice house. I don't know how you guys in CA do it.

[krisanddave]

You will not regret it. If there is a "ideal place" to raise a family--this is it. We are leaving for my husband's job and are sick to leave the South Overland Park area. Excellent schools, wonderful shopping (especially for a city this size), little traffic, clean, safe place to live. Great parks and rec programs for kids. And you won't find a better bang for your housing dollar than here. I would get here quick! And the bonus is that there are lots of sunny days here--great for a CA transplant!!

[krisanddave]

Oh, and you will just be trading earthquakes for tornados--no biggie. You will get used to the weather--mostly sunny days. And the winters aren't that bad--especially being from Ohio--these winters are NOTHING! Look south of 135th street in OP and Leawood for the best schools and newest houses. If you like older houses, try Prairie Village...Good Luck!