Kansas City vs. Indianapolis vs. Columbus (best, cost, state, better)

[VolunteerTN]

Which one of the following three cities in the Midwest is most appealing with continuing growth and stable economy despite the fact that most of the Midwest is losing population to Sun Belt states?

Columbus, OH - It seems to be the jewel of the state that struggles economically.

Indianapolis, IN - Like Columbus, it is strong economically by Indiana's standard with low cost of living.

Kansas City, MO-KS - Especially in Johnson County (Kansas side), it's experiencing explosive growth with excellent economy, moderate cost of living, and rapid increase in personal income. Numerous cities such as Olathe, Overland Park, Shawnee, and Lenexa have been on the list of 100 Top Places to Live for few years now.

Although people tend to underrate Kansas City, I think it is becoming the best place in the Midwest for those who want to avoid popular high-taxed metro areas such as Chicago and Twin Cities.

[Omahahonors]

Kansas City..
Omaha..

[BostonToKC]

Kansas City by far. IMO, the other two are not even close.

[grmasterb]

Originally Posted by BostonToKC

Kansas City by far. IMO, the other two are not even close.

Having lived in the KC area for a couple of years, which I did enjoy, I struggle to understand this thinking. What does KC have that Indy and Columbus don't (thinking of amenities, culture, etc.)? Indy and Columbus are better situated geographically in terms of access to other major metros. Economically, I think it's pretty much a wash.

[WDCJoe]

I would say that their even as well. The only edge that I give to KC is in architecture. Other than that They all appear well poised to enjoy moderate growth rates in economy and population.

[BostonToKC]

Originally Posted by grmasterb

Having lived in the KC area for a couple of years, which I did enjoy, I struggle to understand this thinking. What does KC have that Indy and Columbus don't (thinking of amenities, culture, etc.)? Indy and Columbus are better situated geographically in terms of access to other major metros. Economically, I think it's pretty much a wash.

While all three share many similarities, Indianapolis and Columbus both seem to be "blander" in terms of urban-core landscape and architecture. Kansas City has more uniqueness such as its ubiquitous fountains, Country Club Plaza, as well as the somewhat hilly terrain within its city limits. Downtown Indianapolis is probably superior to downtown KC (within the loop) at this point, however the gap is narrowing.

[Toxic Toast]

Originally Posted by BostonToKC

While all three share many similarities, Indianapolis and Columbus both seem to be "blander" in terms of urban-core landscape and architecture. Kansas City has more uniqueness such as its ubiquitous fountains, Country Club Plaza, as well as the somewhat hilly terrain within its city limits. Downtown Indianapolis is probably superior to downtown KC (within the loop) at this point, however the gap is narrowing.

Kansas City has fountains, Indianapolis has monuments. Lots of monuments.

If the question is, which city is best positioned economically, seems they are all doing pretty well. The OP referenced the explosive growth in Kansas for KCMO. Go to the Kansas City forum, tell them that JoCo Kansas is carrying the metro. Watch the fireworks.

Truth be told, I prefer the flat terrain in Indianapolis. It allows for better biking, and Indianapolis is moving in the right direction for bicycle infrastructure. Indianapolis also has the culture trail nearing completion downtown, linking several cultural districts with urban bike paths.

I like all three cities. The suburbs are all the same to me.

[progmac]

all three cities are really great places. i'd say the best one is the one where you can get the best job!

[Smtchll]

Originally Posted by Toxic Toast

Kansas City has fountains, Indianapolis has monuments. Lots of monuments.

If the question is, which city is best positioned economically, seems they are all doing pretty well. The OP referenced the explosive growth in Kansas for KCMO. Go to the Kansas City forum, tell them that JoCo Kansas is carrying the metro. Watch the fireworks.

Truth be told, I prefer the flat terrain in Indianapolis. It allows for better biking, and Indianapolis is moving in the right direction for bicycle infrastructure. Indianapolis also has the culture trail nearing completion downtown, linking several cultural districts with urban bike paths.

I like all three cities. The suburbs are all the same to me.

Exactly. A lot of KC people (in the actual city) don't care for Johnson County. I mean it is typical suburbia that you could find anywhere. I don't see what's so special about it.

[knrstz]

For a midwestern city, I think KC has some nice topography. Indy 2nd, Columbus 3rd. However, I think all cities have plenty to offer. I think you'll probably get more sun in the winter in KC since it's further away from the great lakes.