Which area of Overland Park to choose? (house prices, school district)

[NativeKansan]

Hey Everybody,

I currently live in Manhattan, KS and my family and I will soon be relocating to Overland Park.

I work from home, and my Wife is a stay at home mom so commute won't be an issue. We're moving to OP to raise our family and to take advantage of the great education and amenities available there. Our budget will be between 275k-350k.

We've narrowed our search down to the Blue Valley district, but I'm having a hard time finding good info comparing the different areas of the district.

It seems like all of the schools do really well, but BV North, BV Northwest, and BV High do the best as far as test scores go. I'd probably like to stay with BV North or NW to stay close to I-435, that way traveling back home will be a little faster, as will exploring the rest of KC.

BV North pumps out the best scores, but NW isn't far behind and it seems like the house prices on the BV North side of I-69 are good bit higher. Can anyone tell me if that side is really worth the premium, whether it be education or otherwise? Could some of that just be the closer proximity to sprint and other corporate centers on that side?

The west side of I-69 seems a little more affordable, and has a lot of activities for kids so in my mind that's the leader right now, but I'd really like to hear a few pro's and con's if there are any. I don't have anyone in the area to ask and I've searched every OP thread on city-data.

Thanks!

[PVPete]

I grew up by BVNW. I think it was just fine. I think your only concern should be that the HS had a bit of a drug problem. Not alarming and when I went there it was pretty much just pot, but something to consider. BVN may have one too for all I know.

Both overall are exceptional schools though. I think BVN's facilities aren't quite up to BVNW's since its an older school (all BVN football games for example are played at BVNW). But they're both terrific for education.

I attended BV High too - its pretty far out south. When I went there, the student population was more rural than BVNW was which was a bit of a culture shock to a suburban/city boy like me. Not sure if that's still the case since so much development has grown out there. Its the oldest BV school, so you're dealing with older facilities.

I think living anywhere in the BV school district should be just great for you. I really like the area around BV North, but as you say, its pricier.

[akaCoops]

If you want to stay in the Blue Valley district, be careful of certain parts of western OP, as they are in the Olathe school district. There is nothing wrong with olathe, just wanted you to be aware of that.

[luzianne]

I don't think you could go wrong in any part of the Blue Valley district.

[nullterm]

It's Overland Park. It's all the same. Throw a dart at a map.