A Platte City home on acreage, representing Kansas City area homes in KC's outlying areas

 

Located along the outer edges of the Kansas City metro, these smaller cities offer a slower pace, friendly neighborhoods, and a hometown feel while remaining connected to the greater KC area. You’ll find highly regarded schools and a wide variety of housing, from affordable homes and newer construction neighborhoods to larger homesites, acreage, and country living. Each community offers its own personality, with everything from historic downtowns and lake recreation to easy highway access and proximity to nearby metro amenities. Explore the communities below to discover which of Kansas City’s outlying areas best fits the way you want to live, and where to start your home search.

 

ALL POPULAR AREAS TO LIVE IN KC 

 

KC METRO OUTLYING AREAS

BASEHOR

West of KC in Leavenworth County, fast-growing Basehor is known for newer homes, larger homesites, and a country-suburban setting.

KC METRO OUTLYING AREAS

DE SOTO

Midway between KC and Lawrence along K-10, De Soto offers newer neighborhoods, acreage, and larger homesites in a growing riverfront community.

KC METRO OUTLYING AREAS

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS

Known for its mineral-water resort history and vibrant historic downtown, Excelsior Springs is a distinctive small town northeast of Kansas City.

KC METRO OUTLYING AREAS

GARDNER

Southwest of Olathe along I-35, Gardner is known for affordable newer homes, a growing community, and is the home of the Johnson County Fair.

KC METRO OUTLYING AREAS

GRAIN VALLEY

Located along I-70 on the eastern edge of the KC metro, Grain Valley offers a growing selection of newer neighborhoods alongside affordable...

KC METRO OUTLYING AREAS

KEARNEY

Birthplace of Jesse James, Kearney is a growing small town along I-35 northeast of Kansas City with newer neighborhoods and a strong sense of...

KC METRO OUTLYING AREAS

LOUISBURG

South of the KC metro along U.S. 69, Louisburg is known for country living, acreage, and the locally famous Louisburg Cider Mill.

KC METRO OUTLYING AREAS

PLATTE CITY

Just minutes from Kansas City International Airport, Platte City offers a historic downtown, newer neighborhoods, and easy I-29 access.

KC METRO OUTLYING AREAS

PLEASANT HILL

On the southeastern edge of the KC metro, Pleasant Hill combines affordable housing with a charming downtown and access to the Rock Island Trail.

KC METRO OUTLYING AREAS

SMITHVILLE

Home to 7,200-acre Smithville Lake, this northern KC-area community is a destination for boating, fishing, trails, golf, and year-round outdoor...

KC METRO OUTLYING AREAS

SPRING HILL

Just south of Olathe along U.S. 169, Spring Hill offers affordable newer homes with convenient access to Overland Park and nearby Hillsdale Lake.