Kansas City
For all intents and purposes, Kansas City, KS is very much part of the Kansas City, MO community. In some parts of town, you can cross the state line without even knowing it. As a result of this closeness, the two Kansas Cities share many cultural resources: NFL and MLB games, Crossroads Arts District, the American Jazz Museum, and the National WWI Museum and Memorial are all located in Missouri but easily accessible from across the border. So what’s the benefit of renting an apartment on the Kansas side of the state line? Closer access to a more relaxed, rural lifestyle. On the west end of town, Kansas Speedway hosts NASCAR Sprint Cup races, and the Major League Soccer franchise Sporting Kansas City plays its home games at Children’s Mercy Park (in fact, Kansas City bills itself as the Soccer Capital of America). Minnesota Avenue downtown is known as the “Avenue of Murals,” thanks to the large works of art decorating many of the buildings along this road. Of course, one local staple is available on both sides of the border: the legendary Kansas City barbecue.
Shawnee Mission
Shawnee Mission is a rather large community, nestled south of the Kansas River. While the city boasts an extensive park list, Shawnee Mission Park is by far the largest. At this green space, you can hike, attend a concert at the outdoor theater, or go boating on the lake. A suburb of Kansas City, residents are comforted by direct access to Interstate 435 as well as Oak Park Mall. Everywhere you go, you’re surrounded by great dining options, family-friendly activities, and modern comforts. There’s a cool selection of fine dining along Midland Drive, such as Paulo and Bill Restaurant and Minsky’s Pizza. You’ll find many unique apartments in Shawnee Mission – at many different price points!
Kansas City
The largest city in Missouri, Kansas City sits on the Missouri-Kansas border at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas rivers. A major Midwest metropolis, Kansas City offers something for everyone. Art lovers delight in the expansive collections at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. History buffs savor the exhibits at the National World War I Museum and Memorial as well as the Arabia Steamboat Museum. Sports fans enjoy baseball games at Kauffman Stadium and football games at Arrowhead Stadium. Thrill seekers relish the adventures at Worlds of Fun. Shopping enthusiasts appreciate the variety of stores at Zona Rosa Town Center. Music and theater junkies bask in world-class performances at Starlight Theatre and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Beer aficionados revel in the selections at Boulevard Brewing Company. With convenient access to several Interstate highways and Kansas City International Airport, getting around from Kansas City is a breeze.