Looking for the perfect city? Overland Park is a smart choice. Actually, it’s the smartest choice you can make, according to a recent study. Overland Park took home the No. 1 spot on MyLife.com’s list of the top 10 most intelligent midsized cities.
Who knew the city was so smart? Actually, we had a hunch. After all, Overland Park consistently ranks in the top 10 of CNN/Money and Money magazine’s 100 Best Cities to Live in the United States. Not to mention, it was recently dubbed one of the top cities for families and kids. Plus it’s quickly becoming known as one of the nation’s soccer capitals.
Now Overland Park can add ‘super smart’ to its resume. The study based its findings on a number of factors including:
- Percentage of population with a bachelor’s degree
- Public school rankings
- Libraries per capita
- Car accident likelihood
- Crime rate
While the statistics don’t lie, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see that Overland Park is an inspiring place to live. It’s hard to go brain dead when you have these attractions in the area. Give your brain a workout and visit one of these six stimulating sites nearby:
1. Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
13800 Switzer Rd.
Overland Park, KS 66221
Corral the kids—and the kids at heart—and visit Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead where you can experience the charm of the farm any day of the week. Channel your inner country bumpkin and feed a goat, milk a cow, ride a pony, and fish in the old-time pond.
2. Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
8909 W. 179 St.
Overland Park, KS 66013
Make time to stop and smell the roses at the 300-acre Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Eco-nerds will rejoice when they catch sight of the hybrid trees, ecosystems, and rare plant species. Hikers will be in heaven on the paved and wood chip trails that wind through the garden and across two 75-foot bridges that span Wolf Creek. Art lovers won’t want to leave the Monet Garden with its soft colors and Willow trees.
3. Overland Park Soccer Complex
13700 Switzer Rd.
Overland Park, KS 66221
Exercise your mind and body at Overland Park Soccer Complex. Jog on over to practice your headers and corner kicks. Featuring 12 beautifully designed, tournament quality fields, the complex offers all-weather turf and all-season play so David Beckhams in training can stay in the game year round.
4. Matt Ross Community Center
8101 Marty St.
Overland Park, KS 66204
Nothing gets the kiddos more excited than flying down a 18-foot tall water slide or climbing a 3-story indoor playground. They can do all that and more at the Matt Ross Community center. The facility features a gymnasium with two full size courts, a walking track, a game room and four pools—including a hot water spa that’s perfect for resting your mind and body.
5. Overland Park Farmers’ Market
7950 Marty St.
Overland Park, KS 66204
Buy the best brain food in the land and never again grieve over where your greens are grown. You can start Saturday mornings off right when you step into the Farmers’ Market in downtown OP. Breathe easier when you buy local breads, meats, cheese, herbs, plants, and more. Mingle with dozens of vendors, sample a strawberry—or four, and boogie to the band-of-the-week’s beats while you browse each farmer’s seasonal selection.
6. Central Resource Library
9875 W 87th St.
Overland Park, KS 66212
While you’re basically guaranteed to get smarter at any one of Johnson County’s 13 libraries, the book mothership is located right in the middle of Overland Park. The large library contains hundreds of thousands of books, movies and other resources to help expand your mind. From electric vehicle charging stations to typewriters, this library has a range of technologies available right at your fingertips.
Does this midsized city sound like the perfect place for you and your family? Search Overland Park Homes for Sale for currently available properties. Who knows? It might be your “smartest” move yet.
