Overland Park, KS Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Overland Park, KS: What You Need to Know

Overland Park has grown from a bedroom community to the second most populous city in Kansas, next to Wichita. Dubbed as “executive country,” Overland Park is home to Sprint’s world headquarters.

The Local History

The area that became Overland Park used to be the starting point for gold seekers on the way to California. In 1904, William B. Strang Jr., a railroad magnate from New York, brought the Strang Electric Interurban Trolley Line to the region. Not only that, but he also went on to develop Overland Park as a suburban community with a park-like ambiance. It became a city in 1960. By 1965, it had almost doubled its size through annexation.

Things to Do in Overland Park

The Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens occupy more than 300 acres of land with hiking trails plus a beautiful prairie showcasing native grasses and wildflowers. The arboretum is designed to preserve natural ecosystems such as dry oak savanna and riparian woodland. Take in some history and science at the Museum at Prairiefire, a museum of natural history. Permanent and temporary exhibits are designed to educate the public about dinosaurs and other creatures from the ancient past.

The Cost of Living in Overland Park

Overland Park is a quintessential Midwestern city that’s not too large or too small (population: 195,494). Its cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are very reasonable – 12.6%, 21.7%, and 18.1% lower than the national average respectively. The median gross rent in the city is $1,125. Kansas has a progressive income tax rate ranging from 3.10% to 5.70% and a sales tax rate ranging from 6.50% to 10.50%. 

Know Your Neighborhoods

As a Kansas City suburb, Overland Park offers big-city amenities and easy access to sporting events, social events, and world-class cultural venues. Mix-used development projects in OP’s downtown area is expected to offer more residential units in the near future. Prairie Village and Leawood are suburban communities close by. Like Overland Park, they boast of top-ranked public schools and a safe and friendly environment.

Shopping in Town

You won’t be able to resist a little retail therapy in Overland Park’s shopping destinations. Hawthorne Plaza features a mix of locally-owned shops and national retailers. The Oak Park Mall, with about 180 stores and restaurants, is the largest shopping mall in the Kansas City metro area. For a unique shopping experience, visit OP’s tree-lined downtown area where you’ll find artisan shops, boutiques, and even an old-fashioned general store.