Olathe KS

Hard pronunciation. Easy living. Oh-LAY-thĕ is just one of those places that makes you say: “Oh wow!” Number 11 on Money magazine’s 2008 “100 Best Places to Live in the U.S.”, this city seduces you with historic sites (it was a stop on the Oregon Trail), picturesque homes, tree-lined streets and scenes Norman Rockwell couldn’t have painted better himself. It’s the fourth largest city in the greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area, and the 24th fastest growing city in the nation. (Must be all that publicity from Money.) What this means is you should probably move here soon before the lots run out. And did I mention there’s actual prairie grass?

Should really be called überurbia.

Southwest of thriving Kansas City, in suburban Johnson County, Olathe offers the thrills and excitement of city life along with the serenity of not living near the thrills and excitement of city life. Olathe has hundreds of subdivisions and neighborhoods, including Woodland Creek, Cedar Creek and Forest Views-names that all convey you’ll be surrounded by majestic trees, near crystalline streams with plenty of chirping birds to greet you in the morning. But unlike other places, the names here are surprisingly accurate. Olathe’s park-like neighborhoods are what attract so many to the area. Homes here range from the modest to the magnificent with popular stone façades that recall old world architecture, should Bavarian cottages be your thing. Lots are expansive and do feature views of woods and creeks and other such beautiful nature-scapes your friends and family who don’t live here will envy.

For the career driven.

Its proximity to Kansas City means Olathe residents have easy access to a thriving metropolitan area shock full of job opportunities across an array of industries. Olathe itself is home to many business parks should anything more than a ten-minute commute be a burden.

True educational excellence.

Olathe District Schools have garnered their share of awards and accolades from educators and parents-and when these groups agree you know you have a good school. Fifteen of its schools have been designated National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. Parents on SchoolMatch.com have given the district the “What Parents Want” award 11 years in a row. All this good learning is most likely due to an average class size of 16 and a graduation rate in the 90th percentile. If you prefer private education, Olathe boasts a number of academically recognized parochial schools. In addition, the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri both have campuses nearby.

So much to do. So much time.

Various shopping centers and marketplaces offer enough brand-name stores so you never really have to leave Olathe to get what you need. A Bass Pro Shop is also pretty helpful if you want to make use of those creeks. Speaking of recreation, Olathe parks offer biking and hiking trails along with 4 public lakes. The Olathe Cultural Alliance ensures you get exposed to things like classical music, opera and Shakespeare. And the Farmer’s Market sells such fresh and delicious produce you’ll swear off processed food forever, or at least until the next day.

Great neighborhoods? Check. Great schools? Check. Great opportunities? Check. If you’re looking for something Olathe doesn’t have, we don’t think you’ll find it.

From my website www.KansasCityRealEstate411.com

Copyright 2000-2010 by Kenneth A. Jansen. All Rights Reserved.