Located within 250 miles of both the geographic and population centers of the country, Kansas City is the third largest city in Kansas with about 150,000 residents. Nicknamed the "City of Fountains," Kansas is known for its beautiful array of fountains, as well as scenic parks, fantastic architecture and great blues and jazz clubs. Moving to Kansas City makes sense for anyone who wants access to affordable housing, a vibrant arts community, diverse recreational options and stable job market.
Economy:
Once the second largest meat packing industry in the world, Kansas City has diversified into a transportation, warehousing, manufacturing and distribution center for Wyandotte County. International trade is seen as a key growth industry for Kansas City due to a significant amount of international cargo already being processed in or passing through the Kansas City region. Principal goods produced in the region include fiberglass, cement, soap, grain mill products, meat products, furniture, converted paper products, industrial machinery and equipment and motor vehicles. The Kansas City metropolitan area is home to 11 Fortune 1000 companies, including AMC Entertainment, Aquila Inc., DSTS Systems and Ferrellgas Partners. The region's largest employer is the trade, transportation and utilities category, followed by the local government, then professional and business services, then educational and health services. Businesses moving to Kansas City will find a well-trained, diverse workforce and affordable housing option for their employees.
History:
In what is believed to be the first white settlement of Kansas City, Francois Chouteau set up a fur warehouse and trading post near the Kansas and Missouri Rivers in 1821. Subsequently, Chouteau and his wife were joined by new settlers from Kentucky, Virginia and North Carolina. In 1832, John McCoy established a trading post in the Westport area, to serve travelers heading West on the Santa Fe, California and Oregon trails. The site of McCoy's trading post was called Westport Landing. In 1838, McCoy and Westport's founders formed the Town of Kansas Co. to acquire Westport Landing and its surrounding areas. From the purchased properties rose the Town of Kansas in 1838. The town's post office was established in 1845 and the first general store was built in 1846. In 1853, the town was granted a charter as the "City of Kansas." The city flourished due to steamboat trade on the Missouri and Kansas rivers. The arrival of the railroad in 1865 precipitated the influx of more settlers who were moving to Kansas City, Kansas to seek livelihoods. In 1880, the City of Kansas was proclaimed a city of the second class, and in 1885, the city of Kansas was renamed Kansas City.
Tourism:
People moving to Kansas City will find there's plenty to see and do in the "Heart of America." The Lewis and Clark Historic Park at Kaw Point River Front Park features an educational pavilion with interpretive signs about the expedition and trails through the woods along the river. The entertainment and retail district of Village West boasts 400 acres of shopping, dining and entertainment options to suit every taste and budget. The Grinter Heritage Center, the site of the oldest home in Wyandotte County, allows visitors to step back to the days of frontier life along the Kansas and Missouri border. The Wyandotte County Lake & Park features a Kids Fishing Lake, picnic shelters with playgrounds and restrooms, boat rentals, fishing, and lots of wildlife that are sure to delight all members of the family.