Firstly why Lee’s-Summit, Missouri?
I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:
- City: Lee’s-Summit
- State: Missouri
- Population: 102,121 people
- Lee’s-Summit’s quick summary would be Known for its charming historic downtown and the annual SummitFest.
Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:
- How many people move-in: 4,000 annually
- While this many move-out: 6,000 annually
- Net Migration: -2000 less people annual change
- Non-Citizen Move-in: 200
- Number of Homeless people: 200
You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features great schools and family-friendly amenities appealing to families
Perk #1: Lee’s-Summit Demographic Mix & Lifestyle
- The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 35%
- Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 76%
- Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
- The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
- The median income is (and growing) $74,000
- Income Required to Live Comfortably in Lee’s-Summit is $60,000
- Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-14000 in negative cash flow
This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?
Perk #2: Housing & Lee’s-Summit’s Cost of Living
- Cost of Living Index: 85 (100 is the US average)
- Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,232
- Property Tax %: 1.88%
- Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,150
- Rent for an average house: $2,000
- Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Lee’s Summit
- Top 5 Growing Areas: Lee’s-Summit, Blue-Springs, Raytown, Independence, and probably could include Grandview
- Avg. Age of Homes in Lee’s-Summit: 31 years
- The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.5%
If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.
Perk #3: Job Market & Lee’s-Summit’s Economy
- 3 Industries gaining traction in Lee’s-Summit are Retail, Education, and Healthcare
- Lee’s-Summit Job Scene: healthy job market in retail and education
- The General Tech Scene: developing tech community focused on local services and regional growth , ,
- Lee’s-Summit Resident’s pay $1,200 in City Tax alone!
- Local Sales Tax in Lee’s-Summit: 6%
- No. of Independent Businesses: 90 (excluding chains and corporates)
- Number of Local Branch Banks: 5
Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.
Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Lee’s-Summit
- Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
- Freeway Access: I-470 provides key connectivity through Lee’s Summit
- Commute Time: 24 minutes (public & private)
- Main Evening Traffic Area: backups near the downtown area
- Transportation Score: 36 out of 100 described as Some Transit
- No. of Vehicles Registered in Lee’s-Summit: 55,000
- Cars registered per Person: 0.5
- No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
- DMV Website for Lee’s-Summit: dmv.modot.org
- The Bike-Friendly Score: 60 of 100
- Local Airport: Kansas City International
Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.
Perk #5: Lee’s-Summit’s Weather & Natural Factors
- The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
- General Weather in Lee’s-Summit is best described as has hot summers and cool winters with a moderate amount of annual rainfall
- Winter Weather in Lee’s-Summit i’d describe as cold with snow
- Spring Weather in Lee’s-Summit can be described as mild with rain expected
- Summer’s in Lee’s-Summit are mostly warm and humid
- Fall ( the nicest time) in Lee’s-Summit is usually cool and dry
- How many days in a row over 90°F: 8 days in summer
- Days in a row in Lee’s-Summit below Freezing: 21
- Average Annual Rainfall: 39 inches
- Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality generally maintained with few issues
- Lee’s-Summit Winter Air generally good air quality with urban influences
Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.
Perk #6: Lee’s-Summit Education & Schools
- The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
- Number of Colleges and Universities in Lee’s-Summit 2
- While the number of trade schools inside Lee’s-Summits’s city limits are 1
- Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Lee’s Summit Public Library
If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.
Perk #7: Healthcare & Lee’s-Summit Stats
- Typical EMS Response Time: 7 minutes
- Registered Full-Time Lee’s-Summit only Doctors is about 30
- Local Hospitals here is 3
- Full-time Lee’s-Summit only Police Officers is about 80
- Crime Rate Index: 35/100
Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.
Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality
- Lee’s-Summit’s Monthly utility bill average is $90
- Lee’s-Summit’s Monthly Gym Membership: $40
- Lee’s-Summit’s Water Quality Score: 72
Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.
Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Lee’s-Summit
- Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 4 annually
- The General Local City Vibe: suburban area with a strong community focus and parks
- You might enjoy performances at the Lee’s Summit City Hall
- Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Lee’s-Summit features local establishments that focus on community gatherings with a casual and friendly atmosphere
If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.
Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Lee’s-Summit
- The Objective Restaurant Scene Features family-friendly dining and local favorites
- The Number of Independent Restaurants are 15 scattered around Lee’s-Summit
- The Popular Sports Team is Lee’s Summit Tigers
- Top Level Political Climate in Lee’s-Summit can be described as moderately conservative suburb with a focus on family values
- Lee’s-Summit’s Longer standing religious establishment is Lee’s Summit Community Church
Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.
Perk #11: Lee’s-Summit Parks & Green Spaces
- Did you know Lee’s-Summit has 10 Parks?
- Summit Lakes Park is Lee’s-Summit’s Green Space Center
- The local favorite Farmers Market is Lee’s Summit Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
- Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cycling, and picnicking
Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.
Perk #12: Lee’s-Summit Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity
- The Pace of Life in Lee’s-Summit can be described as moderate suburban atmosphere with a strong focus on community
- 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Lee’s-Summit exploring parks hiking trails picnicking at local lakes
- The Cities people commute to from Lee’s-Summit are Kansas-City 20 miles away Blue-Springs 7 miles away Raymore 9 miles away
Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.
8 Drawbacks about Lee’s-Summit or are they?
No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.
- Traffic/Commute Issues
Maybe you read: backups near the downtown area. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts. - Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
Lee’s-Summit’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up. - Pricey Neighborhoods
If Lee’s Summit is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Lee’s-Summit are Kansas-City 20 miles away Blue-Springs 7 miles away Raymore 9 miles away. - Crime Rate Concerns
With a 35 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this. - Harsh Climate Contrasts
Lee’s-Summit has 21 days in a row below freezing and 8 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it. - Limited Extra Funds
After general costs of living here in Lee’s-Summit people have an average (positive or negative) $-14000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here. - Homelessness or Social Challenges
200 homeless people living in Lee’s-Summit. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions. - Cultural/Political Mismatch
The general moderately conservative suburb with a focus on family values could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Lee’s-Summit.
Retiree & Senior Life in Lee’s-Summit
- Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may benefit from income tax breaks catering to older adults
- The most established Senior Citizen Community is John Knox Village
- Lee’s Summit Senior Center offers diverse activities community engagement and meal programs
If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.
Moving to Lee’s-Summit, Missouri?
If Lee’s-Summit, Missouri ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help
As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.
A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Lee’s-Summit, Missouri, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!