The small city of De Soto, Kansas, is named after Spaniard Hernando De Soto, a 16th-century explorer. He was the first person to cross the Mississippi River, and the city retains something of his sense of adventure to this day.
De Soto covers 11 square miles along the Kansas River, spanning Johnson and Leavenworth counties
The small city of De Soto, Kansas, is named after Spaniard Hernando De Soto, a 16th-century explorer. He was the first person to cross the Mississippi River, and the city retains something of his sense of adventure to this day.
De Soto covers 11 square miles along the Kansas River, spanning Johnson and Leavenworth counties. It has a population of 5,720 and is just half an hour by car from Kansas City, so if you need some respite from relaxing small-town life (silly you!) you can be in a bigger city right quick. De Soto is regarded as part of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, a region that encompasses 15 counties.
De Soto is known for its low cost of living compared to the rest of the U.S. Most of the homes in the area are owned, but if you're not ready to buy, don't despair! You will also find plenty of rental properties in De Soto. House rentals make up just over 30 percent of the units in the city, and apartment rentals in the area are very reasonably priced. There are also several purpose-built housing developments on the west side that are equipped for a range of needs, and accessible from the center of town. Finding a home will not be too difficult if you start looking ahead of time.
If you are looking for a new job, De Soto is home to a number of corporate headquarters for both American and international companies. Local companies with headquarters here include Great American Bank and Custom Foods, Inc. There are also plenty of opportunities in Kansas City. If you are an entrepreneur, De Soto has a thriving chamber of commerce and a passion for supporting new business. You can also consult the De Soto economic development council for help with getting started.
The great thing about this city is that there is something for everyone when it comes to both home and work; you will find a great combination of close community support and metropolitan facilities. If you visit the Chamber of Commerce website, take a look at its helpful and informative relocation brochure.
Despite spanning two zip codes, De Soto does not have specific neighborhoods. Where you choose to live can depend on your needs, and there are plenty of options of premier apartments with deals available.
You may prefer to stick close to the main road for easy access to the Kansas City Metropolitan Area and the center of town. The Kansas 10 highway is in the south part of town, crossing Lexington Avenue. It will take you to Lenexa and Interstate 435, which you can follow right around Kansas City.
De Soto is home to some lovely parks, including Miller Memorial Park, Riverfest Park and Kill Creek Farm, home of the famous Zimmerman Barn. The parks and recreation department organizes year-round sports and activities for all ages, and you can access a wide range of walking trails around rural areas. For indoor types, there are some great restaurants, including Wanda's Roadside Cafe and Fountain City Grille. You can also take a few swings at the Oak Country Golf Course, or drive for half an hour to the Kansas City Speedway for more high-octane entertainment. De Soto prides itself on holding frequent events for the whole community, including the Annual Cookin' on the Kaw Blues and BBQ Festival, the Winesong Wine Tasting Festival at Riverfest Park, and much more. You can rest assured that you will never be bored in De Soto.
