Cartoon character Popeye, known for his spinach cravings, would love Lenexa, Kansas, which was regarded as the "Spinach Capital of the World" in the 1930s. Lenexa's Spinach Festival, held annually in honor of that distinction, would surely satisfy Popeyes hunger.
A small city in northeast Kansas, and a suburb of the greater Kansas City area, Lenexa boasts a robust community spirit, plenty of green space, and a solid economic outlook. Lenexa was once home to James Butler Hickock, also known throughout history as Wild Bill. A park in his name now sits where his former residence was located. No participating in duels is allowed there, however.
Moving to Lenexa
Before you decide to move to Lenexa, there are several things to consider. These are vital points of interest that will assist you in determining whether Lenexa is the place for you to call your next home.
Midwest Mecca
Looking for a Midwest community with plenty of town spirit and proximity to the cultural and business hub of Kansas City? (That's Kansas City, Missouri--yes, that's confusing). That would be Lenexa, once home to Wild Bill Hickock and also many Native American Indians. In fact, Lenexas name is a derivation of Na-Nex-Se, the widow of former Shawnee Chief Blackhoof. By any name, today Lenexa is a vital community with a host of employment options and enjoyable neighborhoods.
On the jobs front, United Parcel Service, J.C. Penney, and Quest Diagnostics hold top position, along with BATS Global Markets stock exchange. BATS has nothing to do with the little winged creatures that can be found around street lamps in summer; nor is it a baseball equipment manufacturer. It stands for Better Alternative Trading System, the companys electronic communication network. Lenexa also houses a major National Archives Record Center, which stores federal information for organizations such as the IRS and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
While the town does not have its own school district, families are well served by neighboring districts Shawnee Mission, Olathe, or De Soto. On the higher education front, several colleges have branches in town, the Wichita-based Friends University, and Brown Mackie College.Families also benefit from plenty of beautiful parks with space for picnicking, jogging, and playing, tree-lined streets, and enough public space to encourage a lingering look at the city, regardless of the season.
Rental Tips
Lenexa is a primarily white-collar, middle-income city, which serves as a tight-knit community not far from the bustling metropolis of Kansas City. Group activities are important here, as evidenced by the festivals and art council offerings the town initiates.
Youll want to start your apartment rental search at least a few months before moving, as the town is a popular spot, with a comfortable commute to the big city. Management, sales, and administrative positions are the most common forms of employment. Residents do rely on their own cars to get around, so if you dont drive--its time to learn. Hitch-hiking is not encouraged.
Which Neighborhoods?
Like with any city, learning about and knowing your neighborhoods is always a good start when considering moving there. Here are a few important neighborhoods to bear in mind when you being your search in Lenexa.
Craig: Large, new, mostly single-family homes with plenty of lawn space, as well as newer townhomes, make up this community. That's right you'll need your lawn mowers--always a fun chore. Residents primarily work in executive-type positions here, making this an affluent community. Many families call this area home, and there are plenty of parks and playgrounds. $$$$
W. 87th Street Pky / Lackman Rd: Urban in density, with neighborhood restaurants and shops in close proximity, this upper middle-income neighborhood has a mix of single-family homes, apartment complexes, and many townhomes. Theres a solid mix of owners and renters here in properties built primarily between 1970 and the present. Small lakes and ponds dot the neighborhood. Even puddles, after rainy days. Demand for property is high here, so start your search early for this neighborhood.$$
College Blvd:Upper-middle income, with a preponderance of row houses and town homes, this neighborhood has apartment homes built primarily later than 1970, and a mix of owners and renters, families, and singles. Commuters will find an average drive time of 15 to 30 minutes typical here. Not bad, right?$$
City Center:An upper-middle-income community, many residents here commute only a short distance to work--less than 15 minutes, signifying in-town employment rather than a drive to Kansas City. The community is made up of medium and larger single-family homes, as well as both small apartment complexes and modern high-rises. Some buildings are more historic in nature, built between 1940 and 1969 (old school!), while others were built between 1970 and 1999. Within walking distance of many cafes and shops, theres a mix of owners and renters here. Beautiful Rock Creek Park is located in this area for picnicking, jogging, and getting active on the playing fields.$$$
Lenexa Living
There are many activities, sights, sounds, smells, and all-around wonderment in Lenexa. So you won't be bored, you won't be wondering what to do. You'll be thinking what more can you do in lovely Lenexa?
Festive eats
Lenexa loves its fun festivals. And theyre a tasty affair. Every June, the Great Lenexa Barbecue Battle Takes Place, while in the fall the Spinach Festival commemorates the towns earlier-era status as Spinach Capital with tasty green treats, a spinach recipe contest, crafts, and games. Yes, spinach games! Don't spinach and beef egg rolls sound delish? And if youre looking for a spicy chili dish to ward off any autumn chill, each October the Lenexa Chili Challenge features just under 200 teams competing to take home a prize for the best home-style chili and a chili appreciation society award. And of course its not just chili spicing up the fall foliage season--theres live music, fireworks, and games for all ages. Can't wait for October, huh?
The Barbecue Battle is the official Kansas State Championship. Held in the large green space of Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, the two-day event offers seven categories of awards and a whole lot of tasty tastings, some prepared with elaborate and outlandish smoking units for brisket, pork, ribs, chicken, and more.If you like community spirit and have an interest in beef--this is Kansas, after all, where chili, steaks, and barbeque reign supreme--youll like Lenexa.
And Lenexas festivals arent only about food. At the annual town Art, Fine Craft and Antique Show, youll find locally made pottery, carpentry, quilts, and more. A perfect stop for finding your future napkin holder or jewelry box!
Arts and history
Lenexas past comes vibrantly alive at the Leglar Barn museum. This old stone barn, which dates from 1864, houses town heritage items.The town arts council is very active, holding public and juried shows, and working to build Lenexas burgeoning public art displays--including sculptures introduced at Lenexas own 3-D Art Show. Whoa. Meanwhile, the Latino Art Bravisimo is an annual five-day art festival featuring the vibrant works of local and national Hispanic artists.
Were still in Kansas, Toto
Kansas City isnt Oz, but it is a wonderland of jazz and blues clubs. There's a major farmers market couched in the year-round City Market, begun in 1857. The city as a whole is filled with cultural opportunities, from museums to concerts. Kansas City also features a collection of over 200 fountains of diverse design. Many notable water basins are located on the Country Club Plaza. It's cooler than you think--if that's even possible!
