Olathe 55+ Retirement Communities

Located in the heart of Johnson County, Olathe, KS is a thriving city that offers an ideal combination of city amenities and small-town charm. The community boasts a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including the popular Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site, where visitors can learn about local history and experience life in the 19th century.

Olathe is home to numerous parks and recreational areas which provide opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing. The city's downtown area is a hub for local events and festivals which brings together residents and visitors for food, music, and fun. With its strong sense of community, convenient location, and diverse range of amenities, Olathe is a wonderful place to live.

The cost of living in Olathe is about 3 percent higher than the national average, mostly due to higher housing costs. The median home cost is 356,500 in Olathe, $194,100 in the state of Kansas, and $338,100 is the national median cost. Groceries, healthcare, and utilities are all within one or two percent of the U.S. average. However, transportation is almost 14 percent lower than the national average. Sales tax in Olathe is 9.48 percent of which 6.5 percent is state sales tax, 1.48 percent is Johnson County, and 1.5 percent is city sales tax. Property taxes in Johnson County where Olathe is located are 1.27 percent of the home's fair market value.

Kansas has a higher tax burden than many states. Income taxes range from 3.1 to 5.7 percent and social security is taxable for those with a federal adjusted gross income of $75K or more. All private retirement plans are fully taxable although military, federal or state public pensions are not. Kansas does not have an inheritance or state tax. Property taxes throughout the state are high but there are some tax help programs for seniors.

Climate and Geography 

The Olathe area sees about 41 inches of rain per year, much of it falling during the month of May. Average winter temperatures range from the low 20s to the mid 40s. Summer in Olathe is hot and humid with summer temperatures averaging between the mid 60s and mid 90s with 60 percent humidity. Average snowfall in Olathe is 20 inches with the highest chance of snow during the month of January. Olathe is in Tornado Alley and thunderstorms which can spawn tornadoes are somewhat common in the summer. Despite its location in Tornado Alley Olathe has not experienced significant tornado damage in recent years.

Olathe is located in eastern Kansas and the area is rich in natural resources, with fertile soil that supports agriculture and livestock farming. The city is surrounded by scenic parks and lakes with plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities. Including the nearby Lake Olathe which is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming, and the Ernie Miller Nature Center which is an excellent spot for wildlife viewing.  

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

Olathe has a wide variety of recreational activities, cultural events, shopping, and entertainment options that appeal to both visitors and residents. 

Golf and Racquet Sports

• Prairie Highlands Golf Course
• Olathe Community Center and Field House
• Heritage Park Tennis Courts
• Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site

Hiking, Biking and Boating

• Lake Olathe Park
• Indian Creek Hike and Bike Trail
• Ernie Miller Nature Center
• Kill Creek Park

Museums and Historical Sites

• Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site
• Olathe Heritage Museum
• Ensor Park and Museum
• MidAmerica Nazarene University Heritage Collection

Performing Arts

• Olathe Community Theatre Association
• MidAmerica Nazarene University Performing Arts Series
• The Barn Players Community Theatre
• Yardley Hall at Johnson County Community College

Shopping

• Olathe Station Shopping Center
• Downtown Olathe
• Great Mall of the Great Plains

Parks and Gardens

• Cedar Lake Park
• Black Bob Park
• Mahaffie Creek Park
• Heritage Park

Festivals and Fairs

• Johnson County Fair
• Spring Fling Festival
• Olathe Sweet Corn Festival
• Old Settlers Days Festival

Health and Wellness 

Olathe offers a range of health and wellness options for 55+ active adults. For those seeking medical care, Olathe is home to Olathe Medical Center, a nationally recognized hospital associated with the University of Kansas. Olathe is also close to other major medical centers including Saint Luke's South Hospital and AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, both located in nearby Overland Park.

Olathe offers a variety of local options for self-care and fitness. Residents can enjoy walking or biking on the Indian Creek Hike and Bike Trail, taking fitness classes at the Olathe Community Center and Field House, or practicing yoga or meditation at local studios.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

If you're considering retiring to Olathe it's a good idea to spend some time exploring the area to get a feel for what it has to offer. Here are some ideas for exploring the area:

Day One

Morning

• Start your day with breakfast at First Watch, a popular breakfast and brunch spot in Olathe.
• Head over to Ernie Miller Nature Center to enjoy a morning hike through the beautiful Kansas landscape.

Afternoon

• Explore the shops and boutiques in charming downtown Olathe. Have lunch at one of the local downtown restaurants.
• Stop by Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site to learn about the area's history and take a tour of the site.

Evening

• End your day with dinner at Tavern at Mission Farms, a cozy spot with a great menu of local cuisine.

Day Two

Morning

• Grab breakfast at McLain's Market, a local favorite for coffee and pastries.
• Meet with your local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to discuss potential retirement communities and explore the area's housing options.

Afternoon

• Enjoy lunch at Fritz's Railroad Restaurant, a unique dining experience with a train delivering your food to your table.
• Take a visit to the Kansas City Zoo, located just a short drive from Olathe, to see a variety of animals from around the world.

Evening

• Wrap up your stay with dinner at J. Gilbert's Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood, a delicious restaurant that offers a variety of high-end dishes.

Getting to Olathe, KS

Olathe is a suburban area just south of Kansas City, MO. Visitors to Olathe have several options for transportation depending on their starting location and preferences.

By Car

The major highways that lead into the Olathe area are Interstate 35 (I-35) and Interstate 435 (I-435), which intersect just east of Olathe. Visitors coming from the north or south can take I-35, while visitors coming from the east or west can take I-435.

By Air

The closest major airport to Olathe is Kansas City International Airport (MCI), which is located about 36 miles northeast of Olathe. MCI is served by numerous major airlines including American, Delta, Southwest, and United, with nonstop flights to many major cities across the US. MCI is a hub for Southwest Airlines and is a focus city for Delta Air Lines. Visitors arriving at MCI can rent a car or take a shuttle service to get to Olathe. 

By Train/Bus

Olathe does not have its own train or bus station, but visitors can take Amtrak or Greyhound to nearby cities like Kansas City or Lawrence, and then take a taxi, Uber, or rental car to Olathe.