Kansas City, MO 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Climate & Geography

Located near the geographic center of the U.S., Kansas City experiences a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid, and winters are cool to cold. There is more than average rain, less than average snow, and 214 days of sun per year.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

Kansas City is the largest city in Missouri, making it the state’s cultural, entertainment, and business hub. Crown Center is one of the city’s main shopping and entertainment complexes where residents enjoy plenty of restaurants, commercial stores, and more. Additionally, retirees can catch world-class shows at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, the Starlight Theater, and the Kansas City Symphony.

For outdoor recreation, there are numerous wildlife preserves in the surrounding area. The city itself is home to over 200 parks and natural areas including Swope Park, one of the nation’s largest city parks. This park features a zoo, a wildlife rescue center, two golf courses, an amphitheater, and several picnic areas.

In addition to these amenities, Kansas City is home to the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and Sporting Kansas City, so residents enjoy catching football games, baseball games, and soccer matches, respectively.

Cost of Living & Taxes

Unlike many other large metropolitan cities, the overall cost of living in Kansas City is lower than the national average. The city’s housing costs are nearly half the national average.

Missouri exempts Social Security benefits, Railroad Retirement Benefits, and military pensions from taxation. Public pensions are eligible for deduction, but all other forms of retirement income are fully taxed. Retirees over 65 may qualify for a property tax credit to help alleviate property taxes. The combined sales tax rate in Kansas City is much higher than average at 9.1 percent.

Health Care

The Kansas City metro area ranks among the top 80 communities on Gallup’s Well-Being Index.

Kansas City residents have easy access to quality health care. The University of Kansas Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital are both nationally ranked by U.S. News. Additional high performing hospitals include North Kansas City Hospital and Shawnee Mission Medical Center.