Why Johnson County, KS Is One of America’s Best Places to Move
When it comes to choosing a place to live, some people want the buzz of the city, some want wide-open spaces, and some want the perfect mix of both. Enter Johnson County, Kansas—or JoCo, as locals lovingly call it—a place that consistently ranks among the best counties in America for families, professionals, and anyone looking for a lifestyle upgrade. From top-notch schools to thriving communities and plenty of green space, it’s no wonder people from all over the country are moving here.
Whether you’re relocating from another state or just moving across town, JoCo offers a quality of life that’s hard to beat. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this Kansas gem so special.
Schools That Set the Standard
One of the first things most buyers consider is schools, and JoCo doesn’t disappoint. The county is home to several highly-rated school districts, including Blue Valley, Shawnee Mission, Olathe, and De Soto, which consistently rank among the top in the state. Families love the small class sizes, strong academic programs, and excellent extracurriculars.
Even if you don’t have school-aged kids, good schools drive neighborhood stability, community involvement, and strong property values—so it’s worth paying attention. My favorite resource for school ratings and information is Niche.com.
Blue Valley High School
Neighborhoods for Every Lifestyle
Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or an empty-nester, Johnson County has a neighborhood for you.
Overland Park: The largest city in the county, packed with shopping, dining, and parks. Perfect if you want suburban convenience with city amenities.
Leawood: Known for upscale homes and walkable neighborhoods, this is where luxury meets community.
Lenexa: Affordable, growing, and full of family-friendly neighborhoods with great schools.
Shawnee: Offers a balance of history, charm, and accessibility, with plenty of green space.
Olathe: A hub for jobs, recreation, and family life, with some of the best schools in the county.
From newer maintenance-provided communities to mature tree-lined streets, Johnson County neighborhoods provide variety and options for every stage of life.
Job Market & Commuting
Relocating often means new jobs, and JoCo’s proximity to Kansas City gives you access to major employers in tech, healthcare, finance, and logistics. Companies like Garmin, Cerner, T-Mobile, and Saint Luke’s Health System attract professionals from across the country.
Commuting in JoCo is manageable thanks to well-planned roads and highways. Many residents find they can enjoy the peace of suburban living while still being 20–30 minutes from downtown Kansas City. If you’re moving from out-of-state, this combination of serenity and convenience is a major perk.
Green Space & Community Amenities
One of the most underrated reasons to love JoCo? The outdoor lifestyle and community amenities. Trails, parks, golf courses, and lakes make it easy to spend time outside. Many communities offer optional clubhouses, pools, and maintenance-provided living, so you get the benefits of resort-style amenities without the hassle.
Maintenance-provided neighborhoods are especially appealing for busy professionals, frequent travelers, or anyone who just wants more time to enjoy life instead of yard work. Imagine spending weekends exploring local parks or hosting friends on a screened deck instead of mowing the lawn—sounds dreamy, right?
Tomahawk Hill Golf Course in Shawnee Mission Park
Real Estate Opportunities
From charming resales to new construction, Johnson County has a wide range of homes to fit your lifestyle and budget. Median home prices hover around $460,000, but options exist for both move-up buyers and first-time homebuyers. Maintenance-provided communities, new construction with modern finishes, and homes with green space backing are all highly sought after.
Whether you want a new home in a vibrant community or a resale in an established neighborhood, JoCo offers value, quality, and options that keep buyers coming back year after year. Start your Johnson County, Kansas home search here!
Why Now Is a Great Time to Move
The local housing market remains strong. Home values are appreciating steadily, making it a smart time to invest. And because Johnson County has so many well-planned neighborhoods, buyers often find the home they want without the stress of bidding wars or overpaying.
Relocating can be daunting, but with the right guidance, moving to JoCo is more exciting than stressful. Once you find the right neighborhood, the right home, and the right community, it all falls into place.
Johnson County, Kansas, has it all: excellent schools, thriving job market, diverse neighborhoods, easy commutes, green spaces, and lifestyle amenities. Whether you’re moving across the country or just the county line, JoCo offers a quality of life that’s hard to beat.
If you want to make your move easier, download my free Guide to Moving to Johnson County, KS, packed with insider tips, neighborhood insights, and relocation advice. And of course, if you’re ready to find your dream home in Johnson County, I’d love to help you every step of the way.
Heather Brulez
📞 (913) 948-3918
🏡 Licensed Realtor® in Kansas & Missouri & Relocation Expert
Weichert Realtors | Welch & Company
✨ Specializing in New Construction & Real Estate Marketing across Johnson County, Kansas.
📍 Get my free Guide to Moving to Johnson County, KS for insider tips, neighborhoods, and relocation advice!
