Living in Lee’s Summit

Lee’s Summit is a vibrant community located 16 miles southeast of downtown Kansas City. With award-winning schools, convenient location, and a strong business community you can see why Lee’s Summit is one of the fastest growing communities in the state.

Lee's Summit Shopping
**Photo used with permission from Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street

Lee’s Summit Schools and Business Community

In 2016, Money Magazine ranked Lee’s Summit on its list of “Best Places to Live.” Ranked 43rd, the article recognized the city’s high performing schools.

The business community invests in the school district through the Missouri Innovation Center and Summit Technology Academy.

The City also took the 27th spot on Money Magazine’s list in 2010.

Money Magazine recognized the school district as a factor in its rankings. The school system partners with area colleges and the business community to prepare students for college and beyond. With innovative programs like the Missouri Innovation Center and Summit Technology Academy, students learn the skills needed for high paying and in-demand jobs.

There are higher education opportunities at your doorstep at the University of Central Missouri and Metropolitan Community College – Longview.

Related links:
Lee’s Summit Schools Constantly Rise To The Top 


Lee’s Summit MO

The Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council focuses on attracting new businesses that want to invest in the community and bring new jobs. In 2016, public and private investment topped $1 billion in just 18 months. Projects include a $500-million Cerner data center, Paragon Star soccer village, construction of the Missouri Innovation Campus, Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport runway expansion and more.

Top employers include Lee’s Summit School District, University of Central Missouri, the city of Lee’s Summit, St. Luke’s Health System, and Truman Medical Center – Lakewood.

The city targets industries like health and medical, animal health science, data centers, manufacturing and distribution, aerospace, business headquarters, and retail.

Education is also important. The Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council (LSEDC) has full-time staff dedicated to “connecting the dots” in workforce development. With innovative programs like the Missouri Innovation Campus and Summit Technology Academy, students receive skilled training starting in high school.

With a pedestrian friendly downtown, locally-owned restaurants, and over 100 days of community events each year, Lee’s Summit’s Main Street is among the nation’s best. Independent We Stand, a national small business movement, nominated Lee Summit’s Main Street corridor for its commitment to local business. Called a “hidden gem,” there are over 100 locally-owned restaurants and shops. The long list of community events brings in hundreds of thousands of people downtown each year.

Happiest City in America

With so much going on in Lee’s Summit, the city came out on top for the “Happiest Mid-Sized City in America.” The career website, Zipia, based its rankings on the cost of living, family life, home ownership, poverty rate, commute, unemployment rate, and a number of residents with a Bachelor’s degree.

Zipia noted that Lee’s Summit made its way to the top of its “happy” list because 72-percent of residents own a home and the unemployment rate is so low. “Take those two major life worries off the table, and your heart is sure to feel just a little bit lighter,” Zipia wrote in its rankings.

Things To Do In Lee’s Summit

Conveniently located near I-470 and I-70, it’s easy to get where you need to go in Lee’s Summit. It’s also close enough to Kansas City, making it an easy drive to nearby attractions.

The city’s motto is live, work, and play. There’s plenty of places to play with 29 parks, an ice rink that’s under construction, and Longview Lake.

There are plenty of things to do in Lee’s Summit in the fall.

Lee’s Summit Quick Facts

Population – 94,639

Median Household Income – $80,395

Median Home Price: $210,187

Size: 65 square miles (fifth largest in the state)

Zip Codes: 64002, 64063, 64065, 64064, 64081, 64086, 64082

Sally Moore is a Keller Williams Realtor® in Lee’s Summit. She specializes in new construction, resales, and home staging. See the difference with FREE home staging. Follow The Sally Moore Real Estate Team on Facebook for the latest real estate trends.

**Photos used with permission from Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street.