Just 2 of the reasons Kansas City is a retiree’s dream city: This museum, these parks

Are you looking for a great place to retire?

We understand how tough it can be to settle in somewhere where you won’t be disappointed (or bored) after a while.

You need fun stuff to do, interesting events to attend and exciting places to hang out with friends.

But what place has all of that?

Well, it may surprise you.

Just take a look in your own backyard and you’ll see just how amazing Kansas City is for retirees.

Here are my top three reasons about why Kansas City is great place to stay (or relocate) once you hit your golden years:

Homes are affordable

Let’s face it: Housing isn’t getting any cheaper. Plus, once you hit retirement, you don’t want all of your income going toward paying your mortgage and property taxes.

Luckily, Kansas City has plenty of affordable housing options for you. The average price comes in well below the national average so you’re able to stretch your savings further.

If you’re moving from a more expensive metropolitan area, you could sell your current home and buy a new one in Kansas City for an amount that might be more in line with your new retirement budget.

More activities than you need

When it comes to fun and interesting activities, Kansas City has no shortage. Whether you’re looking for a sporting event to watch or you want to go to the theater, this city can supply you with plenty of options.

If you don’t believe me, take a look at some of the available activities you can enjoy:

▪ Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Kansas City is home to one of the premier art exhibits in the United States. Better yet, admission is free for all ages.

Not bad, right?

Nelson-Atkins houses a diverse and impressive collection that makes it a top destination for anyone.

The museum has no shortage of classic or contemporary pieces and continues to host festivals. No matter what your personal preference is when it comes to art or events, you’ll have a great time.

Be sure to check out the exhibits on their event calendar to see what you can attend.

▪ Parks and rec

Another option when you’re 60 or older is the Kansas City Parks and Recreation events and classes. A wide variety of options are mostly aimed at retirees.

Better yet, many of the activities are either completely free or under $5, so it can save you money compared to museums or clubs.

Line dancing, chair aerobics and pickle ball to meet new people are some examples.

▪ Bonus activities

Kansas City is home to the Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden. This garden reaches across more than 2 acres and allows visitors to walk through a beautiful botanical display. It’s accompanied by fountains and decorative walkways.

If you’re in the mood for something else, you can always take advantage of the massive 75-acre Loose Park, which is known for its role in the Civil War.

The history

Kansas City has a long and diverse history.

The city of Kansas was originally inhabited by French fur traders in 1804 and later by Mormons in 1831. Then a nearby small town called Westport Landing and Kansas combined into what is now Kansas City.

That, however, is just the beginning of the tale, and a hurried one at that. There’s so much to learn about the history of Kansas City, like the Civil War battles, the rise of jazz, the sports teams and more.

So, if you’re looking for an amazing place to call home in your golden years, I think you can see that Kansas City is a fantastic place to call home.

Clint Haynes is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional and a member of Financial Planning Association of Greater Kansas City. He is the Founder of NextGen Wealth in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.