Basehor is a growing Kansas City suburb with country roots
On the west side of Kansas City, Basehor is known for its strong schools, commuter location and growing housing options. Unlike many small towns in the area, Basehor doesn't have a historic downtown district. Instead, the city is characterized by modern neighborhoods, brand-new park complexes and pedestrian-friendly streetscapes. "There's one subdivision after another coming in," says Realtor Debbie Breuer with GRID at Compass Realty Group, who has sold several homes in the area. "They're going to have to increase their schools and things again. It's a rapidly growing city."
Despite a modern suburban feel, the city is still rural, on the edge of farmland and tucked away from commuter traffic. "That's what Basehor is attractive for — they're kind of known for a little bit of country next to the city," Breuer says. "And your commute is not long. In 20 minutes, you can get downtown, and you're 4 miles from the Speedway."
Some older homes, with plenty of new construction inventory
Although some of Basehor's older ranch-style homes date back to the late 1900s, most properties were built after 2000. New Traditional architecture is common, often in uniform rows with sidewalk-lined streets. Some subdivisions have HOAs, including the upscale communities around Falcon Lakes Golf Club. According to Breuer, Falcon Lakes is often a popular choice for Army personnel from the Fort Leavenworth base, about 15 miles north. "Once they retire, they come back to live their retirement out in Basehor," she says.
Older homes range from $230,000 to $300,000. From $300,000 to $750,000, buyers can find a mix of contemporary properties and renovated older homes. Luxury estates with a few acres might cost up to $1 million. Breuer says there is plenty of inventory for new homes, but the older properties under $300,000 tend to be in high demand. "They're far and few between," she says. "They're gobbled up pretty fast, and those are the ones that might find a bidding war."
Well-rated schools offer a chance to engage with the community
Zoning for elementary schools varies based on home location, including options like Gray Hawk Elementary, which receives an A grade from Niche. Students then move on to A-rated Basehor-Linwood Middle and Basehor-Linwood High, which earns an A-minus. The high school offers The Innovation Academy, a project-driven program where students partner with local organizations to gain real-world experience in fields like technology, health care and business.
New parks add a splash pad and playgrounds to the city
The city has recently focused on updating parks and recreation, with the notable addition of Civic Campus Park in 2024. The park was built around a brand-new city hall, bordering Grey Hawk Elementary and the Basehor Community Library to make a family friendly gathering point. Spanning more than 35 acres, Civic Campus Park offers a splash pad, outdoor amphitheater, playground and fishing pond. A mile away, Tomahawk Park was completed in 2025, with a playground, picnic shelters and restrooms. The new parks complement the area's existing offerings, including the public 18-hole course at Falcon Lakes Golf Club and the walking trails at Basehor City Park.
Homestyle dining options and a new grocery store
State Avenue is lined with a mix of chain restaurants and local businesses. Kelley's Grille & Bar serves homestyle comfort food, and Holy-Field Vineyard & Winery has a range of events, including live music in the summer and Oktoberfest in the fall. Lynnmark Mercantile is another local staple, with farm-fresh eggs and baked goods made fresh daily.
Residents can head 7 miles to Bonner Springs or the Legends Outlets area to find big box stores like Walmart Supercenter and Target. In 2025, Basehor got its own large grocery store, Fareway Meat & Grocery.
Proximity to some of Kansas City's top entertainment venues
Despite Basehor's small-town feel, it's less than 15 minutes from some of Kansas City's largest attractions. The Kansas Speedway and the Tanger Kansas City at Legends outlet mall are 7 miles away down Leavenworth Road. Directly south in Bonner Springs, the Azura Amphitheater is the largest outdoor venue in the metro area, and in 2026, the Mattel Adventure Park will open with Barbie and Hot Wheels-themed activities. This area is also home to Saint Luke's Community Hospital - Legends, the closest emergency room.
Quick commutes and pedestrian-friendly streets
Locals can head south to take Interstate 70 to downtown Kansas City in about 25 miles. Taking I-70 in the other direction, Lawrence is less than 30 miles away, and Topeka is just over 50 miles away. The Kansas City International Airport is less than 30 miles north.
Closer to home, the city has made significant investments in developing street infrastructure. The busy corridor of 155th Street has a $13 million renovation in 2024 to add a multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists, with roundabouts at intersections. Parallel Road and 158th Street will receive similar updates in the coming years.
![Catherine Lashley]()
Written By
Catherine Lashley
![Zach Manwell]()
Photography Contributed By
Zach Manwell
