Chill suburban lifestyle with abundant parks and lakes close to major metro-area amenities
Lee's Summit is a lush, hilly suburban oasis located 20 miles southeast of downtown Kansas City, Missouri. With a population of 106,000, it attracts families and working professionals seeking abundant natural beauty — including expansive green spaces and lakes — an outstanding public school district and a mix of lifestyle options. Residents can choose from Lee’s Summit’s many tranquil suburban neighborhoods or opt to live in its bustling downtown area. The city’s proximity to Interstate 470 and U.S. Highway 50, also makes for easy commutes.
Lee's Summit began as the Town of Strother, with a population of only 100 people in 1865. Three years later, it became the Town of Lee's Summit and was named after a prominent local physician and for being the highest point between Kansas City and St. Louis. Today, Lee's Summit has become one of the fastest-growing communities in the state, with a population that's grown 13 times larger since 1960, and is now known as the sixth most populous city in Missouri. Nowhere is that growth more evident than in the city's vibrant and charming downtown district where revitalization efforts that began in the 1990s continue. New projects such as Green Street, a new mixed-use development with a year-round market and indoor and outdoor event venues, is forthcoming. "They're very good at designing neighborhoods and coordinating that with the commercial efforts to ensure that it is the place people want to go," says Joey Zarrillo, board member for Lee’s Summit’s Chamber of Commerce and a Realtor with Re/Max Heritage." People from cities all around will now go to downtown Lee's Summit for the restaurants and shops because it's just a really cool place to go," And thanks to a relatively wide availability of land, Lee's Summit is poised for continued growth. "There's room to add more neighborhoods, including single-family and multi-family housing and some commercial stuff," Zarrillo says.
"It's definitely a growing, thriving city,” Zarrillo continues. “The economy downtown is one of the best, if not the best, in the area.” The city enjoys a solid employment base, with many public-sector and healthcare jobs. Major employers include the city government, the Lee's Summit R-7 School District, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and healthcare sector employers such as the Lee's Summit Medical Center, Truman Medical Center-Lakewood and Saint Luke's Health Systems. The Lee's Summit Medical Center provides 24/7 emergency care. Saint Luke's East Hospital is another top-rated medical facility that offers primary care and specialty services, including 24-hour on-call service for non-emergency needs.
Lee's Summit is located around 20 miles southeast of downtown Kansas City, Missouri.
Lee's Summit attracts families and working professionals seeking abundant natural beauty.
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Neighborhoods of every stripe, from downtown charm to Winterset luxury
Residents can choose from various lifestyle feels, from the walkable, urban vibe in the downtown district to spacious, lake-filled neighborhoods with lots of green space. At $375,000, the median home price is lower than the national median price of $416,700.
Entry-level homes here start at around $250,000. "Starting prices used to be around $150,000, but in the last few years, it's just gone crazy. Prices can go up to the millions if you're going to areas like Lakewood or Park Ridge Summit," Zarrillo says. The city offers a variety of architectural styles and price ranges, and its neighborhoods cater to everyone from single professionals to empty-nesters to young families.
Downtown is one of the most desirable areas for those seeking a walkable lifestyle with easy access to shopping, dining and entertainment options. Professionals and first-time buyers tend to look here, where options include bungalows and split-levels, as well as ranch-styles and Craftsman homes. Many of these properties are located near revitalized public spaces that help to retain the area's historic charm.
West of downtown, the Winterset area features six family-friendly neighborhoods with many parks and trails and home prices ranging from $500,000 to $1 million.
East of downtown, Summit Square offers a suburban lifestyle with urban convenience. At the same time, Raintree Lake and Lakewood are popular with those who enjoy waterfront living. Townhouses and single-family homes in Raintree Lake sell for between $350,000 to $650,000. While those in Lakewood, which also has its own golf course and multiple swimming pools, can sell for over $1 million. Longview Farms is within walking distance of coffee shops, restaurants and the Longview Community College, and homes here sell for between $500,000 and $1 million.
Downtown is one of the most desirable areas for those seeking a walkable lifestyle in Lee's Summit.
Home prices can go up to the millions if you're looking in areas like Lakewood.
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Longview Lake and Legacy Park offer splendid locations for water sports and lakeside views
Lee's Summit is home to 31 well-maintained parks that offer everything from fishing to disc golf and pickleball. Lakes are prominently featured in the city's many green spaces and popular spots, like the 700-acre Legacy Park includes a 22-acre lake with a fishing dock at its center. The park also offers a scenic overlook, expansive play areas, trails and sports fields. Longview Lake is another large public lake where people like to squeeze in some Midwestern "beach time," while others opt to boat, fish or swim. Another beach-like option that is especially popular in the summer months is the Summit Waves water park.
One of Zarrillo's favorite spots in Lee's Summit is downtown's Lea McKeegan Park, which features "a really cool skate park," volleyball courts and picnic areas. As with other areas of the city, officials are working to renovate and expand park areas, including the 178-acre Shamrock Hills Golf Club and property to its south. The City Council is also considering a proposal for a $418 million mixed-use recreation and residential project here in the coming years.
Lee's Summit has lake-filled neighborhoods with lots of green space.
Howard Station Park is a popular outdoor space for residents in Lee's Summit.
Lee's Summit residents ride their bikes to the park and take in the views.
Lee's Summit includes a 178-acre Shamrock Hills Golf Club.
Legacy Park includes play areas, trails and sports fields for residents in Lee's Summit.
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Niche ranks Lee's Summit R-7 top school district in Jackson County
Niche rates Lee's Summit R-7 School District as the top school district in Jackson County. Serving nearly 18,000 students from kindergarten through 12th grade, this A-rated district includes three high schools, four middle schools and 18 elementary schools. In addition, the district also offers an alternative secondary school, a secondary technology academy, an early education center and a special education day treatment center.
Private school options here include the Summit Christian Academy, known for its rigorous academic curriculum based on Christian principles. Longview Community College is also nearby and the school recently added a diesel automotive program to prepare students for jobs expected to remain in demand. “They're very innovative," Zarrillo says.
Niche rates Lee's Summit R-7 School District as the top school district in Jackson County.
Lee's Summit school district serves thousands of students in the area.
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Growing downtown district offers unique retail and dining options
In 2023, the city opened Downtown Marketplace Plaza, which it expects to become a major regional hub for commerce and community. The plaza has an event space, a farmers' market, and an outdoor performance and event space. The city's vibrant downtown district features a variety of stores, antique shops, restaurants and breweries.
"There's this really cool place, a gourmet coffee shop called Hand in Glove in the morning that turns into a speakeasy called The W at night," Zarrillo says.
Lee's Summit has a bustling downtown area.
Growing downtown district offers Lee's Summit locals many unique retail and dining options.
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A 15-minute drive to where Super Bowl champs the Chiefs play
Lee's Summit offers plenty of activities for residents to enjoy, from farmers' markets to art walks to performances by the Lee's Summit Symphony. Popular seasonal events include Oktoberfest, Shamrock the Block, the Gold Coin Hunt kids' scavenger hunt, father-daughter dances and even Super Smash Bros. video game tournaments.
"We also have great sports teams," Zarrillo says. "You can be at a Chief's game in 10 to 15 minutes." Lee’s Summit is only 13 miles from the Truman Sports Complex, where the 2024 Super Bowl champions — the Kansas City Chiefs — regularly play. Residents can catch a game at GEHA Stadium amidst a sea of red and gold. The 2015 World Series Champions, the Kansas City Royals, also play nearby at Kauffman Stadium. About 20 miles away in Independence, the Kansas City Current, Kansas City's National Women's Soccer League plays at CPKC Stadium. CPKC, which opened in 2024, is the world's only sports stadium designed for professional women athletes.
Lee's Summit residents will often times be found proudly rooting for the home team.
Lee's Summit offers activities from farmer's markets to art walks.
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Crime
Lee's Summit officials are proud of the city's standing in terms of public safety. "You aren't going to find a community that's much better as far as the incidence of violent crime is concerned," Lee's Summit Police Department’s public information officer, Sgt. Chris Depue says. "We enjoy a tremendously low incidence of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent with zero to two homicides a year, if at all." Property crime and retail theft are the department's biggest challenges. According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, Lee's Summit's crime rate is slightly below the national average, with 2,236 incidents per 100,000 people compared to the national average of 2,324. In 2023, the city reported 176 violent crimes per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 376 per 100,000 people. Property crimes for that period were 2,098 per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 1954 per 100,000.
Interstate 470 and U.S. Highway 50 make for easy commute
Interconnected highways and transportation hubs in Lee’s Summit include the downtown Amtrak station and a municipal airport for non-commercial flights. Lee's Summit is close to major highways like Interstate 470 and U.S. Highway 50, both of which connect to downtown Kansas City and beyond.
Written By
Anne Amoury
Photography Contributed By
Anya Ivantseva
Video By
Matt Pangman
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Lee's Summit, MO sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Lee's Summit, MO over the last 12 months is $403,465, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautifully maintained home in the highly sought-after Lee’s Summit community! Featuring an inviting open floor plan with abundant natural light, this home offers spacious living and a seamless flow perfect for entertaining or everyday comfort. The kitchen is equipped with modern finishes, ample counter space, and a large island overlooking the main living area. Upstairs, you’ll
Welcome to The Trails of Park Ridge, Jackson County’s premier maintenance-provided community!This spacious reverse 1.5-story ranch blends style, comfort, and function with nearly 3,000 sq ft of finished living space. The open-concept main level (over 1,800 sq ft!) features a bright great room with a reimagined custom fireplace layout, a designer kitchen with granite countertops, custom
Very nice open concept floor plan with 4 full bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms and roomy 3 car garage. You will love how the comfortable main level flows. The large angled granite topped kitchen island opens to the great room for easy conversation with your family or when entertaining friends. Nice looking stainless steel kitchen appliances and a nice size pantry makes the kitchen area functional and
Modern, well-maintained townhome located in the Osage community. Built in 2023, this home offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a 2-car attached garage. The main level features durable LVP flooring, an open kitchen with quartz countertops, center island, and stainless steel appliances. The primary suite is on the main floor and includes a double vanity, shower, and closet. Upstairs are two
This is a move in ready 4 bedroom home with 2 full baths. This property is in a Transitional Neighborhood Zone which would allow for Commercial uses as well as Residential at the same time. What a great place for an art studio, an arts and crafts studio, an accounting office, business office, engineering office, real estate office, small daycare, retail bakery, book store or many other uses! A
This 2-story home offers generous living spaces and a fantastic layout—just waiting for your personal touch! The main floor features a grand entryway, formal dining room, and an open-concept kitchen that flows into the breakfast area and cozy living room—perfect for entertaining or everyday living. Upstairs, you’ll find spacious bedrooms, while the finished basement includes a wet bar, ideal for
Alura Apartments offers elevated, resort-style living in the heart of Discovery Park — Lee’s Summit’s first fully integrated live, work, and play community. Featuring upscale finishes, curated resident experiences, and a premier location surrounded by dining, retail, and green spaces, Alura redefines luxury apartment living in Eastern Jackson County. Enjoy a seamless blend of comfort,
Welcome to your dream home! Step inside this pet-friendly home featuring modern finishings and a layout designed with functionality in mind. Enjoy the storage space found in the kitchen and closets as well as the spacious living areas and natural light throughout. Enjoy outdoor living in your yard, perfect for gathering, relaxing, or gardening! Take advantage of the incredible location, nestled
Chapel Oaks is a community of luxury townhomes, nestled between Independence and Lee's Summit, Missouri. The development features extra large two and three bedroom townhomes of 1,200 to 2,300 square feet, with private decks or patios, surrounded by ultra clean grounds and beautifully manicured lawns. Some have unfinished or finished basements and one or two car garages with openers. There are
Many a modern suburban neighborhood may at first appear to lack the panache of its more established urban counterparts. It’s a tradeoff between modern amenities in your home or mature trees and diverse architecture: Often, you can have one but not the other. Chapel Ridge puts an end to your need to make that difficult choice. With newly constructed homes lining winding, quiet streets shaded by native hardwoods, Chapel Ridge is definitely not your stereotypical suburb community. Roger Deines, an agent with Compass Realty says, “It’s mostly new construction, but there is a diversity of building styles in the area.”<br><br>American suburbs are frequently characterized by a sense of monotony, with houses that look almost identical, lined up next to each other like so many siding-covered paper dolls holding hands. Homebuyers in Chapel Ridge will quickly discover that the neighborhood bucks this tendency. Not only will you find houses ranging from compact ranches to sprawling contemporaries, but you’ll also find a wide range of exteriors. Siding, brick and even cedar shingles can be found on the outside of homes here.<br><br>Depending on location, buyers can expect to pay $375,000 for a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom up to over $1 million for a 6 bedroom/6 bathroom. Price-per-square foot averages have an equally extensive range, from $120 to $250. Homes fronting the Lakewood Lakes in the area command a higher price than those without lake views. And residents have access to all of the recreational opportunities that the neighborhood has to offer, including two swimming pools, a clubhouse and acres of green space for exploring, just to name a few. “That's one of the real selling points of Chapel Ridge. You get access to all of the amenities,” says Deines. “Pools, walking trails, just about any amenity you can think of. And the HOA takes care of lawncare and landscaping. All you have to do is live there.”<br><br>Students in the neighborhood can attend Chapel Lakes Elementary, Delta Woods Middle, and Lee’s Summit North High School, what Deines describes as “some of the best schools in the state.” All three schools have an A rating with Niche. Students at Lee’s Summit North can participate in extracurricular activities running the gamut from the Anime Club to Girls Who Code to the Youth Neuroscience Society. <br><br>Fitness buffs can get their sweat on at Better Bodies Pilates or Burn Boot Camp, and tennis players can jump the net at The Cove tennis courts. Nearby Howard Park welcomes nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy 20 acres of open space, with a playground, walking trail, splash pad, 9-hole disc golf course and restroom facilities. <br><br>Grocery shopping is a breeze with Price Chopper conveniently located in the neighborhood. However, because this is almost exclusively a residential neighborhood, those needing a little retail therapy will have to drive to their appointments. Dining options are limited, too, but area residents can get their caffeine fix at Scooter’s Coffee or an afternoon refreshment at Jungle Juice Smoothie Bar. Local dining options include El Sazon Mexican Grill, Tiff N Jay’s and Young’s Chinese. “If you head north, you’re only about four miles from Lee’s Summit, which has a lot of retail and restaurants,” says Deines, “and two miles in the other direction from a shopping mall and warehouse stores. It’s a really convenient location.”<br><br>It's misleading to call Chapel Ridge a suburb because it has all the character you’d expect to find in an established urban neighborhood. But at the same time, you can’t call it urban because it is far enough away from downtown to ensure peace and quiet. It finds that elusive sweet spot between the two. There’s no need to choose between the feel of a city neighborhood or the tranquility of suburbia. You can find both in Chapel Ridge.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Lee's Summit Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
98,959
Median Age
41
Population under 18
25.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$104,278
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$124,590
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.2%
College Graduates
48.8%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
19%
% Population in Labor Force
73.6%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
34''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®®
34/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®®
53/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
