If you don’t live in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, you might wonder what all the buzz is about? Why is it that people want to live in Lee’s Summit? To answer those questions you need to know the basics about the city. From it’s beginning to the amenities presently available, consider this your Introduction to Lee’s Summit Missouri.
By The Numbers: Lee’s Summit is the second largest Missouri suburb of Kansas City, and the sixth largest Missouri city by both population and geographic area. There are approximately 95,000 residents in the city of Lee’s Summit which encompasses over 63 square miles. With 30% of that land still undeveloped, there is still plenty of room for additional growth. There are 7 recreational lakes – 6 with residential housing, plus the 12-lake complex known as the James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area.
One of the big reasons people move to Lee’s Summit is because of the school system. The public school educates almost almost 18,000 students.There are three high schools with three middle schools and 18 elementary schools, plus an alternative school, a technology academy, an early education center and a special-education, day-treatment center. The R-7 School District has won Missouri’s Distinction in Performance Award, the state’s highest recognition for academic achievement, and is considered to be one of the best school districts in the state. Approximately 86% of graduates go on to attend college.
In addition to the award winning public school system, Lee’s Summit is home to Our Lady of Presentation Catholic elementary school and the soon-to-open St. Michael’s the Archangel High School, as well as Summit Christian Academy. SCA is a non-denominational school that educates pre-K through 12th grade.
Outdoor activities are another big part of living in Lee’s Summit. There are 29 city parks, plus county parks and public lakes for a variety of water sport activities. Golf courses and ball fields are sprinkled throughout the city. The cities comprehensive Greenway project is working toward connecting the city through bike paths and trails make Lee’s Summit a favorite place to bike, hike or enjoy the outdoors.
People are taking note of the gem we call Lee’s Summit. Money Magazine once again named Lee’s Summit as the best Missouri city and among the top 100 cities in the nation! Downtown Lee’s Summit which is the heart of the city, features streets of local shops, bars and restaurant has won numerous awards. The twice-weekly farmer’s market has been recognized as the best in the state for three consecutive years.
Add to that a strong affordable housing market, continued job growth, and the city’s investment in infrastructure and the parks system. There are so many reasons we love Lee’s Summit. I hope this gives you just a taste of why it’s a great place to call home.
