6 Charming Missouri Communities To Retire Around Kansas Ctiy
Did you know Missouri was named one of the top five states to retire in 2024? The Show-Me State made the list for its affordability—particularly for its cost of living and property taxes. If you would like to access the benefits of being close to the big city with its premier healthcare services, affordable rates, and wide variety of activities while living in a quieter park-filled area like Platte City or a scenic lakeside suburb like Smithville, discover the 6 most charming Missouri communities to retire around Kansas City.
Parkville
Approximately 15 minutes northwest of Kansas City, you will find Parkville. This quiet suburb offers a peaceful pace of life with evergreen parks, stunning trails, and a charming downtown area. You can enjoy a mix of rural and city life in a safe community environment where the neighbors are friendly, and the crime rate is lower than the state average.
English Landing Park is the perfect place for a peaceful walk by the Missouri River, the longest river in North America, flowing for more than 2,300 miles. See the rush of the waterfalls in the Parkville Nature Sanctuary, a short walk away from the parking area and around three miles of beautiful hiking trails. Downtown Parkville is also quite historic, filled with antique shops, festivals and events, and local eateries. Fun fact—Parkville was once recognized by USA Today for having the most charming main street in Missouri!
The city’s 8,859 residents also greatly benefit from living close to Kansas City—home to renowned healthcare facilities. St. Luke’s Hospital is rated high performing in three adult specialties and 11 procedures and conditions.
Platte City
With a population of only 4,846 residents, Platte City is an affordable, growing community. This gorgeous city is located approximately 25 minutes northeast of Kansas City and has a cost of living that is lower than the national average.
Home to plenty of parks and natural spaces, this hidden gem is truly a nature lover’s paradise. The Platte Falls Conservation Area covers 2,366 acres and is the perfect place for many fun activities, including hiking, fishing, archery, birdwatching, and boating. Shiloh Springs Golf Course offers an amazing course with 18 holes set atop the rolling hills of Platte County.
Once you have perfected your aim, discover the taste of Missouri as you try quality wines at the Jowler Creek Vineyard & Winery. The seven-acre vineyard is family-run, with sustainable practices set in place.
Sedalia
You may know this destination as the city where the Missouri State Fair takes place. Every summer, concerts, shows, and exhibits are held over a span of 11 days. The state show has been running since 1901 to help agriculture continue to be one of Missouri’s top industries.
Not only is Sedalia filled with fairs and parades, but it is also a great place to retire. Situated 1.5 hours southeast of Kansas City, 22,199 residents can access comprehensive healthcare services with compassionate practitioners at the Bothwell Medical Center. The cost of living here is also 15% below the national average, with a median listing home price of $215,300 USD.
Discover over 1,500 artworks at the Daum Museum of Contemporary Art, known for its fine displays and Visual Thinking Strategies. Visit the Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site, a 12,000-square-foot architectural treasure built over a period of 30 years. Explore the scenic trails to see if you can spot wildlife, or head on a guided tour to unravel the region’s history.
Smithville
If you drive 25 minutes north of Kansas City, you will end up in Smithville. This stunning city is home to the 7,200-acre Smithville Lake, a wonderful spot for swimming, trail walking, boating, fishing, and camping. Along the lake, stop by the Paradise Pointe Golf Complex—a great place to practice your aim in a serene setting with two challenging 18-hole courses.
Experience the small-town atmosphere in the Main Street District, known for its amazing restaurants, specialty boutiques, and the trail that leads directly to the lake. Visit Ladoga Ridge Winery, where you can choose from an incredible wine selection with comfortable seating in a picturesque setting.
Warsaw
Known for its laid-back lifestyle and abundance of outdoor activities, Warsaw is a beautiful lake town to call your next home. Situated by Truman Lake, 2,365 residents have access to incredible fishing opportunities. There are good prospects for finding Crappies, Catfishes, White Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass, and Walleyes in 2025.
Located on a peninsula, Harry S. Truman State Park has a marina where you can rent a boat. You will also find scenic hiking trails, lovely picnic areas, and campsites from where you may spot wildlife. If you would like to learn about the history of the area, the Benton County Museum features collections and exhibits focusing on the 1835-1985 time period.
Just under two hours southeast of Kansas City, Warsaw offers a serene escape from the big city. Not to mention, the Bothwell Health Center-Truman Lake facility is located here. This city is also affordable, with home prices at a median cost of $252,200 USD.
Higginsville
Higginsville is a fascinating city steeped in history. A 52-minute drive east of Kansas City, you will fall in love with its small-town charm of 4,736 residents. The median home listing price is $175,000 USD, making this an affordable city to call home. Regarding healthcare, Lafayette Regional Health Center is a highly-rated facility that offers advanced medical services within 20 minutes of the city.
The Confederate Memorial State Historic Site covers 135 acres with six fishing ponds, picnic areas, and a disc golf course. Immerse yourself in the site’s natural beauty as you find out how 1,600 Civil War veterans found refuge at this historic landmark for nearly 60 years.
Search for hidden gems at the Running Rabbit Antiques and General Store, a haven for vintage lovers. Watch Hollywood productions for less at Davis Theatre, “where nostalgia meets blockbuster.” This historical small-town theater was opened in 1934 and offers a highly pleasing interior.
The Best Communities To Retire Around Kansas City
If you are looking to transition to a slower pace of life while being close to a major city, these small Missouri towns are close to Kansas City yet offer their own unique charm and tranquil suburbs. Between the lakeside wonders of Warsaw, the famous fairs of Sedalia, and the preserved gems of Higginsville, each of these towns is brimming with beauty, history, and culture. Find your perfect pick and see why they call it the “Show-Me State” in one of the best communities to retire around Kansas City.
