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Why You Should Retire in Overland Park, KS

The clock tower in downtown Overland Park, Kansas.

Retiring in Overland Park, KS, gives you the benefits of small-town life without being too far away from buzzing Kansas City. In 1960, this Kansas town was officially incorporated as a first-class city with a population of 20,085 people and just 13 square miles of land.

Now, this thriving suburb boasts more than 75.6 square miles filled to the brim with parks, retail and entertainment, cultural experiences, and 197,106 friendly people! So if you’ve been looking for the perfect place to start your next chapter, read these 7 reasons you should retire in Overland Park.

1. Activities just for older adults

Overland Park and the surrounding areas have a plethora of activities for older adults. From joining pickleball tournaments for ages 50 and over to joining a weight-lifting group, there’s always something for seniors to do in Overland Park. Roeland Park, KS, which is just a few minutes away from Overland Park,is home to a chapter of the New Horizons Band, where older adults of all musical skill levels are welcome to join. Registration for New Horizons typically begins in November, so be sure to mark your calendar.

There’s also no shortage of ways to enjoy yourself in independent living at Village Shalom. Explore the newest exhibit in the art gallery, work out in one of two fitness centers, learn something new in a guest lecture or exciting excursion, take a dip in the pool, book a massage or therapy appointment in the spa, and so much more.

2. Top-notch medical centers

Our senior living community in Overland Park is near some of the best hospitals and medical centers in the area. Two minutes away is Menorah Medical Center, which features a variety of specialities including cardiology, orthopedic care, oncology and spine care. Overland Park Regional Center, AdventHealth, and MidAmerica Rehabilitation Hospital are three more top-tier medical centers just minutes away from our community.

Village Shalom offers a full continuum of senior health services to both our current residents and those joining us through direct admission. Residents have priority access to our on-site levels of care, which include assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation. No matter your health needs, our community provides you with quality care and an individualized care plan — all right here.

3. Fabulous farmers market

The Overland Park Farmers’ Market has been providing a space for local vendors to sell farm-fresh food and unique specialty items for more than 40 years. Here you can purchase locally grown produce, beautiful flowers and plants; dine on food truck fare; and engage in community events.

The market also includes live music and other performing artists at the Clock Tower Plaza. . In 2022, they expanded their layout beyond the Farmers’ Market pavilion into nearby parking lots of local retailers and into Marty Street. This allowed them to add more vendors, space between vendors, and nearby restrooms.

4. Plenty of off-leash dog areas

One of the best reasons to retire in Overland Park is because it’s paradise for people and pups alike. It’s near a variety of public parks with off-leash dog areas, including Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Park, Shawnee Mission Park, Leawoof Dog Park and Heritage Park. There are also several boutique pet stores and groomers nearby, including Land of Paws, Three Dog Bakery, and Happy Pawz.

Village Shalom is a pet-friendly senior living community. We happily welcome small furry, feathered, or finned family members in independent living residences. When you schedule your tour, ask our team for details of our pet policy.

5. Abundance of beautiful parks

Overland Park has beautiful parks that provide abundant space for outdoor recreation and relaxation. One of the most popular parks in the area is the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, which covers 300 acres of rolling hills, meadows and woodlands. The park features themed gardens, hiking trails, walking paths and a visitors center.

Another popular park is the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, which offers a unique experience for the whole family. The farmstead features a variety of farm animals, playgrounds and a fishing pond. You can also feed baby goats, sift for rocks in a mining trough, watch real-life blacksmith demonstrations, and more.

6. Eco-friendly city

Another good reason to retire in Overland Park is because it’s an eco-friendly city. It’s continually investing in a variety of sustainability efforts and initiatives to protect the environment. Just a few examples include restoring several acres of native plants and grasses, installing floating wetlands in local lakes and ponds, decreasing stormwater pollution, and removing invasive tree species.

Feel like getting involved? Overland Park is always looking for friendly volunteers to stencil stormwater inlets, clean up parks, and plant native plants on their own time. Contact Overland Park Neighborhood Services for more details.

7. Plethora of restaurants and retail options

Our senior living community is just a few minutes away from the best retail and entertainment districts in Kansas City. In just a three-minute drive, you’ll find Town Center Plaza in Leawood, where you can shop at stores like Barnes & Noble, Chicos, and Williams-Sonoma.

Six minutes away is Prairiefire, one of Overland Park’s newest shopping and entertainment areas. There you’ll find the incredible Museum at Prairiefire, a dine-in movie theater, restaurants, shops and more. If you’re looking for a high-class shopping and dining experience, the famous Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, MO, is only 25 minutes away.

Discover Radiant Living and a World of Possibilities at Village Shalom

Village Shalom features first-class services and amenities and abundant opportunities to shine in a close-knit community. Contact our senior living community online or call our team at 913-712-0966 to ask questions or request a personalized tour. We can’t wait to meet you!