ResalesKansas" Johnson County Is A "Best Place To Live," Say Realtors
Johnson County in Kansas offers many middle America amenities to those who want to live near Kansas City.
"Overland Park is located in Johnson County which has been voted one of the best places to raise a family," says Realtor Steven J. Sebasto. "The area offers many amenities such as professional sports, theatre, shopping, parks, museums and great BBQ."
Sebasto continues, "The entire Johnson County area has historically shown positive appreciation in home values. Much of this is attributed to very strong, professional school systems, active community involvement, a great diversity of available activities, and a very reasonable cost of living.
"One of the fastest growing cities in Johnson County, Olathe, is the county seat," explains Sebasto. "This city offers many different amenities like shopping, golfing, parks, businesses and entertainment. Recently the city of Olathe has even been looking at building a large soccer complex and possibly bringing in a minor league baseball team. This city is always looking for ways to make it a better community.
"There is a feeling of two different markets in the Olathe area which are separated by I-35 Highway. The west side of the city has developed a reputation as a lower-end market and has a higher percentage of rental properties which has caused its appreciation to rise slower than the east side of the city. The east side has many new homes to choose from that range in price from $125,000 to $1,000,000. Many steps have been taken to improve, or dispel the reputation that the west side of the city has. These steps have been very effective and the west side is now experiencing new growth too.
Sebasto also recommends Lenexa. "Lenexa is one of the cities in Johnson County that always has something going on for its citizens," says Sebasto. "The State BBQ Championships, the Spinach Festival and Theatre in the Park are just a few of the events that are constantly taking place in Lenexa.
"Because of its strong government and well thought-out industrial parks, Lenexa is one of the cities in Johnson County that is continually experiencing positive appreciation in the housing market. This community offers award winning schools, a tremendous park system, and easy access to highways! Prices range from $100,000 to $850,000," he says.
"Lenexa is experiencing a slight buyer"s market in every category especially the $250,000- and up market," adds Realtor Rachel Ernsdorff. "Many homes are being purchased the day they go on the market in the less than $200,000 market. The prices have remained constant to upward with days on the market creeping downward."
Says Realtor Steve Moyer, "Sales of new and existing homes were stable in Overland Park as a whole, but inventories of unsold homes were up considerably from a year ago. The average days on market is 136. Due to the increased time to sell a home, we are in a slight buyer"s market."
He adds, "Sales of new and existing homes were stable in Olathe as a whole, but inventories of unsold homes were up considerably from a year ago in many cities. The average days on market is 123. Average days on market is lower in Olathe than Overland Park or Leawood as the average price is lower. The higher the average price the higher the average days on market."
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