Browse: Home / Why Kansas City, Missouri? / 10 reasons to choose KC

10 reasons to choose KC

  1. Location, location, location.

    You only have to look at a map of the United States to see one of Kansas City’s biggest selling points: we’re the most geocentral major market in the nation. As a result, we’re a major transportation and shipping hub. Kansas City is at the intersection of three Interstate highways (and soon to be a fourth), has the largest rail center in the nation by tonnage, and has the nation’s largest Free Trade Zone. We’re also the No. 3 trucking center in the U.S. Need to fly? Kansas City International Airport offers nonstop flights to major cities on both coasts in three hours or less.

  2. Say goodbye to gridlock.

    Greater Kansas City is one of the least congested major urban areas in the nation, with 45% of commuters traveling 20 minutes or less to get to work. According to a recent Forbes study, our average commute is eighth best in the U.S. Employees in Kansas City, Missouri – which at the heart of the metro area – can easily commute to and from work, providing a wide range of attractive live/work options for individuals and families.

  3. You’ll get more for your money.

    Kansas City consistently ranks among the nation’s most affordable metro areas, as indicated by average housing costs and overall cost of living. The cost of doing business is lower, too. Real estate is more affordable, and many industries have average wages at or below the national average. And don’t underestimate the value of the Midwestern work ethic: according to the U.S. Census Bureau, production workers in Kansas City contribute 40% more value added per hour than the national average. For many businesses, Kansas City’s central location allows for greater efficiency and attendant cost savings.

  4. We’re a creative bunch.

    Ever hear of a little company called Hallmark? Kansas City has a long history of nurturing good ideas and creativity, and our community puts a premium creative capital. For example, we rank 6th in the country for commercial/industrial designers, 7th in the number of visual artists, and 12th in concentration of architects.

  5. There’s room for your new or growing business.

    Compared to many other cities, Kansas City, Missouri, has a wide variety of commercial property available for new and expanding businesses of all sizes – from historic downtown buildings, to office parks, to unique locations like Subtropolis, the world’s largest underground business complex.

  6. Everything’s up to date in Kansas City.

    The song may be old, but the lyrics still apply. From a business standpoint, Kansas City has a state-of-the-art telecommunications network, a world-class supply-chain and transportation network, and the best midsize airport in the nation for customer experience. We also offer world-class culture and amenities, as evidenced by a revitalized downtown with an expanding skyline, including the Sprint Center, the Power & Light entertainment district, and the soon-to-be-completed Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

  7. We have a diverse, well-educated workforce.

    Employers in Kansas City, Missouri, have access to a metro-wide workforce of more than 1 million. 90% of area residents are high school graduates, and 32% have a four-year degree, which is 5% higher than the national average. Kansas City, Missouri, also has a strong community college system that prepares many workers for career advancement. Our region is also home to many four-year colleges and universities that produce a steady stream of new graduates for the local labor force and also cater to working professionals.  In addition, Kansas City is looking to the future by investing in the 21st century workforce, with special programs focused on educating and training employees for target industries like manufacturing, logistics, and life sciences.

  8. We’re at the center of a growing metropolitan area.

    The Kansas City metro area spans the Kansas-Missouri state line and encompasses 18 counties, with a population of more than 2 million. From 2000 to 2009, the Kansas City area experienced population growth of 12.2%, compared to a national rate of 8.8%. When you do business in Kansas City, Missouri, you’re at the center of it all, adding to the strength of the core that makes metro Kansas City a great place to live, work, and play.

  9. We have the world’s best barbecue.

    With dozens of BBQ restaurants to choose from, we’ll let you decide which is the best. Local favorites include Arthur Bryant’s BBQ, Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue, and Gates BBQ. We also have the world’s biggest BBQ contest.

  10. The EDC of Kansas City is at your service.

    Our experts understand the needs of businesses and developers, and we know how our city can meet those needs. Let us show you why Kansas City, Missouri, is a smart choice for your business.