Lee's Summit MO

Lee's Summit, MO – A charming suburban gem just outside of Kansas City, Lee’s Summit blends small-town warmth with modern conveniences. Known for its friendly neighborhoods, scenic parks, and bustling downtown, this city offers a relaxed pace of life without missing out on excitement. Whether you're exploring local boutiques, enjoying a concert at Legacy Park, or relaxing by the lake, Lee’s Summit welcomes you with open arms and Midwest hospitality.

• Population: ~104,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; hot summers (70-90°F), chilly winters (20-40°F), colorful springs and autumns.
• Places To Visit: Longview Lake, Downtown Lee’s Summit, Legacy Park, Missouri Town 1855, Summit Fair Shopping Center.
• Top Activities: Boating on Longview Lake, hiking local trails, enjoying seasonal festivals, shopping local, dining at farm-to-table restaurants.
• Famous Food: Kansas City-style BBQ at Jack Stack, local coffee at Whistle Stop Café, homestyle meals at Neighborhood Café.

Lee's Summit, Missouri, is a flourishing suburb of the Kansas City metro area. Known for its strong community and growing economy, the city is home to a diverse set of industries. Healthcare, education, retail, and professional services are especially strong, creating many job opportunities for residents.

Top 5 Jobs in Lee's Summit, MO

Lee's Summit, MO, may not be as big as Los Angeles, but it still offers a variety of spots for students to relax and have fun. Whether you're into local eats, outdoor activities, or just chilling with friends, this city has got you covered.

Downtown Lee's Summit – Explore the charming downtown area filled with boutique shops, eateries, and cozy cafés. It's a great spot to meet friends, grab some coffee, or even enjoy live music during special events.

Legacy Park – With its walking trails, sports fields, and picturesque lake, Legacy Park is perfect for an afternoon of outdoor fun. Whether you're into jogging, playing soccer, or having a picnic, this park has something for everyone.

Summit Waves Aquatic Center – When the weather is warm, cool off with friends at this water park. Enjoy the lazy river, slides, or just lounge by the pool with a good book.

Longview Lake – A short drive from the city center, Longview Lake offers a perfect escape into nature. Enjoy fishing, boating, or set up camp along the shore for a relaxing day out.

Nstage Performing Arts – Check out local talent at this vibrant arts venue. From plays to musical performances, there's always something happening that can provide a fun, cultural experience.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park – For those days when you want to be active and have a blast, head to Sky Zone. Bounce around on trampolines or try out the obstacle courses for a fun workout.

Lee's Summit, Missouri, located just outside Kansas City, is known for its commitment to education and student success. The area is served by a number of respected public and private colleges and universities offering programs in business, healthcare, technology, and the liberal arts.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Lee’s Summit

Metropolitan Community College – Longview – Located in Lee’s Summit, MCC-Longview is a top-ranked community college offering associate degrees and career training in areas like liberal arts, business, information technology, and healthcare. It’s well-known for its dedicated faculty and excellent student support services.

University of Central Missouri – Lee's Summit Campus – This extension of the University of Central Missouri offers graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs in areas like teacher education, leadership, and industrial technology. It’s ideal for professionals looking to further their careers close to home.

University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC) – Located nearby in Kansas City, UMKC is a respected public research university with strong programs in pharmacy, nursing, business, engineering, and the arts. Its proximity to Lee’s Summit makes it a popular choice for local residents.

Northwest Missouri State University – Kansas City – With a full-service campus close to Lee's Summit, this university offers adult and professional programs in business, computer science, and education. It’s a great choice for working adults looking to continue their education.

State Fair Community College – Online and Regional Access – Although based in Sedalia, MO, State Fair has a strong presence across the state with online and regional center access. It provides affordable academic and technical programs serving students in and around Lee’s Summit.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Lee’s Summit

Calvary University – Located directly in Kansas City, just minutes from Lee’s Summit, Calvary is a private Christian university known for degrees in theology, counseling, education, and business. It integrates faith with academic excellence.

Avila University – A Catholic university located in nearby Kansas City, Avila offers undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing, psychology, business, and education. It is recognized for personalized learning and community engagement.

Rockhurst University – A private Jesuit university in Kansas City, Rockhurst is well-respected for its health sciences programs, including physical therapy and nursing, as well as its commitment to service and learning.

Benedictine College – Regional Access – Though its main campus is in Atchison, Kansas, Benedictine offers hybrid and online programs accessible to students in Lee’s Summit. It delivers a solid liberal arts Catholic education rooted in tradition and values.

Cleveland University-Kansas City – This private health sciences university focuses on chiropractic and health promotion degrees. It is known for developing healthcare professionals committed to wellness and patient care. Located nearby in Overland Park, KS, it serves many students from Lee’s Summit.

Lee's Summit, MO offers excellent education opportunities, including high-performing public and private high schools. These schools are known for their strong academic programs, dedicated teachers, and supportive communities. Whether you're looking for a rigorous curriculum or a faith-based environment, there's a quality school to meet your family's needs.

Top Public High Schools in Lee's Summit, MO

• Lee's Summit West High School – Known for strong academics, top-notch athletics, and a variety of extracurricular activities. The school consistently ranks among the best in Missouri.
• Lee's Summit North High School – Offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused programs to help students succeed in college and beyond.
• Lee's Summit High School – A well-established school with a comprehensive academic and arts program. The school supports student growth through both academics and leadership opportunities.
• Summit Technology Academy – A unique school that partners with local businesses and colleges to give students hands-on experience in STEM, healthcare, and digital media fields.
• Great Beginnings Early Education Center (High School Programs) – While primarily an early childhood center, this facility also provides high school students with valuable education training and mentorship opportunities in early childhood development programs.

Top Private High Schools in Lee's Summit, MO

• Summit Christian Academy – A leading private school that integrates faith-based learning with high academic standards. The school fosters spiritual and personal development alongside academic success.
• Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic School (grades go through 8th, but strong feeder for Catholic high school programs in nearby areas) – Prepares students for success in private Catholic high schools with a strong foundation in academics and faith.
• St. Michael the Archangel Catholic High School (nearby in Lee's Summit area) – Offers a rigorous college-prep curriculum grounded in Catholic values. The school includes high-level academics and competitive athletics.
• Messiah Lutheran School (K–8, feeds into Lutheran High Schools in greater Kansas City) – Builds a strong base in academics and Christian values, setting students up for success in later private high school programs.
• Martin Luther Academy (nearby, Lutheran education network) – Offers individualized attention in a Christ-centered environment. Though mainly K–8, it plays a key role in preparing students for high school success within the Lutheran system.

Lee's Summit, Missouri, is a vibrant suburban community located just outside of Kansas City. While Lee's Summit itself does not have major professional sports teams, residents enjoy close proximity to Kansas City’s exciting sports scene, home to several celebrated franchises across different leagues.

🏈 Football – Kansas City Chiefs (NFL)

• Kansas City Chiefs – The Chiefs are one of the most successful and popular teams in the NFL. They have won three Super Bowl championships (1969, 2019, and 2023) and are led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs have a passionate fan base and play home games at the iconic GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, known as one of the loudest venues in the league.

⚾ Baseball – Kansas City Royals (MLB)

• Kansas City Royals – The Royals have won two World Series titles (1985 and 2015). Known for their strong fan support and historic home at Kauffman Stadium, the Royals have been a cornerstone of Missouri baseball and have featured greats like George Brett, Alex Gordon, and Salvador Perez.

⚽ Soccer – Sporting Kansas City (MLS)

• Sporting Kansas City – Based in nearby Kansas City, Kansas, Sporting KC is one of the top teams in Major League Soccer. They have won two MLS Cups (2000 and 2013) and are known for their consistent play and strong youth development. The club plays at Children’s Mercy Park, a state-of-the-art soccer-specific stadium.

🏀 Basketball – Kansas City Does Not Have an NBA Team

• While Kansas City doesn’t currently have an NBA franchise, basketball remains popular among locals. The city has a rich basketball history, having once been home to the Kansas City Kings before the team relocated to Sacramento, California. Many fans support nearby regional teams or follow college basketball closely.

🏒 Hockey – Kansas City Does Not Have an NHL Team

• Though Kansas City and Lee's Summit don’t house an NHL franchise, hockey enthusiasts can enjoy minor league action or follow national teams. There have been discussions in the past about bringing an NHL team to the region, thanks to the city's modern arena, T-Mobile Center.

Lee's Summit residents are passionate sports fans, and their close ties to Kansas City give them access to an exciting professional sports experience just a short drive away.

Lee's Summit, Missouri, is a charming city with a rich history and plenty of unique features that may surprise you. From its ties to the Wild West to its beautiful lakes and thriving community, here are some fun facts about this Midwestern gem:

1. Jesse James Connection – Not far from Lee's Summit, the infamous outlaw Jesse James once lived with his family, making the area part of Wild West legend.
2. A Railroad Legacy – Lee's Summit got its start in the 1860s as a stop along the Missouri Pacific Railroad, helping it grow into the city it is today.
3. Home of Performer Pat Metheny – The Grammy-winning jazz guitarist Pat Metheny was born in Lee's Summit, giving the city a musical bragging right.
4. Lake Life – Lee's Summit is known for three beautiful lakes: Longview, Jacomo, and Raintree. These spots are perfect for fishing, boating, and summer fun.
5. Historic Downtown – The city’s downtown is a cozy blend of old and new, with vintage buildings, local shops, and food spots housed in carefully restored 19th-century structures.
6. Sky-High Education – The city boasts one of the best public school districts in Missouri, with highly rated schools and strong community involvement.
7. It Was Lee's Summit, Not Lee's Summit – The city’s name is spelled “Lee’s Summit,” but it was actually meant to be named after early settler Dr. Pleasant Lea. A clerk mistakenly changed “Lea’s” to “Lee’s” — and the name stuck.
8. Aviation Hub – The Lee's Summit Municipal Airport is one of the busiest general aviation airports in the region, serving private and business aircraft alike.
9. Ranked as a Best Place to Live – Lee’s Summit regularly appears on lists of the best places to live in the U.S., thanks to its quality of life, low crime, and wonderful parks.
10. Festival Fun – Each year, Lee’s Summit hosts the Downtown Days Festival, featuring live music, local crafts, food vendors, and family-friendly activities that draw thousands.