Lenexa KS

Lenexa, KS – A hidden gem in the heart of the Midwest, Lenexa blends small-town charm with modern suburban living. From scenic parks and friendly neighborhoods to a growing food scene and vibrant community events, Lenexa offers a welcoming atmosphere for families, professionals, and visitors alike. Whether you're strolling through the historic Old Town, exploring nature trails, or enjoying a local festival, Lenexa invites you to slow down, connect, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

• Population: ~60,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; warm summers (70-90°F), cold winters (20-40°F), colorful falls, and blooming springs.
• Places To Visit: Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, Lenexa Public Market, Old Town Lenexa, Black Hoof Park, Thompson Barn.
• Top Activities: Biking or walking the city’s trails, enjoying local art fairs, exploring farmer’s markets, attending community festivals like the Great Lenexa BBQ Battle.
• Famous Food: Kansas City-style BBQ, farm-to-table fare at the Public Market, hand-tossed pizza at Minsky's, and comfort food from family-owned diners.

Lenexa, KS is a rapidly growing suburb in the Kansas City metropolitan area. It is known for its thriving business parks, strong logistics network, and excellent quality of life. Key industries in Lenexa include information technology, logistics, healthcare, and education.

Top 5 Jobs in Lenexa, KS

Lenexa, KS may not be a sprawling metropolis, but it offers plenty of spots where students can unwind, socialize, and have a blast. Whether you're into outdoor activities, great food, or unique local experiences, Lenexa has something to offer.

Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park – This park is perfect for an afternoon of relaxation. With scenic walking trails, picturesque lakes, and plenty of open space for picnics or playing frisbee, it's a wonderful spot to connect with nature and friends.

Lenexa Public Market – A lively food hall with diverse dining options and shops. It's a great place to grab a bite, catch live music events, or join a community class. Plus, it's an excellent setting for people-watching and mingling.

Black Hoof Park and Lake Lenexa – For those who love the outdoors, this park offers hiking trails, a stunning dam, and beautiful lake views. It's ideal for kayaking, fishing, or simply enjoying a sunset walk.

Ad Astra Pool and Park – A favorite during the warmer months, this spot boasts a fun pool area and well-maintained playgrounds, making it a perfect place to cool off and have some fun with friends.

Stonewall Restaurant & Pizzeria – This local gem is a fantastic place for laid-back dining with friends. Renowned for its delicious pizza and welcoming atmosphere, it's a great spot to relax and enjoy a meal.

Community Events at City Center – Lenexa's City Center hosts various events like movie nights, concerts, and festivals throughout the year. These events offer a fantastic opportunity to enjoy local culture and meet new people.

Lenexa, Kansas, part of the Kansas City metropolitan area, offers access to a number of respected colleges and universities. The city is known for its growing tech industry and strong support for education, making it a favorable location for students seeking both academic and professional opportunities.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Lenexa

Johnson County Community College (JCCC) – Located in nearby Overland Park, JCCC is one of the largest community colleges in Kansas. It offers associate degrees, technical certifications, and transfer options to four-year universities. The college is well known for its outstanding programs in business, healthcare, and information technology.

Kansas State University – Olathe Campus – Just a short drive from Lenexa, K-State Olathe focuses on graduate education and professional development. It emphasizes biosciences, agriculture, and animal health, supporting the city's strong presence in life sciences and STEM industries.

University of Kansas – Edwards Campus – Located in Overland Park, this satellite campus offers undergraduate completion and graduate programs. Areas of study include engineering, public administration, social work, and business, making it a flexible choice for working professionals and adult learners.

Metropolitan Community College – Penn Valley – Although based in Kansas City, Missouri, Penn Valley serves many Lenexa residents. The college is known for its healthcare and liberal arts programs and has transfer agreements with regional public universities.

Washburn Institute of Technology – While based in Topeka, Washburn Tech attracts students from across the region, including Lenexa. The school offers hands-on training in trades, healthcare, and information systems, meeting a growing demand for skilled workers in Kansas.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Lenexa

MidAmerica Nazarene University – Located nearby in Olathe, this private Christian university is known for its education, nursing, business, and counseling programs. It provides a values-driven education with a strong focus on community service and leadership.

Benedictine College – Though located in Atchison, Kansas, Benedictine draws many students from the Lenexa area. It offers a Catholic liberal arts education with notable programs in engineering, theology, and business.

University of Saint Mary – Overland Park Campus – This private university provides degree programs tailored for adult learners and professionals, especially in business, nursing, and healthcare leadership. Its flexible schedules and hybrid courses appeal to working individuals in the Lenexa area.

Baker University – Overland Park Campus – Baker offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business, education, and healthcare administration, all designed for working adults. The Overland Park campus serves many students from Lenexa seeking to advance their careers.

Kansas Christian College – Located right in Overland Park, Kansas Christian College offers a personalized education rooted in faith. The college provides programs in ministry, music, education, and business with a close-knit campus environment and strong mentorship opportunities.

Lenexa, KS, located in Johnson County, offers excellent educational opportunities for students. The city is home to some of the top public and private high schools in the state, providing strong academic programs, extracurricular activities, and college preparation to ensure student success.

Top Public High Schools in Lenexa, KS

• Shawnee Mission West High School – Recognized for its strong Advanced Placement (AP) program, this school offers a wide range of academic and athletic opportunities.
• Olathe Northwest High School – While technically in nearby Olathe, this school serves many Lenexa residents and is known for its e-Communication and aerospace engineering programs.
• Mill Valley High School – Located in the De Soto USD 232 district, Mill Valley provides stellar academic performance and a supportive environment for students.
• Olathe West High School – Offers a cutting-edge approach to education with academies geared toward public safety and environmental science, serving areas near Lenexa.
• Shawnee Mission Northwest High School – Known for its journalism program and strong community involvement, this school is a great option for Lenexa students.

Top Private High Schools in Lenexa, KS

• St. James Academy – A Catholic high school in Lenexa offering a faith-based education with rigorous academics and strong sports programs.
• Kansas City Christian School – Though slightly outside Lenexa, this school is highly rated for its spiritual development and academic excellence.
• Maranatha Christian Academy – Provides a Christ-centered education with a focus on academic leadership and moral development.
• Horizon Academy – A specialized private school located nearby, dedicated to helping students with learning disabilities succeed in an individualized setting.
• The Barstow School (Overland Park Campus) – Offers a challenging college prep curriculum and is known for its STEAM initiatives, serving students in the Lenexa area.

Lenexa, Kansas, a suburb of the Kansas City metropolitan area, does not host any major professional sports teams of its own. However, its residents enjoy easy access to top-tier sports entertainment through neighboring Kansas City, which boasts several professional teams in major leagues.

🏈 Football – Kansas City Chiefs (NFL)

• Kansas City Chiefs – The Chiefs are one of the most exciting teams in the NFL today. They have won three Super Bowl titles (1969, 2019, 2023) and are led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Coached by Andy Reid, the team has become a consistent playoff contender and a fan favorite across the region, including in Lenexa.

⚾ Baseball – Kansas City Royals (MLB)

• Kansas City Royals – The Royals have captured two World Series championships (1985 and 2015). Known for their strong farm system and passionate fanbase, the team has given local fans in Lenexa plenty to cheer about, especially during their golden run in the mid-2010s featuring players like Eric Hosmer and Lorenzo Cain.

⚽ Soccer – Sporting Kansas City (MLS)

• Sporting Kansas City – Competing in Major League Soccer, Sporting KC has won two MLS Cups (2000 and 2013) and is known for its electric match-day atmosphere at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. The team's commitment to community and youth development has made them a key player in growing the sport throughout the region, including Lenexa.

🏀 Basketball – Kansas City Does Not Currently Have an NBA Team

• While Kansas City previously hosted an NBA team—the Kansas City Kings, who later moved to become the Sacramento Kings—there is currently no NBA team in the area. However, basketball remains popular locally, with college teams like the Kansas Jayhawks drawing strong support.

🏒 Hockey – Kansas City Mavericks (ECHL)

• Kansas City Mavericks – The Mavericks are a professional ice hockey team playing in the ECHL. Based in nearby Independence, Missouri, they offer fun and affordable hockey action for fans in the Lenexa area. Though not in the NHL, the team plays at a high level and helps grow the sport in the Midwest.

Lenexa, Kansas, may be a small city, but it's packed with charm, history, and a strong community spirit. From festivals to fun nicknames, here are some fun facts that make Lenexa stand out in the heart of the Midwest:

1. Spinach Capital of the World – In the 1930s, Lenexa proclaimed itself the Spinach Capital of the World, thanks to its thriving spinach crops.
2. The Founding City of Sunflower State Games – Lenexa was where the first-ever Sunflower State Games were held in 1990, celebrating amateur sports across Kansas.
3. Home of a Legendary Wild West Hero – Wild Bill Hickok, the famous lawman and gunslinger, was born in what is now modern-day Lenexa in 1837!
4. The Great Lenexa BBQ Battle – Every summer, Lenexa hosts the Kansas State Championship BBQ Contest, drawing pitmasters from all across the country.
5. Namesake of a Pioneer’s Wife – The city was named after Na-Nex-Se, the wife of early settler James Butler and a Shawnee Native American.
6. Hidden Trails Everywhere – Lenexa boasts over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails, winding through parks, lakes, and woods.
7. High-Tech Hotspot – It’s part of the Kansas City tech corridor, home to major companies in IT, engineering, and distribution.
8. Festival Lovers' Paradise – From Lenexa Chili Challenge to the Spinach Festival, the city loves to celebrate with food, fun, and family-friendly events year-round.
9. Underground Caves? Yep! – Lenexa is home to SubTropolis Lenexa, a massive underground business complex carved from limestone caves.
10. Community-Focused – With a slogan like "A City with Heart", Lenexa takes pride in its strong neighborhood values and public spaces that bring everyone together.