Thinking about moving to Kansas City? Welcome! There’s a lot to love here, but there are also a few things about KC that can be a little confusing until you actually live here.

From the whole two-state situation to figuring out which neighborhood fits your lifestyle, here are five things to know before moving to Kansas City from people who actually call it home.

1. KC Is in Two States. And Yes, It Matters.

First things first: Kansas City is in both Missouri and Kansas. The metro straddles the state line, and moving between the two is a completely normal part of everyday life here.

You might live in Overland Park, work in Downtown Kansas City, meet friends in the Crossroads and head back to Kansas without thinking twice about crossing state lines.

Where you live can affect things like taxes, schools, commute and the types of homes available, though, so it’s worth exploring both sides before deciding where to buy.

Not sure where to start? Check out our guide to Kansas vs. Missouri: Which Side of Kansas City Should You Live On?

2. Your Neighborhood Can Completely Change Your Experience

Kansas City isn't one-size-fits-all. The metro is made up of dozens of communities and neighborhoods with distinctly different personalities.

Want a historic home under mature trees? Brand-new construction with neighborhood amenities? Walkability and local coffee shops? A little land? Lake living? Easy access to downtown?

You can find all of those here.

Instead of searching for the “best neighborhoods in Kansas City,” start with how you actually want to live. That will narrow your search much faster.

3. Think About Your Everyday Drives

Kansas City is spread out, and where you spend your time matters.

A home may look perfectly located on a map until you realize your office, family, favorite activities and weekly errands are all on the opposite side of the metro.

Before falling in love with an area, test the drives you’ll actually make. Try your potential commute during rush hour, map your everyday errands and think about a random Tuesday, not just your Saturday plans.

And while Downtown has growing transit options, including the KC Streetcar, much of the greater metro is still easier to navigate by car.

4. You Really Do Get All Four Seasons

Kansas City weather keeps things interesting.

Summers get hot, winters can bring freezing temperatures and snow, spring comes with its share of storms, and fall is arguably when KC likes to show off. National Weather Service climate records reflect just how wide KC's temperature swings can be throughout the year.

For homebuyers, that means paying attention to more than countertops and paint colors. Roof condition, HVAC systems, drainage, insulation, windows and mature trees are all worth considering when you're touring homes.

5. KC Is So Much More Than BBQ & the Chiefs

Don't get us wrong. We take both very seriously.

But living in Kansas City also means First Fridays, neighborhood festivals, farmers markets, trails and lakes, incredible local restaurants, live music, museums, coffee shops, patios, holiday traditions and approximately 400 opinions about where you should get tacos.

And because different pockets of the metro have such distinct personalities, there’s always another part of KC to explore.

The Biggest Thing to Know Before Moving to KC?

There isn't just one way to live here.

You can find a downtown loft, a century-old home filled with character, a brand-new build with a neighborhood pool, a house on the lake or acreage with room to breathe, all within the greater Kansas City area.

The trick isn't just finding a house you love.

It's finding the part of Kansas City that fits the life you want to build here.

Thinking about making a move? Our team knows KC on both sides of the state line, and we'd love to help you find your place in it.