Today about 2.2 million people call Kansas City Metro Area home. This vibrant and dynamic City that finds itself straddling two states, Missouri and Kansas, has a lot to offer those looking to relocate or visit. From its colourful history and cultural offerings, world-renowned BBQ and sports scene, roaring past in Prohibition, or the historic River Market, Kansas City is a great place to visit or call home.

Most of us know Kansas City for its BBQ or Prohibition Bootleggers. The City is home to some of the best BBQ joints and Bars in the country, and the locals take their BBQ and Speakeasies seriously. We'll dive into that in a bit, but what about those outlaws?

Kansas City has a long history of being a favourite holdout for outlaws. Jesse James was one of the most well-known of these outlaws to call Kansas City home. James, a member of the James-Younger Gang, lived in Kansas City for a time and used the City as a base for his nefarious activities.

A more recent outlaw who called Kansas City home was "Pretty Boy" Floyd. Floyd, known for his gangster-style robberies, lived in Kansas City for a time and was rumoured to have hidden in the City's underground tunnels (Tours available). In addition to James and Floyd, Kansas City was also home to several western outlaws, including Tom Horn and Belle Starr. These outlaws helped shape the City's history and left a lasting legacy still evident today.

Kansas City BBQ has a long and storied history that dates back to the early 20th century. The City's BBQ tradition is characterized by slow-smoked meats and a variety of sauces, and it's become world-renowned for its easily recognizable delicious flavours. Kansas City is home to numerous BBQ joints, and the City hosts the annual American Royal BBQ Competition, the largest BBQ competition in the world.

In addition to its BBQ, Kansas City is known for its Lively Jazz scene. The City has a long history of Jazz music, and it was home to many famous Jazz musicians, including Charlie Parker and Count Basie. Kansas City has a thriving Jazz scene with numerous Jazz clubs and festivals.

Kansas City is home to various beautiful and historic neighbourhoods that offer something for everyone. From charming Victorian homes to modern apartment buildings, the City has a wide range of housing options.

One of the most historic neighbourhoods in Kansas City is the Westside. Located just west of downtown, the Westside is home to various Victorian and Craftsman-style homes. The neighbourhood is known for its charming streets lined with tree-canopied houses, and it is a popular destination for those looking to experience Kansas City's history.

Another beautiful neighbourhood in Kansas City is the Country Club Plaza. Located just south of downtown, the Country Club Plaza is home to various upscale retail stores and restaurants. The neighbourhood is known for its Spanish-style architecture and beautiful fountains and is a popular destination for shopping and dining.

If you're looking for that Hipster Vibe, there are a few more modern neighbourhoods; the Crossroads District is a great option, or the Power & Light District. Located just east of downtown, the Crossroads District is home to various trendy restaurants, bars, and art galleries. The Power & Light District is in the downtown core. These neighbourhoods are known for their vibrant arts scene, and hip atmosphere and are popular destinations for those looking to experience the City's more contemporary culture.

Kansas City is home to various beautiful and historic neighbourhoods that offer something for everyone. Kansas City has something to offer whether you're looking for a charming historic district or a more modern and vibrant area.

Kansas City is home to over 200 of the most beautiful fountains in the United States, and many are a must-see for any visitor to the City. One of the most iconic fountains in Kansas City is the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain, located in the Country Club Plaza neighbourhood. The fountain was built in 1910 and featured a beautiful stone design with four giant statues of horses and four smaller statues of children.

Another popular feature is the Mayor's Christmas Tree and Fountain, located in the Crown Center neighbourhood. This fountain is a popular destination during the holiday season when it is lit with colourful lights and surrounded by a giant Christmas tree. In addition to these fountains, Kansas City is home to various other beautiful and ornate fountains, including the Union Station Fountain and the Liberty Memorial Fountain. These fountains are a testament to the city's rich history and make Kansas City an exceptional place to live or visit.

Of course, Kansas City's history is only complete if you discuss the bootlegging prohibition era. The City is best known as a significant hub for the bootlegging trade, with underground tunnels and speakeasies used to transport illegal alcohol. It is still a part of the City's history.

This history is still evident in the City's many speakeasies and other cultural attractions. If you're a tourist visiting Kansas City, there are several ways to learn more about the city's gangster past and the impact of Prohibition.

One way to experience this history is by visiting the City's historic speakeasies. These underground bars were trendy during Prohibition and brought visitors from as far away as NY City. The speakeasies still in business today include the Green Lady Lounge in the city's historic Jazz District and The Underground in the Crossroads Arts District. These bars offer a unique atmosphere and a chance to experience a piece of the city's Prohibition-era history.

Another way to learn about Kansas City's gangster past is by visiting the City's many museums and cultural attractions. The National WWI Museum and Memorial have an exhibit on the history of Prohibition, including the role that Kansas City played in the illegal alcohol trade. The Kansas City Museum also has exhibits on the city's gangster history, including the story of notorious gangster "Pretty Boy" Floyd. If you're interested in learning more about Kansas City's Prohibition-era history, several guided tours are available. One popular tour is the "Gangsters and Prohibition" tour, which takes visitors to some of the city's historic speakeasies and other locations related to the illegal alcohol trade.

Sports fans will also find plenty to love about Kansas City. The City is home to two major league sports teams – the Kansas City Chiefs (football) and the Kansas City Royals (baseball). Both teams have a passionate fan base, and attending a game is a mustdo for any sports fan visiting the city.

Overall, Kansas City is a great place to move to or visit, and super easy to get to by air, road, or rail. And the best part is the hotels! Kansas City is known for

its hospitality and some of the most beautiful MidWestern United States hotels.

Finally, Kansas City has a high standard of living, is family-friendly, and is a great place to settle down. And of course, the best way to find that out is by visiting this great city.