ClickCease

Overland Park LGBTQ City Guide

Overland Park LGBTQ City Guide

Overland Park is the second-biggest city in Kansas, and one that is full of so much to see, do and enjoy. It has an exceptional arts scene, plenty of museums, lots of opportunity, and even better, a diverse, friendly community full of many wonderful neighborhoods. Even better, it is a city with a smaller, but vibrant LGBTQ community, where all can feel welcome and at home.

A Look at the History of Overland Park  

Overland Park was first founded in 1905, when its founder William B. Strang Jr., arrived in the area and began mapping subdivisions, including one named "Overland Park," along a military roadway southwest of Kansas City. Since that time, it has grown steadily and was officially incorporated in 1960. Today, the area is a thriving center of art and culture, a city full of economic opportunity, and one that is welcoming to all. For so many reasons, Overland Park would make a wonderful place to call home!

A Few Fun Facts About Overland Park  

  • Overland Park loves the game of soccer – in fact, it was recently named one of the Top Ten Soccer Cities in the United States.
  • More than 40 companies have their headquarters in Overland Park.
  • Overland Park offers more than 1800 acres of parkland and open green space for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.

Read more fun facts about Overland Park here.

Overland Park’s LGBTQ Community                                  

Overland Park is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:

PFLAG Kansas City

PFLAG Kansas City is the Overland Park area’s closest local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.

What's the Weather Like in Overland Park?

Those who live in Overland Park can expect to experience all four seasons each year. Summers are usually quite warm with highs in July usually reaching around 88ºF. Winters can be cold and often snowy, with low temperatures in January averaging around 20ºF. Spring and fall are typically pleasant seasons to enjoy the outdoors, with spring bringing beautiful blooming flowers, and fall promising crisp breezes and colorful leaves. Overland Park receives 42 inches of rain, on average, each year, and about 14 inches of snow.     

Can’t-Miss Events in Overland Park

Kansas City Pride

Kansas City Pride is one celebration that is well worth the short drive from Overland Park each year. The Pride festival is a celebration designed to bring the LGBTQ+ and allied communities together in camaraderie and celebration of all that the LGBTQ community adds to the city.

Overland Park Farmer's Market

For over 30 years, the Overland Park Farmer’s Market has been an extremely popular weekly gathering spot for the community. With farm-fresh produce, specialty baked goods, and plenty of vendors, the Overland Park Farmer’s Market is a great spot to find great local food to enjoy.

The Best Neighborhoods in Overland Park  

Unlike some larger cities, Overland Park doesn’t have one specific “gayborhood,” or area where most of the LGBTQ population lives. Instead, many gays and lesbians live throughout the area.   Finding the home and neighborhood that is right for you will largely be a matter of budget and personal preference, and as a result, it can be very helpful and important to find an Overland Park  LGBTQ realtor who knows and loves the city, and who can point you toward homes that might be a good fit.  The median list price of homes currently for sale in Overland Park is around $350,000.

Arts and Entertainment

Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art

The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art at Johnson County Community College is a beautiful facility that contains a stunning collection of modern art. It’s the perfect place to spend the day feeling inspired, learning, and having fun.

Museum at Prairiefire

The Museum at Prairiefire, or the MAP for short, is a beautiful, 42,000 square-foot museum that hosts a variety of traveling and permanent exhibits of natural history. It’s a stunning place, and a great spot to enjoy, learn, and be amazed.

Parks and Recreation

Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is one of the most beautiful spots in the city, and it’s a wonderful place to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. The park offers more than five miles of trails to explore, as well as a frog pond, children’s garden, and plenty of native wildlife to enjoy as well.

Switzer Park

Switzer Park is a beautiful green space with so much to enjoy – playgrounds, trails, sports fields, and even an amazing skate park with pipes, ramps, stairs, launch ramps, and more. It’s the perfect place to have fun on a beautiful Overland Park day.

Overland Park Nightlife

Side Street Bar and Grill

Side Street Bar and Grill in nearby Kansas City is a long-running neighborhood bar and restaurant in the Midtown area of the city that attracts a mixed crowd, including many LGBTQ patrons. Side Street has a large outdoor patio, excellent food and drinks, and plenty of TV screens for its guests to enjoy.

Missie B's

Whether you enjoy drag shows, dancing, drinks, or a little bit of everything, you’ll find it at Missie B’s. This popular bar is a great spot to put on your list – don’t miss your chance to join in the fun!

Contact an Overland Park  Gay Realtor Today

If you're ready to make a move to Overland Park, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Overland Park, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact an Overland Park gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!