Overland Park named best city in the U.S. for families by WalletHub

Kansas Citians all know Overland Park is a great place for families, but now there’s analytical proof.

Financial website WalletHub named Overland Park the best U.S. city for families in a study released Wednesday. Of the 150 most populated cities in the U.S., Overland Park topped the list. Kansas City ranked 61st and Birmingham, Ala., landed at the bottomfor the worst city.

The study compared five family-friendly dynamics to come up with the list: family fun and recreation opportunities; quality of health care and safety systems; quality of education and child care systems; the area’s affordability; and the socioeconomic environment. Each category has different methods of calculation (number of playgrounds per capita, air quality, high school graduation rate, etc.).

In addition to taking the top spot overall with a 77.16 score, Overland Park topped the list for the lowest percentage of families living below poverty level, is the second most affordable city and has the third-highest median family salary in the nation.

Overland Park Chamber of Commerce President Tracie Osborne said she’s thrilled at the new ranking, especially because it takes into account the financial aspects of the city, rather than just environmental aspects. The ranking only reaffirms what city officials already believe about Overland Park, she said.

“It serves to highlight our quality of life and brings renewed interest for families who want to relocate here,” she said of the ranking. “People don’t choose a community for just one thing; holistically, the communities have to meet the needs of their family.”

So, what are the best family-friendly features of Overland Park (despite being ranked 60th in this category)? We compiled a few of the city’s best attractions for you.

▪ Overland Park Arboretum: At the southern end of the city, this 300-acre park offers nearly 5 miles of hiking trails, nine botanical gardens and family-friendly classes and events (like this summer’s installation of gnome houses and corresponding classes for kids.) Located at 8909 W. 179th St.

▪ Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead: The 1900s-style farm has nearly 200 animals and birds, with gardens, a country schoolhouse, a fishing pond and more. Children can experience country life by feeding animals, taking wagon and pony rides, and riding their own push-petal tractors. It’s also a hot Pokémon Go stop. Located at 13800 Switzer Road.

▪ Oak Park Mall and Scheels: Not only can you get all your shopping done at the Oak Park Mall (11149 W. 95th St.), kids can also ride the indoor carousel and visit kid-friendly stores like American Girl and Build-a-Bear Workshop. Scheels (6503 W. 135th St.) takes it one step further; visitors can enjoy an indoor Ferris wheel, a 16,000 gallon aquarium, sports simulators and animated, talking presidents.

▪ American Museum of Natural History Exhibitions: Families can discover the history of the natural world with exhibits from paleontology to astronomy at the architecturally striking Museum at Prairiefire. Kids can explore hands-on exhibits in the Discovery Room. You can also grab a bite to eat at several restaurants in the Prairiefire complex. Located at 5801 W. 135th St.

▪ Farmers market: If you’ve got picky eaters, take them to the Overland Park Farmers Market (7950 Marty St.) for a colorful, exciting discovery of where their food comes from (and how yummy it can be). While families shop, they can listen to live music, taste samples from cooking demos or participate in educational activities. Markets are hosted on Wednesday mornings through September and Saturday mornings through November.

This story was originally published September 9, 2016 at 11:02 AM with the headline "Overland Park named best city in the U.S. for families by WalletHub."