Throughout its history, Leawood and its leaders have focused on creating a quality of life that enables the city to "grow with distinction."
This upscale community stretches over 14.7 square miles along the Missouri/Kansas state line from about 80th to 154th streets, right next to Kansas City, Mo., Overland Park and Prairie Village.
Its population is well educated and affluent: More than 95 percent of Leawood residents have their high school diplomas and some college; 53 percent hold college degrees. The average gross income is estimated at $145,000 per household (according to the Leawood Chamber of Commerce), one of the highest in Johnson County.
From the first, Leawood was intended to stand apart. Early on, it become known for its large lots and attractive homes. The first 500 homes built were custom designed by architects to reflect their owner's individual spirits. This is a community of deep green lawns, old stone cottages and new mansions. The city's commitment to ongoing urban forestry is evident up and down its shady streets.
In 1999 Leawood's northernmost neighborhood was proclaimed the Leawood Historic District. New homes are in new subdivisions in the south part of the city. Several surround the links of Ironhorse Golf Club, an award-winning, 18-hole city golf course located on 189 wooded acres south of 151st Street.
Hallbrook Farms, one of Greater Kansas City's most prestigious addresses, is built around a lush private golf course on the grounds of what was the farm of the Hall family, founders of Hallmark.
The city's six parks occupy 423 acres and include a 66-acre city park with an aquatic center (145-foot spiral water slide, zero-depth entry and 50-meter Olympic pool). Linking two city parks are 4.1 miles of paved trails that follow Tomahawk Creek and pass three city-owned and well-stocked ponds.
The city's two nearest parks are I-Lan Park and Ironwoods Park. I-Lan Park, built on 10 acres at 125th and Nall, includes a Taiwanese garden designed to honor Leawood's sister city, I-Lan, Taiwan.
Ironwoods Park, 70 acres at 146th and Mission Road, holds a nature center, an activity and banquet center, a challenge course, bunkhouse cabins, an outdoor amphitheater, the old Oxford Schoolhouse, a lake and trails. An active community theater group, the Leawood State Co., presents its productions at Ironwoods Park.
Community events include annual July 4th and Easter egg hunt celebrations, live indoor and outdoor concerts, and the annual "A Taste of Leawood."
Since 1922, Leawood has been among Kansas' fastest growing communities. In the last 25 years, its population has doubled, and it is expected to top out at more than 40,000 when it is built out in the next 10-12 years.
In recent years, commercial and retail construction have flourished. Town Center Plaza offers residents and visitors more than 90 upscale stores and restaurants in Johnson County's largest outdoor shopping mall.
New restaurants arrive in town almost monthly, and new mixed-use developments (combining residential, retail and office) are happening north of Town Center Place (Park Place will include two hotels), at Mission Road and 106th Street and along 135th Street.
