This city’s longtime slogan—built on an already exceptional quality of life—is buoyed by continued improvements.
Words by Savannah Rieke Newson
the heart of Johnson County, Kansas, lies Lenexa’s peaceful and picturesque suburbia—a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding metro. Known for its manicured neighborhoods, abundant greenscapes and friendly hometown vibes, Lenexa’s well-established charms have drawn many new residents and businesses to the area for decades. And many have never left.
“It’s a great place to raise a family and to retire,” says builder and developer Bruce L. Rieke. “Once people move here, they don’t want to leave.”
As a Lenexa native and local business owner, Bruce has experienced firsthand the city’s growth—and its dedication to serving and enriching the tight-knit community. “Those who are looking for a new home want the small-town atmosphere with all the amenities of a downtown metro… Lenexa has it all,” he adds.
From the festivals and farmers market to the 30-plus pristine parks and 45 miles of trails, there’s a wealth of recreational, healthy-living activities to enjoy, all within city limits. Nicknamed the “City of Festivals,” Lenexa hosts an eclectic variety of fun events, such as the Spinach Festival, Great Lenexa BBQ Battle and Sar-Ko Aglow. Niche hobbyists, art lovers and food-and-drink connoisseurs will also find plenty of things to do—and plenty of options to explore when in the market for a new home.
“Lenexa has affordable living, especially compared to other similar communities,” says local real estate agent Stephanie Bulcock. “There are living options for everyone. Luxury-home living, golf-course views, apartments, lofts, twin villas, single-family homes, retirement communities… So many people from other communities are seeking homes in Lenexa.”
Another major appeal is the city’s shining gem, Lenexa City Center: a live-work-play hotspot for those seeking a hip-and-happening downtown urbanite experience. Located just west of I-435 and 87th Street, the 69-acre, mixed-use development is a rapidly growing, well-polished mini-metropolis—a vision more than 20 years in the making.
“[Lenexa City Center] turned out greater than we could have ever imagined,” says Michael Boehm, Lenexa’s beloved and well-accomplished mayor of nearly 21 years. “It went from a field in the middle of nowhere to a prime destination.”
Born from the landmark Lenexa Vision 2020 plan of 1997, the stunning urban-modern campus—along with many other target areas of development—was a multi-decade commitment upheld by strong community-government cooperation, leadership and common purpose.
“City commitment empowered private investment,” Mayor Boehm explains, reflecting on the rewarding endeavor. “It was the citizens’ vision… The residents and voters believed we would make it happen.”
A vision fulfilled with 20/20 clarity, Lenexa City Center now features an array of unique shops, restaurants, hotels, living and recreation options, office spaces and more, with continued plans to expand and evolve. A cultural and communal gathering place, the campus also houses the new Lenexa City Hall, Lenexa Rec Center and Lenexa Public Market—the first multicultural food hall in Kansas City.
Other major projects underway in and around City Center include the AdventHealth wellness campus, Restaurant Row, Kiewit office expansion and the mixed-use Reflections at City Center office and residential development. Plans for an 88,000-square-foot double hotel and retail space at City Center’s central block are also forging ahead.
“There’s development happening in all corners of Lenexa,” says CEO Ashley Sherard of the Lenexa Chamber of Commerce. In 2022 alone, Lenexa issued around $332 million in new-construction permits, making it one of the top years for construction in the city’s history. This economic boom—guided by the community-driven Vision 2040 plan—will help pave the way for more development, resulting in a higher tax base and more quality-of-life enhancements for the entire community.
“We’ve had a great 20 years, and the momentum is there for another great 20 years,” Ashley says. “If we all stay committed to the hard work of planning what decisions need to be made now to ensure Lenexa remains a community of choice in the future, Lenexa will be unstoppable.”
Ready to call Lenexa home? Check out these new-home communities.
Cottonwood Canyon
Discover maintenance-free bliss and panoramic views of nature at Cottonwood Canyon. Hidden in the hills near Lenexa City Center and Canyon Farms Golf Course, this distinguished development is the perfect blend of natural settings and urban convenience. It boasts premium homesites and top-quality homes ranging from $600,000 to over $1 million—most with private golf-course and waterfront views. Found just north of Prairie Star Parkway and Ridgeview Road, Cottonwood Canyon is only minutes away from stores, restaurants, recreation and highways. On-site amenities also include the HOA pool and clubhouse, with the best scenery in Kansas City.
At Cottonwood Canyon, builders include B.L. Rieke Custom Homes, Don Julian Builders and J.S. Robinson Fine Homes. Three specs are currently available from John Moffitt and Kevin Stallings. There is also potential for future resale opportunities.
Mize Hill
Developed by Lambie Custom Homes, this maintenance-provided community features fine-quality, Lambie-built twin villas starting in the $400,000s. Located at Prairie Star Parkway and Clare Road, Mize Hill is adjacent to scenic Mize Lake and Cedar Station Park—a 74-acre preserve featuring paved trails, wildlife and more. It’s conveniently close to Lenexa City Center, various highways and Olathe schools.
The newly opened development is in its first phase, with many lots and villas for sale. Available floor plans include the four-bedroom Lakewood and the three-bedroom Newberry. Mize Hill also offers multiple elevation options, including sloped, level, daylight and walkout lots. Visitors can stop by the community’s new model and sales office for more information.
The Enclave at Manchester Park
Find suburban tranquility at The Enclave at Manchester Park, a new single-family home community in West Lenexa—established just south of the Manchester Park Elementary School on Prairie Creek Road. This highly anticipated development will feature 60 premium homesites, with all homes being built by prestigious builders Bickimer Homes and James Engle Custom Homes. Prices will start at $650,000.
Phase One is now open, with multiple spec homes under construction; prospective buyers can choose their preferred lot, builder and floor plan or select from the Enclave’s available inventory. The many available, award-winning floor plans range from two to single stories and can be customized to the homebuyers’ preferences. In addition, two model homes—one by each builder—are finished and open to visitors.
Silverleaf
Explore the picturesque and well-planned Prime Development community of Silverleaf, one of West Lenexa’s premier maintenance-provided developments. Bordering the south side of Black Hoof Park along Monticello Road, this growing neighborhood of 62 luxury villas features an abundance of streamways, berms and landscaping—all prudently placed to ensure every home in every phase will back to green space. The community’s pedestrian trail also connects to public sidewalks and park trails. Other amenities around the community include Lake Lenexa, Lenexa City Center and the Olathe School District.
The Silverleaf team of builders—JFE Construction, Crown Builders, Prairie Homes, Hilmann Home Building and Pauli Homes—offer several floor plans for prospective buyers. A model row will feature five models, one for each builder.
Prairie View at Creekside Woods
Tour exceptional lots and incredible homes in Prairie View at Creekside Woods. This older yet revitalized community by DCB Development on the west side of K-7 Highway is thriving and attracting a lot of new residents from a broader demographic. It accommodates all types of homes, from ranches to larger layouts, and a wide range of budgets. Creekside’s team of builders—DCB Homes, New Mark Homes, Gabriel Homes, Pauli Homes and Classic Homes—also provide prospective buyers with a large selection of floor plans. Amenity-wise, the community enjoys an updated pool, easy highway access and proximity to Lenexa’s best amenities and top-ranking schools.
The current phase, the fourth plat, has 77 lots and a price range of $575,000 to over $900,000; it also features an abundance of green space, native trees and natural landscaping. The fifth plat, containing 29 lots, is expected to open late this year.
Timber Rock
Enjoy lush woodland views and resort-style amenities at Timber Rock, a B.L. Rieke Community. Conveniently located just north of Prairie Star Parkway and Lone Elm Road, this premier new-home community boasts easy highway access, well-maintained natural landscapes and paved walking trails with access to Lake Lenexa’s own trail system. Its upscale amenity center consists of a clubhouse, pool, kitchen, indoor-outdoor living area, playground and sports court. Students can also attend the Olathe School District.
Prices start at $1 million, and several lots are currently available for purchase. Prospective buyers can bring their own builder and custom plan, or the Timber Rock team can help match them with a builder and floor plan. Two new spec homes—one by B.L. Rieke Custom Homes and the other by Helm Construction—are now underway, as well.
WaterCrest Landing
Experience easy-living and affordable luxury in this new-home community at 90th Street and Monticello Road—right across the street from Lake Lenexa. Managed by Kennedy Group Realty, this multi-phase development offers single-family, villa and patio housing options. Its impressive selection of floor plans, spec homes and model homes are built by top builders, such as Spiess Custom Homes, Rob Washam Homes and Comerio Homes. Many highly desirable lots are also available, from wooded walkouts to lake and park views—all within the Olathe School District.
WaterCrest’s model row and welcome center are now open daily to visitors. The forthcoming amenity center will provide resident-exclusive access to a pool and cabana, pickleball and basketball courts, a mini-golf course and a catch-and-release fishing lake.
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