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Lenexa, KS

Frequently asked questions

Lenexa, KS

Lenexa is a city in Johnson County, Kansas, United States, and part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 57,434. making it the 9th most populated city in Kansas. It is bordered by the cities of Shawnee to the north, Overland Park to the east, De Soto to the west and Olathe to the south.

Lenexa is located at 38°57′53″N 94°45′34″W (38.964689, -94.759535). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 34.45 square miles (89.23 km²), of which, 34.10 square miles (88.32 km²) is land and 0.35 square miles (0.91 km²) is water.

Twelve years before the town of Lenexa was platted, James Butler Hickok staked a claim on 160 acres (65 ha) at what is now the corner of 83rd and Clare Road. Filed in 1857, the claim was not far from the Kansas River, and was 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Westport, Missouri, and the start of the Santa Fe Trail. The trail meandered through this area on its way to Santa Fe, New Mexico.

On March 22, 1858, Hickok was elected one of the first four constables of nearby Monticello Township. Later, Hickok became a scout for the Free-State Army, a sharpshooter and eventually, one of the most famous folk heroes of the American West, Wild Bill Hickok.

At about the same time as Hickok filed his claim, a census of the Shawnee Indians living in the area was being taken, and one of the residents listed was Na-Nex-Se Blackhoof. She was the widow of Chief Blackhoof, the second signer of the 1854 treaty that ceded 1,600,000 acres (650,000 ha) of the Kansas Shawnee Indian reservation to the United States government.

In 1865, the Kansas and Neosho Valley Railroad was organized to take advantage of favorable new land laws. It later changed its name to Missouri River, Ft. Scott and Gulf Railroad, and in 1869 purchased a right-of-way from C.A. Bradshaw in the area that is now Lenexa, with the stipulation that a depot be built on the property.

Bradshaw also sold 10.5 acres (4.2 ha) to Octave Chanute, a railroad civil engineer, who platted the town in 1869. Legend states that the first town name proposed was "Bradshaw", but Bradshaw modestly refused and the name "Lenexa", a derivation of the name Na-Nex-Se, the name of Shawnee Chief Thomas Blackhoof's wife, was adopted.

In terms of health and wellness, Lenexa prioritizes the well-being of its residents. The city boasts modern healthcare facilities, including the AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Medical Center, providing comprehensive medical services to the community. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Workout Anytime, Orangetheory Gym and Luxury Health Club & Fitness Center. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Lenexa, such as the Little Mill Creek Trail and Sar Ko Par Trails. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Lenexa, KS are Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, Black Hoof Park, and Smiley's Golf Complex.

Population: 59,427 (2024). ZIP codes: 66200-66299. Area code: 913. Elevation: 873 ft (266 m). Area: 34.39 sq mi (89.08 km²).

FAQs

What is Lenexa, KS famous for?

In the 1930s, Lenexa became known as the "Spinach Capital of the World" for the impressive amount of spinach farmers in the area were able to export using the depot. Many of these farmers were immigrants from eastern states and Europe, including countries like Germany, Switzerland and Belgium. Each fall, the community comes together for the Spinach Festival. This event is a way to celebrate the town's history in farming, especially its connection to spinach. It's a time to remember and honor the agricultural traditions of Lenexa.

What is the crime rate in Lenexa, KS?

The crime rate in Lenexa is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 18 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Lenexa is 1 in 57. Based on FBI crime data, Lenexa is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Kansas, Lenexa has a crime rate that is higher than 76% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Is Lenexa, KS a good place to live?

Lenexa is a suburb of Kansas City with a population of 57,497. Lenexa is in Johnson County and is one of the best places to live in Kansas. Living in Lenexa offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Lenexa there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in Lenexa and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Lenexa are highly rated.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Lenexa

AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Medical Center

Workout Anytime

Orangetheory Gym 

Luxury Health Club & Fitness Center

Little Mill Creek Trail

Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park

Black Hoof Park

Smiley's Golf Complex

Lenexa Kansas

NeighborhoodScout

Niche

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