Kansas City, Missouri is an energetic, affordable Midwestern hub with world-class BBQ, live jazz, a thriving arts and food scene, pro sports (Chiefs, Royals), plenty of parks and riverfront trails, and walkable neighborhoods — perfect for multi-week assignments when you want nights out, green space and local variety.
Nearby options include Overland Park (20–25 miles) for shopping, parks and craft breweries, and Lawrence (≈40 miles) for a lively college-town music and dining scene, both easy weekend escapes.