Olathe, KS, United States

Capital City

With a population of 141,290, Olathe is no sleepy prairie town. This fast-growing Kansas City suburb boasts a robust economy and ample amenities, but bureaucratic headaches and a brutal climate are the price of admission. Winters bring bone-chilling temperatures and heavy snowfall, while summers scorch with 90+ degree days. And while Olathe largely avoided the violence of "Bleeding Kansas," it still saw its share of Civil War raids. Still, for those who can withstand the weather and red tape, Olathe offers a prosperous, family-oriented community on the outskirts of a major metropolitan area.