Merriam, KS, which is a suburb of 4.3 square miles located within the greater Kansas City, MO metro area, is well-connected via the interstate system. A commute into downtown Kansas City, which is eight miles away, takes less than 15 minutes. There is also easy access to cities such as Lawrence, KS, Topeka, KS, and Wichita, KS. The town’s 11,174 residents are happy to live in the quaint atmosphere of Merriam, even though it is part of the larger metropolitan area. They enjoy the community spirit and warmth that small town living provides, but with all the amenities of the larger city. In recent years, industry has increased, offering jobs to local citizens and attracting new buyers to the area. Its diversified economy offers a stable business environment that strengthens its real estate market. On Nerdwallet’s “Best Places to Start a Business in Kansas” list, Merriam is listed as number one. On Livability’s list of “Top 100 Small Towns,” Merriam is ranked in 76th place. For being a small town, Merriam has made a huge impact on neighboring suburbs with its excellent hospital facilities, parks, and large public library.
What are the demographics in Merriam, KS?
Source:en.wikipedia.org
The average age of Merriam residents is 37.4 years. The median family income is $52,668. An average home was valued at nearly $160,000 in 2013, which was considerably higher than the 2000 prices of $112,700. Home values in the state of Kansas were just under $130,000 in 2013. Detached housing units, however, were valued at $260,000 and condos, townhomes or attached homes were averaging $148,800. There are a total of 5,224 housing units in Merriam. Of the residents greater than 25 years of age, 91.3% have a high school degree or higher. A bachelor’s degree or higher is held by 34.3% and 11.4% have graduate or professional degrees. There are 2.8% that are unemployed and the mean commute time to work is 20.3 minutes. Of the population more than 15-years old, 46.3% are married, 5.7% widowed, and 13.6% are divorced.
What is Merriam, KS best known for?
Merriam, KS is situated on the banks of Turkey Creek, so the residents are accustomed to living in and around nature. Besides the creek, there are numerous parks and trails for hiking, jogging, and biking in the city. The most popular and the oldest park in Merriam is Antioch Park. It first opened in 1959, but underwent major renovations and facility upgrades in the past few years. It covers 44 acres and attracts some 700,000 visitors annually. It has two lakes, both of which can be used for fishing. There are several shelters that can be reserved for private gatherings such as birthday parties and family reunions. The Helen S. Cuddy Rose Garden can be rented for weddings and every year the annual Turkey Creek Festival is celebrated on the park grounds of Antioch Park. Children have enjoyed the playground styled after the old west town of Dodge City for generations. Other amenities include tennis courts, basketball courts, and grills.
Besides numerous parks that are well-used by the locals, there is the Merriam Historic Plaza. It’s only ten-years old, but visitors can follow the walking path and learn the history of the area at the same time. Along the paved path are 12 markers, each one adding to the story of Merriam from pre-settlement days until today.
Are there jobs available in Merriam?
Source:en.wikipedia.org
There are a total of 3,400 businesses and service providers in Merriam that employ more than 56,000 people. The Shawnee Mission Medical Center is the largest provider of employment to Merriam, KS residents. What began as a small hospital in 1962 is now a major medical center with several satellite centers that draw patients from across the Kansas City Metro Area as well as the Midwest. As the top employer in Merriam, it has given jobs to 2,994 residents.
One of the newcomers to Merriam is IKEA, the Swedish company that sells housewares and easy-to-assemble furniture that is well designed. As its mission statement, IKEA is intent on giving back to the area in which they have stores. For Merriam, that means they can expect IKEA to focus on community programs for children and forming partnerships with local organizations. The company also limits its environmental impact and takes steps to be environmentally friendly. They are one of the local employers of Merriam, KS residents and in 2015 they underwent an expansion that added up to 500 more jobs. About 300 locals are employed by IKEA.
The corporate headquarters for Seaboard Corporation is in Merriam, KS. It is a multinational agribusiness and transportation company that began in Merriam and has now spread internationally. The parent company, which is in Merriam, operates Seaboard Marine and Seaboard Foods. Net income reported by the corporation is in excess of $6.6 billion and the number of employees is 23,000. Some 213 of its employees are local Merriam residents.
Other employers in Merriam are GE Money, who has hired 549 local residents, Hendrick Automotive with 496 jobs, First Student with 320 jobs, Shawnee Mission School District with 181 jobs, Car Max with 160 jobs, Industrial Bearing with 142 positions, and Home Center with 140 local employees.
