Picture this: You just moved to Kansas City and you need some help with the practicalities of life (we can’t just sit back and watch the fountains all day, unfortunately). That’s where we come in. Keep reading for Kansas City 101, our guide to all the things you need to know as a new resident.

Pro tip: There's little locals love more than to brag about KC, so be sure to save this article for any successful recruiting efforts with out-of-town friends and family.

A ride on the streetcar is a trip through KC history. | Photo by **@sammiemedia_**

The essentials

Voter registration

Make sure you’re eligible and registered to vote, find your polling location, and preview sample ballots on the Kansas City Board of Election Comissioner's website.

Driver’s licenses and vehicle registration

New residents in need of a Missouri driver’s license will need to surrender their current out-of-state driver’s license (if you have one) and provide proof of identity, legal status, a Social Security document, and two documents confirming your residential address. This guide will help create your checklist.

To register your car in the state of Missouri, you’ll need to bring the following to any local license office:

Your original title
Signed application
Safety inspection
Current car insurance ID card
Statement of non-assessment
Payment for fees, vary depending on "taxable horsepower"

Locate the office closest to you.

Healthcare

Establishing yourself with a primary care provider is one of those things you’ll be glad you did when you need one. Reach out to the professionals at Saint Luke's, Kansas Health System, North Kansas City Hospital, or Advent Health, to name a few. Pro tip: Websites like DocSpot filter physicians by location, patient reviews, insurance, language, and more.

We can feel you getting smarter already. | Photo by KCtoday

Educational needs

School registration

Prepare your student for the school year by registering them with one of the many school districts across the metro. Use this online tool to find your school zone or learn more about private options with iFamilyKC's list. With your required documents in hand, check your respective district's website for information on how to complete the registration process.

Library card registration

If you think libraries are only for renting the occasional book, think again. Register for a library card at your nearest KC Public Library branch to take advantage of all these perks, like:

Genealogy services
eBooks, music, comics, and movies
Foreign language learning
Private meeting and study spaces
Piano lessons
Flower + vegetable seeds

To get your card, you’ll need to supply some basic information. This can be done quickly online or in person.

Orange is the new green. | Photo via City of Roeland Park

Home necessities

Recycling

Thanks for thinking green. For everything you need to know about recycling in KC, from what goes in the bin to additional recycling services, check out our guide. Curious about composting? Ditch your food + yard waste with these local options.

Utilities

Moving is exciting, but no one wants to unpack by candlelight. Establish your services with Evergy by creating an account or updating your address in your existing account. Pro tip: See if you or someone you know can take advantage of one of its money-saving programs.

Internet providers

No connectivity issues here. Check out some of the internet providers in the 816:

Google Fiber | If you're not grandfathered into a free plan, 1 gig starts at $70/month.
Spectrum | Starting at 100 mbps for $30/month, you can also get mobile coverage included.
AT&T | For all your wireless needs, you get up to 5 gig speed for $180/month.
T-Mobile | See if your address qualifies for 5G home internet services at $50/month.
Xfinity | Ball on a budget with 150 mbps starting at $20 for one year.

In "Chiefs Kingdom," the people are thirsty... for victory. | Photo by KCtoday

The ultimate Kansas Citian initiation

Having a state driver’s license may qualify you on paper, but you’re not officially a Kansas Citian until you’ve taken part in some local fun that is only found in the City of Fountains.

Eat

You haven't truly experienced the "Barbecue Capitol of the World" until you've tried some pitmaster mainstays — afterall, saucy perfection is one of many things we're known for. Keep your bib on for one more helping when the world's first Museum of BBQ opens in Crown Center later this year.

Sports

Whether you're a football aficionado or soccer superfan, it's easy to get swept up in Kansas City's sports culture. Explore the Current's historic riverfront stadium, cheer on the Chiefs at local watch parties, or help found the metro's first women's sports bar, The Dub.

Community

Experience your new home firsthand with our stacked community events calendar and local neighborhood guides. For those who'd rather go with the flow, consider hopping on the KC Streetcar for a free ride through downtown's must-see restaurants, activities, and retail.

Is there something you’re still left wondering about to get properly established in KC? Ask us your question and we’ll do our best to answer it for you, like a good neighbor.