Mission Square

Pros

• Mission Square Senior Living is a beautiful place to live, with residents who are extremely friendly and caring.
• Mission Square offers underground parking, which is extremely beneficial in winter.
• The executive director and staff are extremely friendly and accommodating.
• The facility is close to many shops, restaurants, and other places to visit.
• There is a genuine neighborhood feeling at Mission Square, and it feels like family.
• The community features extensive resident-driven activities and social events.
• The dining program is excellent, with a culinary-trained chef and accommodations for dietary needs.
• The building is beautiful and extremely well maintained.
• The apartments are spacious with lots of natural light, ample storage, and attractive design.
• On-site amenities include a meal program, a gym, a library, game and activity rooms, and more.
• The staff are top-notch and go above and beyond to take care of residents.
• The location is highly convenient, with many daily needs within a short distance.

Cons

• The first and at the front desk, Mary she is a very rude and unprofessional individual.
• Maybe she needs to go back to training on how to handle all races as one.

Review

Mission Square Senior Living presents itself as a place that feels less like an apartment complex and more like a well-loved extended family. Across years of living there, residents describe a grand place to be - where friendships come easily, daily activities abound, and a sense of belonging is built into the fabric of everyday life. Many who have called Mission Square home for more than a decade speak of the continuity and warmth that keeps residents connected. They value the comfortable rhythm of meals, social events, and neighborly conversations that make it easy to settle in and stay for the long term.

A distinctive and much-cherished aspect of Mission Square is its governance and ownership framework. Residents describe buying their apartments and becoming stakeholders in a not-for-profit structure, a model that fosters a deep sense of ownership and involvement. The Board of Directors consists of residents elected by their peers, and an Executive Director is hired by that same Board to manage staff and the day-to-day operations. This arrangement is complemented by practical, tangible amenities that residents rely on daily, such as a climate-controlled basement garage that also provides floor-to-ceiling storage units for each apartment. Dining is led by a culinary-trained chef, and full-time, onsite maintenance ensures that the facility remains well-kept and responsive to resident needs. Activities are varied and active, including music, games, discussion and poetry groups, movies, exercise programs, happy hours, and more - reflecting a broad, resident-driven sense of community.

The sense of neighborhood and family that permeates Mission Square is reinforced by the small-community feel and the friendly, approachable staff. Residents repeatedly note that the community's intimate size makes it easy to get to know neighbors and feel welcome quickly. The environment is described as lively but comfortable, with numerous opportunities to participate or simply observe and enjoy. The "family" atmosphere is not just a sentiment - it's visible in how residents greet one another, how newcomers are integrated, and how volunteers and staff facilitate a steady stream of events that bring people together. It's common to hear that the people who live and work there contribute to a welcoming, inclusive culture where everyone is encouraged to participate if they wish.

The range of amenities and programs is another major draw. Mission Square offers more than just a place to live; it provides a lifestyle engineered to be engaging and convenient. In addition to a robust meal program and on-site dining led by a chef, residents enjoy a gym membership and access to entertainment such as a choir, a samba band, and bistro nights. There are movie nights, live music every couple of months, and regular opportunities for social connection through groups, crafts, and shared projects. The dining experience is consistently highlighted, with many residents praising variety, accommodations for dietary needs, and the sense that meals are moments for connection - whether around the dining table with new neighbors or in more intimate clusters of friends.

Personal stories from residents and their families reinforce Mission Square's positive impact on daily life. One family recounts moving their parents to Mission Square when it first opened and watching the building grow into the thriving community it has become. Others speak of the relief and peace of mind that comes with knowing their loved ones are in a safe, well-maintained environment with attentive staff. The care and attention from staff members - Vicki, Scott, Susie, Heather the chef, and others - are frequently highlighted as standout strengths. The reviews note that staff members know residents by name, remember individual preferences, and address questions or concerns promptly, often transforming what could be a stress-filled transition into a smooth, welcoming experience. Stories of long, meaningful participation in activities, friendly neighborly connections, and the comfort of a secure, home-like setting are common threads throughout the testimonials.

Several residents speak to the pragmatic benefits that make Mission Square a practical choice for aging with independence. Underground parking is repeatedly praised as an important feature - especially in winter - providing easy access to the building and a sense of security. The apartments themselves are described as spacious, well-lit, and thoughtfully designed, with expansive storage and well-appointed common areas. The combination of convenient access to nearby shops and restaurants and the insular, safe campus feel inside Mission Square creates a lifestyle that feels both active and secure. Residents also mention how the surrounding area offers a walkable mix of daily conveniences, which further enhances the overall quality of life and independence for those who live there.

Alongside high praise, there are a few divergent notes that deserve mention. One reviewer offered a critical perspective about a particular front-desk staff member, describing Mary as rude and unprofessional and suggesting that training on handling diverse communications could be beneficial. This viewpoint stands out as an exception within an overwhelmingly positive chorus, but it is included here to reflect the breadth of experiences shared. The overall sentiment remains that Mission Square is a place where residents feel cared for and where staff members - especially those who are frequently highlighted in positive terms - strive to create a respectful, supportive environment for all who live there.

In sum, Mission Square Senior Living comes through in many voices as a remarkable blend of warmth, community, and practical living. It is described as more than a residence; it is a cooperative, resident-informed community that values people as its core asset. The not-for-profit ownership model, the strong resident governance, and the hands-on, friendly staff contribute to a sense of stability and belonging that families and individuals quietly rely on. For those seeking a place with a true community spirit, well-maintained facilities, diverse activities, good dining, and convenient access to everyday needs, Mission Square stands out as a compelling choice, a place where many feel they have found not just a home, but a family.

Cafes

• Filling Station Coffee (0.8 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.7 miles)
• Starbucks (3.9 miles)
• McLain's Bakery (4.1 miles)
• Front Range Coffeehouse & Provisions (4.2 miles)
• Broadway Cafe (4.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• Hen House (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (3 miles)

Parks

• Antioch Park (1.6 miles)
• Harmon Park (2.6 miles)
• Loose Park (3.6 miles)
• Cherokee Park (4.1 miles)
• Historic Hyde Park (4.8 miles)
• Nall Hills Park (5.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers (1.7 miles)
• Hurricane Allie's (1.9 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (2 miles)
• McDonald's (2.2 miles)
• Pine & Bamboo Garden (3 miles)
• Sushi Mido (3.1 miles)
• Hayward's Pit Bar-B-Que (3.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Overland Park Christian Church (2 miles)
• Central United Methodist Church (4.1 miles)
• Good Shepherd Catholic Church (4.5 miles)
• Trinity United Methodist Church (5.2 miles)

Physicians

• AdventHealth Centra Care Shawnee (2.1 miles)
• Ascentist Aesthetics and Facial Plastics (2.2 miles)
• AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at Shawnee Mission (2.5 miles)
• The University of Kansas Hospital - Westwood Campus (2.6 miles)
• Shawnee Mission Special Addition Birth Center (2.6 miles)
• Village Pediatrics (3.3 miles)
• Mill Creek Park (4 miles)

Hospitals

• Cambridge A Pre/Post (3.7 miles)
• Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City (4.1 miles)

Transportation

• Amtrak Kansas City - Union Station (5.9 miles)