The Northland often claims to be the "best of the best," and in terms of the area's quality of life, that claim can hardly be argued.

Kansas City leads not only the region, but also the nation in many quality of life categories. While the area does lack mountains and an ocean- front, it has everything else in spades: clean air, low congestion and a solid economy. Known as "the city of fountains," Kansas City has a dynamic art community and thriving culture.

The Northland can brag on these features and adds several of its own. Clay and Platte counties still retain much of their small town, rural roots that provide so much of the area's flavor. Clay County, remains almost 50 percent undeveloped and parts of Platte County still resembled scenic, out-state areas. From anywhere in both areas, it's possible to reach farms and fields in minutes. This lack of stress and opportunity for growth is a major part of the Northland's charm.

While many areas grow then attempt to add major roadways, the Northland has largely experienced the opposite. The area's major interstates and highways were in place before most of its growth. As a result, traffic congestion remains largely manageable.

Northland schools are among the best in metropolitan Kansas City, with a quality and diversity that is surprising. Three large public school districts provide top-rated education to the southern, populated neighborhoods. Smaller, rural districts provide equal quality in the outlying areas.

Schools play a significant role in other quality of life issues. Friday night football games remain a major social event for many. Although Northlanders can and do take advantage of Kansas City's larger cultural offerings, old fashioned events ranging from school activities to fall festivals remain popular in the Northland.

History accounts for some of this. The region in some ways has hardly shaken off its rural background and most Northlanders still prefer a "down home" to an uptown perspective. Added to that are some of the region's most historic communities. Several such as Liberty, Parkville and Weston have successfully transitioned into modern Meccas for antiques, arts and crafts and all types of commerce.

History is alive and well in other ways. Local parks such as Watkins Mill and Shoal Creek are built around historic sites with recreated communities that date to the early- and mid-1800s. The Northland Trails and Greenway project is a bi-county cooperative effort to link these and other amenities with a hiking and biking trail network. Sections of that network are already well underway in several communities and Platte County, especially, has a good start with voter-approved funding earmarked for the effort.

When Northlanders want to dress up and head uptown--or downtown--they don't need to go far. Most of Clay and Platte County is only minutes from metropolitan Kansas City features such as the art gallery or sports stadium. In fact, downtown Kansas City, the Plaza and other popular attractions are closer to most of the Northland than many parts of the metro area.

The area is not perfect, but even some of its weak links are fast improving. For years, Northlanders decried their lack of dining options. Local restaurants were good, in some cases very good. But there just weren't enough, especially for ethnic dishes. Recent retail expansion has done much to cure that with the addition of many popular chains and independent restaurants. While Northlanders can still drive into the heart of Kansas City if they want to, now they have a much better choice.

In other categories, Clay and Platte County have an abundance of attractions in their backyard. Everything from the hugely popular Worlds of Fun amusement park to the giant Smithville Lake are unique Northland offerings not duplicated anywhere else in the region. With three major casinos, the area leads the state in that form of entertainment. The area has some of the finest golfing in the nation.