Perhaps the news will break in The Kansas City Star some day that the Kansas City council, or a secret independent body, dispatched moles to the nation’s top magazines, newspapers, and websites.

Their mission was clear: find work in staff and editorial positions and begin a propaganda campaign. The glorification of Kansas City would lead to a mass migration of people and businesses, an economic and cultural renaissance, fame and fortune!

Hmmm, or maybe more Kansas Citians are simply finding national media jobs–completely devoid of conspiracy. Or perhaps the explanation for all this talk of Kansas City is even better. Perhaps this city, the geographic heart of America, really is that awesome.

Either way, let’s consider either how awesome Kansas City is or how well natives are peddling Kansas City propaganda. Up to you which one.

(Full list of KC honors here.)

HUFFINGTON POST

• Named Kansas City the #1 “coolest” city in the U.S. to “visit right now.” We’re an “it” city with “hip” neighborhoods. (2014)
• Put KC at #10 of the top cities for creatives. Called it “a creative hub to rival those in the northeast and on the West Coast,” cited 70 art galleries in the Crossroads Art District alone, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. But we ranked below Des Moines and @&#$ing Kalamazoo. Thanks, moles. (2015)
• Ranked KC #4 among the “most cultured cities.” That’s better. We don’t mind losing to New York. (2015)
• Other honors over the past few years include #4 for best cities for newlyweds, #7 for college grads, and more. (2012)

FORBES

• Forbes put Kansas City on its list of “Best Places for Business and Careers.” And who would know better than they? (2012)
• Named us one of the 10 best cities to buy a home. (2012)
• Called downtown one of America’s best. Forbes doesn’t seem to like specific rankings these days. (2011)
• Things used to be different. #9 in “Top 10 Best Cities to Get Ahead,” #8 for commuters, #6 for couples, #16 for the outdoors, #7 for pet-friendly cities, #7 for volunteering. (2007-2009)

TRAVEL+LEISURE

• Named KC #2 among “America’s Best Beer Cities.” Thank you, Boulevard. (2015)
• Honestly, the agents at Travel + Leisure need to chill out or they’re gonna get made. Between March 3 and April 24 of 2015, they included Kansas City in “America’s Most Charming Cities,” “America’s Best Cities for Sweet Tooths,” “American’s Best Music Scenes,” “America’s Best Cities for Foodies,” and “20 Quirkiest Cities in America.” Wow.
• Kansas City was America’s #3 favorite city. This one was by popular vote. We were voted #1 for good drivers, Christmas lights, affordability, flea markets, and BBQ. Hahaha, “good drivers.” They’ve been undercover too long. (2014)
• #7 for coffee. #9 for picnics. (2014, 2015)

BUZZFEED

• Some of what you find on Buzzfeed relating to Kansas City are “community member” posts–some random people made them, not the Buzzfeed staff. Still, the popular website is starting to take notice of the Paris of the Plains. Kansas City was included in their “29 Cities All Twentysomethings Should Pick Up and Move To” (admittedly, also determined by popular vote). Though KC was listed #1 (admittedly, they did use the phrase “in no particular order”). Still, we know why it was on top. Wink. (2015)
• I won’t name names, but it’s clear who the mole at Buzzfeed is. He wrote “An Open Letter to Kansas City” during the Royals’ World Series run. (2014)
• He also wrote “28 Signs You Grew Up in Kansas City.” Buzzfeed labeled it a “Top Post,” as it got over 367,000 views. (2013)
• His name is Dan Oshinsky.

EXTRA AWESOMENESS

• USA Today published Yelp’s ranking of the Nelson-Atkins as the #1 museum in the United States of America–it was the highest rated and most praised by visitors. #5 was the National World War I Museum. (2015)
• #2 for “Up-and-Coming Downtowns” by Fortune. (2014)
• #6 for friendliest cities by Men’s Health. (2014)
• #8 among best burger cities by USA Today. (2012)
• #5 among “Underrated Gay-Friendly Cities” by About.com. (2009)
• #3 for best NFL stadiums by Fox Sports. (2006)
• #2 for best NFL fan loyalty by American City Business Journal. Go Chiefs! (2006)

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