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Moving to a new city is always challenging. And a large part of that challenge is looking for a place to live. There are so many things to consider when weighing your options—house styles, neighborhood safety, quality of schools, the convenience of location—it all can be quite overwhelming. That’s why we’ve researched the best up and coming neighborhoods in Kansas City for you, so you don’t have to (and by the way of introduction, we’re Bellhop—your friendly Kansas City movers). We’ve examined what it’s like living in each of these highlighted neighborhoods and created in-depth guides with insider scoops on close-by, popular destinations. Soon, you’ll be living like a local.
Ready to make the move? We have Kansas City’s best long-distance movers ready to help.
A Little About Kansas City and its Neighborhoods
Why are there two Kansas City’s so close to each other that they touch? It turns out that the Kansas City in Missouri was the first! But soon after, Kansas residents saw the growth of their neighboring city and tapped in on the catchy name (which, arguably, matched their state a little better).
Gaining dozens of nicknames since its birth in 1889, Kansas City, MO has been called “The City of Fountains,” “The Gateway to the Southwest,” “The Paris of the Plains,” and “The Heart of America.” The city’s many railroads, 200 fountains, nightlife destinations, and smack-dab-central location in the country inspired many of these nicknames, which each demonstrate all of what Kansas City has to offer.
Today, Kansas City is one of the largest cities in the Midwest, with a population of nearly 600,000. New residents keep steadily moving in. If you love baseball, barbeque, live blues, and plenty of beer, then Kansas City may have caught your eye too.
We’ve scanned this sprawling and populous city to find the best neighborhoods it has to offer. Keep reading for our pick of the top 5 up-and-coming neighborhoods in Kansas City. Soon, you’ll be flipping houses and watching those real estate investments grow faster than Kansas corn.
Waldo
Close to the city, but not in the city’s center, this neighborhood has become one of the most desired up-and-coming neighborhoods this year. Waldo sits near Kansas City, but residents of this charming neighborhood don’t have to deal with traffic, parking, the party scene, or a chaotic environment.
What’s Happening in Waldo
An influx of young professionals has helped foster Kansas City’s creative vibe. And Waldo continues to be one of the most desired places to live for millennials to rent or buy a home. Along the Trolly Trail, Waldo features some of its most charming homes, and locals are known to take evening strolls along this peaceful part of the neighborhood.
Residents are within walking distance of the Waldo Bar District. The neighborhood also offers its own small variety of independent boutiques, coffee shops, and artistic murals. It’s also located close to the major highways, making travel and commutes easy.
Schools in Waldo
Near Waldo, you’ll find several highly-rated schools, including Kansas City Academy, Hale Cook Elementary, and Academie Lafayette Charter School, among others.
Homes in Waldo
Waldo is known as a great spot for first-time home buyers, offering good price points for homes and proximity to Downtown. Lovely Tudor and craftsman style homes sell for between $150K and $300K here.
Brookside
Sitting about 8 miles south of Downtown, Brookside features beautiful, large homes, each displaying a quirky or historic style. It’s become one of the top places where millennials are moving in the city. This neighborhood is ideal for an afternoon jog, bike-ride, or dog-walk. Clean sidewalks are framed by well-cut lawns and lined with tall hardwoods.
What’s Happening in Brookside
Full of charm and history, this neighborhood is also close to popular destinations, shopping centers, and parks. Locals can easily access the popular Country Club Plaza. And residents can walk to many high-end retail shops as well as the local Trolly Trail.
In the center of the neighborhood, Brookside Park opens up with a large grassy lawn. Here, locals and their families go for walks, gather at the playground, or play baseball. In the winter, locals hit what they’ve coined as “Suicide Hill”—a steep slope perfect for sledding when it snows.
Schools in Brookside
Brookside’s top local schools include Brookside Charter School, Pembroke Hill Schoool, and Kansas City Academy among others.
Homes in Brookside
For its great location and beautiful houses, Brookside is very affordable and a great spot for first-time home-buyers. The neighborhood is filled with well-kept, lovely homes. If you’ve got a little more money burning a hole in your pocket, though, Brookside also features large and beautiful houses that peak over $700K.
Prairie Village
Prairie Village sits a bit south of Downtown Kansas City, just a 20 minute drive away. This neighborhood is charming with a small-town feel. Local restaurants serve comfort food and recognize their regulars. Boutiques and convenient stores cluster on corners of the busier streets. Highly popular among families of all sizes, Prairie Village is home to new parents, growing families, and empty-nesters.
What’s Happening in Prairie Village
The neighborhood is scattered with parks. It also sits adjacent to several country clubs and golf courses, including the pristine Kansas City Country Club. Amidst all the parks, you’ll find numerous playgrounds, tranquil walking trails, basketball courts, BBQs, and baseball diamonds.
Just a few miles away, Overland Park’s Downtown offers residents of Prairie Village over 300 locally-owned shops, restaurants, spas, and salons. And their Farmers Market, which has been running for over 30 years, gives locals a great place to pick up some fresh produce and local foods.
Schools in Prairie Village
Some of Prairie Village’s highest-rated Kansas City schools include Prairie Elementary School, Kansas City Christian School, and Indian Hills Middle School, among others.
Homes in Prairie Village
Many of Prairie Village’s homes are large and full of character, and it’s still easy to find great prices for first-time home-owners. Looking for something on the smaller end? Prairie Village also has many single-story homes that are perfect for downsizing.
Westwood
Westwood has become more popular just over the past few years. Located just 6 miles southwest of Downtown Kansas City, many residents of Westwood can get into work in less than 15 minutes or grab a bite to eat in Downtown with ease on the weekends. Because of its ideal location and great local amenities, Westwood has become one of the most popular neighborhoods for professionals and families.
What’s Happening in Westwood
While locals feel somewhat removed from the city hustle, they have no problem accessing the city’s best shopping and dining options. Sitting west of the popular Country Club Plaza, this cozy neighborhood is in an ideal spot.
Within Westwood itself, you’ll also find niche shops and local eateries, salons, antique shops, boutiques, and cafes. Central to this small village is Westwood Park. This peaceful and grassy space features winding, paved walking trails, playgrounds, pavilions, picnic tables, and plenty of dog-walkers.
Schools in Westwood
The best schools in the area include Shawnee Missiono Chrsitian School, Westwood View Elementary School, and The Pembroke Hill School, among others.
Homes in Westwood
Because of it’s rise in popularity, homes in Westwood are hard to snag. Here and there, a lucky family will steal a single-family home. They’re very pretty in this area of the city, but the prices do match the popularity. Expect to spend several hundred thousand on a 3-bedroom home in Westwood.
Crossroads Art District
Full of chromatic murals and young artists and professionals, Crossroads Art District is known as Kansas City’s creative hub. The area emits an energetic and artsy vibe, and it’s grown immensely in popularity over the past few years. While Crossroads attracts a younger crowd, you will find some families and established adults among all the millennials.
What’s Happening in the Crossroads Art District
Crossroads Art District features plenty of local shops, top eateries, bars, and art galleries. The local community also loves to celebrate together with local events. Join locals in their monthly celebration during First Fridays, full of live music and street fare.
This neighborhood is one of the most walkable areas in the city. At less than a mile from Downtown, many locals can walk to work or their favorite cafes, eateries, and watering holes. Crossroads Art District is also extremely bike-friendly with bike-sharing stations scattered along the more popular streets.
Schools in near the Crossroads Art District
The highest-rated schools in the area include Crossroads Charter School, Crossroads Academy, and Crossroads Preparatory Academy among others.
Homes in the Crossroads Art District
Big revitalization efforts have taken place, transforming old buildings into restaurants and forgotten houses into renovated homes. In this area of the city, you’ll also find plenty of apartment complexes, both newly built and renovated from historic buildings.
There you have it: 5 up-and-coming neighborhoods in Kansas City!
We hope this was helpful, and if you decide to take the plunge, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends here at Bellhop. As we said, we coordinate long-distance moves in Kansas City and local moving services in Kansas City, and we would love to help.
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