My relocation thread (Kansas City, Union, Oran: apartments, renting, hotel)

[gnusmas]

All,

In the next couple of months, I'll be migrating from the Chicago Suburbs (Palatine area) to Kansas City to work near 435 & 69. I've browsed the numerous other relocation threads, and I'm interested in getting some more insight into the Plaza neighborhood as I'm a late 20s single male and I would like to live in a more walkable neighborhood.

Right now I've focused on the following locations, I'd be open to other suggestions, but I'd like to stay within walkable range of the plaza and some form of non-street parking.

45 Madison - I know some folks feel its over priced, but for my first year of learning the area it would seem to be a more reasonable bet.

Fountain View on the Plaza - Similar story to 45 Madison.

What would the commute time be from the Plaza to this location be like?

Would these locations be safe to walk to/from the Plaza? Granted random acts do happen, just like walking in Chicago neighborhoods.

TIA

[TinaMcG]

I can't really give you advice on where to live, but I just wanted to say welcome from a former Palatine resident! We moved here from Palatine four years ago. By the way, I was pleased as punch to see Rita Mullins voted out of the mayor's office!!

I would imagine living in a more urban area will be a very welcome change from Palatine, especially for someone young and single.

[xenokc]

The Fountains are on E side of Plaza. They are 80's suburban style apts - the hood was pretty upset of the suburban style and they are cheaply built. I hear not soundproofed very well. They do have a garage though and between Nelson museum and Plaza with a couple nice parks. Great location, amenities but check into sound issues. Also not too far from MAX bus stop, which is best line to access city things to do.


It's behind these..


I think below is 45 Madison. Is newer than Fountain View and not quite as cheaply built. Is a bit more off Plaza, just NW, on SW Trafficway, which has fairly heavy rush hour traffic but gets you downtown quicker and on way to your work.



Also if you really want new, City Place in Westport is something check out, which is a bar district N of PLaza. It gets OK reviews. But there are also some redone older building in area.

If OK with not directly being near Plaza and OK with older neighborhoody buildings that do have parking, check W Plaza/Roanoke area. Downtown would be closer to work.. would check out Union Hill, City Market, Xroads/Freighthouse areas of downtown.

[Owl79]

Originally Posted by xenokc

Also if you really want new, City Place in Westport is something check out, which is a bar district N of PLaza. It gets OK reviews. But there are also some redone older building in area.

I've been living at an apartment in City Place for about 6 weeks now and I really like it. The apartment is reasonably priced (at least compared to an equivalent apt at Union Hill, which was going to cost me $150 more per month) and pretty spacious for a 1 bed. One downside is the noise however, as I can often hear live music from a local venue (not sure which one). I actually enjoy sitting on my balcony on an evening and listening to the music, but I can see how some people might be upset by the noise.

Westport itself is a nice area though and has some great coffee shops, restaurants and bars. Plus it's only a short walk to 39th and Volker and also to the Plaza.

[TabulaRasa]

BF and I looked into Fountain View, but it wasn't at all what we were looking for (ended up renting for a couple of years in the vintage Poets on the west edge of the Plaza). Awfully cheaply made...like living in an economy hotel. We thought it would be nice to live near the Nelson-Atkins, Kauffman Memorial Garden, etc., but as it turned out, those were easy pit stops walking down Brush Creek from the building we chose.

[xenokc]

Owl, you came from the UK right? Did you ever end up getting a car? The 51 bus gets you close from Westport to Crown Center but was wondering if that's a bit of a stretch for you to get to UMKC Dental School or if there is a transfer to get up the hill.

[TabulaRasa]

I don't think there is...I used to take the 51 from Plaza to Crown Center to work clinic hours at Truman Medical Center, and always had to hoof it up the hill. Walked right past UMKC Dental School often.

[Owl79]

I walk to Main and get the MAX to Crown Centre. It's only a couple of minutes walk from there to the dental school. I haven't tried catching the 51 yet, but I was thinking about using it to get to the Ward Parkway shopping centre. So far, I've managed ok without having a car, especially as the main places that I need to go are all within the City Market to Plaza area and are covered by the MAX.

[xenokc]

Yeah, the 51 bus goes right by your apts. Have to watch the bus display as it approaches though as some go to Summit instead of Crown Center.

Check the ATA site for all bus lines. The 51, 47 and MAX Orange lines will get you through the core of the city just fine - there are many others. You'll also want to be aware of the 10th/Main transit center as nearly all buses that come into downtown terminate there.

KCATA | Maps and Schedules

My brother came to KC from Philly and was without a car for several years and didn't really have any issues. He borrowed my car to get to the burbs if needed. Many think KC's bus system sucks but it's actually not bad in the city core. Only complaint I have is that most lines don't run often enough, especially Sundays and after 7PM.

BTW, here's my city guide along MAX Orange line..

[aragx6]

Welcome and best of luck! I would choose 45 Madison over Fountain View, but also be sure to check out Craiglist. There are several nice buildings in the area including a few historic buildings on Poet's Corner.

Regardless of the exact building you end up in, your commute should be right around the half hour mark.

Welcome to KC -- it's no Chicago, but at you'll be living right in the heart of it!