A little more detailed than most - RELO Easy question (Kansas City: houses, neighborhoods)

[rtloucks]

Okay so obviously Ive posted a few times on various locations but I want to get a feel for Kansas City Area before we make our final decision on our last move this april.

I am a bit familiar with the area, been through a lot. I used to worth with Hy-Vee for many years in Management so I have seen the area when I came down to train and work at other stores. bt My wife and I are trying desperately to find one thing.... a friendly atmosphere....

We are in our early 30's with two sons, 12 and 7 so obviously good safe schools are important blah blah blah, I know people will recommend Lenxa, overland park shawnee etc. But I want to know one thing really,.

Where can we we find a KC burb either in MO or KS that will have an abundance of late20-mid40s couples with kids that want to hang out in the streets and talk to eachother over thier fences, lend a helping hand etc. We grew up in Minnesota and are very used to the midwestern hospitality and friendliness. We want our sons to grow up a little like we did, with friends and doing things outside. Any great advice out there for us. We have been in the Rat Race for the last 6 years now andwant to slow it down and live simple again. maybe catch some movies, let my sons play sports, go to the occasional Baseball of football game etc.

Also any input on events that come thru the area regularly woudl be nice too.

Budget - upto $375000
4bedroom, 3 car garage type community
Do not need cookie cutter area, but ok with it
working in Kansas City dowtown
just like simple living, local stores and shops, good food, easy access to big box stores etc.
Best schools possible
everything else is just "whatever", Trying not to be really pick.

If it helps:
we have lived in Charlotte, NC and loved the Concord area and Huntersville/Lake Norman area

we have lived in Dallas TExas and loved the north dallas and SW arlington areas, Grapevine and Coppell

We lived in Washington DC and love Old Towne Alexandria and Fairfax

Thank you all and i hop eto hear back .

[shindig]

Sounds like Brookside is the perfect area for you. Lots of remodeled homes in that area that you can easily pick up for $250-300k (mostly tudors built in the 1920's and early 1930's)....good mix of young and older couples, everybody outside walking, block parties in the streets, walking distance to schools, restaurants, coffee shops, etc. Lot's of local stores and restaurants also. They also have a Brookside art fair in the summer which is fun.

With your kids, you'll probably want to look at private schools. Both my nephews, age 5 and 8 go to Visitation in Brookside...it's an excellent school.

[rtloucks]

Is brookside a neighborhood in Kansas City? Im not familiar with it.
Thanks again,

[shindig]

Originally Posted by rtloucks

Is brookside a neighborhood in Kansas City? Im not familiar with it.
Thanks again,

Yes it's a neighborhood located just south of the Plaza and stretches from around 51st to 71st street. I believe the zip code is 64113. Houses range anywhere from upper $100k - $500/600k. Another good neighborhood that is just south of Brookside is Waldo (zip 64114). Lots of big nice homes in both those areas. These areas are both in Kansas City, MO. You could also look on the Kansas side in the neighborhoods of Fairway or Mission Hills. These are also close to the Plaza and downtown KC.

Brookside Kansas City - Brookside Neighborhood - Brookside Profile

WELCOME TO WALDO! | Waldo Area Business Association

Mission Hills, Kansas - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[aragx6]

I definitely second Brookside if you're willing to be creative with schools. I'd dare you to not fall in love with the neighborhood, and it's very family friendly.

If the schools are a dealbreaker, I'd look just north of the river in Parkville -- adorable small-town feel with easy access to downtown -- the older (quainter) parts of Lee's Summit or in the KS neighborhoods just west of Stateline like Fairway, Mission or Prairie Village.

Best of luck! Feel free to ask follow-up questions as you have them.

[Okey Dokie]

I have trouble imagining people in Mission Hills chatting with their neighbors over the back fence.

[kcmo]

Parkville, MO

[CMPX2]

I am replying to watch this thread. I may have to research your older posts. I moved from Baltimore to the Charlotte area a few years ago. I am now considering a move to Lenexa, but I know nothing about the area. I also have small children and want a safe and friendly area.

[aragx6]

Originally Posted by Okey Dokie

I have trouble imagining people in Mission Hills chatting with their neighbors over the back fence.

Note that I didn't say Mission Hills. Mission has cute, older houses on small-ish lots that would elicit exactly the kind of over-the-fence chatter the OP stated he was looking for.

[Okey Dokie]

Originally Posted by aragx6

Note that I didn't say Mission Hills. Mission has cute, older houses on small-ish lots that would elicit exactly the kind of over-the-fence chatter the OP stated he was looking for.

No, you didn't, but Shindig did (post #4).