Thinking of moving to KC from Chicago

[TabulaRasa]

Originally Posted by dundermifflin

Crossroads?? Plaza?

Since a lot of the rentals in the Plaza are in more modern buildings and/or larger apt. complexes, they probably woudn't, overall, fit the "funky, older" vibe and the no large complexes specification the OP requested. Although I did used to live in a vintage 1920s small apt. building (seven floors, three units per floor) on the Plaza, so it can be done. In the Crossroads, I'd think you'd be even harder pressed to find things that aren't condo/lofts, and even if they are in vintage buildings, all the loft space I've visited in landmark buildings there has been gutted and rehabbed into modern/contemporary dwelling space. Not sure if that's what the OP is looking for.

[SPonteKC]

Originally Posted by TabulaRasa

Since a lot of the rentals in the Plaza are in more modern buildings and/or larger apt. complexes, they probably woudn't, overall, fit the "funky, older" vibe and the no large complexes specification the OP requested. Although I did used to live in a vintage 1920s small apt. building (seven floors, three units per floor) on the Plaza, so it can be done. In the Crossroads, I'd think you'd be even harder pressed to find things that aren't condo/lofts, and even if they are in vintage buildings, all the loft space I've visited in landmark buildings there has been gutted and rehabbed into modern/contemporary dwelling space. Not sure if that's what the OP is looking for.

There are at least option for that kind of place on or very near the Plaza. There is the entire row of Apts. along Cleaver II BLVD and on 46th b/n the plaza and the Nelson, there are several block in S. Plaza along Wyandotte of colonades, and there are quite a few older buildings (many with interior remodels) in Westport Hill to the north of the plaza, as well as the buildings along Roanoke and Mercier north of 47th.

Some of those places are probably condo, but I know many of them are rentals.

[TabulaRasa]

I know, I lived in one of the few that hadn't yet gone condo as of three and a half years ago. Most of those ones on Cleaver II are definitely more than a handful of units, though, and I'm not sure what the OP means by large apartment complex.

[dundermifflin]

Originally Posted by TabulaRasa

Since a lot of the rentals in the Plaza are in more modern buildings and/or larger apt. complexes, they probably woudn't, overall, fit the "funky, older" vibe and the no large complexes specification the OP requested. Although I did used to live in a vintage 1920s small apt. building (seven floors, three units per floor) on the Plaza, so it can be done. In the Crossroads, I'd think you'd be even harder pressed to find things that aren't condo/lofts, and even if they are in vintage buildings, all the loft space I've visited in landmark buildings there has been gutted and rehabbed into modern/contemporary dwelling space. Not sure if that's what the OP is looking for.

Many or most rentals are in buildings that are 50+ years old, with a lot of charm. (Plaza)

[TabulaRasa]

Yes, I know...I lived in this one. Much more charm than the one shown next to it, or the others on the same block.

http://blog.kcpremierapts.com/wp-con...on-irving1.jpg

[faintlyamused]

Thanks everyone for your responses, I'm sure I'll have more questions the closer it gets to moving time. I think I'll focus on Westside (though it seems to be hard to find rentals) and the Volker/39th St area. While driving around last week, I was definitely impressed with KCMO. It seems like the restaurant/bar scene is improving, which is the main thing I'll miss about Chicago. Oh and the lake of course

[TabulaRasa]

I used to live about six blocks from the lake, and I sure do miss that. As far as the bar scene, when I lived in Chicago, I did pretty much the exact same thing I do in KC...do most of my going out at the establishments in my neighborhood, within walking distance of where I live. That didn't really change for me.

[KCMama1985]

I would definitely suggest plaza living or city market area. DH and I lived up north inside Zona Rosa before our house was finished building and it was great. Wish we had considered living at the Plaza, though, as the price is substantially similar for what we rented.

[aragx6]

The Plaza is a nice area and I'm not surprised some people have suggested it, but if the OP is looking for a similar vibe to Wicker Park, the plaza is going to be all wrong for her.

[Mizzou1985]

City Market area is a great place to live but I think PP have given great suggestions as well.