Area info needed, possible Move (Kansas City, Lee's Summit: lease, homes, buyer)

[Ruby1]

Trying to decide whether to take accept a job from the VA hospital in KC. Biggest concern are the public schools. I have two children elementary/middle. What districts/schools should I be looking at; I would like to live with in 25 miles of work, but willing to commute longer if it meant a better education. I plan on renting for 6 months, but plan to buy, my max would be 180K. I was told to look at Grain Valley, any opinions on this or other areas would be appreciated.
Thanks Ruby

[GraniteStater]

I would definitely look in northern parts of Johnson County Kansas. It is a buyer's market and I am sure that their will be some properties there that would fit your price criteria. The Shawnee Mission school district is excellent, and is one of the best school districts in the state. Northern Johnson County has quite a few homes that are 2000 square feet and less. Some towns that would be an easy 25 minute commute to Kansas City would be Mission, Prairie Village, and northern areas of Overland Park.

[Ruby1]

Thanks for the info, I did not think of living on the Kansas side. Do you know of any tax implications living in KS & working in MO.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by Ruby1

Thanks for the info, I did not think of living on the Kansas side. Do you know of any tax implications living in KS & working in MO.

I am not an expert on that. Hopefully another poster will have some information regarding tax implications.

[Cairo_East]

The VA hospital is on the east side of Kansas City (close to the Truman Stadium Complex). Commuting from Kansas may take over 35 minutes each way. Blue Springs and Liberty are good school districts that are 15 minutes from the VA hospital. Grain Valley and Lee's Summit school districts might take 25 minutes.

As for tax implications, I've lived in Kansas and worked in Missouri for 5 years. Every year my state taxes balance out to nearly zero. I pay one state with the money I receive from the other. Taxation differences are negligible, but there is an additional 3% earnings tax if you reside in the city of Kansas City, Missouri.

[MeganRenee]

I live in Grain Valley and, if I'm not mistaken, we have the highest property taxes in Jackson County. The schools are good and the city is definitely growing. It takes about 25-30 minutes to get dowtown since I-70 runs right through town.

[christina0001]

The school districts that seem to be rated the best from what I've seen are Parkville, Lee's Summit, Liberty, Kearney, Smithville.
You can afford a nice home in that price range in any of those towns; the size will vary a little but not much.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by christina0001

The school districts that seem to be rated the best from what I've seen are Parkville, Lee's Summit, Liberty, Kearney, Smithville.
You can afford a nice home in that price range in any of those towns; the size will vary a little but not much.

I agree but Kearney and Smithville are a lot further removed from other areas of the metro area.

[Ruby1]

Thanks for the info, I feel better about the move. I plan on letting the kids finish out the school year in their hometown, so I am looking to rent in KC for myself. 1-2 bdrm apt. 6 month lease. I am looking for a safe, affordable apt. near work (VA Hospital), any suggestions?

[kmflan]

Hi Ruby. We live in MO and work in KS. It really isn't a big deal tax wise. You just have to do an extra state. Once you get used to it. It's nothing. We have done it for 8 years. We first lived in Mission when we moved here and really loved it. It 's a nice affordable community. Old enough to have some character and trees, is well-maintained and affordable. It is also very convenient to Kansas City. You can be on the Plaza in about 15 minutes. It is in the Shawnee Mission school district, which has a good reputation.
Good Luck! This is a wonderful place to live