Neighborhoods to avoid (Kansas City, Lee's Summit, California: houses, buyers, construction)

[45mphk9s]

Hi folks I'm looking for advice on what neighborhoods to steer clear from when searching for a home. I'm looking at older, larger homes in the city for the moment. The suburbs seem to have a lot of the cookie cutter areas. Until we can make a house hunting trip our home search is strictly internet. I'm excited to see people can actually afford to buy a home (we've been in California for too long )

[Cairo_East]

Well, older homes aren't typically larger, but I assume you mean something nice that isn't a McMansion. I'll recommend some places to look and then add some thought on what to avoid. I don't know what size of home you want nor your price range, but I'll make some general suggestions:

Brookside in Kansas City is probably the most highly regarded neighborhood (from 51st & Wornall to the south). It has some nice shopping and a vibrant community around its wonderful older homes.

There are some gorgeous old homes around 31st & Southwest Boulevard, including a Frank Lloyd Wright designed home. There are also some really nice old homes to the west of the Country Club Plaza (from Ward Parkway & Roanoke Parkway to the west). These last two neighborhoods are a bit pricey, but a good deal can be found - especially in this buyers market.

I would generally avoid anything in Kansas west of Belinder Avenue as the homes get much younger in age. Most suburbs in Missouri are younger in age as well, but you might find something nice in downtown Lee's Summit.

[westender]

Avoid the neighborhoods east of Troost. The prime housing is located within 10 or 20 blocks (both east and west) of State Line, from the Plaza to the north, and (old) Leawood/ Brookside to the south. There are some nice older bits as mentioned above further north toward downtown.

[45mphk9s]

I appreciate the advice. Our price range is $230K and below. I've seen homes built in the early 1900's with more than 3K sq ft. Google Earth gives you a satellite view but it doesn't tell you what kind of neighborhood you're looking at (yeah I know, bad grammar).

[GraniteStater]

Try Mission or Westwood in Johnson County.
Most of the homes in those areas were built before World War II.
Some homes might need a little work, but a lot of the older homes have good quality construction compared with new cookie cutter houses.

[kmflan]

You can find some beautiful old and large homes in Hyde Park. In Kansas City. It is definitely urban just south of downtown. Gorgeous old, elegant neighborhood with early 1900's houses. Many have been renovated. Lots of old trees. Convenient to some fabulous restaurants as well.

[mommagonenutz]

NORTHEAST!! Great old homes that have been rehabbed, in the price range and close to all the action of the city. 10 min from downtown or the Stadiums, Sprint center, Westport. You can get 3+ bedrooms in your price range that has the beautiful old staircases and Trim.
Let me know if your interested in this area and we might be able to work out a deal for you! I can send you pictures and tell you all about the houses and neighborhoods.