village living? (Kansas City, Overland, North Kansas City: new home, neighborhoods, school district)

[fourkorz]

I am interviewing for a position in Overland Park. I've been to KC several times on business, and have always liked the area, and especially the people. But I would like some insight into places to live.

We've moved a few times, and seem to be drawn toward "village living" -- small to medium towns (populations generally from 20,000 to 50,000) with walkable downtowns and nice neighborhoods of old homes. All of the homes we've owned have been built between 1900 and 1930; size of home and land are much less important than homes with a lot of character. We've also liked towns with a little bit more diversity than the average upscale suburb. Arts and culture scene would be a big plus, too.

Are there places like that in the KC area? The Brookside neighborhood sounds interesting, but we have school-age kids (I'd be okay considering private schools if they're readily available), so I'm trying to understand the suburbs as well.

We're in a position to consider a fairly wide variety of housing costs (particularly if the public schools are good).

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

[GraniteStater]

The suburb in Johnson County KS that you should look at would be Prairie Village or the north side of Leawood. Both cities have about 30,000 people or less with more of a village flavor. The Shawnee Mission school district in Johnson County is excellent. Housing costs would be fairly good with older houses well under 250K in areas of Prairie Village. Leawood would be more expensive with home prices generally 300K and up. These suburbs also have easy commutes to the Plaza, and Downtown. It would take about 30-45 minutes to get to KCI airport from this area as well.

[northbound74]

Mission, Roeland Park, Fairway...pretty much anywhere in extreme northeastern Johnson County, have lots of older homes and are close to Johnson Drive, which is a somewhat "walkable" and old commercial area, albeit originally geared more towards the automobile.
North Kansas City, Missouri, is old, very diverse, and has good schools. It even has brand new homes that look like the old ones do. It is the most pedestrian-friendly suburb.
I understand that there are really good private schools in and close to Brookside/Plaza.

[Lolls]

We are in Brookside and love it - our home was built in 1915 and sits on a park - we have a lovely bike/walking path that runs through Brookside, and a quaint shopping area we walk to (seriously, I take the stroller with my toddlers and we walk & shop often) - and we are 2 minutes from the Plaza (big shopping area) and 10 from downtown . The plaza is walkable from where we are on 58th, but it isn't just a tiny stroll - definitely a fair weather only thing. You can get a great home in this area for $250-450,000.

Also check out Waldo - and it is a little more affordable - gorgeous Gingerbread houses in that area, also funky shops, etc.

Otherwise, everyone covered the Kansas areas of Kansas City that would most likely appeal to you.

Kansas City is a town built for driving, though. Can't get around that