Military family moving to Kansas City (Independence, Lee's Summit: theatre, school district, tax)

[poetavw]

Hey Everyone,

I'm just wondering what areas to avoid around the Kansas City area. We're a military family moving from New Orleans. I have a pretty good idea that Liberty and Independence are nice areas, but the base we'll be attached to is in Belton. Are the schools in Belton nice? I have a 6 year old and 3 year old, but they'll be a year older by the time we actually move. I've also been trying to look up some Preschools there and all I seem to find are Head Start programs and Baptist Preschools. When we were in Texas there were Preschools attached to the public schools and my son was able to take advantage of that. I'm guessing Preschools are not as popular there?

Thanks for any help!

[christina0001]

I'm new to the area. I personally like Belton but most people who have lived here for longer, seem to prefer neighboring Raymore. Raymore is nice too.
You can compare Missouri schools at this website:
School Improvement Planning Profiles
Liberty and Independence are too far from Belton, IMO.
If for some reason Belton and Raymore don't do it for you, you might also consider Lee's Summit, Peculiar, Greenwood, and Lake Winnebago...maybe the northern sections of Harrisonville. All would be 30 minutes or less from Belton.

[poetavw]

Thank you so much for the info, especially the website about the schools. I've heard that Lee's Summit is nice--it's kinda hard to compare when I haven't been there yet. I appreciate your help!

[christina0001]

Please ask any questions you can think of ... myself and others here will be happy to answer.

[KBix]

I am a former Raymore resident and just retired last summer from the old RG AF base. While Belton is said to have good schools I believe Raymore and Peculiar may be a little better. Raymore has been growing by leaps and bounds and has many nice housing areas and lots of schools but still maintains a small town atmosphere. Lees Summit has a good school district but is a little farther from the base. I would suggest you stay out of the Grandview area.

Harrisonville is about a 20 minute drive from the base with good schools and housing also. There is still some new housing on base you may want to take a look at. This would be in the Belton school district.

Belton/Raymore area has a lot to offer in shopping, movie theatre, community recreation centers. Both cities are in Cass County which has a cheaper tax base than Jackson County which includes Kansas City/Lees Summit.