22 yr. old to kc metro - where to live? (Kansas City: apartment complexes, renters)

[dajet17]

I am a 22 year old college graduate guy thinking about taking a job in Overland Park, KS. I am originally from Minneapolis' southwest suburbs and went to school 15 minutes outside of Boston. I am hoping to land in a younger part of town with access to nightlife (like to party, more a bar guy than club guy) and am still hoping to minimize my commute to work (under 20/25 min?). If there is one place to be that is a little further drive I would be open to hearing about it. I am going to be paying my way so hoping to keep the rent affordable ($500/mo?). Other info that I am keeping in mind when selecting a place to live:I hope to join a mens hockey league. I have enjoyed relatively easy access to downtown happenings/events in both minneapolis and boston. I appreciate any kind of advice.

Thanks!

[aragx6]

If you want nightlife I definitely wouldn't suggest anywhere in Overland park for living. It's very family friendly, but there's very few bars and what not. As a young person I would definitely consider living downtown near the plaza or near Westport. I'm not sure what a weekday backwards commute like that would look like.

[kcmo]

Why would a 22 year old want to live in Overland Park? Especially coming from a city like Boston? Find a place between the Plaza and the river so you don't leave in a year hating our city.

[dajet17]

I appreciate some of the direction you guys are giving me. I have had a great time in Boston and Minneapolis as I have grown up but I am far from a city slicker. I spent my summers growing up on the lakes in Minnesota and love Minnesota and I think the midwest. The people and green spaces are something I appreciate even more after the experience in Boston. I guess I will have to see if I like Minneapolis because it is home or because I really like living in a modest and respectable midwest American city. Part of the reason I want to be near a happening part of town is because I currently know 0 people in KC and would hope to be at the number for a very short amount of time. Part of me is hesitant but I like the opportunity the job offers...still making my final decision I guess. I would appreciate anyone else's take on my situation.

[christina0001]

ditto aragx6 ... Westport and the Plaza seem to be where the young folks are.

Overland Park is very nice, but from what I've seen it is really suburban. I would assume a 22 year old, new to the city and not knowing anyone, would probably find more to do and make friends faster if he were in the city, not the 'burbs.

North Kansas City has a cute downtown area too and many apartment complexes just a few blocks away, but your commute would be a bit longer.

[kcmo]

Sounds like you like the outdoors, but enjoy "visiting" the city. In that case, I would probably go for Eastern Jackson County. With all the lakes and state and county parks, it's not 100% built out suburbia like you will find in Overland Park.

[Thrillcekr]

Originally Posted by dajet17

I am a 22 year old college graduate guy thinking about taking a job in Overland Park, KS. I am originally from Minneapolis' southwest suburbs and went to school 15 minutes outside of Boston. I am hoping to land in a younger part of town with access to nightlife (like to party, more a bar guy than club guy) and am still hoping to minimize my commute to work (under 20/25 min?). If there is one place to be that is a little further drive I would be open to hearing about it. I am going to be paying my way so hoping to keep the rent affordable ($500/mo?). Other info that I am keeping in mind when selecting a place to live:I hope to join a mens hockey league. I have enjoyed relatively easy access to downtown happenings/events in both minneapolis and boston. I appreciate any kind of advice.

Thanks!

The westport area has some apartments for under 500.00 and you can walk to numerous bars and restaurants. I'd also suggest looking in downtown. I occassionally see lofts for around 550.00. I think the Library Lofts are one such place. You'd be within walking distance of the new Sprint Arena and the Power & Light district that opens this spring. I'd highly recommend that you check kcrag.com. There's a forum there and many of the members are renters living in the urban core. They could probably give you a long list of places to check out and possibly some phone numbers.

[KathyQ]

Westport hands down. UMKC campus area. Also downtown RiverMarket area if you are into the more artsy set, however fewer parks, and parking can get expensive.