Relocating to Independence (Kansas City, Lee's Summit, Blue Springs: apartment complexes, school districts, income)

[wmcraigscott]

I am relocating to Independence from northeastern Oklahoma and have not yet located an apartment. I know nothing of the area. Could someone please tell me which parts of town to "stay away from" and which parts are decent on rent? I am a 55 year-old male, single, with no children. So, school districts are not a concern for me. I will be working in the Englewood area. Any decent, inexpensive apartments in that district? Any information would be helpful and...VERY appreciated!

Thank you!!!

[northbound74]

Englewood is a neat, older area, with a nice looking shopping district... although there isn't much shopping to be done there anymore. It's not far from the square, which is enjoying a major turn-around. Apartment-wise, there isn't much in the way of complexes that I could recommend, but there's several duplexes in the area, owned by individuals and smaller companies. Englewood is in the western part of town. It's not a terrible area, but the nicer part of Independence is the southeast... east of Chrysler, south of 23rd (generally). There's more in the way of apartment complexes there. A nice one that I can think of is the Mansion apartments, called that because of the old mansion on the property. It's on Lee's Summit Road, between 23rd and 35th. There's also a lot of complexes around the Independence Center mall.

In case you didn't know, Independence is a suburb of Kansas City. Indy has a population of 110k, and the metro just reached the 2 million mark. It's an older, "inner-ring" suburb, not a bad one, though. Northwest Independence is a lower income area, and a bit on the seedy side. It's generally north of 23rd, and west of Chrysler. Englewood is in that area, but it's hit and miss through there.
There's bound to be someone get on here and tell you to stay away from Indy, and go to Blue Springs or Lee's Summit. There's honestly no reason to do so. I've lived here for a few years, and have had a pleasant experience. The people are blue-collar and friendly, housing is affordable, it's plenty safe, and it has a lot of conveniences close by.

[cosmo66105]

I actually live right by the Independence Center on 39th st. I love it, every store i need to get to is within 5-10 minutes and my apartments are very affordable and nice & roomy. There are some newer apartments that are yellow that are more expensive though. You have to be in the right part of independence and you'll like it just fine. I agree with everything the previous poster said....if you stay south of 23rd st. you should be just fine!