Relocation to walkable, family-friendly neighborhood (Kansas City, Lee's Summit: how much, houses, neighborhoods)

[Frozen Fountain]

Hi, Kansas Citians! We're in the early phase of contemplating relocation to Kansas City and are looking for a solid neighborhood. Ideally we would live in a walkable neighborhood within 30 minutes' drive to the city center. We like sidewalks, an excellent library, and a safe environment where kids can ride their bikes to the store or library or to a friend's house and where we can walk or run. We'll do private school (but all things being equal I'd prefer to have a decent public option too).

It would be nice to be in a somewhat historic or charming neighborhood. That's something we've enjoyed about past places we've lived. I would also not like an oppressive HMO (not sure if that is the culture in Kansas City, but if it is, we'd like to avoid that if possible. We have a very sensible one now, which is fine). We also need a fairly large house (like 3500 sf).

What places fit the bill in Kansas City?

Thanks in advance!

[James Bond 007]

The whole area from downtown south to the Plaza is going to fit your bill to varying extents.

EDIT: In fact, for several miles south of the Plaza is going to fit your bill as well.

[James Bond 007]

Come to think of it ... since you said within 30 minutes of the city center, you might also want to look at the area in and around downtown Lee's Summit. It's probably a 20 minute drive to downtown KC.

On the Kansas side, there are several little towns and neighborhoods just west of the MO-KS border (such as Prairie Village), roughly south of the Shawnee-Mission Parkway for several miles, that might fit your bill.

And in both of those cases you won't have any problems with the public schools.

[Frozen Fountain]

Thanks for the suggestions! Are Prairie Village and Lee's Summit walkable? It's hard to get a sense of towns' character online.

[urbanenthusiastfromKC]

Brookside... more specifically crestwood or morningside if you want closer to urban areas while still being in a great area

Edit: 15 minute drive to city center btw for morningside

[pacificwhim]

Second Crestwood and Morningside. Both wonderful neighborhoods with character, safe streets, and locations close to UMKC, the 63rd Street shopping district and the Plaza.

[WiseOwlSaysHoot]

Brookside sounds like it would fit the bill exactly.

What is your budget? A 3,500 sq ft home in the Brookside area is going to be pretty pricey (at least by KC standards).

[nycrite]

I'm surprised Hyde Park wasn't mentioned.

It is a yes to all of these factors (for the most part), and larger houses are prevalent and affordable.

walkable neighborhood
30 minutes' drive to the city center
sidewalks, an excellent library, and a safe environment
private schools
somewhat historic or charming neighborhood
fairly large house (like 3500 sf)

I like Brookside, Crestwood, and Morningside more than Hyde Park, but the selection of affordable and available 3500 SQFT homes would be sparse at best.

[Frozen Fountain]

Brookside was mentioned to us as a good option. Also Rockhill. I'll check out Morningside and Crestwood.

For reference, is Troost a meaningful east/west border for crime?

Our budget would be around $500K, though we have some flexibility.

How are taxes structured in MO and KS? About how much would property taxes be on a $500K house?

Thanks again everyone for weighing in!

[SPonteKC]

Originally Posted by nycrite

I'm surprised Hyde Park wasn't mentioned.

It is a yes to all of these factors (for the most part), and larger houses are prevalent and affordable.

walkable neighborhood
30 minutes' drive to the city center
sidewalks, an excellent library, and a safe environment
private schools
somewhat historic or charming neighborhood
fairly large house (like 3500 sf)

I like Brookside, Crestwood, and Morningside more than Hyde Park, but the selection of affordable and available 3500 SQFT homes would be sparse at best.

The flip side is that the Brookside/Waldo corridor is more walkable than Hyde Park by a fair bit.