Traveling to KC from Northern Michigan for potential relocation

[Weaubleau]

Wow, if you turn up your nose at Beaver Lake, the lakes in Western Kansas and Eastern MO are really going to suck for you. Beaver Lake is actually one of the better man made lakes east of the Rocky Mountains. It is relatively clear, deep and large. Compare it to something like Smithville or Hillsdale lake and there is no comparison.

[MrsRobinson08]

Originally Posted by zach_33

So are you more of a city family? A suburban family? Or looking for something a bit more bucolic/idyllic?

We are not a city family. Probably more idyllic than suburban, but willing to consider possible change. We currently live in a "subdivision" that each lot is almost 2 acres. We have a pole barn with our toys (4-wheeler's, boat, etc).

I understand that we may not have many trees in the KC area and that we would be leaving the beautiful Great Lakes. But it will be nice to not be water locked either anymore. Hard to get to anything in Northern Michigan without a flight or a long butt drive.

[zach_33]

Originally Posted by MrsRobinson08

We are not a city family. Probably more idyllic than suburban, but willing to consider possible change. We currently live in a "subdivision" that each lot is almost 2 acres. We have a pole barn with our toys (4-wheeler's, boat, etc).

I understand that we may not have many trees in the KC area and that we would be leaving the beautiful Great Lakes. But it will be nice to not be water locked either anymore. Hard to get to anything in Northern Michigan without a flight or a long butt drive.

Gotchya. The Plaza is just a very central part of town, completely surrounded by urban and suburban development. You can definitely still find a beautiful 2 acre lot with plenty of mature trees and otherwise attractive surroundings within a half hour, it just might not feel like you are out being one with nature... will likely be suburbia. I'm sure there are people better than me among the regulars here to make suggestions that fit the bill. You might like it up around Riss Lake, in Parkville MO. Just a wild guess.

[luzianne]

Lee's Summit to the Plaza is not really a great commute. The OP should look at all areas, close in and further out, and see what appeals to them. I know they said they want to be near water. That's not so easy in the KC area, especially within 30 minutes of the Plaza. If trees are important and going to a lake on the weekend is acceptable, there are lots of areas with trees that are much closer in. Sunset Hill just southwest of the Plaza, Mission Hills, Prairie Village, Westwood, Leawood.

I worked on the Plaza for years while living in Prairie Village and it was a quick 15 minute drive to the Plaza through Mission Hills and down Ward Parkway.

2+ acre lots can be found around the metro - Shawnee, Lenexa, Leawood, southern Overland Park, Mission Hills, Bucyrus on the Kansas side and on the Missouri side too. OP, search reecenichols.com for minimum 2 acre properties and you'll find there are a lot. When you visit, be sure to drive all over the metro, both sides of the state line, and look around and see what looks and feels right to you.

[MrsRobinson08]

Originally Posted by GraniteStater

Traverse City region only has higher cost of living for Midwest averages due to retirees and 2nd homeowners pushing prices up for Lake Michigan lakefront and inland lakefront properties.

I don't think this is entirely true. The cost of housing in Traverse City is high regardless if water is involved or not, although you can't drive a mile up here without finding either a lake or river. Yes, it is higher when on the water... but living in Traverse City (and surrounding areas) renting or purchasing is high, when compared to rate of pay. We've had a lot of media coverage/travel awards/small town awards/foodie this or that, etc that is causing a over population issue. My home alone has more than doubled (almost tripled) in value in the last 2 years and I live 30 minutes outside of Traverse City.

Current price ranges within Traverse city and 20 miles outside of Traverse City (3bed 2 bath)
Single wide mobile home in a trailer park, having to lease land range from $35k-$170k)
Condo's $190k-$5.6 million
Stick built Homes- approx $200k-$3.7 million

Maybe it just seems so high because it has hit us only recently, we are "new" to this ?

So unless you already have a good career, your SOL. First time home ownership is basically unheard of anymore. Most average jobs in the area (teller, retail, restaurant worker, fast food, etc) start between $9-$12 per hour (plus tips if applicable). Even working a housekeeping job at the hospital will barely get you $13/hr.


I'm not looking to relocate to get rich off selling my home, but in all honestly, I will walk into a new home owing little, if. (only because I've lived here my whole life and home is almost paid off)