Relocation - To North Kansas City from Jersey City (Parkway: transplants, apartment complex)

[Devcon]

Hello folks,

I plan to move to Kansas City 4/1. I've done a fair amount of research, so I'm familiar with the city layout and neighborhoods. While I'd consider other areas, I'm targeting North Kansas City. It looks to be a great location being a short bike ride to downtown and an easier trip to the airport than the southern burbs. Does anyone live there and have any recos or opinions on living there?

I understand NKC is it's own municipality which leads me to a couple questions:
- Have water bills seen a similar, recent spike in NKC as KCMO?
- I hear there's municipal fiber internet (LinkCity). Is deployment widespread in NKC and has the price point risen to cover costs? I've not seen much on public forums - only that there were some security concerns (i.e. seeing nonlocal network resources), so I'm curious if the project is functioning well.

I'm one of those foolish transplants that is going to move without having a job lined up, so commute isn't a consideration. I'm not in immediate need of a job, so I'm not worried. The healthy job market is one of the reasons KCMO is on my list.

I should mention I'm a single, flexible guy, so I'm not concerned with schools or family amenities. I go out occasionally but have no need to be central to commercial activity. I'm ideally looking for a small house rental from a private owner. I'd love to have more space for hobbies after being confined to a small apartment the past several years. A yard, garden, and a driveway are all very appealing possibilities that are difficult to come by in the greater NYC area. I've seen a few options in NKC below $1k which is my ideal price point. I suppose I'd also consider an apartment complex if it has a decent community, but I'm leaning toward a house, duplex, or 3-4 unit building.

That's it for now. I'll update with any additional questions as I hunt for a place.

Thanks

[safetywire]

North Kansas City is awesome. Great vibe, great downtown of it's own. Right next to downtown KCMO. Great place to live no doubt about it. One of my favorites sections of the city.

I did see you mentioned riding a bicycle downtown. Across the Heart of America Bridge I presume. Definitely give that a try and see how it goes first if that is important. I'm not sure there is a bike lane on it.

[Devcon]

Thanks for the reply. If the view-to-post rate of this topic is any indication, NKC is not a popular destination. That makes it more attractive to me.

It looks like there's a trail alongside the Heart of America bridge, though I'm unsure if it's limited to pedestrians. Also, I have no issue riding in traffic, but doing that would depend on whether there's space to avoid disrupting the flow.

I'm also looking at places in South KC around W 75th and Ward. I'd prefer NKC, but this area has more vacancies, better prices, and Aldi/Trader Joes. If I find a better apartment in this area, I'll probably start in the south and look to migrate north once I familiarize myself with the area. I might find myself moving without having a place lined up. In that case, I'd wind up storing my stuff, finding a 1 month rental, and taking my time to seek out an apartment all my own.

[safetywire]

75th and Ward Parkway is a great option. Very popular area. A good bit more residential feeling than North Kansas City, which has somewhat of an industrial vibe to it. I think the bike ride to downtown will be all uphill in the morning ride to work though if that is important. I couldn't do it every day for sure.... That being said, if you get a place on a bus line, I believe the Kansas City bus line has bike racks on the front of the buses. Maybe you could catch the bus to work in the morning, and ride home in the evening? Definite option. At one point there was talk of making KCMO buses free to ride so that might be a good option for you.