Moving to KC from Wisconsin, white couple who adopted 4 great black boys

[sheryl_jim]

I don't know what we would do if it was not for the net and being able to do so much research before we go down. Being able to chat with others and get first hand information is priceless.
As soon as these 11 kids (sleep over birthday party) leave tomorrow, I will do the research you all have pointed us towards.

We are so scared to make this change for them and for us. Both my husband and I have lived in the small home town south of Madison for our entire lives (besides college). We love the small town feel and the schools. Being close to Madison, Milwaukee and even Chicago is a bonus when we need to go explore with the kids. The kids are finally realizing that this is really going to happen. Many questions are now being asked and the youngest two asking to sleep in our bed at night. We so want to look out for their best interest and make it easier for them.

As we are looking for homes on line we see that MANY are in home owner associations. Is this common in the area? Our boys are very used to going to the local public pool here and we just pay for each one to have a season pass. I assume many HOA's have pools and this is part of the package?

[couragerqd]

You can look at GreatSchools.net for school information. I love this website as it gives so much information. I totally agree with most regarding NKC - it is a great area with more diversity than many other areas. Liberty is nice, not that diverse but I think it is starting to change, the schools are also great.

Lathrop imo would be a very scary move for your children. I do have a friend who lives not to far from Lathrop in Lawson and her youngest is mixed and she says she feels totally fine with no tension or racism. She says there are many mixed kids there, not black kids, but mixed?? No clue about that just letting you know her experience. Lawson has good schools and my friend who lived in the inner city of KC for a long time said her children have all thrived since moving. She loves it! The drive however is tough especially with gas prices. I don't get a creepy backwoods feel and economically it seems very diverse - it is a cute, affordable town. Honestly I would call the school and talk to them if you really want to explore living outside of the metro area.

Many neighborhoods do have HOA fees and normally that will include pool, parks, trails and making sure people follow the rules like not painting your house purple and orange and maybe trash pickup and possibly snow removal. Most of the time they aren't that much unless it is a townhome in that case the fees can also include your homeowners insurance and lawn care.

I wish you and your family all the luck. I know how hard it is to try to do the best by your children and to constantly worry about every decision you make and wonder about the impact it can have on them. It just means you are a great mom.

All and all I have to say while we have our challenges here it is a really nice, family oriented place that is changing and evolving constantly. I think there is a strong possibility you all will love KC and all that it has to offer.
Take care
Jen

[KCRichard]

Have you visited Kansas City yet? I am a lifelong resident and have lived north of the river for 50 years. We currently live outside of Liberty. I am very active with all of the suburban school districts in the northland. We have been very pleased with the Liberty School District. Feel free to e mail me and I will be happy to give you my opinions of the area and schools.

[kpbluz2]

You should consider Liberty Missouri. The school distric is nice and is highly accredited. Your son will love it. Liberty is great for family living also. It would be closer for you to get to the fair fax gm plant . Im a Ford family and were 10 minutes away from the Ford plant. But you will a have a shorter distance to drive than Lee Summit. matter of fact less traffic.

[kcfan]

I am sorry that you decided against Lee's Summit. I drive a school bus for the district and my children attended all of their years there. They have terrific programs for the special needs kids big and small and we are very diverse here. I could not have chosen a better place for them to grow up!! There are a few snobs, but not enough for it to make a difference, and we have great school sports programs, if your kids do sports. I prefer the south & west end of town, but that would make you commute a bit longer.

[gm jvlle]

to the couple with four kids from wis how do u know u have have 6 mos to trsfer to fairfax do u know something i dont .we put tranfers in and here nothing / talk to me i need info