Uggh! Please help me decide which area in KC. (Kansas City: houses, neighborhood)

[maragrigsby]

Okay, I live here in Kansas City and have for the last 10 years. I live in South KC around 135th and Holmes. We are looking to buy our first home and we absolutely cannot decide between two areas. Waldo or Red Bridge (South KC) Here is how I see it. Red Bridge is very safe and quiet. You really can't go wrong in this area, except that it seems very boring. But I LOVE Brookside and Waldo; Waldo being more affordable for us. The houses have more character and it just feels more like a community. You always see people out walking their dogs and kids playing. I'm just afraid we will move there and it won't be all that I think it is. Will I be giving up the "safe" and comfortable feel of Red Bridge? Will I feel comfortable with my kids playing outside in Waldo? I have a 2 year old and a 15 year old. We have looked at a couple of houses around 73rd and Washington area that are actually pretty affordable and the street really felt good, like a neighborhood. But I just don't know. I am soooo torn. Not to mention, everything we do is out South. I would still have to drive a good 15 minutes out South for hair appts, football practice, private school, etc. Would it be worth it. My heart just keeps being drawn towards the Waldo area. I am always driving around there to get coffee, eat out, etc because I love the way it feels. Can anyone give me any advice? Does anyone live in either areas? Thanks!

Mara

[orchid__hunter]

There is nothing unsafe about Waldo. I don't live there (I live in South Hyde Park) but I'm very familiar with it and have many friends who live in the area. My father works in Brookside. It's completely safe, and you're right, the houses are neat there.

[Lolls]

Orchid is right, Waldo is great. We bought Brookside but almost bought Waldo and would be happy there as well. We know so many great people from there - wonderful place to raise your family, lots of funky cool shops and independently, locally own places at that. People are relaxed and friendly.

I go nuts over some of the home styles - gorgeous little gingerbread houses - you'll see what I mean when you tour about looking for a home.

Waldo is lovely.

(Red bridge is also very nice, but I don't know it well enough to add anything)