Independence, Kansas... or Fort Scott (Kansas City, Pittsburg: for sale, crime rate, homes)

[SunnyJeep]

Hubby and I are plotting a move to Kansas, and we've heard some pretty distressing things about Independence, Kansas. Is it really that bad crime wise? What are the safest neighborhoods for middle class incomes?

Would be be better to move on to Fort Scott instead? Same question.... are there some particularly bad streets/neighborhoods to avoid? What are the schools like?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sunny

[Paddy O'Gringo]

Personally, Fort Scott is definitely quieter and calmer. There is a lot of charm in that old town.

Also currently it is a buyers market, (I KNOW!! I have one for sale), in Fort Scott, over 100 homes on the market! For the size of the town, that is a lot.

I like the location. Good distance from KC, Joplin, Pittsburg and Nevada, Mo. Also Ft Scott just got a Super Walmart.

Sadly we were transferred to Phoenix, Az.

[silverhaired51]

Ft. Scott is a small town as the one mentioned. It does have homes for sale. The schools are great also.

I don't know that much about Indpendence, as I like living in small towns and do live in one in the north east part of the state.

Ft. Scott is located in a good area, close to the big cities, bigger stores, etc.

[2005hawk]

Its interesting that you are considering either Independence or Fort Scott. They are at least 90 minutes away from one another, so I would assume you are not making the move for job-related purposes. Both communities are quintessential small Kansas towns. Fort Scott has a lot of history and is older, bu Independence is a little less sleepy and more bustling. Fort Scott is in a much better location, because its only a little over an hour from the Kansas City suburbs. And is close to Joplin, MO (a regional destination).

I dont know about crime in Fort Scott, but there is a higher rate of crime in Independence than typical for a small town. I dont think there is a higher rates of violent crime per se, most of it is likely drug-related. But you can choose to avoid such influences. There arent just random acts of crime in Independence. Surround yourself with good people and you'll be just fine.

[SunnyJeep]

Thanks for all the help. Since I wrote the first post my hubby and I have contacted a realtor in Fort Scott. The taxes in Kansas have kind of spooked us, be we're still looking - and considering.

Hawk, I did research the areas being quite a distance apart. It wouldn't matter so much the location for us as long as it's a safe area. Most work my hubby takes on requires him to travel. We were looking at the amazing properties over there - which are so much more affordable than where we are right now. But now, what with the taxes, we're not sure anymore...

[prairie guy]

Sunny (and hawk) do you have a source to cite about the crime rates you refer to...I'm shocked anyone would be worried about crime in either town. Like all rural Kansas there's a lot of meth but "crime" as one ordinary fears is not a problem in Independence or Fort Scott.

Indy has a quaintness factor with nice older homes too but FS pretty much wins hands down over everyone in that area. FS is much closer to Kansas City though hardly close enough to commute--Indy is far remote to any large city, but perhaps for that reason has a a lot of activity going on (providing their own entertainment.)

The towns are 90 miles apart and a curious pairing--it would make more sense to compare them to towns much closer (ie Fort Scott and Pittsburg).

But it's very true there are numerous smaller communities between, most of which also would be lovely places to live on a "middle class" salary (housing is inexpensive compared to any urban area.)

Good luck on your search.

[Paddy O'Gringo]

Originally Posted by SunnyJeep

Hubby and I are plotting a move to Kansas, and we've heard some pretty distressing things about Independence, Kansas. Is it really that bad crime wise? What are the safest neighborhoods for middle class incomes?

Would be be better to move on to Fort Scott instead? Same question.... are there some particularly bad streets/neighborhoods to avoid? What are the schools like?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sunny

Fort Scott is a quaint quiet little town that has a declining population, so property values are low, be careful if you plan on moving in the near future... (I know, I was transferred and still trying to sell my house!!)....

The economy is shifting to a pure service economy and jobs are not high paying. The largest employers in town are the Hospital and the community college.

People are friendly and the crime rate is low. The "Good" areas and "Bad" areas are more opinion than anything else. Few new builds, but there are quite a number of older homes spread around.

Local services are quick and easy... with one exception, trash pickup remains by private contractors and HA HA HA. these people are sort of "trashy". Strongly suggest you discuss with your neughbours who they are using as the service quality varies by area.

I have never in my life registered vehicles, renewed licenses or other functions of this sort easier than I did in Fort Scott.