Where woudl you live-JOHNSON COUNTY (Overland Park, Kansas City: best cities, houses, established neighborhood)

[trudie]

okay, so we are relocating for a job in Merriam, we have to live in the state of Kansas. I am currently in South Sioux City, Nebraska-it is pretty much a pit. I am very much looking forward to getting back to a more metropolitan area. I used to live in Chicago, so I am okay with big cities and subdivisions and what not. The only thing is that I now have two kids, 7 and 8, so schools are a priority. I have a friend who said that the Desoto district is just "packed" also, I am afraid of having a kid who end ups feeling totally like an outcast because we are not wealthy.
I am okay with older established neighborhoods and do not want to spend over $240,00. Any suggestions on a family friendly subdivision/city would be appreciated. In addition, I really would not want to have more than a 30 minute commute.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by trudie

okay, so we are relocating for a job in Merriam, we have to live in the state of Kansas. I am currently in South Sioux City, Nebraska-it is pretty much a pit. I am very much looking forward to getting back to a more metropolitan area. I used to live in Chicago, so I am okay with big cities and subdivisions and what not. The only thing is that I now have two kids, 7 and 8, so schools are a priority. I have a friend who said that the Desoto district is just "packed" also, I am afraid of having a kid who end ups feeling totally like an outcast because we are not wealthy.
I am okay with older established neighborhoods and do not want to spend over $240,00. Any suggestions on a family friendly subdivision/city would be appreciated. In addition, I really would not want to have more than a 30 minute commute.

If you are looking for a more established neighborhood in a solid school system I would look inside the I-435 loop in Johnson County. Northern portions of Overland Park, portions of Lenexa, Shawnee, Prairie Village, and old Leawood are inside the loop. Prices range widely depending on the neighborhood, location, etc. The school district is Shawnee Mission which is well regarded with many AP courses available to take, extra curriculars, etc.
I am not the best at remembering neighborhoods, but I like Brookridge in Overland Park. It is a well established area with many friendly people, and solidly constructed houses. My grandparents lived in that area for around 20 years ago, and they had excellent neighbors.
With the housing market the way it is you should not have a hard time finding a 3 bedroom 2 bath house with 2000sq feet for under 250K.
Good luck, and if you have any additional questions please ask.
GraniteStater
A former KC metro area resident for over 20 years.

[Samantha S]

I agree with the above post.

I have lived in Johnson County for 19 years now. We live in Shawnee, just west of 435, so my kids are in the Desoto school district.

It certainly has grown rapidly, but the schools are keeping up. I am quite content with my kids' elementary school and a bond issue just passed to allow expansion of the high school, so I certainly wouldn't call it over-crowded.

But the Shawnee Mission schools are also very good, would put you closer to work and in a nice affordable area.

[luzianne]

Originally Posted by Samantha S

I agree with the above post.

I have lived in Johnson County for 19 years now. We live in Shawnee, just west of 435, so my kids are in the Desoto school district.

It certainly has grown rapidly, but the schools are keeping up. I am quite content with my kids' elementary school and a bond issue just passed to allow expansion of the high school, so I certainly wouldn't call it over-crowded.

But the Shawnee Mission schools are also very good, would put you closer to work and in a nice affordable area.

Now you went and made me homesick. I grew up out where you live. I lived directly across from Tomahawk Country Club when there weren't 27832387 houses there. There was no Red Oak Hills subdivision, just 3 houses on a lot of acreage and we lived in one of them. My older siblings were in high school and went to Desoto. I went to Greenwood Elementary, but they tore it down a few years ago and built a Wal-Mart there. I have wonderful memories of living out there.

[Samantha S]

Originally Posted by luzianne

Now you went and made me homesick. I grew up out where you live. I lived directly across from Tomahawk Country Club when there weren't 27832387 houses there. There was no Red Oak Hills subdivision, just 3 houses on a lot of acreage and we lived in one of them. My older siblings were in high school and went to Desoto. I went to Greenwood Elementary, but they tore it down a few years ago and built a Wal-Mart there. I have wonderful memories of living out there.

Yes, much has changed! We moved to this area from Overland Park 11 years ago and I thought we were moving to the country! Now the whole area has grown. 5 new elementary schools have been built within the last 10 years -- plus a new middle school and a new high school and they are all full!

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by trudie

okay, so we are relocating for a job in Merriam, we have to live in the state of Kansas. I am currently in South Sioux City, Nebraska-it is pretty much a pit. I am very much looking forward to getting back to a more metropolitan area. I used to live in Chicago, so I am okay with big cities and subdivisions and what not. The only thing is that I now have two kids, 7 and 8, so schools are a priority. I have a friend who said that the Desoto district is just "packed" also, I am afraid of having a kid who end ups feeling totally like an outcast because we are not wealthy.
I am okay with older established neighborhoods and do not want to spend over $240,00. Any suggestions on a family friendly subdivision/city would be appreciated. In addition, I really would not want to have more than a 30 minute commute.

Please look at the Brookridge area of Overland Park. It has SOLIDLY BUILT houses that have big yards, huge trees, and friendly people. Some of my family lived in that area for over 20 years, and it is a very good value compared to the cookie cutter inferior housing construction that has been thrown up in south JOCO over the past few years. With the economy in its current state many people have realized that they do not need the McMansion with a huge amount of SQ footage. Ranch houses have always sold very quickly, and remain popular with many buyers. In the past few decades many builders have gone away from ranch construction and have focused on big sq ft houses to make quick profits. The quality of those newer houses is generally not good at all compared to the construction of several decades ago.

[Johnny Bananas]

Originally Posted by trudie

okay, so we are relocating for a job in Merriam, we have to live in the state of Kansas. I am currently in South Sioux City, Nebraska-it is pretty much a pit. I am very much looking forward to getting back to a more metropolitan area. I used to live in Chicago, so I am okay with big cities and subdivisions and what not. The only thing is that I now have two kids, 7 and 8, so schools are a priority. I have a friend who said that the Desoto district is just "packed" also, I am afraid of having a kid who end ups feeling totally like an outcast because we are not wealthy.
I am okay with older established neighborhoods and do not want to spend over $240,00. Any suggestions on a family friendly subdivision/city would be appreciated. In addition, I really would not want to have more than a 30 minute commute.

Moving here closer to Merriam will be an easy adjustment. It's not too big or too small. Overland Park is pretty much the biggest city closest to Merriam (approx. 120,000) people last time I checked but may be a little more now.

DeSoto is a good school district in about west of Shawnee close to I-435 and K-10/K-7. It is a smaller school district but expanding. The city is not as big and crowded as the Merriam area is.

I would recommend looking into the Shawnee Mission School District as I graduated recently from there and took several AP courses and was involved with extracurricular activities. As for the people in the DeSoto, I couldn't tell you much. The SMSD; it varies depending on which area you decide to live in. Each of the areas really has it own... personality if you will.

Some cities to look into area:
-Shawnee
-Overland Park (the biggest; more high-class and named one of the best cities to live in)
-Olathe (a bit farther about more than 30 minutes)
-DeSoto

Merriam is not that close to a highway but can easily be accessed with several major roads like Metcalf (I-635) or Shawnee Mission Parkway.

Overall, you could look into all of Johnson County north of Olathe (435 preferably) and live comfortably here in.

Let us know how everything goes or if you have any other questions.

Best of luck,
John

P.S. Granite Stater is a great source so ask him any questions and he'll be able to give you more resources.

[shannonMD]

HI, I just moved back to Michigan from Kansas. I lived in Overland Park and was very close to all shopping, etc. About 30 minutes from downtown Kansas City. My subdivision was situated right in the heart of the newer area of OP. 115th & Metcalf. The subdivision is called Summercrest and house ranges are from 215, 000 - 260,000. Very nice homes and very safe neighborhood.

I lived there for 2 years and was close to my work and felt very safe and secure where I lived. I have my house listed there currently, but its at 259,900, so I know that was not what your looking for, but there are other houses you should check out. I know a great realtor if your interested as well.

Thanks and good luck with your move.

SMD.

[gwander]

Look at any of the neighborhoods with schools that feed into Shawnee Mission South High School.
I know you will find many homes in the price range you are looking at. (Diemer Elementary, Trailwood Elementary, Brookridge Elementary, Rosehill Elementary... There are a few more... I can't remember all the names) Lovely family oriented neighborhoods. Safe. Good place to be. You would be 10-15 minutes away from work in Merriam.

[Johnny Bananas]

Originally Posted by gwander

Look at any of the neighborhoods with schools that feed into Shawnee Mission South High School.
I know you will find many homes in the price range you are looking at. (Diemer Elementary, Trailwood Elementary, Brookridge Elementary, Rosehill Elementary... There are a few more... I can't remember all the names) Lovely family oriented neighborhoods. Safe. Good place to be. You would be 10-15 minutes away from work in Merriam.

Just have to say it but South is my high school rival: Shawnee Mission East. I'll add on a bit more: South is little more upscale and closer to the heart of Johnson County. If you want the education then go there (well of course go to the elementary schools and they'll prep you pretty good for South). East was a huge transition just because I was living in the Northwest/North boundary lines but East offered some good ones. I graduated two years ago and South has become much better IMO.