Possible relo to Kansas City... (Overland Park, Leavenworth: low crime, house, safe area)

[sparksharp]

It is very possible that my husband and I may be relocating to the Kansas City area soon. His job would be with General Motors in Fairfax and I've been trying to research some of the neighborhoods that would be under a 30 minute commute for him.

In my research I rather liked what I've read about Johnson County, but was wondering if the commute to Fairfax would be in that "all important under 30 minute range".

We are both 52 years old and the kids are grown...so being in an area with lots of small children really wouldn't appeal too much to us. Also, we're looking for a really safe, convenient neighborhood that we could possibly take a walk in with no worries. Shopping convenience is up on the list as well, although we really don't want to be in too congested of an area traffic wise.

The price point for a house would be anywhere from 250,000 to 350,000. Basically we're looking for at least a half an acre on a tree lined street (if possible) in a low crime area with nicer, well maintained homes. I'm open to either an existing home or new construction.

If Johnson County isn't an option within the 30 minute commute range, could some of you possibly make some suggestions on some neighborhoods that fit this description that would be closer to the desired commute time?

Thank you!

[thriftylefty]

You might look at North Kansas City

[sparksharp]

Originally Posted by thriftylefty

You might look at North Kansas City

Thank you for responding!

I really didn't like what I read about Leavenworth County...they have a ton of prisons up there and the safety thing concerns me.

But...did you have any particular neighborhoods in mind up that way? I'd be willing to check them out online.

[GraniteStater]

Look at North Kansas City or KC, MO neighborhoods in Platte County.

[sparksharp]

Originally Posted by GraniteStater

Look at North Kansas City or KC, MO neighborhoods in Platte County.

Ok...I've heard that MO. doesn't have nearly as good of city services as Kansas does...is that true? Or no?

I've read good things about Platte County though...is all of that county in MO?

[sparksharp]

The crime data on this link really raises a red flag about North Kansas.

http://www.city-data.com/city/North-...-Missouri.html

For 2007...the crime index for North Kansas was 656.5...well above the National Average of 320.9. Those numbers really raise a red flag in my mind.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by sparksharp

Ok...I've heard that MO. doesn't have nearly as good of city services as Kansas does...is that true? Or no?

I've read good things about Platte County though...is all of that county in MO?

Platte County is suburban with a KC, MO address. It is a safe area with good schools. Platte County is also one of the wealthiest in the state of MO.

[sparksharp]

Originally Posted by GraniteStater

Platte County is suburban with a KC, MO address. It is a safe area with good schools. Platte County is also one of the wealthiest in the state of MO.

At the risk of sounding like a snob, that's important to me!

I also want a very low rate of poverty in the county that we choose.

The reason this is so important to me now is that currently and for the last 20 years, I've lived in a small town about 45 miles south of Nashville that is anything but "progressive". Everybody complains about the smallest of tax increases...even if the payoff would be huge. Anyway...I guess I'm just tired of dealing with that type of mentality.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by sparksharp

At the risk of sounding like a snob, that's important to me!

I also want a very low rate of poverty in the county that we choose.

The reason this is so important to me now is that currently and for the last 20 years, I've lived in a small town about 45 miles south of Nashville that is anything but "progressive". Everybody complains about the smallest of tax increases...even if the payoff would be huge. Anyway...I guess I'm just tired of dealing with that type of mentality.

KC is generally quite pro-growth and not that fiscally conservative. Platte County is one of the fastest growing counties in the metro percentage wise, but still has fewer than 100,000 people. The advantage of Platte County is the easy access to interstates, downtown, and close proximity to the airport.
It is also the most white collar suburban area of KC, MO.
PS: you will also get more responses if you pose this question in the Kansas City subforum as well.

[thriftylefty]

you could even go to Platt woods or Parkville anything along Highway 9 will get you in fairfax, I know people in Raytown, Grandview, Lees summit or Overland Park that have done it for their whole life.
Schooldigger.com -- Search and compare elementary, middle, and high schools. this is a good site to look for the best schools, if you can find the top elementary school in the areas you are looking at, you will prolly be happy with the homes nearby.