Warrensburg area?? (Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit: real estate, ob-gyn, credit)

[wktully]

My husband and I with our young son (21 mos) are considering a move to the Warrensburg area. My husband has two older daughters (21&18) who live in Concordia & LaMonte and we would like to live closer to them. We currently live in Mass out by Cape Cod. What can anyone tell me about the Warrensburg & surrounding areas for cost of living, schools, employment. My husband is an electrician and I am an operations manager. What are the wages/job market like for a management or electrician position?

Thanks for the help!!

[Versatile]

As a skilled electrician i think he will find work with little problem. A college town for sure and i think a good place to raise kids. As for wages i cannot say. Most likely will need to be in a Union to get the high pay. Living cost are comparable to Kansas City. Where to find them i don't know. Many people live in Warrensburg commute to the Kansas City area which is about 50 miles away but i doubt that he will have to. Whiteman AFB is very near and he might find work there.

[SchoolDistrictSLP]

I have lived in Warrensburg MO for 13 years. I came as a freshman in college, met my husband (who was in the military at the time) and never left.

The area is growing rapidly!! The school district is fully accredited and has an excellent reputation....especially the SpEd Dept. The buildings are not new, but the quality of instruction and teachers are top notch. The district has purchased land and is planning to begin building a new school in the next 2-3 years.

There are many opportunities and services here for families. There are 4 Dance Studios/Tumbling/Cheer facilities; the large community center (about 8 years old) has an excellent indoor pool that caters to small children - slides/fountains/etc. Our outdoor pool is nothing special. Along w/ the community center providing lots of family activities and sports programs for the kids, the University also provides excellent camps for the little ones (soccer/etc). There is always a sports game to attend w/ the university in town. The theatre at the University has many concerts/musicals/plays/etc.

The Medical District here is good. The hospital has recently remodeled and added on. Overall, there are mixed reviews about the hospital here. I've had two babies in this hospital and was always VERY pleased and felt safe.

Along w/ family practice, there are MANY Med. Specialists - ENT, OB-GYN, Orthopedic, off the top of my head.

The shopping is a little lacking, but there is a HUGE shopping center going up right now --- I could tell you what I've HEARD is coming in, but it would only be rumor coming from me.

Restaurants in town - besides typical fast food - include Applebees, Rib Crib, Quiznos, GoodCents, Copper Coyote (TexMex) There are quite a few locally owned restaurants as well. This is another area that is lacking in our town, but hopefully w/ the shopping going up, we'll see more restaurants.

One thing that seems to be a negative in our town is that Ranch style houses seem to be harder to find. It's what most people want, and many of the homes here are split level. There ARE ranches (we live in one) - but I've heard that they are harder to find. The real estate here was exploding a year or two ago --- it has tapered off recently - but we are still growing.

I would have to disagree w/ the previous poster who stated that the COL was comparable to KC. Houses in KC are STUPID EXPENSIVE. We bought our home 4 years ago. It is 3000 square feet - large eat in kitchen - 2 car garage finished basement, huge master suite on .75 acres - and paid 160,000 for it. ANything under 200 in KC is unheard of -- unless it's a pit in a crummy neighborhood.

In terms of specifically where to live in town.....GENERALLY, I would stay EAST of 13 highway (which goes straight through the middle of town). (unless you are wanting an older victorian home which there are some beautiful ones!) There ARE some really nice areas that are in the SW corner of Warrensburg, though.

Don't be afraid to look right outside of Warrensburg - North and South. There are MANY subdivisions (we live in one) RIGHT outside the city limits -- and the taxes are cheaper...and the yards are usually much bigger as well!!

There are many churches here. 3-4 of them have just recently finished or are currently adding on/refurbishing due to rapid growth. One of the churches has a HUGE youth dept - they have their own 2-3 story building w/ a cute restaurant/cafe in it - an INCREDIBLE program specifically designed w/ kids in mind.

If you look at a map --- DD highway - which runs East and West on the SE part of town has a really nice walking trail that is about 2 miles long - there are ALWAYS people riding/walking/running up and down that trail.

Although KC is about an hour away, Lee's Summit is slightly closer - and has EVERYTHING that you need in terms of malls, children's activities/lmuseums, etc. Though, you will have to drive deep into KC for the closest Zoo -- but I still made it in slightly over an hour.

I would like to think that the people here are nice --- We are so used to people coming in and out w/ the military base neighboring our town and the university here. Most of the "townies" are the older people. Most people here in the 30-50 range haven't been here in Warrensburg forever.

MANY military families come back here to stay after getting orders somewhere else. They retire or get out of the military and come back to this area because they like it so much.

I hope some of this info has helped - if I can answer any ?'s for you, I would be happy to!!!

[David Alkins]

Your message about nice areas to live in Warrensburg and where you mentioned that you bought a 3000 square foot home for $160,000 four years ago sounds great. I'm looking to relocate back there and the realtors I've been talking to are sending me MLS listings where the homes (ranch style & ½ plus acre) with 1700 to 1800 square feet are well over $200,000.
Could you tell me the names of some of these subdivisions that you referred to as being right outside of Warrensburg's city limits? Especially some of the one's that have the larger yards.

[SchoolDistrictSLP]

I'd rather not give specific names of subdivisions....but tell your realtor that you are interested in looking for a house right on the edge of - or right outside city limits. That should direct you to most of the areas that I am referring to and will also have large yards...

When we looked, we stayed away from new....it seems that the yards and bedrooms were especially small.

when I quoted "3000 ft." that was including the partly finished basement...don't know if that matters or not.

Good luck!

[mom-from-missouri]

Warrensburg schools are ok--I taught in one. However, if you want an excellant school, try Johnson County Christian Academy in Centerview. That is where my children go. Its 7 miles out of town. Small classes, more attention and they also learn values. Kids there are 1 1/2 grades ahead on their testing over the public school district.
Its a college town, so the police report is rather long compared to other towns the same size. I can also tell you from a previous job I used to hold, that the rapes are not published in the paper. Due to the college and base nearby, they are high-about 1 every 2 weeks that are reported and come into the emergency room. but, they don't make it to the newspaper. It is also in Johnson County, which ranks fairly high in the state for drugs (mainly meth) production.

[subby1106]

Hi,

I just read your comment. I greatly appreciate it.
I am going to move the Warrensburg next year based on my husband's job. My concern is school district. One lady posted "Johnson County Christian Academy in Centerview" is one of the excellent schools. I am not sure what you think of this.
If you have any idea, could you please let me know. My daughter and son are 5 years and 3 years old. My daughter will start 1 st grade next year.
Please please help me out.
Thank you so much.

Originally Posted by SchoolDistrictSLP

I have lived in Warrensburg MO for 13 years. I came as a freshman in college, met my husband (who was in the military at the time) and never left.

The area is growing rapidly!! The school district is fully accredited and has an excellent reputation....especially the SpEd Dept. The buildings are not new, but the quality of instruction and teachers are top notch. The district has purchased land and is planning to begin building a new school in the next 2-3 years.

There are many opportunities and services here for families. There are 4 Dance Studios/Tumbling/Cheer facilities; the large community center (about 8 years old) has an excellent indoor pool that caters to small children - slides/fountains/etc. Our outdoor pool is nothing special. Along w/ the community center providing lots of family activities and sports programs for the kids, the University also provides excellent camps for the little ones (soccer/etc). There is always a sports game to attend w/ the university in town. The theatre at the University has many concerts/musicals/plays/etc.

The Medical District here is good. The hospital has recently remodeled and added on. Overall, there are mixed reviews about the hospital here. I've had two babies in this hospital and was always VERY pleased and felt safe.

Along w/ family practice, there are MANY Med. Specialists - ENT, OB-GYN, Orthopedic, off the top of my head.

The shopping is a little lacking, but there is a HUGE shopping center going up right now --- I could tell you what I've HEARD is coming in, but it would only be rumor coming from me.

Restaurants in town - besides typical fast food - include Applebees, Rib Crib, Quiznos, GoodCents, Copper Coyote (TexMex) There are quite a few locally owned restaurants as well. This is another area that is lacking in our town, but hopefully w/ the shopping going up, we'll see more restaurants.

One thing that seems to be a negative in our town is that Ranch style houses seem to be harder to find. It's what most people want, and many of the homes here are split level. There ARE ranches (we live in one) - but I've heard that they are harder to find. The real estate here was exploding a year or two ago --- it has tapered off recently - but we are still growing.

I would have to disagree w/ the previous poster who stated that the COL was comparable to KC. Houses in KC are STUPID EXPENSIVE. We bought our home 4 years ago. It is 3000 square feet - large eat in kitchen - 2 car garage finished basement, huge master suite on .75 acres - and paid 160,000 for it. ANything under 200 in KC is unheard of -- unless it's a pit in a crummy neighborhood.

In terms of specifically where to live in town.....GENERALLY, I would stay EAST of 13 highway (which goes straight through the middle of town). (unless you are wanting an older victorian home which there are some beautiful ones!) There ARE some really nice areas that are in the SW corner of Warrensburg, though.

Don't be afraid to look right outside of Warrensburg - North and South. There are MANY subdivisions (we live in one) RIGHT outside the city limits -- and the taxes are cheaper...and the yards are usually much bigger as well!!

There are many churches here. 3-4 of them have just recently finished or are currently adding on/refurbishing due to rapid growth. One of the churches has a HUGE youth dept - they have their own 2-3 story building w/ a cute restaurant/cafe in it - an INCREDIBLE program specifically designed w/ kids in mind.

If you look at a map --- DD highway - which runs East and West on the SE part of town has a really nice walking trail that is about 2 miles long - there are ALWAYS people riding/walking/running up and down that trail.

Although KC is about an hour away, Lee's Summit is slightly closer - and has EVERYTHING that you need in terms of malls, children's activities/lmuseums, etc. Though, you will have to drive deep into KC for the closest Zoo -- but I still made it in slightly over an hour.

I would like to think that the people here are nice --- We are so used to people coming in and out w/ the military base neighboring our town and the university here. Most of the "townies" are the older people. Most people here in the 30-50 range haven't been here in Warrensburg forever.

MANY military families come back here to stay after getting orders somewhere else. They retire or get out of the military and come back to this area because they like it so much.

I hope some of this info has helped - if I can answer any ?'s for you, I would be happy to!!!

[wktully]

Originally Posted by subby1106

Hi,

I just read your comment. I greatly appreciate it.
I am going to move the Warrensburg next year based on my husband's job. My concern is school district. One lady posted "Johnson County Christian Academy in Centerview" is one of the excellent schools. I am not sure what you think of this.
If you have any idea, could you please let me know. My daughter and son are 5 years and 3 years old. My daughter will start 1 st grade next year.
Please please help me out.
Thank you so much.

I was the original OP in this thread back in 2/2007 and I do now live in Warrensburg - purchased a home end of FEB 08. My son is 3 yrs old and he just recently started attending The Learning Express for preschool/daycare. I did lots of research into the local daycares and found this to be the best one - got lots of good references from current parents. Several others in town were just plain scary when I visited and also got poor reviews from parents. So far he really likes it

As to the notes below I can concur that there are a lot of things to do here in town with regards to family activites and stuff for the kids. Shopping is still lacking and the alleged shopping mall is still not built - haven't seen building activity there since we moved here although I did read some permits were released and it was mentioned they were putting in a 10 movie cinema, bowling alley and other retail shops. Hope it happens as right now you really need to go to Lee's Summit or Independence for decent shopping. Restaurants are OK - Monetti's is our family AND weekly favorite There are no good local breakfast places though if you like breakfast out like we do. The Pine St area of town is working on renovating and revitalizing and so far it is coming along nicely - I read recently they have $800k for this project.

I agree with staying East of 13 at least in town for housing. But outside the city limit is where you'll find land and lower taxes. I live North of town off 13/OO highway and bought 10 acres with house for $140k. Only 5 minutes from town too. Just be careful when buying outside city limits though as building inspections/specifications are not followed which means anyone can do anything and they don't need a permit for it to build or repair!

I moved here from New England and can also agree that the folks here are very friendly. When we first moved in our neighbors stopped on by and introduced themselves, as well as others in the area. I don't know where your coming from but this stuff doesn't happen in New England! Whenever someone finds out I am new to the area the first thing they ALWAYS ask is if I'm military - no, we are not It is cool to see that flying wing go over

Anything else I can help with just let me know!

Originally Posted by SchoolDistrictSLP

IThere are many opportunities and services here for families. There are 4 Dance Studios/Tumbling/Cheer facilities; the large community center (about 8 years old) has an excellent indoor pool that caters to small children - slides/fountains/etc. Our outdoor pool is nothing special. Along w/ the community center providing lots of family activities and sports programs for the kids, the University also provides excellent camps for the little ones (soccer/etc). There is always a sports game to attend w/ the university in town. The theatre at the University has many concerts/musicals/plays/etc.

The shopping is a little lacking, but there is a HUGE shopping center going up right now --- I could tell you what I've HEARD is coming in, but it would only be rumor coming from me.

Restaurants in town - besides typical fast food - include Applebees, Rib Crib, Quiznos, GoodCents, Copper Coyote (TexMex) There are quite a few locally owned restaurants as well. This is another area that is lacking in our town, but hopefully w/ the shopping going up, we'll see more restaurants.


In terms of specifically where to live in town.....GENERALLY, I would stay EAST of 13 highway (which goes straight through the middle of town). (unless you are wanting an older victorian home which there are some beautiful ones!) There ARE some really nice areas that are in the SW corner of Warrensburg, though.

Don't be afraid to look right outside of Warrensburg - North and South. There are MANY subdivisions (we live in one) RIGHT outside the city limits -- and the taxes are cheaper...and the yards are usually much bigger as well!!


I would like to think that the people here are nice --- We are so used to people coming in and out w/ the military base neighboring our town and the university here. Most of the "townies" are the older people. Most people here in the 30-50 range haven't been here in Warrensburg forever.

MANY military families come back here to stay after getting orders somewhere else. They retire or get out of the military and come back to this area because they like it so much.