Interracial couple researching relocating to KC (Kansas City, St. Louis: to rent, credit rating, how much)

[LookingtoRelocate2011]

My husband and I are combing through various locations for which his job is offering transfers. Kansas City is one of our options. The much lower cost of living (compared to NYC where we are now) is quite a big pull. However, we are wondering if we would be welcomed? Are there certain areas where we won't be able to rent or buy (due to our mix- he's Black/Japanese, I'm Caucasian). We have both great income & credit ratings.

We are looking for a surburban neighborhood perhaps slightly outside of Kansas City that is safe (more trees and parks but still close to major attractions like shopping) with great schools. Any tips on where might be a good place to look. I found some listings on Craigslist but since I don't know the area don't know if they are good neighborhoods.

Although I did a search most of the results were at least a year old. I was wondering if Lee's Summit is still a good choice. Approximately how much do houses go for there. Thanks!

[flynavyj]

I'd recommend Johnson County, KS (overland park area specifically). There's an incredible park system, that composes walking/biking trails that snake between all the parks, and stretches for something like 20 miles (maybe more, it's been a little while). My wife and I lived in JoCo (Olathe,KS) for about a year and never had any issues...all in all, i think that Kansas City area is pretty "open-minded" and seem very west coasty in their way of thinking...that's a generalization, but it seemed more the trend than St. Louis, MO.

[aragx6]

Originally Posted by flynavyj

I'd recommend Johnson County, KS (overland park area specifically). There's an incredible park system, that composes walking/biking trails that snake between all the parks, and stretches for something like 20 miles (maybe more, it's been a little while). My wife and I lived in JoCo (Olathe,KS) for about a year and never had any issues...all in all, i think that Kansas City area is pretty "open-minded" and seem very west coasty in their way of thinking...that's a generalization, but it seemed more the trend than St. Louis, MO.

Everyone has their comfort level, but I'll say Kansas City, especially its desirable suburbs, are not diverse enough for me and my minority SO.

That said, OP, you might well be very happy here, I'd just suggest visiting if you can to get a feel for the area.

What other places are you considering, may I ask?

[LookingtoRelocate2011]

Aragx6- It's tough to visit as until he gets chosen for the new opening we probably won't have a chance to visit. We know we're taking a big risk & I'm trying to talk to some contacts in the real world as well. We're also considering areas in the pacific northwest as some other places.
The area we live now is surprisingly not that diverse but my SO doesn't seem to mind it- more of the looks he gets when he goes certain places & sometimes some things happen when we're together.

[Versatile]

No big deal here at all . Just move here and start living.

[aragx6]

Originally Posted by LookingtoRelocate2011

Aragx6- It's tough to visit as until he gets chosen for the new opening we probably won't have a chance to visit. We know we're taking a big risk & I'm trying to talk to some contacts in the real world as well. We're also considering areas in the pacific northwest as some other places.
The area we live now is surprisingly not that diverse but my SO doesn't seem to mind it- more of the looks he gets when he goes certain places & sometimes some things happen when we're together.

Stick to the metro and I don't believe you'll have any problems. When the SO and I head out to the country for a camping trip, we've had a few, relatively benign, incidents.

Best of luck!

[Samantha S]

Originally Posted by LookingtoRelocate2011

We are looking for a surburban neighborhood perhaps slightly outside of Kansas City that is safe (more trees and parks but still close to major attractions like shopping) with great schools. Any tips on where might be a good place to look.

Johnson County would be a good choice, IMO. Definitely worth looking into for anyone looking for great schools. Blue Valley and Shawnee Mission school districts offer the best in public school education in the metro area. (Other districts are also good, and no school is perfect, this is just my opinion.)

Race shouldn't be a factor for you in JoCo. South JoCo is about as diverse as you will find in an affluent-yet-affordable suburb in this part of the country. There is no place that would not rent or sell to you because of race. That would be illegal. But I can't think of a place that would even be unwelcoming to you because of race.

[flynavyj]

Another note, if being in a more "urban" environment and your funds would allow i have an awful lot of love for the Brookside Community...And also like Waldo. In all honesty, i don't think there are many locations in the Kansas City metro that you or your SO would feel uncomfortable. It'll be a hard pull though between KC and the Pacific Northwest, I've got family in Portland, OR and along the route up to Seattle, WA...absolutely gorgeous part of the country! And in all honesty, outside of the major metros and into the suburbs it's not terribly unaffordable (speaking for Portland) I've seen 3 BR places go in the 150-160's in some of the Eastern Burbs. Good luck in your decision, having multiple job options is always a big + in my book.

[TinaMcG]

Originally Posted by aragx6

Everyone has their comfort level, but I'll say Kansas City, especially its desirable suburbs, are not diverse enough for me and my minority SO.

That said, OP, you might well be very happy here, I'd just suggest visiting if you can to get a feel for the area.

What other places are you considering, may I ask?

Well, I'm in one of those "desirrable suburbs" and I have yet to see any bias against interracial couples, gay or lesbian couples, or interracial-gay couples. I have good friends from Philadelphia; he is black and she is white. They were a little anxious about visiting KC, and since we were also new to the area, I had no idea what they would come up against. They came up against nothing. Their fears were unfounded. People are tolerant here.

So...consider this an advance welcome!

[aragx6]

I didn't say that the SO had experienced any bias in Kansas City's suburbs. All I said is that if diversity is important to the OP (as it is to us) the KC area can be kind of tough.