Question for KC area residents

[Fire Me Boy!]

Hey... I'm getting ready to sell my house (hopefully SOON) and move up to KC. Can anyone recommend some nice neighborhoods/cities that aren't TOO expensive or terribly far from the Plaza? I've pretty much ruled out Jackson County -- all the property in JaxCo is expensive, then you add on taxes and that's pretty much out of the question. I'm currently looking at Belton, what's everyone think? I don't know the surrounding area very well (in reference to neighborhoods/schools/etc.).

I'm looking for within 20 or so miles of the Plaza. My wife and I don't mind small towns, so that's not a concern, but it MUST be in Missouri.

Thanks in advance for any info!

[Bowser]

How much are you looking to spend on a new house?

[Phobia]

If you're close to the plaze you're going to spend the money repairing an incredibly rundown house or spend the money on something that has already been restored. Based upon what you have already shared with me, it's going to be hard for you.

Belton is a very nice, growing community. But even Belton isn't cheap.

FWIW, Grandview is on an upswing. Plus it's a lot closer than Belton.

[kepp]

Hey... I'm getting ready to sell my house (hopefully SOON) and move up to KC. Can anyone recommend some nice neighborhoods/cities that aren't TOO expensive or terribly far from the Plaza? I've pretty much ruled out Jackson County -- all the property in JaxCo is expensive, then you add on taxes and that's pretty much out of the question. I'm currently looking at Belton, what's everyone think? I don't know the surrounding area very well (in reference to neighborhoods/schools/etc.).

I'm looking for within 20 or so miles of the Plaza. My wife and I don't mind small towns, so that's not a concern, but it MUST be in Missouri.

Thanks in advance for any info!
I live in southern Platte country - basically between Gladstone and Liberty, close to Barry road - and work on the Plaza. According to my odometer, its and 18 mile drive. We checked out other places and found this to be one of the best value areas.

Do you have school-aged kids? If so, I would reccomend getting into the Liberty or Park Hill districts. Not that Platte schools aren't as good, but its going to be a little bit of a drive for us in a few years.

[Dartgod]

Hey... I'm getting ready to sell my house (hopefully SOON) and move up to KC. Can anyone recommend some nice neighborhoods/cities that aren't TOO expensive or terribly far from the Plaza? I've pretty much ruled out Jackson County -- all the property in JaxCo is expensive, then you add on taxes and that's pretty much out of the question. I'm currently looking at Belton, what's everyone think? I don't know the surrounding area very well (in reference to neighborhoods/schools/etc.).

I'm looking for within 20 or so miles of the Plaza. My wife and I don't mind small towns, so that's not a concern, but it MUST be in Missouri.

Thanks in advance for any info!
You come anywhere near Belton and I'll kick your ass! :cuss:



j/k, Belton is a pretty nice town. I've been here for 7+ years now, and it is experiencing a lot of growth. They do a good job with being pro-active with the infrastructure (building or improving roads before residential or retail development). It's not the trailer trash town it used to be.

The last two or three years have seen a lot of retail development and they have been building new schools like crazy. I'm not sure how highly their schools are rated academically, I'm sure that info is available somewhere.

As far as proximity to the Plaza, you would be quite a ways south, but the Bruce Watkins Parkway will get you there pretty quick. I can get to downtown KC from Belton in 15-20 minutes in most circumstances.

[wutamess]

Could always come to Raytown.
Best bang for your buck.

[Phobia]

Could always come to Raytown.
Best bang for your buck.

He's not even wanting to spend Raytown money.

[Dartgod]

But even Belton isn't cheap.This is true. Property values and taxes are on the rise. Same with Raymore. Their property taxes are even higher.

Peculiar might be worth a look. It's only 6 miles south of Belton and the property values are much more reasonable. It is a smaller town, but has also experienced significant growth the last few years.

[wutamess]

He's not even wanting to spend Raytown money.

In that case... good luck with that.

[Skip Towne]

I'm thinking of moving to KC. Where is the trailor trash section?

[Dartgod]

I'm thinking of moving to KC. Where is the trailor trash section?
There are still areas in Belton. Like the row of duplexes behind my house. :cuss:

[Skip Towne]

There are still areas in Belton. Like the row of duplexes behind my house. :cuss:
That sounds good. If I can get in there I can throw my trash over the fence.

[Dartgod]

That sounds good. If I can get in there I can throw my trash over the fence.You'll fit in perfectly with your neighbors then.

The first time I mowed this year, I found four empty beer bottles and an empty JD bottle in the yard.

Oh, BTW, it will help if you have a bunch of screaming kids and a couple of dogs that roam free around the neighborhood.

[SLAG]

if you really want trashy there is always edwardsville

[Phobia]

You'll fit in perfectly with your neighbors then.

The first time I mowed this year, I found four empty beer bottles and an empty JD bottle in the yard.

And you're blaming that on the neighbors? Heh heh.

[savedin79]

Anywhere on Prospect or Troost is pretty nice, cheap too!

[chiefqueen]

Anywhere on Prospect or Troost is pretty nice, cheap too!

...only if you want to dramatically shorten your life expectancy.

[Fire Me Boy!]

He's not even wanting to spend Raytown money.
Not necessarily true. A lot, LOT, has changed since I talked with you last. At the time, I didn't want to spend what you were talking about to make upgrades to my house... I'm talking about getting rid of that house and buying a different one.

As far as price goes, I need to stick under $150K. I don't have kids now, but we want to have kids and plan to be in the area for a while, so it's a consideration, albeit a minor one.

[wutamess]

Not necessarily true. A lot, LOT, has changed since I talked with you last. At the time, I didn't want to spend what you were talking about to make upgrades to my house... I'm talking about getting rid of that house and buying a different one.

As far as price goes, I need to stick under $150K. I don't have kids now, but we want to have kids and plan to be in the area for a while, so it's a consideration, albeit a minor one.

Welcome to Raytown neighbor :thumb:

[Phobia]

Oh - well, sorry about that. $150k puts you just about anywhere you want to be in a nice ranch or split entry.

I know several houses for sale by owner in Raytown that might meet your needs.

[redbrian]

Now is a good time to buy in the Northland (Clay or Platte County).

Property values are starting to creep up, but you can still find affordable housing in either county.

You have good school districts (can't go wrong with anyone of them).

North Kansas City
Parkville
Liberty

Your about 15-20 min away from anything you need to get to;

Plazza
Downtown (on the verge of become a major entertainment destination)
Truman Sports Complex

If your looking for a small town feel, Parkville has a very dynamic downtown and the housing runs from fixer uppers to the upper crust (National Golf Course).

[Fire Me Boy!]

Oh - well, sorry about that. $150k puts you just about anywhere you want to be in a nice ranch or split entry.

I know several houses for sale by owner in Raytown that might meet your needs.
That's what I thought. :harumph:

Which brings me back to my original question, where to go, where to go. So, who wants my massive DVD collection in their town?

[wutamess]

That's what I thought. :harumph:

Which brings me back to my original question, where to go, where to go. So, who wants my massive DVD collection in their town?

Have any Kobe Tai flicks?

[CoMoChief]

Everywhere is growing and costing more in terms of property value around the KC area. It's gonna be hard to find something that youre looking for.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Nope, but my collection of Japanese porn is pretty extensive.

[CoMoChief]

Have any Kobe Tai flicks?


Cmon you can do better than that. She's ****ing gross man.

[chiefqueen]

Be careful if you buy in Raytown or Independence, some sections of those cities are actually in the KCMO school district.

[wutamess]

Cmon you can do better than that. She's ****ing gross man.

And who might your favorite be?

[Fire Me Boy!]

Be careful if you buy in Raytown or Independence, some sections of those cities are actually in the KCMO school district.
I've noticed that while looking at some of the listings.

[MOhillbilly]

but it MUST be in Missouri.





GHAHA **** YOU KANSAS!!!! YOUR STATE SUCKS MAPHRODITE TESTIES!!!

[phisherman]

try lee's summit...

it's kinda pricey, but also a great investment, since the average yearly assessment increase is somewhere around 8-10%

bp

[Fire Me Boy!]

GHAHA **** YOU KANSAS!!!! YOUR STATE SUCKS MAPHRODITE TESTIES!!!
My problem with Kansas is my wife and I both work in Missouri -- we don't want to pay state taxes in both states.

[Mark M]

The problem with your request is the proximity to the Plaza -- not a lot of places close to the Plaza for that price that you'd want to live.

There may be some spots in Platte County (north of the river), but not sure.

The Mrs. and I live in northeast Independence -- actually, unincorporated Jackson County, but an Independence addy and Fort Osage schools, which are pretty good -- and paid $150K on the nose for a 1,800 sq ft., 3BR, 3BA house that's under five years old.

It's a front to back split, so it's amazingly open on the inside. And it backs up to a creek (that will only flood in rains of Biblical proportions), woods, and a 2,000 acre corn and soybean farm.

There're 26 kids just in our cul-de-sac, it's quiet, folks keep their houses up and ... well, just couldn’t ask for much more.

The only complaint I have is the commute to the Plaza where I work. Takes about 40 minutes or so. But that’s the price I’m willing to pay ... especially since we've only been in our house since last Oct. and could put it on the market tomorrow for about $180,000.

MM
~~:)

[Dartgod]

My problem with Kansas is my wife and I both work in Missouri -- we don't want to pay state taxes in both states.My wife and I live in MO and work in KS. We only pay taxes in KS. We have to file MO forms, but get credit for tax paid to another state.

I'm assuming that it would work the same if you lived in KS and worked in MO.

[Fire Me Boy!]

The problem with your request is the proximity to the Plaza -- not a lot of places close to the Plaza for that price that you'd want to live.

There may be some spots in Platte County (north of the river), but not sure.

The Mrs. and I live in northeast Independence -- actually, unincorporated Jackson County, but an Independence addy and Fort Osage schools, which are pretty good -- and paid $150K on the nose for a 1,800 sq ft., 3BR, 3BA house that's under five years old.

It's a front to back split, so it's amazingly open on the inside. And it backs up to a creek (that will only flood in rains of Biblical proportions), woods, and a 2,000 acre corn and soybean farm.

There're 26 kids just in our cul-de-sac, it's quiet, folks keep their houses up and ... well, just couldn’t ask for much more.

The only complaint I have is the commute to the Plaza where I work. Takes about 40 minutes or so. But that’s the price I’m willing to pay ... especially since we've only been in our house since last Oct. and could put it on the market tomorrow for about $180,000.

MM
~~:)
I'd be willing to move farther away from the Plaza if the place/price were right. I work there and part of the reason I'm moving is to get closer... if I'm driving 40 miles one-way to get to work, I might as well not move.

[RockChalk]

dartgod is right, you would have to file in both states, but the amount owing would be very very small

i have several clients that live in kansas and work in missouri and it comes out about even as far as tax liability goes.

[Mark M]

I'd be willing to move farther away from the Plaza if the place/price were right. I work there and part of the reason I'm moving is to get closer... if I'm driving 40 miles one-way to get to work, I might as well not move.

I think we're about 26 miles one way from the Plaza.

My goal is to convince my company to let me telecommute. As a writer, I see no reason at all for me to have to be there everyday.

MM
~~:grovel:

[Dartgod]

dartgod is right, you would have to file in both states, but the amount owing would be very very small

i have several clients that live in kansas and work in missouri and it comes out about even as far as tax liability goes.
The amount I owe MO every year is $0. If it comes out differently, you figured it wrong.

[KC Kings]

We just moved last summer, and we looked at almost 100 houses in different area all over the KC metro, from Olathe to Libert, Parkville to Raymore.

We ended up moving to Kansas City in Clay County with Liberty schools. The Star recently did a "best of" series, and Liberty was number 6 overall and they ha
d the #1 elementary reading scores and #2 elementary math. We have friends from all over the metro and it is amazing how far ahead my kindergartener is compared to friends from other cities.

On 291 between I-35 and 435 there is a wife variety of price ranges, from 130's to 400+. The milage might be a little more than you are looking for, but I drive to downtown KCK to work, 24 miles and it takes about 30 minutes. It would take me the same time to get to Raytown which was only 11 miles away before we moved. During rush hour, every 2 northland miles equals 1 south of the river mile, and .75 OP miles. Those are made up numbers, but with traffic congestion they are pretty close to being true.

Not to mention the yard sizes in the northland seemed to be larger, and the price of the houses are cheaper also. We were down to 2 house, one in Olathe 2,100 sqft, 4 bed, 2.5 bath, 2 car garage, and one in Liberty 2,400, 4 bed, 3 bath, 3 car garage, 1 year old on a corner lot. The one in Liberty was $15k less, plus the house had a lot more upgrade, bigger pool, lower HOA dues, and less taxes. I had only been up north a few times before we moved there, and we really like it.

[Fire Me Boy!]

We're definitely looking north, too. We're looking all over, really. I should maybe expand my mileage to 20-25 miles. But more than that and it gets to be "what's the point of moving" area.

[gblowfish]

If the Plaza is your goal, here's your options. You can live in South Kansas City, Center or Hickman Mills School district, not KCMO schools. (although Hickman Mills has been declining, both the district and some of the neighborhoods). There's rough areas around Ruskin and Grandview -Bannister Mall area is a hell hole and crime riddled now-.

Actually Western Independence has some nice homes and still has some nice neighborhoods just northeast of the sports complex. The residents of Western Independence are currently working on getting out of the KCMO school district and into Independence. Hopefully that will happen by next year.

Other places to check north of the river: North KC , Claycomo area over by Worlds of Fun or Gladstone.

Lee's Summit or Belton is inflated as there's been more flight from the city to the outskirts. You can get much more house for much less money if you live closer in, but all depends on trade offs.

Also, why discount the Kansas Side? It's very close to the Plaza? You could live in Shawnee Mission or Overland Park or Merriam? All within 20 minutes of the Plaza.

[kcfanXIII]

i'd say blue springs or grain valley. easy to get on the highway and be downtown in about 20 minutes. schools are good too. don't worry about taxes, the fact you don't want to pay them would mean you'd fit right in in tightwad jax co.

i know the area north of the river is blowing up and expanding rapidly. it'd be nice up there too. been a while since i've been to belton, but i know they repaved and expanded 150 highway so the commute to kc would be easier.

[MOhillbilly]

My wife and I live in MO and work in KS. We only pay taxes in KS. We have to file MO forms, but get credit for tax paid to another state.

I'm assuming that it would work the same if you lived in KS and worked in MO.

i would ****ing die before i lived in kansas. Bunch of commies.

[RP_McMurphy]

I just bought in Excelsior Springs and the area is very quiet and nice. On the outskirts of town with a four bedroom, two bath house on a acre for 130,000. I checked in Liberty, Kearney and off 291 but the housing dollar went much further in Excelsior Springs. I can't say anything about the local schools as I have my children in Catholic Schools.

[ChiefFripp]

Mission ,Shawnee , Prairie Village are nice and not to far from The Plaza. OP and Lenexa are kind of expensive though. I grew up in the less expensive northern Overland Park area, and it was/is a nice area.

Oh, Missouri, nvm.

[Donger]

I just bought in Excelsior Springs and the area is very quiet and nice. On the outskirts of town with a four bedroom, two bath house on a acre for 130,000. I checked in Liberty, Kearney and off 291 but the housing dollar went much further in Excelsior Springs. I can't say anything about the local schools as I have my children in Catholic Schools.

$130,000? Jeezus, that wouldn't buy an outhouse on a trailer out here.

[ZepSinger]

Everywhere is growing and costing more in terms of property value around the KC area. It's gonna be hard to find something that youre looking for.

Word. I built a house in De Soto just 3 years ago- the note is for $170k. Market value dictates it's already worth $250k. The property taxes are killin' me... :shake:

[RP_McMurphy]

Hey I drove a helluva bargain and took advantage of a divorcing couple and in the end I got a better bargain.
$130,000? Jeezus, that wouldn't buy an outhouse on a trailer out here.

[Mosbonian]

I just bought in Excelsior Springs and the area is very quiet and nice. On the outskirts of town with a four bedroom, two bath house on a acre for 130,000. I checked in Liberty, Kearney and off 291 but the housing dollar went much further in Excelsior Springs. I can't say anything about the local schools as I have my children in Catholic Schools.

Much as I hate to say it, Ex Springs is about 1/4 the town it used to be. If the city fathers had been a little more progressive a few years back and promoted the town a little more, it might actually be the bedroom community that everyone wanted it to be.

Now it's just a town filled with a lot of empty buildings, an aging school system, and a lot of memories.

mmaddog
*******

[Fire Me Boy!]

What's the general feel of Clay County? Found some property off of NE Barry Road around N. Oak Trafficway... anyone know?

[dtebbe]

One thing to remember (if you have kids) is that property taxes are almost always waaay cheaper than private school tuition.....

DT

[Fire Me Boy!]

One thing to remember (if you have kids) is that property taxes are almost always waaay cheaper than private school tuition.....

DT
We don't have kids yet, but we want them sometime.

[Donger]

We don't have kids yet, but we want them sometime.

You want mine? I'll throw the girl in for free.

[Fire Me Boy!]

You want mine? I'll throw the girl in for free.
ROFL

[BWillie]

Not to hijack this thread, but since we are on the subject, I'm moving to KC ASAP and was wondering if where I-35 & I-29 intersect is a decent area? It seems like a good location, and alot cheaper apartments than down by the plaza and westport.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Not to hijack this thread, but since we are on the subject, I'm moving to KC ASAP and was wondering if where I-35 & I-29 intersect is a decent area? It seems like a good location, and alot cheaper apartments than down by the plaza and westport.
THEN GET YOUR OWN THREAD!!!


Actually, I don't think that's a very good area. And, it's at least partially cheap because it's next to two major interstates -- loud, busy area.

[kepp]

What's the general feel of Clay County? Found some property off of NE Barry Road around N. Oak Trafficway... anyone know?
I live like five minutes from there, west down Barry Road. I really like the area. Pretty ideal as far as shopping/convenience and the home value is among the best we found.

[BigMeatballDave]

If you're close to the plaze you're going to spend the money repairing an incredibly rundown house or spend the money on something that has already been restored. Based upon what you have already shared with me, it's going to be hard for you.

Belton is a very nice, growing community. But even Belton isn't cheap.

FWIW, Grandview is on an upswing. Plus it's a lot closer than Belton.I lived in Belton in the 80's and the early 90's.
Kind of a shithole back then. I know they started to improve the town in the early 90's.

[BigMeatballDave]

I'm thinking of moving to KC. Where is the trailor trash section?In the early 80's it was Green Valley trailer park at the N. end of Belton right next to 71.