I have questions about the surrounding Kansas City Metro area
 

I may move my family back to the KC metro to start our new business. I am currently deciding between KC and the Twin Cities. Anyway, I am looking for tax and school info on the surrounding burbs and beyond. The business will be located in either OP or Leawood.

I would like opinions on some of the better up and coming areas, North side of KC, southern OP, Missouri side, Kansas side? Thanks in advance.

Funny...I am moving back to KC [well...Spring Hill, KS] from the TC next week. I am too going to be looking beyond the metro [Kansas side] for housing and all that good stuff...

North of the River is the up and coming part of town. If you want more variety in restaurants and things to do, than south of the River is for you.

Spring Hill is one of my considerations. I haven't been through there in many years.

Hasn't changed much.

Then perhaps it's off the list.

what is your business?

I can't believe this is even a decision, there's no way I'd ever move to the twin cities. I've been there twice and wasn't impressed with anything there. It was nothing more than a big bloated sprawling metropolis full of very large people. Just no redeeming qualities about it whatsoever.

I am going to have to disagree with you here...then again, you have only been up here twice. First off...I am excited to be moving back to KC, the date can not be here soon enough. However, LIVING in both metropolitans I'd have to say the KC metro area is full of plumpers...go figure, the BBQ. While up here, its all about fish. Also, the Twin Cities has one of the top trail systems in the nation. The trails are always packed with runners or cross-country skiers. One could bike from the west metro to the to the new Twins Stadium with no issues...can you bike from Olathe to Kaufman without issues? Plain and simple, the twin cities offers WAY MORE to do in regards to recreational activities.

And sprawl...? Both metros exhibit their share of sprawl...as does EVERY metropolitan area. One thing Minneapolis has going for them in regards to sprawl is their transit system...The "Jo"ke is a total fail in regards to mass transit.

With all that being said...

I just can't wait to move back to KC, get fat on some BBQ, and have no reason to go out and run anymore... :)


Edit*...I just noticed...you are from Omaha? ...child please.

Sorry, I just don't recall being 'wowed' by a single thing up there. Nothing. I'm not saying it's a terrible place, I just would never see any reason to move there.

The winters are shit....that's for sure...

One of my friends lived in Minneapolis for six years, he said this past winter we had here was like every one of them up there. I have no idea how you guys cope with that.

I don't like freezing or having mosquitos so large u can ride them do the TC are out for me.

And really unless you can't afford it living in south kc Kansas side is the best place to be.

It really depends on what you are looking for. There are some great places in Missouri, and you can typically find housing cheaper on the MO side than the KS side, at least in the direct KC area. If you are interested in being on the outskirts, I would look at places like Pleasant Hill, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, Platte City. You can get some good land or housing for very good value in these places.

If you have time and want to come into KC for a weekend, shoot me a PM and I'll show you some different housing options. I'm in real estate, and depending on what you're looking for, I could come up with a nice list of options for you.

EDIT: Missed the part where you said the business would be in OP or Leawood. If you want to be a little closer than the places I mentioned, then you could look at Lee's Summit, or even something like Waldo/Brookside area. I really like the Waldo/Brookside area for being close to the city/downton, but still with a suburb feel.

I live in Liberty MO. Its North of the river. Its starting to really grow.Good Schools here also.