My Top 5 Kansas City, MO Neighborhoods

I love everything about Kansas City, and that’s one of the reasons I chose the real estate profession. It allows me to explore all the different KC neighborhoods regularly and discover all the things that make each area great!

According to the Visit KC website, there are over 240 neighborhoods that Kansas City residents call home. Although each neighborhood is part of KCMO, many of them feel like individual communities with their own perks and unique charms.

Are you considering calling Kansas City home? I, Rach the Realtor, am here to help! I have the guidance and real estate expertise to help you choose a home in an ideal neighborhood.

In today’s blog, I have taken on the daunting task of choosing my top 5 Kansas City, MO neighborhoods. I know I’ll be upsetting some of your because one of your favorite areas didn’t make my list, but it doesn’t mean your neighborhood isn’t amazing. It just means that it didn’t make my top 5! Remember, there are 240 neighbors to explore, let’s do it together! Call me and let’s explore everything that Kansas City, MO has to offer!

(For a more detailed review of my top 5, check out my YouTube video here)

#5 The Country Club Plaza

The Plaza is a staple of Kansas City, MO, and is widely known for some of its feature events. The Plaza Art Fair is hosted the third weekend after Labor Day and can draw upwards of 250,000 people from all around the world. The Plaza is also an iconic location to celebrate the holidays in Kansas City, as it hosts The Plaza Lighting Ceremony on Thanksgiving night every year.

Many people enjoy living at The Plaza because of the department stores, local shops, chain restaurants, and local cuisine it offers. The Plaza provides a commercial feel and is one of the more expensive areas to live in Kansas City, but you may find that the convenience and atmosphere outweigh the cost.

#4 Downtown Kansas City, MO

If you enjoy the convenience of access to EVERYTHING, then Downtown KC is the spot for you. Downtown offers venues like the T-Mobile Center (formerly The Sprint Center) for concerts, shows, and sporting events like the Big XII Men’s Basketball Tournament. You’ll also have easy access to public transit, like the KC Streetcar, which can take you anywhere from Union Station to the River Market area. You’ll also get the excitement of the Power & Light District for concerts, watch parties, and a great bar/restaurant scene.

Unfortunately, a single-family home in Downtown Kansas City, MO is hard to find. Most homes are condos, but many are quite affordable. It’s not uncommon to find 2-bedroom condos downtown for around $200K. These can be great living options for all types of families, or potentially a great investment opportunity if you want to rent out the space. Just be sure to check with your HOA to see if renting is allowed. If you enjoy the condo lifestyle, check out Downtown KC!

#3 The River Market Area

Speaking of the condo lifestyle, if Downtown Kansas City isn’t quite your scene, make sure you look at The River Market Area. This neighborhood is primarily condos, but here you’ll get that local Kansas City feel with less commercial vibes than The Plaza or Downtown. You’ll also enjoy many “mom and pop” stores and boutiques throughout the area.

The River Market also offers a taste of numerous local restaurants and chain restaurants so that you’ll find something great to eat no matter what cuisine you’re craving. Not to mention, this area is conveniently located on the Streetcar route, features great parks for dog owners, and is right by Columbus Park (another fun neighborhood that just missed my top 5 list).

#2 Hyde Park

Alright, so if you love both Downtown and The Plaza and can’t decide between the two, the good news is there’s a great location right between the two––Hyde Park. This neighborhood features over 1500 homes, which are mostly older, traditional, and quite large! Some homes are originally from the 1880s but have been well kept over the years and provide a unique living space for those who prefer to stay away from the modern designs of today.

The Hyde Park area is best described as “quirky and fun!” You’ll find many people from different backgrounds and age levels to make the neighborhood very diverse. Unlike Downtown and the River Market, this area is all about houses (which I love!), so condo and apartment options will be much more limited. You may be surprised at how affordable these large homes are compared to other neighboring communities.

#1 Brookside

This area was originally supposed to be “The Plaza” but became something similar with less of a “commercial feel.” Brookside is an older neighborhood with small shops, local businesses, and many events throughout the year. The crowds are usually smaller for Brookside events if you want to get out and about without feeling too overwhelmed by the giant gatherings you’ll see at The Plaza or Downtown.

Homes in Brookside are in very high demand right now, so the cost of living may be more than what you would expect. However, the neighborhood has so much charm and pride that you might just fall in love with it after spending a short time here. The homes are beautiful here, and I love showing them to all my real estate clients.

Contact “Rach the Realtor” Today!

If you want more information about why Brookside is my favorite neighborhood in Kansas City, MO, give me a call today at (816) 673-9723 or email me at Rachel.ferguson@reecenichols.com. Even if my top 5 neighborhoods aren’t for you, that’s okay! There are more than 240 great KC MO neighborhoods to choose from. I’ll help you narrow down the options so that you can choose the perfect home for you and your family.

Let me show you why I love Kansas City so much, and why it’s a wonderful place to buy your next home! Or maybe you have a fabulous neighborhood to show me that didn’t make my top 5, tell me where you want to go, and we will explore together!

Ready to make the move? Contact Rach to set up a time to chat about the next steps!