KC Neighborhoods: How to Find the Best Fit
Kansas City isn’t just a city; it’s an entire metropolitan area. So to put it simply: there are a whole lot of neighborhoods to choose from. Whether you’re new to the area or a true KC native, it can still be challenging to find the best fit when choosing which KC neighborhood you want to live in.
But don’t you worry. Here at LeasingKC, we’ve got the ins and outs of basically every KC neighborhood you could think of (and we’re still growing!). We’re dedicated to helping people like you find the right apartment, condo, townhome, loft, or rental home to call your own.
Ready to get started? 😉
Just keep reading for your guide on KC neighborhoods and how to choose the right place for your needs (and wants).
For people looking for the city life: Downtown KC
Skyscrapers. Streetcars. City lights. If you’re a fan of city life, look no further than downtown Kansas City. Throughout the years, downtown has continued to grow, booming with restaurants, nightlife (seriously, visit the Power & Light District 🍻), local shops, and tons of apartments.
Plus, there are some pretty cool surrounding areas you’ll for sure want to check out. River Market is a great place to stop by on a warm weekend, and it’s just a streetcar away! With its own farmers’ market filled with locally grown produce, amazing restaurants, and historical vibe, River Market really has it all.
Things to Do in Kansas City River Market this Spring →
Hop on the streetcar in the opposite direction, and you’ll hit Crown Center at the end of the line. People of all ages can enjoy all that Crown Center has to offer. Enjoy a play at The Coterie. Take a trip under the sea at Sea Life Aquarium. Build the dream at Legoland. The list goes on and on.
While downtown apartments tend to be a little more expensive, there are still a lot of affordable options out there under $1,000 a month! And hey, if you’re not sure where to start, our team would be more than happy to give you a helping hand.
See All Downtown KC Apartments
For people looking for great nightlife: Westport KC
Calling all night owls and party lovers: this KC neighborhood is for you. Along with its old-fashioned pioneer vibe (fun fact: Westport used to be the KC hotspot for pioneers traveling on the California, Lewis & Clark, Santa Fe, and Oregon trails), Westport boasts some of the best restaurants, bars, clubs, and lounges in the area. So if you want to be in the middle of the action, this is your place to go.
As a bonus, Westport isn’t just known for its nightlife. It’s also a shopaholic’s dream. If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind boutiques (yes, vintage too), the array of shops will have friends and family members asking, “OMG, where did you get that?”
Living in Westport means you’ll have countless things to do all within walking distance (or biking if you’re into that). Plus, the events are ah-may-zing. Throughout the year, Westport is the home for events such as Art Westport and one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the city!
See All Westport KC Apartments
For people looking for nature: Swope Park
In the heart of south Kansas City lies a 1,805-acre park with over 2 million visitors a year 😱No joke. Filled with hiking trails, lakes, and fountains, Swope Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the country! There’s nothing quite like getting closer to nature while being minutes away from city life.
Your Guide to All Things Swope Park in Kansas City →
One of the biggest attractions at Swope Park is the Kansas City Zoo. Our local zoo features over 1,000 animals from around the world—you’d be surprised at the new furry, scaly, or feathery friends you can discover. Expanding over 200 acres, the award-winning facility has a little something for everyone no matter what age.
Love the theater and the outdoors? Well, the Starlight Theater brings you the best of both worlds (cue in the Hannah Montana theme song). This massive outdoor stage hosts a variety of productions, including plays, musicals, and concerts for a variety of audiences. All you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the show.
As a south Kansas Citian, you’re at the perfect halfway point between the fun of downtown and more suburban areas like Raytown and Lee’s Summit, which makes it a great place for families or people who don’t want too much city chaos around.
See All Apartments Near Swope Park
For people looking for luxury: Leawood
You know, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the finer things in life 🥂Leawood (which is on the Kansas side) offers all the splendors of luxury living, without taking you too far from the heart of KC. Johnson County is known for being a little more upscale than Jackson County, which tends to pull a lot of people in.
The Complete Guide Guide to Life in Leawood, KS →
Leawood is also home to Town Center Plaza, an open-air shopping mall with over 90 retail stores and restaurants. You can literally shop until you drop (or at least until the mall closes). Plus, there are dining options too to fuel your trip.
One of the biggest perks of living in Leawood with children?
Blue Valley School district. The Blue Valley School district is one of the top districts in the country (yep, not KC… the country). If you want your kids to have the best of the best when it comes to public education, a home in Leawood (or even Overland Park) is your way to go. Students in this district are known for their high test scores, and the district prides itself on its 97% graduation rate 🙌
There are a variety of luxury townhomes and apartments in Leawood featuring oasis-like pools, amazing fitness centers, and enough space for the entire family.
We can help you find the KC neighborhood to call home.
If you’re still searching for that perfect KC neighborhood, we’ve got you covered. LeasingKC is a rental listing site run by local experts to help you find Kansas City apartments, rental homes, condos, and lofts.
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