The Heart of America, Kansas City, Missouri is home to over 509,000 residents who enjoy the city’s history, activities, and nightlife. Its popular nicknames, such as The City of Fountains, the Jazz Capital of the World, Cowtown, and the BBQ Capital of the World, speak to all types of people and convey the numerous reasons many consider moving to this exciting city. If you’re curious about moving to the area, learning some of the city’s pros and cons and some of its great neighborhoods can help you decide whether to make this amazing city your new home.

Why move to Kansas City?

Kansas City originated in the early 1800s when French fur traders settled in the area. Since then, the city has seen continued growth, evolving to see a downtown street in 1870, the President Hotel in the 1920s, and a suburban development boom in the 1950s and 60s. Historically, many residents sought a life outside the city in the suburbs, giving up the vigor of downtown life for something much quieter. Within the past 20 years, however, new businesses and residential neighborhoods have brought richness to the city, encouraging people to come and experience vibrant city life.

Today, individuals and families move to Kansas City to enjoy the city’s rich history and experience the unique comforts only available through city life. People who love smooth jazz tones and the impressive improvisation popular in this genre can find several jazz venues that suit their tastes and allow them to engage with the city’s roots. Others can enjoy the city’s professional sports, parks, museums, botanical gardens, and — of course — the plentiful, delicious food options.

Best neighborhoods in Kansas City

Kansas City has many great neighborhoods, but some may suit your needs and interests better than others based on your preferences in activities, dining options, entertainment venues, price, and culture. As a result, all these criteria received consideration in this list of the 10 best neighborhoods in Kansas City. Take time to reflect on your needs, lifestyle, and budget to help you narrow your choices and find the perfect place to call home.

1. Westport

With rental prices ranging from $895 to $3,086 per month, Westport dates to the 1800s and brings together the city’s culture and history. Known to some people as the true gateway to the west, Westport served as the waypoint for the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe trails. Old-style lampposts and a bountiful tree-lined boulevard speak to this neighborhood’s past. There are also several entertainment and dining options to choose from, making this neighborhood appealing to those looking for something vibrant and exciting. Some possible places to visit include:

• Westport Ale House
• Fountain Haus
• Pryde’s Kitchen & Necessities
• Westport Flea Market Bar & Grill
• Westport Cafe Bistro & Coctails

Due to its historic nature and narrow streets, navigating this neighborhood and finding parking can be challenging. You can overcome this by taking city transportation or opting for ride-share services to your destination. Although this neighborhood rates well for amenities, cost of living, and housing, it does see some crime, which tends to affect every neighborhood in Kansas City.

2. Country Club District

The Country Club District surrounds the city’s first suburban shopping area. Established in 1923, the Country Club Plaza was also the world’s first regional shopping center designed to accommodate visitors arriving by car. This area has rent options ranging from $1,000 per month for a studio apartment to $1,845 for a three-bedroom unit. The pricing helps ensure there are options to fit your needs and budget. Cozying up to Brush Creek, this neighborhood is well-known for its Spanish-inspired architecture and its dozens of beautiful fountains. If you want to know what you can do after moving into the Country Club District, consider the following attractions:

• Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
• Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
• Country Club Plaza Walking Tour
• Bruu Cafe

It may be challenging to find rental options in this neighborhood because of its size. Its unique setup and architecture, association with the Country Club Plaza, and access to renowned art museums make this location a tourist hotspot. As a result, you may experience crowded restaurants, full parking lots, and a lot of traffic.

3. Downtown Kansas City

Downtown Kansas City is home to the Power & Light District, amazing skyscrapers, and beautiful art deco buildings. Rental options range from $850 to $2,000 per month and include historic and luxury apartments. If you want to get the most out of the neighborhood while you live here, consider going to the following unique attractions:

• American Jazz Museum
• Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
• Science City
• The National WWI Museum and Memorial

Because downtown Kansas City is home to the T-Mobile Center, you may experience overly crowded streets, parking lots, and restaurants during live entertainment and sporting events. These events can also lead to a rowdier than normal crowd, which may temporarily affect crime rates and noise in the area.

4. Brookside

As another historic area with roots in the 1920s, Brookside is a charming neighborhood that hosts its fair share of annual parades and fairs, making it a relatively family-friendly place to live. Brookside boasts a diverse restaurant scene, with options ranging from French cuisine to tasty Mexican food, so there’s something for everyone’s taste buds. Some things to do in this quaint neighborhood include:

• Aixois Bistro
• Heirloom Bakery & Hearth
• The Corner Candleshop
• John Wornall House Museum

With most activities revolving around temporary parades and fairs or eating out at restaurants, you may have to look outside this neighborhood for other activities to keep you entertained. With a car, you can travel to various locations throughout the city and participate in the numerous attractions and historical sites. Otherwise, the transportation system in Brookside is minimal. If you want to buy rather than rent here, property taxes can be high, which makes finding an apartment in this neighborhood more reasonable and appealing for many.

5. Waldo

Representing a relatively large space of Kansas City, Waldo is a neighborhood on the city’s south side. It boasts a nice mix of residential and commercial buildings that maintain the neighborhood’s unique character. Originally outside the city limits, this neighborhood has several unique landmarks that speak to its prairie and transportation-focused roots. If you want to rent here, you can find options between $895 to $1,800 per month. Many properties are single-family homes. After you move here, you can enjoy activities such as:

• Kansas City Zoo
• The Arts Engagement Foundation of Kansas City
• Governor Stumpy’s Grill House
• Eclectics Gallery

Since this neighborhood was originally outside the city limits, residents may feel removed from the rest of Kansas City. Some may also hope the city’s revitalization efforts make their way to this neighborhood to create a more attractive and welcoming environment. The benefit of being outside of the city limits, however, is that you get a slightly lesser sales tax rate of 9.475%.

6. Crossroads Arts District

Intersecting downtown, the Crossroads Arts District is the city’s creative neighborhood, which boasts street art, hip coffee bars, and quirky retail shops. The Crossroads Arts District brings the community together with its nightlife and family-friendly activities. It has something to entertain nearly everyone. Rental options range from $940 to $3,600 per month, and it’s one of the pricier housing options. Some places to explore if you move here include:

• Kansas City Symphony
• First Fridays
• Green Lady Lounge
• Up-Down Kansas City

Since this is a more expensive neighborhood, people on a budget may find it challenging to move here. As this is in the heart of downtown, this community is highly walkable but if you rely only on walking to around town, then you might have to brave weather extremes, as it experiences ample snow and scorching hot summers. Kansas City is also prone to experience a few tornados a year, which bring destructive and unpredictable power.

7. River Market

Going up in price, River Market is perfect for those wanting beautiful views and many local activities. Rental prices often start around $1,075 per month and make their way up to $2,199 for a one-bedroom apartment. As a result, River Market is one of the priciest neighborhoods in the area. In addition to the luxury housing options, this vibrant neighborhood offers many things to do and see, including:

• City Market
• The Arabia Steamboat Museum
• Thou Mayest
• River Market Antiques

While this neighborhood offers a lot of things to do nearby, it brings a high cost of living. With high housing costs and the generally higher cost of living in Kansas City, the River Market area is challenging for those on a tight budget to consider.

8. Hyde Park

With its quirky homes and roots, Hyde Park showcases the city’s history and eclectic residences, tracing back to the late 1880s. If you want to rent in this area, you see monthly prices range from $625 to $3,086. With the park as an anchor, this neighborhood also boasts an assortment of businesses and community organizations that build upon its history and beauty. Aside from partaking in the local walking tour, you can enjoy things such as:

• Fannie’s African & Tropical Cuisine
• Robert H. Gillham Fountain and Wading Pool
• Hyde Park
• Maker Village

While the park helps this neighborhood connect with nature, if you’re outdoorsy and love hiking, you’ll mostly see flat and somewhat boring landscapes typical of Kansas City. To escape the heat during the summer, you’ll want to venture out of the city to one of the state’s regional lakes.

9. Volker

Located just west of Westport, Volker is a self-proclaimed eclectic mix of people, housing, and lifestyles. Two historic structures, The Loretto Academy and William Volker’s residence, showcase the city’s Georgian architecture. Rental options in this area often range from $895 to $1,700 per month, which is about average for the city. Porch parties and the annual Volker picnic generally mean you don’t have to go far to have fun here. Aside from neighborhood activities, you can check out the following places:

• Q39
• Goat and Rabbit
• Prospero’s Books & Media
• Aladdin Cafe

Although this is one neighborhood where you can get by without a car, some may feel claustrophobic as businesses and homes are close together. Not having a car or having to pay for gas may help residents better afford the high sales tax in this area and in Kansas City in general, which is often right around 9.98%. This amount is higher than the average state sales tax of 4.23% as of July 2023.

10. Armour Hills

Finishing off our list is Armour Hills, a beloved neighborhood since 1922. This neighborhood rests between several business districts and boasts the Arbor Villa Park, a perfect place for families and nature lovers. Due to its proximity to different business districts, you’re within walking distance of countless dining, entertainment, shopping, and personal services. Rental prices are around $2,300 per month, with many options being single-family homes due to the suburban nature of the neighborhood. Some things to do in and around the neighborhood include:

• Harry Wiggins Trolley Track Trail
• Red Door Woodfired Grill
• Charlie Hooper’s Brookside Bar & Grille
• BKS Artisan Ales

Due to its relatively small size and suburban nature, finding rental properties can be challenging. Since much of the neighborhood is within walking distance of many activities, you may find you’re braving harsh weather to get anywhere. This experience may make driving an ideal option for you. Since the area is mostly residential, you’ll likely have to go outside the neighborhood for dining options.

Final thoughts

Kansas City is full of rich history and exciting activities. Whether you’re a lifelong Kansas Citian or someone looking to move to the area, there are many beautiful and historic neighborhoods to consider. With options ranging from studio apartments to three-bedroom luxury homes, there are many housing options to review, great entertainment venues, and even more reasons to love this city.

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