When Coronavirus hit earlier this year, there were many news articles about how this might affect real estate. I read several reports that said people will abandon the urban core of Kansas City and begin a mass exodus to the suburbs, or the outlying countryside areas. My first thought was, “I seriously doubt that.” Real estate is a pretty slow-moving industry. Most homeowners don’t freak out and sell their home when a short term event comes along. During the last two months, my thoughts have been confirmed as many homes in the urban core have continued to increase in attraction and price.
BROOKSIDE
Historic Brookside is one of Kansas City’s oldest shopping districts serving the community since 1919. Hundreds of business owners have started their dreams in Brookside providing the familiar comforts of a small town in a big city. The boundaries of Brookside are Wornall Road to the west, Main Street to the east, 62nd Terrace to the north, and Meyer Boulevard to the south. Homes in the Brookside area typically sell in the $350,000 to $500,000 price range and have risen 8% this year versus this same time last year.
RIVER MARKET
One of the major attractions to the River Market area includes the City Market. The City Market’s Farmers’ Market is the largest farmers’ market in the region bringing “Farm to Table” right to the heart of the city with fresh produce and goods on Saturday and Sunday. There are also many businesses inside the City Market that include shopping and restaurants, all within a very easy walking distance. The River Market housing is mostly comprised of condos at a very affordable price range of $150,000 to $300,000 in general and prices have risen approximately 8% in the area this year.
CROSSROADS DISTRICT
Anchored by the strikingly contemporary Kauffman Center, which hosts opera, ballet, and concerts, Crossroads is packed with happening art galleries in restored warehouses. Hip coffee bars, brewpubs, BBQ joints, and retro-styled bars dot the area, along with independent shops selling fashion, handcrafted jewelry, and quirky stationery. At monthly First Friday events, art shows and food trucks draw big crowds. Housing in this area is mostly older, historic buildings that have been converted into lofts and condos. The Western Auto building being one of the most iconic buildings in the area has attractive lofts priced from $150,000 to $300,000 in price and within walking distance to the Crown Center shops. The Freight House Lofts, another popular building is a four-story building that was constructed in 1929 and was originally the distribution and manufacturing center for Safeway Stores. It now houses a variety of one and two-bedroom loft condominiums priced from $200,000 to $350,000.
BEACON HILL
If you want to check out one of the new up-and-coming neighborhoods in Kansas City, check out Beacon Hill. Bordered by The Paseo and Troost east to west and 22nd to 27th Streets north to south, just 15 years ago the Beacon Hill neighborhood was mostly vacant lots and abandoned homes. That has changed dramatically! Thanks to an effort between the City of Kansas City, MO, neighborhood leadership, and several community business partners, Beacon Hill has witnessed a renaissance. And now is your chance to be part of it with homes being remodeled to their former glory and some new modern construction homes being built, it’s a unique area of the city. Single-family home prices are going up quickly and are priced near $275,000 on the low end with some homes selling as high as $700,000 for a newer home that was built in the last five years.
HYDE PARK
The Hyde Park neighborhood, in midtown Kansas City, is located between the Country Club Plaza and downtown and is just minutes away from the Plaza, the Nelson and Kemper museums, Crown Center, the Crossroads Arts District and all the entertainment and cultural amenities the city has to offer. The Hyde Park neighborhood is located in the area from 31st Street south to 47th Street between Gillham Road and Troost. The area contains approximately 1,500 homes and many historic apartment buildings. Historic turn-of-the-century two and three-story homes sell in the $240,000 to $600,000 price ranges depending on condition and updates.
WESTPORT
Westport is a historic neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri. Originally an independent town, it was annexed by Kansas City in 1897. Today, it is one of Kansas City’s main entertainment districts with shopping, restaurants, and a long history as a music scene. This is still a very reasonably priced area to live if you want to buy a single-family home. Prices start as low as $150,000 and go up to $300,000 with many of them in the low to mid $200’s.
WALDO
Another area that’s still very reasonably price is the Waldo area. Waldo is a neighborhood located in south Kansas City, Missouri, that has continued to maintain its own unique character. Waldo’s boundaries are 75th street on the north to 85th Street on the south, and Holmes Street on the east to Ward Parkway on the west. Homes in this area can still be purchased in the mid $100’s and $200’s.