The Neighborhoods of Kansas City

Kansas City is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and its variety of incredible neighborhoods. Whether you are a young professional, a family looking for a new neighborhood, or someone looking to upgrade homes, there’s a neighborhood that is perfect for you.

1. Brookside

The historic neighborhood of Brookside has maintained its charm over years of being a Kansas City staple. The main street of Brookside is a local business hub, offering visitors access to specialty shops, restaurants, and cute coffee spots. With popular food spots like Red Door Grill and Bella Napoli, this neighborhood’s culinary cuisine is a welcome treat! The neighborhood is home to the Trolley Trail, a popular walking and biking trail that stretches across Brookside and connects to the rest of Kansas City. With a strong community spirit, and family-oriented atmosphere, Brookside is waiting for you to call it home.

2. Overland Park

Overland Park is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest with good reason! With a population of over 190,000 people, its thriving business community and the sought after Blue Valley school district makes Overland Park an incredible place to grow your career and family. A number of parks and recreational areas such as the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and Deanna Rose Farmstead offers residents beautiful outdoor spaces. From popular steak houses like J Alexanders to the ever-popular barbeque restaurant Jack Stack, this area has no shortage of incredible restaurants either! As Overland Park grows, its culture rises to match it with new restaurants, small businesses, and social spots opening every day. As a frequent member on lists of best places to reside in the nation, Overland Park continues to show it is a great place to live, work and play.

3. Mission Hills

Mission Hills is a picturesque neighborhood in Kansas City that is known for its refined homes and well-maintained landscapes. Along with beauty, this small city is near Prairie Village as well as Downtown Kansas City and the Country Club Plaza, offering easy access to incredible shopping and dining options. Mission Hills is also home to Indian Hills Country Club which contains a championship golf course and other luxury amenities. Residents of Mission Hills enjoy magnificent lifestyles in one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the city.

4. Prairie Village

Prairie Village is a charming neighborhood and one of the most desirable places to live in the area. With a wide array of housing options, Prairie Village has something to suit every taste and budget. This community also boasts some of the most picturesque tree-lined streets, beautiful parks, and welcoming neighbors you’ll ever come across. And let’s not forget about the incredible dining options, with some of the area’s most acclaimed restaurants just a stone’s throw away. From Café Provence to Tavern in the Village, Prairie Village offers great restaurants in an unbeatable area. In short, Prairie Village is the perfect place to call home, offering a quality of life that you won’t find anywhere else.

5. Waldo

Waldo is a neighborhood in Kansas City that has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its affordable housing, central location, and lively atmosphere. It is home to a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops, including Waldo Pizza and the Waldo Farmer’s Market. In addition to restaurants and bars, Waldo offers more social events such as the Waldo Fall Festival. Waldo’s friendly residents and strong sense of community are great reasons to call this neighborhood home.

6. Leawood

Leawood is a suburb just south of Kansas City known for its high-end shopping and upscale homes. It is home to several shopping centers, including Town Center Plaza and Park Place, offering a range of boutique stores like Alysa Rene Boutique and Moda Domani. This community is known for high quality of life, safety, and community engagement. Excellent schools that consistently rank among the best in the nation. and a vibrant, proud community mean that this is a great place to raise a family.

7. Loch Lloyd

Loch Lloyd is an exclusive gated community located just outside Kansas City that offers luxury at its finest. It encompasses a 110-acre lake and contains a championship golf course, tennis courts, and many more amenities. Homes in Loch Lloyd tend to be the most expensive in the region, but they offer their residents unparalleled privacy and exclusivity. Its stunning natural setting and high-end amenities, Loch Lloyd is the perfect place to call home for those who value luxury living.

8. Olathe

Olathe is a fast-growing suburb located in the southwest part of the Kansas City metropolitan area known for its friendly community atmosphere. Tree-lined streets and well-maintained parks offer a peaceful and family-friendly environment to call home. With local festivals, art galleries, and hiking trails, there is no shortage of community amenities to take advantage of, making it a desirable destination for residents and visitors alike. Olathe is perfect for families that combines modern conveniences with a welcoming community spirit.

9. Country Club Plaza

When it comes to Kansas City neighborhoods, the Country Club Plaza stands out for its unique blend of history and modernity. Just outside of Downtown KC, this area boasts a rich character that’s evident in its architecture and ambiance. From traditional homes to trendy designs, the Plaza offers a diverse range of living options that cater to all tastes. But that’s not all: the Plaza is also a food lover’s paradise, with some of the city’s top restaurants like The Capital Grille and Brio located within its borders. To top it all off, locals and visitors alike flock to the Plaza every year to attend two beloved events: the Plaza Art Fair in the fall and the holiday lighting ceremony on Thanksgiving night.

10. River Market

If you’re looking for a neighborhood that’s full of energy and vitality, the River Market in Kansas City is the place to be. This historic district is known for its charming cobblestone streets, classic architecture, and vibrant community. From elegant brick buildings to modern lofts, the River Market offers a diverse range of living options to suit any taste. But perhaps the biggest draw of the neighborhood is its bustling farmers’ market, which is open year-round and offers an impressive selection of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and more. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, the River Market is sure to leave a lasting impression.

11. Shawnee & Lenexa

Located just a short drive from downtown Kansas City, Shawnee and Lenexa are charming suburbs that offers the best of both worlds. The areas are known for tight-knit communities, excellent schools, and family-friendly amenities. Whether you’re looking for a spacious home with a big yard or a cozy apartment, you’ll find plenty of options in Shawnee and Lenexa. The neighborhoods also offer a range of dining and shopping experiences, with something to suit every taste and budget from the Silo Modern Farmhouse to Grand Street Café.

12. Mission & Roeland Park

Mission and Roeland Park are charming suburbs outside Kansas City, offering urban convenience and small-town charm. Mission has dining and shopping options, parks, and community events, while Roeland Park boasts historic homes, tree-lined streets, and community spaces. Both neighborhoods offer a range of housing options, from classic family homes to modern apartments. Be sure to check out The Peanut for great comfort food! Whether seeking a peaceful retreat or an active community, Mission and Roeland Park have it all with their convenient location, friendly residents, and amenities. These charming suburbs are the perfect place to call home, offering the best of both worlds.

13. Lake Lotowana

Located just outside of Kansas City, Lake Lotawana is a tranquil suburb that offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation and scenic beauty. With its stunning lake views and proximity to hiking trails and parks, residents can enjoy an active lifestyle while still being close to all the amenities and attractions of the city. Lake Lotawana also has a variety of housing options, from sprawling lakefront estates to cozy family homes. Whether you’re looking to buy a permanent residence or a vacation home, this charming suburb is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of city living and enjoy a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.

14. Northland

Living in the Northland of Kansas City offers a vibrant and diverse lifestyle that combines city living with suburban charm. This region is home to a variety of housing options, from modern apartments to historic homes, providing something for everyone. The Northland boasts several cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, and shopping districts, providing plenty of entertainment options. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the region features numerous parks and trails, perfect for hiking, biking, and picnicking. With easy access to downtown Kansas City via major highways, it is convenient for work and play. Overall, the Northland of Kansas City provides a well-rounded and dynamic lifestyle that is hard to find anywhere else.

The Verdict

The neighborhoods of Kansas City are as varied and unique as the people that call it home and there are more than are listed here. From the historic charm of Brookside to the luxurious living of Loch Lloyd, there is a neighborhood to suit every lifestyle. Kansas City itself is a vibrant, dynamic city that offers residents excellent schools, diverse cultural experiences, and a thriving business community. Friendly residents, a strong sense of community, and an affordable cost of living? It is no wonder that Kansas City has become one of the most popular places to live in the Midwest.