Known for its barbecue and professional sports, Kansas City offers excellent neighborhoods in which to live. From luxury apartments and condominiums in the downtown area to more suburban-style homes in the surrounding neighborhoods, with nearly 50 neighborhoods to choose from, you'll find the perfect home that fits your budget and needs.
As the country's 27th largest city with a population of almost 492,000, Kansas City's metropolitan area ranks in the top 30, with more than 2 million calling the area home.
While Cerner Corporation and the Internal Revenue rank as two of the largest employers, Kansas City's economy relies on several smaller companies, which contribute to a traditionally low unemployment rate of less than 4 percent.
Kansas City neighborhoods are a collection of historical areas, business sections and parks. Neighborhoods often get their name based on history or nearby attractions, such as Westport and the Power and Light District. The best part of the neighborhoods is that you're sure to find one that fits your interests. Kansas City is easily navigable, using the interstate system and highways, as well as main streets.
With its budding metropolitan area, Kansas City is quite affordable with rent for a one-bedroom apartment averaging about $1,197 per month.
Kansas City's daily commute can be a bit challenging depending on your location, so you'll want to consider it along with access to dining, entertainment and other attractions. Kansas City's public transportation system is affordable but doesn't cover all areas. The streetcar, which launched in 2016, covers a section of downtown from the River Market to Union Station.
Rent in Kansas City ranges from around $400 up to more than $2,000, depending on the area. The most expensive Kansas City neighborhoods to live in are located near downtown and its attractions, such as the Power and Light District, T-Mobile Center and Country Club Plaza.
The farther east and south along Interstate 70 and I-435 you go, as well as along the southwest corridor, along the Missouri-Kansas state line, tend to be on the lower end of rent.
| Rank | Neighborhood | Average 1BR Rent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Plaza | $1,744 |
| 2 | Crossroads | $1,737 |
| 3 | River Market | $1,720 |
| 4 | Westside North | $1,454 |
| 5 | Union Hill | $1,439 |
| 6 | Plaza Westport | $1,408 |
| 7 | Hanover Place | $1,394 |
| 8 | Downtown Kansas City | $1,352 |
| 9 | North Hyde Park | $1,316 |
| 10 | The Downtown Loop | $1,296 |
While you can find apartments in the area for less than $1,000, most apartments, condominiums and townhomes in the area, in and around downtown Kansas City, will run between $1,100 and $1,700, primarily for luxury apartments.
Living near downtown is walkable and only minutes from some of the city's best restaurants and entertainment venues. Public transportation is also easily accessible in the area.
| Rank | Neighborhood | Average 1BR Rent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paseo West | $465 |
| 2 | Eastwood Hill East | $594 |
| 3 | River View | $665 |
| 4 | Santa Fe Hills | $668 |
| 5 | Waldo | $668 |
| 6 | St. Catherine's Gardens | $700 |
| 7 | Winnetonka | $705 |
| 8 | Hickman Mills | $710 |
| 9 | Ashland Ridge | $716 |
| 10 | Park Farms | $726 |
The neighborhoods in the eastern and western edges of Kansas City are home to green spaces and parks, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, as well as runners and walkers.
The areas feature excellent dining and entertainment options, so you don't need to venture downtown or to other areas for an evening out, unless you want to.
For a complete rundown of average Kansas City neighborhood prices, see the chart below.
| Neighborhood | Average 1BR Rent |
|---|---|
| South Plaza | $1,744 |
| Crossroads | $1,737 |
| River Market | $1,720 |
| Westside North | $1,454 |
| Union Hill | $1,439 |
| Plaza Westport | $1,408 |
| Hanover Place | $1,394 |
| Downtown Kansas City | $1,352 |
| North Hyde Park | $1,316 |
| The Downtown Loop | $1,296 |
| Midtown | $1,290 |
| West Plaza | $1,278 |
| Broadway Gillham | $1,274 |
| Valentine | $1,219 |
| Briarcliff West | $1,197 |
| Central Hyde Park | $1,161 |
| Meadowbrook Heights | $1,100 |
| Southmoreland* | $1,095 |
| Northland | $1,092 |
| Shoal Creek Valley | $1,080 |
| Barry Harbour | $1,013 |
| Old Westport | $987 |
| Country Club Plaza | $968 |
| Lea Manor | $945 |
| The Coves | $943 |
| Red Ridge South | $940 |
| Quality Hill | $864 |
| Willow Creek | $854 |
| Fairlane | $853 |
| Country Lane Estates | $826 |
| Crestview | $805 |
| Crossgates | $801 |
| South Side | $786 |
| Riss Lake | $782 |
| Loma Vista | $773 |
| East Side | $732 |
| Park Farms | $726 |
| Ashland Ridge | $716 |
| Hickman Mills | $710 |
| Winnetonka | $705 |
| St. Catherine's Gardens | $700 |
| Santa Fe Hills | $668 |
| Waldo | $668 |
| River View* | $665 |
| Eastwood Hill East | $594 |
| Paseo West | $465 |
With outstanding attractions, such as the Kansas City Zoo, great shopping and an outstanding culinary scene that extends beyond barbecue, Kansas City has it all for locals and visitors to check out the city. With a history that includes founding the Negro Leagues Baseball and amazing jazz, Kansas City's culture invites you to explore, learn and have fun.
Tim is an Omaha-based freelance writer, online content creator and author who loves exploring the Midwest and beyond. In addition to writing The Walking Tourists travel blog, he has co-authored three books with his wife, Lisa: 100 Things to Do in Omaha Before You Die, Unique Eats and Eateries of Omaha, and 100 Things to Do in Nebraska Before You Die. Tim is a dad to two daughters and three cat sons. He is an avid sports fan, primarily enjoying football and hockey.