An Expert Guide to Neighborhoods Near Kansas City

Kansas City is one of the most popular cities in the Midwest. With a population of 516,000, Kansas City continues to grow in popularity each year. However, part of what makes Kansas City so great is not just the city itself, but the larger metropolitan area that surrounds it. The Kansas City metro area has over 2.2 million people across both Missouri and Kansas.

Needless to say, there is no shortage of incredible neighborhoods both in and around Kansas City. This guide from Case & Associates will help you determine the best area for you in this great city, whether you’re traveling into town for a weekend getaway or looking to move to the city of fountains.

North Kansas City

Things To Do in North Kansas City

North Kansas City has become a hub of entertainment for Kansas City residents. This area, located 10 minutes north of the Crossroads and 20 minutes from the airport, has several unique attractions that are great for anyone looking to spend an evening or a weekend out on the town.

Case & Associates residents love visiting the CPKC Stadium, home of theKC Current, one of NWSL’s best teams. If you’re looking for something for the kids to enjoy, check out The Rabbit Hole, a museum experience that brings kids’ books to life, located in the heart of NKC.

Places To Eat in North Kansas City, MO

If you find yourself on the search for the perfect blend of something to do and excellent food, look no further than Chicken N’ Pickle. Grab a drink and something to eat while you get in a game or two of pickleball. Another dining experience is The Iron District, home to a variety of unique food trucks and shopping opportunities, all in metal storage containers. 

The Crossroads Art District

Things To Do in The Crossroads

The Crossroads Art District is the hub of both social and corporate life. If you’re on the hunt for what to do in the art district, one of the best places to start is the art itself. USA Today considered the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to be one of the best free museums in the country. From April – October, check outFirst Fridaysto see the highlights of the local scene from music to food to galleries. 

Places To Eat in The Crossroads

The Crossroads offers an abundance of dining choices. Visit Grinders Pizza for a local spot fit with pizza, sandwiches, and wings. LuLu’s Thai Noodle Shop is one of the most popular Thai restaurants in the entire city. If you aren’t sure what sounds good, Parlor is a food court full of local options from burgers to tacos to fried chicken. If you’re looking for drinks in the Crossroads, you have to narrow down your choices. Grab a beer from breweries, such as Casual Animal and the infamous Boulevard Brewing. If cocktails are more your thing, choose from many high-end cocktail bars and speakeasies like Swordfish Tom’s, Tom’s Town, and the Green Lady Lounge Jazz Club. If you are looking for quality nightlife, the Crossroads Art District is the area for you.

River Market

Things To Do in the River Market

Just a couple of streetcar stops away from the art district, the River Market is another interesting, action-packed area of Kansas City worth visiting. The River Market is aptly named because of its proximity to the Missouri River. The Arabia Steamboat Museum is a storied part of Kansas City history, and fittingly lives near the river. Nearby, you can visit the City Market, home to Kansas City’s best farmers’ market with fresh produce stands and shops every weekend.

Places To Eat in The River Market

The River Market has dining spots like BRGR, known for its high-quality burgers. For something truly unique, try Muni, a standout Latin/Thai fusion restaurant. Visit Thou Mayest, one of the city’s best coffee shops. No visit to the river market is complete without a trip to Betty Rae’s Ice Cream Parlor.

Lee’s Summit

Things To Do in Lee’s Summit, MO

While downtown Kansas City has lots of ways to spend your time, Kansas City also has several suburban areas, perfect for families or those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Lee’s Summit is one of the most popular places in the KC metro and has grown significantly in the last few years. Downtown Lee’s Summit is a hot spot with shops like the Local Foundry, KD’s Books,  and Embers Candle Bar.A little bit away from downtown, you can get a game of disc golf or soccer in at Legacy Park, hike and fish around James A. Reed, or spend a day in the sun at Summit Waves.

Places To Eat in Lee’s Summit, MO

Lee’s Summit has a wide variety of food options. For traditional American cuisine, visit Iron Horse Bar & Grill, Firebirds, or Third Street Social. You can get some BBQ at Jack Stack or Smoke Brewing & BBQ.

Independence, MO

Things To Do in Independence, MO

Being the home of former President Truman and the subsequent Harry S. Truman Museum & Library, Independence is another popular area on the eastern side of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, rich in history. Beyond the history, you can enjoy shopping at the Independence Center, or even catch a concert or KC Mavericks game at Cable Dahmer Arena.

Places to Eat in Independence, MO

Independence is not only a lively area with a lot of activities. There are several incredible dining choices for all Kansas City foodie’s.[1]  Your first stop in Kansas City should always be BBQ, and nothing beats the experience of Gates BBQ. You can visit the legendary, local BBQ chain right on 40 HWY. Adirondack residents can also take the family to eat, play arcade games, bowl, and play laser tag at Main Event Entertainment. For some of the best pizza in Kansas City, check out Minsky’s Pizza for pizza, beer, and to catch the Chiefs game.

Belton, MO

Things To Do in Belton, MO

Belton, Missouri, is a gem of a town on the southside of the Kansas City metropolitan area, just 20 minutes down HWY 71. This cozy area is great for families looking to get away from the noise of downtown, while still being close enough to drive to the action.

There are numerous ways to spend your time in Belton. Our residents who enjoy the scenery visit Cleveland Lake Regional Park, where you can fish, explore trails, or even play a round of disc golf at their highly rated disc golf course. You can catch the latest movie at the Belton Cinema 8, or visit the downtown area, filled with local shops and restaurants.

Places to Eat in Belton, MO

If you’re looking for food in Belton, you have lots of options. The infamous Kansas City bar, The Peanut, has a location right off Highway 49, home of the best wings in the city. You can also check out The Other Place or The Ranch KC. Plus, every Belton local knows that any night out should end with a visit to Mary’s Mountain Cookies.

Best Neighborhoods in Kansas City

Kansas City has several unique areas. No matter what your personal style is, there’s an area in town for you to call home. If you’re looking for the best area in KC for families, look towards suburban towns like Lee’s Summit, Independence, or Belton. If you want to find an area that’s best for nightlife, choose the Crossroads or Westport. And for something that’s downtown, but not always as busy, consider the River Market.

Discover Case & Associates Communities in the Kansas City Area

Case & Associates offers comfortable, stylish apartment communities acrossKansas City and the greater metropolitan area. Explore our communities below:

• 152 Northland in North Kansas City
• 97 North Oak in North Kansas City
• The Adirondack in Independence, MO
• Center 301 in Belton, MO