Thinking about moving to Kansas City? KCMO is one of the best places to live in the U.S. and one of the best cities for jobs, so it’s not surprising that it’s a hot spot for singles and young professionals! If you’re a young adult looking for affordable places to live in Kansas City near some of the city’s top dining, entertainment, and nightlife hangouts, check out these five great neighborhoods!
River Market
Photo via @thelandingsatrivermarket
- Home Price: $228,900 median purchase price; $899 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of Kansas City neighborhoods
Looking for an apartment, condo, or loft in a thriving downtown area? River Market could be the perfect Kansas City neighborhood for you! This riverfront area is within walking distance of some of Downtown KC’s top employers—plus, it’s filled with interesting shops, renowned restaurants, and fun bars! When you want to get outside of River Market, you can hop on the free KC Streetcar, which offers access to other downtown neighborhoods like Crossroads Arts District and Power and Light District.
Things to Do in River Market
Peruse the fresh produce and local goods at City Market, one of the Midwest’s largest farmers markets. Learn about the sinking of an 1856 steamboat and see the treasures recovered at The Arabia Steamboat Museum. Paddle down the Missouri River with a rental canoe or kayak from Lunar Phase Adventures. Upgrade your look with tailored, hand-stitched suits at locally-owned Houndstooth. Discover your favorite blend from the rotating coffee menu at Quay Coffee. Get your day started with Pumpkin Spice French Toast from The Farmhouse. Fill up with a hearty Big Pig burger at Pigwich. Sample craft beers, whiskeys, tequilas, and cocktails at Harry’s Country Club. Or grab a Boulevard Wheat Pale Ale and help Fido make some new friends at the bar/restaurant/dog park combo Bar K.
Union Hill
Photo via @spwo
- Home Price: $230,750 median purchase price; $982 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 87% of Kansas City neighborhoods
A quiet locale surrounded by fun things to do, Union Hill is one of the best places for young people to live in Kansas City! Located just south of Crown Center, this KCMO hidden gem has several shopping spots, restaurants, coffee shops, and bars nearby—and Liberty Park hugs the western edge of the neighborhood, providing lots of green space for outdoor activities! In addition, this KC neighborhood has a variety of housing options available, including trendy apartments and Dutch Colonial-style houses.
Things to do in Union Hill
View more than 300,000 unique artifacts and life-size trenches at the National World War I Museum and Memorial. Check out paintings and photographs from some of the region’s finest artists at Buttonwood Art Space. Achieve your fitness goals with group classes at the Union Athletic Club. Enjoy fine dining with Steak Frites from Cafe Europa. Try interesting twists on grilled cheese sandwiches like The Boulevard and The Balboa at Brick House KC. Get a taste of Kansas City BBQ history with the President’s Choice Tray at legendary barbecue joint Gates BBQ. Sip on a 4 Hands Chocolate Milk Stout on the cozy patio at Tower Tavern. Or unwind with a Savvy Sunrise cocktail or a 4 Hands Rye IPA at Ollie’s Local.
Volker
Photo via @steel_dust
- Home Price: $187,420 median purchase price; $804 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 77% of Kansas City neighborhoods
Searching for a Kansas City neighborhood that’s close to some of the city’s hottest dining and nightlife? Just west of Westport within a few minutes of Country Club Plaza and Downtown KC, Volker offers residents close proximity to downtown jobs, excellent shopping, foodie spots, and lively bars. And if you’re looking for homes with a little character, Volker is the place to plant roots! This Midtown neighborhood is known for its interesting bungalows and Kansas City shirtwaist-style houses.
Things to Do in Volker
Go for a morning run through scenic Roanoke Park. Give your wardrobe some extra personality with vintage finds from Donna’s Dress Shop and Retro Vixen. Grab a Bagel with Smoked Nova Salmon from Meshuggah Bagels. Get a taste of Eastern cuisine with Sha Cha Lo Mein from Genghis Khan Mongolian Grill. Experience fine dining from a nationally-renowned chef with the Four Course Tasting Menu at Room 39. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a Lemon Kiss cupcake from Mud Pie Vegan Bakery and Coffee. Round up your smartest friends for Trivia Night at Hi-Dive Lounge. Or catch some of Kansas City’s best drag shows and dancing at beloved gay hangout Missie B’s.
West Plaza
Photo via @discoverkc
- Home Price: $196,200 median purchase price; $978 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 86% of Kansas City neighborhoods
If having tons of things to do close to home is a priority, West Plaza might be the best neighborhood in Kansas City for you! Like its northern neighbor Volker, this KCMO neighborhood is close to dozens of boutiques, bars, and restaurants in nearby Country Club Plaza and Westport. Plus, you’re sure to find the right housing for your needs here—you can find everything from refurbished apartments in old buildings and newly-constructed townhomes to quaint bungalows and American Foursquare houses!
Things to Do in West Plaza
Go jogging or for a casual stroll along Brush Creek. Gear up for KC Chiefs and KC Royals games with apparel from Rally House. Make your way over to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Southmoreland to view exhibits featuring the art, culture, and history of civilizations from around the world. Get creative with your breakfast by customizing donuts at Donutology. Grab some friends and dig into The Meathead pizza and some Garlic Knots at Johnny Jo’s Pizzeria. Savor a bowl of Fettuccine Porcini at Cupini’s—you can even learn how to make Italian dishes yourself at one of the restaurant’s cooking classes. Or enjoy some cold beers and cheer on your favorite sports teams at The Granfalloon.
West Waldo
Photo via @theluntgroup
- Home Price: $138,900 median purchase price; $1,192 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 72% of Kansas City neighborhoods
Interested in a more relaxed side of the KCMO lifestyle? Check out the West Waldo neighborhood in South Kansas City! Located near the Kansas-Missouri border about 20 minutes south of Downtown KC, this residential area is full of affordable starter homes that are ideal for young professionals looking to settle down and start a family in the big city. West Waldo also has a very tight-knit community that holds several annual neighborhood-wide events, such as Waldo Week.
Things to Do in West Waldo
Get your friends together for a barbecue at Sunnyside Park. Adorn your home with beautiful flowers and greenery from Angelo’s Nursery. Unleash your inner rock star with a new drum set or a lesson from Explorers Percussion. Wake up with a Askinosie Mocha from Second Best Coffee. Satisfy your appetite with an Animal Max Burger or a Pork Tenderloin Sandwich from Max’s Burgers and Gyros. Order a Chicken Veggie Scramble Bowl, fresh-pressed Warrior Juice, or Honey Cinnamon Oats from t.Loft. Take the mic and sing alongside local pianists at The Piano Room. Or let your German side loose with a Hefeweizen at KC Bier Co‘s beer hall.
