Safe, Affordable Neighborhoods in Kansas City

Thinking about living in Kansas City? Missouri’s largest city is one of the most affordable cities in America and offers excellent museums, friendly communities, fun entertainment, and great barbecue. If you’re moving to Kansas City, here are five safe, affordable neighborhoods to consider!

• Armour Hills
• Central Business District-Downtown
• Lea Manor
• Mission Lake
• Volker

Armour Hills

Photo via @koehlerbortnickteam

• Home Price: $240,700 median purchase price; $852 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 97% of Kansas City neighborhoods
• Perfect For: Families, retirees

Want to live in a family-friendly neighborhood 15 minutes away from Downtown Kansas City? Check out Armour Hills! This KC neighborhood is perfect for settling down and raising a family, as there are several top-rated schools in the area, including Belinder Elementary School, Hale Cook Elementary School and Academie Lafayette. As for housing in Armour Hills, residents can find affordable bungalows and Tudor-style cottages.

Things to Do in Armour Hills

Take the kids to the playground or a show in the amphitheater at Arbor Villa Park. Go for a scenic jog or bike ride on the six-mile long Harry Wiggins Trolley Track Trail. Peruse through books, enjoy fun activities, or watch films at the Kansas City Public Library’s Waldo Branch. Start off your morning with a Fried Egg Sandwich, Pepperjack Burrito, or Avocado Toast at McLain’s Bakery. Feast on hearty meals like the Impossible Burger, Fish Tacos, or Chicken & Waffles at industrial-chic District. Pour House + Kitchen. Try an Italian Cheese Pizza, Oriental Stir Fry, or Pesto Chicken Pasta at Governor Stumpy’s Grill House. Savor Japanese dishes like Sushi Matsu or Tuna Poke at Kabuki Sushi. Attend trivia night and drink beers on tap like Odell’s Sippin’ Pretty or KC Beer Co’s Dunkel at Bier Station. Or get your dessert fix at Betty Rae’s Ice Cream with Lavender Honey, Smores, or Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream in their homemade waffle cones.

Central Business District-Downtown

Photo via @apexonqualityhill

• Home Price: $191,233 median purchase price; $944 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 67% of Kansas City neighborhoods
• Perfect For: Singles, young professionals

Central Business District-Downtown is a favorite among young adults! Encompassing everything from the River Market to the trendy Crossroads Arts District and Power & Light District, this Kansas City neighborhood is full of budget-friendly apartments, condos, and single-family houses, as well as a variety of things to do, including KC’s top museums, dining and nightlife spots, and shopping centers.

Things to Do in Central Business District-Downtown

See a performance from Kansas City Symphony or Kansas City Ballet at Kauffman Center. Pick up fresh produce, baked goods, and flowers at City Market. Experience educational exhibits, a planetarium, and shows at the 100-year-old Union Station. Embark on a beer tour and try craft brews like Jam & Berry Ale or Bob’s ’47 Oktoberfest Beer at Boulevard Brewing Company. Explore the National WWI Museum and Memorial, which features collections and exhibits dedicated to the men and women who served. Begin your morning with a Matcha Latte or Cappuccino from Messenger Coffee Co. Savor dishes like the Pizza Philly Cheesesteak or Famous Chili Bomb Pie Pizza at Grinders Pizza. Feast on vegetarian favorites like a veggie burger, veggie sandwich, or the Chef’s Beauty Salad at Cafe Gratitude. Or discover some of the city’s best BBQ dishes like the Burnt Ends, Barbecue Chicken, or Lamb Ribs at Jack Stack Barbecue.

Lea Manor

Photo via @devonlfallon

• Home Price: $150,100 median purchase price; $522 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 72% of Kansas City neighborhoods
• Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees

Lea Manor is one of the best neighborhoods in Kansas City for all lifestyles—and it’s one of the most affordable, too! Located about 20 minutes away from Downtown Kansas City, this neighborhood is close to healthcare providers like St. Joseph Medical Center and University of Kansas Medical Center and is home to excellent schools like Boone Elementary School and Notre Dame de Sion Grade School.

Things to Do in Lea Manor

Bust a gut laughing at open mic night or a comedy show at The Comedy Club of Kansas City. Bike a scenic route with the family at Indian Creek Bike Trail. Take an evening stroll at Watts Mill Park. Try Lobster Ravioli, Penne Alla Marie, or Lasagna Al Forno at Jasper’s Italian Restaurant. Enjoy Mexican favorites like Nopales Enchiladas or Asada Steak Tacos at Cacao Restaurante. Get the napkins ready before ordering a slab of ribs or the President’s Choice Tray at Gates Bar-B-Q. Enjoy The Meatball Pizza, Vegetarian Gyro, or an Asian Fried Chicken Salad at Southside Bar & Grille. Hang out at Ugly Joe’s and sip on craft beers while enjoying a Buckeye Burger. Or hit up Tavern on 103rd to grab some cold beers and watch a Chiefs game on the big screen.

Mission Lake

Photo via @kcdiscountrealtor

• Home Price: $195,400 median purchase price; $213 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 94% of Kansas City neighborhoods
• Perfect For: Families, retirees

If you’re looking for a quiet neighborhood with plenty of things to do, then Mission Lake is the place for you! This safe Kansas City neighborhood is home to beautiful parks like Santa Fe Trace Park and Minor Park, and it offers affordable housing options ranging from townhomes to cozy ranches. And with top-rated local schools like Martin City K-8 School and Ruskin High School, Mission Lake is a great place for families to settle down!

Things to Do in Mission Lake

Play a round of golf on the 18-hole course at Minor Park Golf Course. Enjoy the weather by hiking or mountain biking along Blue River Parkway Trail. Challenge your kids to a game of soccer at Blue River Park & Athletic Fields. Get unique breakfast dishes like the Breakfast Banana Split or Cheesy, Cheesy, Cheesy Omelet at Caleb’s Breakfast & Lunch. Feast on Mexican dishes like a Veggie Burrito, Shrimp Taco, or Cheese Quesadilla at Taqueria Dos De Oros. Order New York Style pizza by the slice at Mamma Leone’s. Or relax with a Frozen Margarita or Red Sangria on Red Bridge Barrio‘s patio.

Volker

Photo via @clairemcfarlandkc

• Home Price: $187,420 median purchase price; $804 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 77% of Kansas City neighborhoods
• Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees

Located near the West 39th Street District and Westport District, Volker is a perfect KC neighborhood for anyone wanting a friendly community, good walkability, and fun things to do! Residents are drawn to this historic neighborhood because of its beautiful bungalows, ranches, and brick apartments built in the 1920s. In addition, Volker has great schools like Gordon Parks Elementary School and Allen Village School.

Things to Do in Volker

Check out Westport‘s variety of shops, restaurants, bakeries, bars, and entertainment all within walking distance. Make your way to the Hilliard Gallery on the first Friday of the month to find vintage and eclectic artwork. Go for a walk or take the kids to burn off some energy on the rope jungle gym at the 37-acre Roanoke Park. Attend a drag show with friends at hip piano and karaoke bar Missie B’s. Get in your breakfast fix at Donutology with a S’mores Donut and a Chai Tea Latte. Savor dishes like Siracha Shrimp, Crispy Pineapple Lemon Chicken, or Shanghai Famous Wonton Noodle Soup at Genghis Khan Mongolian Grill. Satisfy your barbecue cravings with Smoked Beef Brisket Poutine, Q Pork Spare Ribs, or BBQ Veggie Burger at Q39. Or snack on Tostada Nachos or Chili Con Carne at Rudy’s Tenampa Taqueria.

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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes