KC Living

Oct 30, 2013 10:45

My boyfriend and I are considering moving from DSM to KC.  We are 27 and 28.  He would technically be working in Lenexa.  We want to plan a trip to come see the city and make sure it is a place we would be happy.  I have visited a few times, but mostly only to do tourist stuff.  I did make it to the Riot Room for a show last time.  Can anyone ( Read more... )

Leave a comment

celtic_catgirl October 30 2013, 18:22:11 UTC
So to preface this I'm 29 and moved from DSM to KC 3.5 years ago, so I've got a lot of opinions.

In addition to Eden Alley there is a vegan restaurant that has been incredibly well received called Cafe Graditude that is in the crossroads area.

So where you are going to want to live is going to depend on your lifestyle. Do you like going out to local bars and restaurants and would you like the ability to walk there? or would you rather live somewhere a little nicer but have to drive to eat at many local restaurants?

You should definitely check out the West 39th Street area. There is a good used book store at 39th and Bell and there is a vegan coffee shop called Mud Pie a few blocks down 39th street that offers. If you live near there you can also walk to the Westport area (which is where the Riot Room is). It has a feel a lot like Valley Junction or the Ingersoll area. The houses and apartments in the area are pretty much all older buildings and there are things to do including bars and restaurants within walking distance.

My boyfriend and I live near West 39th and are big fans of the neighborhood. I work in Lenexa and the drive is about 20 minutes at 7am and a little more closer to 8. It helps to be going the opposite direction of most traffic. I like that even though my commute to work is a little longer I really don't have to drive anywhere else unless I choose to.

One consideration when you are looking for a place to rent will be somewhere that already has or will be getting google fiber the quality of the service and the speed is so far and above what the other carriers offer it is definitely worth it but if you're moving into an area that is already connected if the previous tenant or landlord didn't take care of it that could be a problem.

As far as the Kansas/Missouri debate I prefer living in Missouri even though I work in Kansas. The things that there are to do in the area I live are the things I want to do as someone in my late 20s with no kids. As far as accessibility to local businesses, local restaurants, arts events I equate living in Missouri to living in Des Moines and living in Kansas to living in West Des Moines, basically the further west you go the newer and more suburban it gets and when you are on the Missouri side of state line the more urban of an environment it is. It kind of depends on what you want.

Also don't live north of the river, it's like living in Ankeny you've pretty much got to drive 20 minutes to get to anything interesting.

Let me know if you have more specific questions. I can probably answer them or point you in the right direction.

Reply

como_un_sueno October 30 2013, 18:42:13 UTC
How big is the apartment you are renting? Are they priced similar to DSM?

Reply

celtic_catgirl October 30 2013, 18:50:18 UTC
For 1150 we are renting a 2-bedroom house with off-street parking and a fenced backyard. It's maybe 1300 square feet plus a front porch and screened in porch on the back. (and a basement)

Before living here I was renting a 2-bedroom apartment in the same area with an off-street parking spot for about 900/month. Maybe 1000sqft

You can find them both cheaper and more expensive depending on how nice you want it to be. The neighborhood has both a lot of rental houses and small (4-8 unit) apartment buildings.

Reply

(The comment has been removed)

celtic_catgirl October 31 2013, 14:04:03 UTC
Definitely seconding the Farmhouse. I love that place they've always got good vegan/veg options. Record Bar also has a fun Bloody Mary bar and brunch.

Reply


Leave a comment

Up