5 Best Neighborhoods in Kansas City for Families

Kansas City, Missouri, is a city with a rich cultural history and a captivating natural landscape. Situated along the banks of the Missouri River, Kansas City is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who come to hike and camp in the region’s rolling hills and wooded areas. From sprawling parks and forested hiking trails to scenic lakes and rivers, Kansas City’s beautiful natural landscapes are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to its abundance of natural beauty, Kansas City is also home to numerous museums, galleries, and theaters. Kansas City has become an essential hub for artists from all over the country. Whether you are visiting Kansas City for its stunning scenery or its thriving artistic community, there is something here for everyone to enjoy. So if you’re looking for excitement, culture, or just some time in nature, Kansas City is the perfect place to visit.

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If you are planning to move to one of the neighborhoods of Kansas City with your family, here are some of the best Kansas City neighborhoods for families.

1. Sunset Hills

Sunset Hill is a neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, known for its beautiful sunsets. German immigrants in the late 1800s originally settled the area, and many of the original homes and businesses are still standing. Sunset Hill is home to several small businesses, including a bakery, a bookstore, and a coffee shop. The neighborhood also has its park and playground. Sunset Hill is a close-knit community, and residents often come together for potlucks, block parties, and other events. While the area is primarily residential, Sunset Hill is also home to a few small office buildings and retail shops. Sunset Hills Elementary School serves the neighborhood.

Top-Rated Schools

• Kirkwood Senior High School
• Nipher Middle School

Things to Do in Sunset Hills

• Take the kids to the splash park or walk around the 75-acre Jacob L. Loose Park’s rose garden.
• Become a member of the Carriage Club and go swimming with the kids, participate in club swimming events, and dine at one of the best restaurants.
• Take a trip back in time and visit the Civil War Bent & Ward Houses. Start your day with pastries and exotic coffees like the Spicy Hot Chocolate and Aztec Mocha at Hi Hat Coffee.
• At Jack Stack Barbecue, sink your teeth into delicious, traditional Kansas City BBQ like Burnt Ends or the Kansas City Combo. 
• Chaz on the Plaza serves Parmesan Crusted Calamari, Smoked Akaushi Prime Rib, and a Fritz Burger to provide sophisticated dining. Pick up a Minsky’s Pizza specialty like the Five Star Cheese pizza or Cheeseburger pizza for the whole family.

• Median Home Price: $597,200
• Median Rent: $385
• Crime Rate: (Calculated annually per 100,000 residents)
  • Assault – 1,216.1
  • Rape – 76.5
  • Murder – 35.2
  • Robbery – 257.3
  • Burglary – 615.2
  • Theft – 2,595.2
  • Motor Vehicle Theft – 909.2

Also See: Leaving Kansas City? 5 Best Places to Move from Kansas City

2. Brookside

Brookside is a neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, known for its vibrant nightlife and array of restaurants and bars. Brookside is also home to several boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops. The Brookside Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday from May through October and features locally grown produce, baked goods, flowers, and more. In the center of the neighborhood, Brookside Park is a popular gathering place for residents and features a playground, basketball courts, and picnic tables. Brookside Day, held each year on the first Saturday in June, is a community-wide celebration that includes a parade, live music, food trucks, and activities for children.

Top-Rated Schools

• Brookside Charter School
• St.Teresa’s Academy
• Border Star Montessori

Things To Do in Brookside

• Head to Brookside Park for some sledding in the winter on one of Kansas City’s greatest sledding hills.
• Play on the playground at Brookside Triangle Park or try some tiny rock climbing with the kids. At Brookside Toy & Science, get your children some new toys or fun educational gadgets to play with.
• Renting a bicycle to ride on Harry Wiggins Trolley Track Trail or around town with RideKC on Brookside Blvd.
• Take a trip back to the ’50s at Brookside Shops, which offers retro fashions, furniture, and other styles. Participate in community activities such as dining and shopping for clothes, accessories, furnishings, etc.
• Edamame or sushi are good options at Charlie Hooper’s Brookside Bar & Grille. If you’re looking for a quick and easy dish, try Ebisu Ramen from Sayachi. Order a Kickin’ Chicken Sammie or Buffalo Chicken Mac from Charlie Hooper’s Brookside Bar & Grille to complete your meal.
• At Brookside Barrio, try Mexican street tacos, Jackfruit Enchiladas, or Surf & Turf Kabobs. At Foo’s Fabulous Frozen Custard in South Orange, New Jersey, indulge in tastes like German Chocolate or Nutty Monkey Chow.

• Median Home Price: $255,250
• Median Rent: $330
• Crime Rate: (Calculated annually per 100,000 residents)
  • Assault – 1,040.1
  • Rape – 70
  • Murder – 30.2
  • Robbery – 290.2
  • Burglary – 782.1
  • Theft – 2,326.4
  • Motor Vehicle Theft – 543.2

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3. Armour Hills

Armour Hills is a community in Kansas City, Missouri, known for its vibrant and diverse culture. Nestled in the rolling hills of northeastern Kansas, Armour Hills is home to a variety of local businesses and community organizations. Whether you are looking for excellent food, great entertainment, or a welcoming environment, Armour Hills has something for everyone. Armour Hills is a wonderful location to call home, work, and enjoy yourself. Its central location and proximity to major roads make it an ideal place to live, work, and play.

Top-Rated Schools in Armour Hills

• Summer Academy of Arts and Science
• Lincoln College Prep

Things to Do In Armour Hills

• Head to the neighborhood’s west side for good steam and ride on the historic six-mile Harry Wiggins Trolley Track Trail.
• Take the kids to the pool or playground, or play tennis at Arbor Villa Park.
• Participate in group exercise sessions and register the kids for youth sports programs at Cleaver Family YMCA.
• Stop by McLain’s Bakery for the Smothered Burrito and Chorizo Bowl for a hearty breakfast.
• Take the family to Governor Stumpy’s Grill House for some Rattlesnake Pasta, an Uncle Paddy Melt, or the Gov’s Baby Back Ribs.
• Sit down at the family-friendly District Pour House + Kitchen and try some Fish & Chips or an Impossible Burger.

• Median Home Price: $240,700
• Median Rent: $852
• Crime Rate: (Calculated annually per 100,000 residents)
  • Assault – 1,3211
  • Rape – 74
  • Murder – 41
  • Robbery – 242.8
  • Burglary – 562.2
  • Theft – 2,476.6
  • Motor Vehicle Theft – 666.9

4. Waldo

Waldo, Kansas, is a small town located in the heart of the Midwest. Spanning just ten square miles, Waldo is well-known for its pleasantly rural setting and friendly atmosphere. With easy access to Kansas City and other major cities in Missouri, Waldo makes an ideal base for exploring all the region offers. Whether you’re hiking through the local parks, taking in some shopping and dining at downtown Waldo’s main Street, or exploring the rolling green hills surrounding the town, Waldo truly has something for everyone. Whether you want to enjoy a relaxing weekend getaway or embark on an exciting adventure, Waldo is sure to please.

Top-Rated Schools

• Global Montessori Academy
• The Daniel Academy
• Pathway Academy

Things to Do In Waldo

• Take a dip in the splash park or have fun grilling out at Sunnyside Park.
• Take your children to play at the ball diamond or explore South Oak Park’s open green space.
• Get some expert coaching or sign your children up for junior club sports at Teamwork Sports.
• From Tropical Sno, have a snow cone, sorbet, or delicious homemade dip cones.
• At Emilie’s French Teas, enjoy afternoon tea with imported Oolong, White, and Green teas.
• Strip’s Chicken serves kid-friendly meals like Honey Kissed Nuggets or the well-known Crispy Chicken Strips.
• Fill your belly with classic Greek dishes like Pikilla, Moussaka, or a Gyro Plate from Tasso’s Greek Restaurant.
• At Waldo Thai Place, you can try some Thai dishes like Boat Noodle Soup or Steamed Pork and Shrimp Dumplings.

• Median Home Price: $116,950
• Median Rent: $451
• Crime Rate: (Calculated annually per 100,000 residents)
  • Assault – 663.2
  • Murder – 27.4
  • Robbery – 690.6
  • Burglary – 3,157.9
  • Theft – 4,082.8
  • Motor Vehicle Theft – 994.8

5. Volker

Volker is a neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri. The neighborhood was named after William Volker, a businessman and philanthropist born in the area. It is bounded by 31st Street to the north, Volker Boulevard to the south, Troost Avenue to the west, and Woodland Avenue to the east. The Volker neighborhood is home to several educational institutions, including the University of Missouri-Kansas City and Rockhurst University. Volker is also home to many parks and recreation facilities and various businesses and restaurants.

Top-Rated Schools

• Shawnee Mission East High School
• The Barstow School

Things to Do In Volker

• Spend some time in the park’s well-kept gardens, play on the ropes course, or try out the full-size zip line.
• Please take part in an outdoor adventure together, or sign your family up for a rock-climbing challenge with Challenge the family to an afternoon of rock climbing or enroll them in a class at RoKC Underground Bouldering Gym.
• Go for a book reading, listen to live music in the event space, or browse Prospero’s Books & Media used books collection.
• Dragonfly Tea Zone is a tea shop that specializes in loose-leaf teas. You can steep yourself in over 150 distinct Premium Loose Leaf tea flavors at Dragonfly Tea Zone.
• Start your day with a cup of coffee and a delectable vegan pastry from Mud Pie Vegan Bakery & Coffee, like the Pumpkin Whoopie Pie.
• Tiki Taco serves up a KC Burrito or Baja Shrimp Tacos and Tiki Fries with lime, salt, and pepper.
• Try some Mediterranean cuisine at Aladdin Cafe, which has Shawarmah Meat Sandwich, Lamb Kabob, and the Aladdin Gyro Platter as examples. Alternatively, stop by Miami Ice for delectable sweets like Frozen Custard, Shaved Ice, or Smoothies.

• Median Home Price: $187,420
• Median Rent: $804
• Crime Rate: (Calculated annually per 100,000 residents)Assault – 782.5Murder – 31.2Robbery – 637.4Burglary – 3,476.6Theft – 4,289.3Motor Vehicle Theft – 1050.2

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Conclusion

Kansas City is home to many wonderful neighborhoods, each with its own unique identity and appeal. Whether you’re looking for a neighborhood with top-rated schools or one that offers plenty of things to do, there’s sure to be a perfect fit for your family somewhere in Kansas City. So get out there and explore! You may find the perfect place to call home.

Also See: 7 Best Moving Companies in Kansas City | Get Paid to Move – States that Pay You to Move There

FAQs

What are the best neighborhoods in Kansas City for families?

While there are many great neighborhoods in Kansas City, some of the best ones for families include Waldo, Volker, and Brookside. Each of these neighborhoods offers something unique that will appeal to families, whether it be top-rated schools, great parks, recreation facilities, or various businesses and restaurants. So if you’re looking for the perfect place to raise your family in Kansas City, be sure to explore these great neighborhoods!

What are some of the best things to do in Kansas City with kids?

Kansas City is home to many wonderful parks, museums, and other attractions perfect for families. Some of the best things to do in Kansas City with kids include exploring the Kansas City Zoo, attending a performance at The Coterie Theatre, or visiting one of the many great museums like the Kansas City Museum or the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Kansas City is also home to many excellent restaurants that will please even the pickiest eaters, so check out some of the city’s best spots for food, like Kansas City BBQ or Tiki Taco. Whatever your family’s interests, you’re sure to find something fun and engaging in Kansas City!

What are some of the things to do in Volker?

Volker is a great neighborhood in Kansas City for families, offering plenty of parks, museums, and other attractions. Some of the best things to do in Volker include visiting Prospero’s Books & Media, an events space that hosts book readings and lives music performances; exploring Dragonfly Tea Zone, a tea shop with over 150 distinct flavors; or spending the afternoon at Kansas City Museum, which offers a variety of exhibits and hands-on activities for kids.

What are some of the top restaurants in Brookside?

Brookside is one of Kansas City’s most popular neighborhoods, thanks to its wide array of amazing restaurants. Some of the top restaurants in Brookside include Mud Pie Vegan Bakery & Coffee, for delectable vegan pastries and coffee; Tiki Taco, for delicious tacos and fries with a side of lime, salt, and pepper; or Aladdin Cafe, for tasty Mediterranean dishes like Shawarma Meat Sandwich and Lamb Kabob. Whatever your family’s culinary preferences, you’re sure to find something to please everyone in Brookside.

See Also: 10 Best Out Of State Movers in the US