Underappreciated Kansas City MO
Underappreciated Kansas City MO received some very favorable press starting in February in Thrillist Travel. For a thousand different reasons, you’re considering a move this year. But cities you normally think of as cool, Portland OR, Austin or Nashville are over-priced. There are still plenty of amazing places, however, still lurking under the radar. All around the country, cities big and small offer the same amenities as the cool cities. Cool cities: a creative, laid-back vibe, a food, and craft beer scene, a not-yet-ruined cool factor, and at reasonable prices. Regarding overall quality of life and cost of living, these underappreciated cities are all dark-horse candidates.
Underappreciated Kansas City MO
Cost of living index: 91 (9% lower than US average)
Long overlooked (and flown over) because of its cow-town heritage sits underappreciated Kansas City MO. The city has become the unlikely stomping ground of hip urbanites opting for a three-bedroom house at a fraction of what they’d pay for a crawlspace in Brooklyn. Revitalized neighborhoods offer lofts and condos at rock-bottom prices. Then you have converted industrial warehouses bustling with flea markets, artist exhibits, and pop-ups. Free high-speed internet is available to all, courtesy of Google Fiber. And, a brand-spankin’-new trolley system (also free) makes parking Downtown a non-issue.
An impressive list of arts, theater, and music festivals attracts diverse crowds and talent to KC year-round. The heart of Downtown boasts an Alamo Drafthouse and the Midland Theatre, with a full calendar of music and comedy shows, plus blocks of classy bars and good eats. Further south, the historic Crossroads neighborhood is one of the most concentrated arts districts in the nation, home to more than 100 independent studios. Every First Friday, thousands of residents flood the area for live music, street theater, aerial performances, food trucks, and gallery open houses.
Craft brew enthusiasts get their kicks at the Boulevard Brewing Company or seek out Manifesto, one of our favorite underground secret speakeasies. 18th and Vine is the historic hub of African-American culture here, featuring the American Jazz Museum and the Blue Room, a swinging jazz club packing local and national talent
Affordability Index
Then in July, Thrillist reported on the National Association of Realtors Housing Affordability Index for every city, tying typical home mortgage payments to annual per capita income. A score of 100 means a person can just do it. A score of 300 means you can pretty much live as an expat in Mexico.
This index revealed 14 worthy, affordable cities. They might not have the sexiest locations in the land. They also might — brace yourself, now — be in red states; yet some are, in fact, among the most LGBTQ-friendly cities you can find anywhere. In every case, they offer a chance for even an average earner to own a piece of the dream.
Underappreciated Kansas City MO Again
Population: 481,000
Median home price: $179,000
Annual income: $46,193
In Kansas City, you will not only find one of the coolest cities in America to visit but a downright awesome place to live. Did we mention Free Wi-Fi throughout the entire city? That makes underappreciated Kansas City MO an ideal place for remote workers. Forbes recently ranked Kansas City’s Downtown among the best in America, boasting one of the country’s first pedestrian malls and plenty of affordable condos for those who want to live central.
Terra Firma Property Solutions, LLC is a professional, full-service real estate solutions firm.
We buy and sell properties throughout the greater Kansas City area. We specialize in buying distressed homes, then renovating and reselling them to home buyers and landlords. Terra Firma Property Solutions is excited to be part of the economic rejuvenation of Kansas City and its surrounding areas.
Call us today at (816) 866.0566
