Looking for the best places to invest in Kansas City? Though this city is famous for splitting state lines, Kansas City, Missouri, is also known as an exciting urban area with many popular attractions. Just to list a few, it’s home to the NFL team the Kansas City Chiefs, bustling with a diverse food and music scene, and overall known as the “Heart of America”. And given that population rates are rising year-over-year in Kansas City, more and more people are looking to relocate to this city packed with charm. The median property value for homes in Kansas City is lower than the national average. and rental rates steadily increasing as well, meaning this city might just be the next best place for your newest investment property. However, it is an expansive city with many different areas to choose from, some that investors may not even be aware of. In this article, we’ll list the best places to invest in Kansas City and what type of properties, neighborhoods, and price ranges you can expect there.
KCI/2nd Creek
Where is it located?
The first neighborhood on our list is so named due to its proximity to Kansas City International Airport (KCI). Located 19 minutes north of downtown KCMO, KCI is a sprawling suburban area that offers residents of the city a little more space than the dense urban areas typical of the city center. Residents of KCI also have the added benefit of close proximity to the airport, while still remaining near the city for those who are commuting.
What types of properties are available?
In KCI, it is most common to find A-class, single-family homes on large lot sizes. While some of the homes are newer builds, there are some well kept, older properties as well as opportunities to renovate some less sturdy, aged homes for investors who are interested in a project in a popular area. Homes in KCI are priced higher than what is average for the city, however, given the quality of the properties available as well as the demand of the neighborhood, this price tag is to be expected.
What other benefits are there?
In addition to larger lot sizes and homes, the main draw for residents to KCI is the schools. Local schools are ranked highly for the city, a boon for thousands of local families. While parents might be drawn thanks to the school system, young professionals are more interested in the extra space the neighborhood provides paired with very reasonable commute times.
Pendleton Heights
Where is it located?
In the heart of the city center lies the neighborhood known as Pendleton Heights. One of the most popular attractions of this neighborhood is its proximity to Kansas City University and the accompanying food, entertainment, and nightlife options that come along, too. Residents of the area also have access to the Missouri River waterfront and Kessler Park, which contain ample greenspace for outdoor entertainment options in such a dense urban area.
What types of properties are available?
B- and C-class single-family homes and condos make up the majority of properties available in Pendleton Heights. Properties here are priced about average for the city, making it an easy place to buy into if you’re an investor looking to get your foot in the door. While some of the properties are a bit older, the demand of the area ensures that any money you put into your investment should see good returns.
What other benefits are there?
The greatest benefit Pendleton Heights has to offer is its crown jewel: Kansas City University. For investors, this institution means there will always be a high demand for available rental units thus ensuring that if you’re looking for tenants, your property won’t remain vacant long. Outside of student renters, the area is right in the heart of the city, boasts an abundance of parks, and is situated near a scenic river, making it an in-demand area for residents of all kinds.
Liberty
Where is it located?
The suburb of Liberty is located 20 minutes northeast of the city center via I-35. This suburb is home to a variety of parks and greenspaces for residents to enjoy, such as the Martha Lafite Nature Sanctuary. Liberty is also home to William Jewell College, establishing it as a popular locale for students, young professionals, and families alike.
What types of properties are available?
A- and B-class, single-family homes are most common in Liberty. Given the distance from the city center, larger lot sizes are also more typical in this suburb. Homes in Liberty are priced about average for the city and, given the quality of the homes, this is a great pocket for investors to look into when thinking about Kansas City.
What other benefits are there?
There’s a variety of greenspaces, golf courses, dining, and entertainment options for the residents of Liberty to enjoy. But one of the most popular reasons to move here? The school system. Schools in Liberty are ranked highly for the Kansas City area, making it a great suburb for families to keep on their radar.
Blue Springs
Where is it located?
The town of Blue Springs, Missouri sits just 23 minutes southeast of the city center. Residents of Blue Springs have easy access to both I-70 and I-470, making commuting into the city a breeze. They also live in close proximity to Blue Springs Lake, Lake Lotawana, and even Landahl Mountain Bike Park, for a wide variety of outdoor recreation options. Essentially, Blue Springs is a suburban nature haven.
What types of properties are available?
Large A-class homes make up almost the entirety of Blue Springs, with homes varying in pricing. Some of the older homes come in below average, while some new constructions sit around the median. Pricing on these homes are a great find for the city given that many of them are 3-4 bedroom properties.
What other benefits are there?
Like many of the suburbs in Kansas City, Blue Springs is known for having good schools, which is always a bonus for families. However the real draw for residents is the access to the great outdoors, multiple lakes, a bike park, and traditional parks. These features signal a significant increase in the quality of life for residents looking to have access to the city without sacrificing proximity to the great outdoors.
Independence
Where is it located?
Just 10 miles directly east of downtown Kansas City is the neighborhood known as Independence. While a portion of independence is located near the city center, the sprawling suburb continues out for an additional 14 miles, giving the neighborhood a wide variety of property types for investors to choose from.
What types of properties are available?
B- and C-class, single-family homes are what’s primarily available in the Indepence area. Given the size of the suburb, the homes vary greatly in configuration, sizes, and lots. There’s a wide variety of homes available in Independence, which makes it an ideal place for investors of all kinds to look for new properties.
What other benefits are there?
The greatest benefit to investors looking to buy in Independence is hands-down the price. Properties in Independence are priced lower-than-average for the city, and given that many of them are single-family homes with yards, this is a huge win for investors looking to get their foot in the door.
Final Thoughts: Best Places to Invest in Kansas City
Among the best places to invest in Kansas City, investors can expect to find mid-level, C-class properties all the way up to those in the A++-class, which provides both more affordable options and higher income opportunities. Each area, at its own distance from downtown, also has its very own subculture. Investors can expect to find affluent neighborhoods, culturally rich and historical scenes, and suburban nature havens. Long story short: They each have their own unique pros and cons. To get the best feel for where you’d like to invest, it always helps to talk to an expert who has boots-on-the-ground knowledge and knows each neighborhood like the back of their hand. Our Kansas City team is always happy to help and answer any questions you might have. If you’d like to learn more about the Nashville market as a whole, including population insight, renal market trends, and more, download our Kansas City Market Deep Dive.
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