It's no secret that Kansas City has some awesome neighborhoods. It’s also a surprisingly affordable city to live in, with the average one-bedroom apartment renting for about $1,039 per month, which is well below the national average of $1,971. But which Kansas City neighborhoods are great for renters? We looked at walkability, things to do, and overall cost to come up with the five top Kansas City neighborhoods for renters.
Westport
As Kansas City's most popular and oldest entertainment, dining, and retail center, Westport provides tree-lined streets framed by condos and older homes with long-term residents. Though it has the highest walk score in Kansas City, it's a little harder to get connected with the transit system, though biking in this neighborhood is fairly easy. It's located north of the Country Club Plaza, where Hallmark is headquartered.
Country Club Plaza
Just south of Westport is Country Club Plaza, among the oldest entertainment and retail districts in the country and the first designed to cater to shoppers arriving in cars. The prestigious shops located here include Armani, Tiffany's, and several other luxury retail stores. With a strong Spanish and Moorish architectural flair, there are hundreds of apartments and condos around the shopping areas. The Plaza's art fair that is held in September is one of the largest in the country. Country Club Plaza is just behind Westport in walk scores, transit access, and biking ease.
Downtown
With several Fortune 500 companies, including the Federal Reserve Bank and an IRS branch, the eight-block entertainment district offers something for everyone. Beautiful fountains and stunning architecture make up much of the downtown landscape, while fine dining and ample amounts of apartments and condos create an inviting atmosphere. Public transportation is easy to access as the area is serviced well by both buses and the streetcars. Because of the convenient location and access to amenities, rent in Downtown Kansas City is higher than the city’s average at $1,470 for a one-bedroom apartment.
River Market
If you want to have everything within walking distance, River Market is the neighborhood for you! The first heart of Kansas City and home to the Midwest's largest farmer's market on the old public square, this neighborhood has a mix of houses, condos, and loft apartments with easy access to public transportation. The streetcar is a popular way to get around the historic neighborhood, extending two miles along Main Street. The streetcar connects River Market to Crown Center and Union Station. Rent in River Market sits just about the city average at $1,550 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Union Hill
With an eclectic mix of turn of the century Painted Lady Victorian homes, existing lofts, and new condos, Union Hill has an incredible mix of metropolitan flair and old-fashioned neighborhood charm. Currently undergoing a renaissance of renovations and restorations, this great neighborhood is just a short distance from Downtown KC, Westport, and the Country Club Plaza, with a somewhat lower score for walking, transit, and biking, though you can still take care of most daily errands on foot. You can rent a one-bedroom in Union Hill for about $1,424 per month.
These are just five of the terrific neighborhoods you’ll discover when you rent a Kansas City apartment. Want to compare these neighborhoods to other KC hotspots? Use the handy neighborhood comparison tool on the Rent Trends page to find the neighborhood that fits your lifestyle and your budget.
