Kansas City Neighborhoods: Where the Locals Call Home

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Posted By: Julie Henning June 1, 2015

A day’s drive from most of the Midwest, Central Plains, and a good chunk of the South, Kansas City’s charm and character is evident in the depth and breadth of its distinctive neighborhoods. From high-end to bohemian, urban to suburban, these unique destinations will give you an idea why so many different types of people call this city home.

Brookside

Brookside NeighborhoodPlanned and built in 1920, the Brookside neighborhood is home to more than 70 shops, restaurants, and offices (including the headquarters of Russell Stover Candies). Walk-able and shop-able, the neighborhood offers Brookside residents all the amenities to both live and work in their neighborhood. Visitors will love the eclectic shops on West 63rd Street.

Where to Stay

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Country Club Plaza

Country Club PlazaInspired by his travels in Spain, the late JC Nichols modeled the Country Club Plaza after the city of Seville. With terra cotta roofs and fountains galore, the 91-year-old district is considered Kansas City’s premier retail, dining, and entertainment destination. You’ll find over 180 shops ranging from high-end to specialty—bring your pocket book!

Garment District

Garment District

A fashion hub in the heart of Kansas City, the Garment District is home to many of the city’s designers, photographers, models, stylists, and artists. With a heritage dating back to 1930, the district was once the site of large-scale garment production. While industrial buildings have been converted to residential lofts and commercial properties housing a collective of locally owned fashion boutiques, the spirit of the district has stayed true to its roots.

Startup Village

Hacker House Startup VillageLocated near the “fiberhood” of Hanover Heights near 45th and State Line Road, the Startup Village is a hub of a grassroots entrepreneurial movement in Kansas City. Powered by Google Fiber, Startup Village is home to more than a dozen startup businesses within a two-block radius. If you visit make sure and find the Home for Hackers (4428 State Line Road). Offering individuals a rent-free room for up to three months, the house is “home” to entrepreneurs benefiting from the collaborative workspace as well as the lightning-fast broadband connection.

39th Street West

39th Street WestA colorful neighborhood with Bohemian flair, 39th Street West offers the convenience and variety only found when you go looking for a true urban lifestyle. If you visit on the third Friday of the month, stay late for the 3rd Friday celebration (7PM-10PM, rain or shine) featuring art, music, food, and shopping in the neighborhood venues that “stay open late to celebrate.”

Historic River Market District

River Market Neighborhood

Kansas City’s oldest neighborhood, the Historic River Market District is a cultural hub just a few blocks north of downtown. Ideal for mixing business with pleasure, restaurants in town cater to the happy hour crowd. River Market is also home to City Market, the largest farmers market in Kansas City. With more than 40 full-time tenants, the year-round City Market has been operating since 1857.

Crown Center District

Crown Center DistrictAlso known as “Midtown,” the Kansas City’s Crown Center District is a shopping, dining, and entertainment district adjacent to the world headquarters of Hallmark Cards. New additions to the district include the LEGOLAND Discovery Center and the SEA LIFE Aquarium. Historians will enjoy Union Station and The National World War I Museum.

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About the Author

Julie Henning
Julie Henning is a freelance writer and journalist based out of Eugene, Oregon. She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and owner of the family-travel website RoadTripsForFamilies.com. She is a recent past member of the Midwest Travel Writers Association and the Association for Great Lakes Outdoor Writers. In March 2018 Julie Henning published the book "100 Things to Do in Eugene Before You Die" (Reedy Press). She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and recent past member of the Midwest Travel Writers Association and the Association for Great Lakes Outdoor Writers. She has been published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Wisconsin State Journal, Travel Wisconsin, Travel Oregon, Hometown News Group, The Daily Journal (Kankakee, Illinois), the Rochester Post Bulletin, Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine (DNR publication), Experience Michigan Magazine, the Official Oregon Wine Touring Guide, Metro Parent Milwaukee Magazine, Eugene Cascades & Coast Official Visitors Guide, Trivago, Intercom Magazine, Roadtrippers.com, Amtrak.com, Eugene Magazine, and FTF Geocacher Magazine. Julie has appeared on Wisconsin Public Radio, Ohio Public Radio, and KCBX FM Central Coast Radio. She has produced episodes for Journey of Discovery with Tom Wilmer, a National Public Radio travel podcast. Julie has also produced travel apps with Sutro Media and Bindu Media. She works full time in marketing. Julie has appeared on Wisconsin Public Radio, Ohio Public Radio, and KCBX FM Central Coast Radio and is an affiliate producer with the Journeys of Discovery with Tom Wilmer, a National Public Radio travel podcast. She has blogged for TravelWisconsin.com, Travel Oregon, and VISIT Milwaukee. Julie travels with her three kids and black lab as much as possible and lives by the motto, "Not all who wander are lost." Check out some of her best work at www.juliehenning.com.

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