Growing up on the east side of Kansas City, Missouri, my outlook was shaped by the ongoing disparities of an underserved and under-resourced community. Despite the presence of problems such as blight, food deserts, and violence, there were also moments of love, hope, and joy. It was, and is, home. My wife, Arlene, and I decided to move back to the East Side. The east side of Kansas City boasts homes that harken back to the original Millionaires Row. As you travel north on Benton Blvd, you can almost hear the echoes of the past and see the beauty of turn-of-the-century colonial architecture or grand Victorian-style homes, complete with carriage houses, expansive front yards, and even larger backyards.
These architectural gems, which would cost three times as much just a mile west, remain an affordable option for middle-class families and first-time homebuyers despite the sweeping gentrification that touches many cities in the United States.
As designers and creative souls, Arlene and I have always been able to see beyond the rough exterior and focus on the hidden potential.
We found ourselves, especially me, advocating for a return to our old neighborhood. My reasoning was that to uplift our community, we couldn't do it from a distant, suburban castle; we had to be right there, in the heart of it, to inspire meaningful change.
But as the days turned into nights filled with the wail of sirens, as litter and trash sprawled across our streets, and as we witnessed many in our community grappling with substance dependence to escape harsh realities, I began to question the cost of our idealism.
Our children, now older, see it too—the neglect that our neighborhood endures. Is this the environment want to raise my children in?
Living in a spacious 3,200 square-foot home, we realized that nothing we do as a family exists on our side of town. For something as simple as ice cream, we drive 15 minutes to the west side for Andy’s Frozen Custard.
With our commitment to a clean diet, often choosing vegetarian and vegan options, the single grocery store nearby offers little variety in produce, barely any meatless alternatives, and is stocked with pork, high-fructose sugary drinks, and snacks.
For parks, we head to the west side; for the nearest Sam’s Club, we drive to north Kansas City; and for Target, it's south Kansas City. The local school district has shuttered almost every elementary school, forcing us to commute westward to drop off our kids at school.
Despite purchasing what we thought was our dream home, the reality has been full of hidden repair needs, and the neighborhood we invested in has become my greatest regret as a homeowner. Blinded by idealism and bound by budgetary constraints, I found us focused on a house, and not paying enough attention to the neighborhood. When you set out for homeownership, it's important to buy into the neighborhood. While the house itself can change over time—you can renovate, add more space, or convert rooms—it's not as easy to change the neighborhood.
The community, local amenities, proximity to schools and work, and many other factors are beyond your control. That's why choosing the right neighborhood is more important than just buying the perfect house.
Key Recommendations for Choosing the Right Neighborhood
Prioritize Your Needs:
Identify and list your "must-haves," "nice-to-haves," and "deal-breakers."
Consider factors like public transportation access, family-friendly streets, and other lifestyle requirements.
Assess Walkability:
Determine the neighborhood's walkability score. Many apps like Zillow, Truila, and Refine have walkability scores.
Walk around the neighborhood to check for sidewalks and accessibility to stores, restaurants, and schools. It's also good to walk around to get a sense of the neighborhood culture.
Evaluate Neighbor Curb Appeal:
Observe the condition of nearby houses and yards.
Look for well-maintained properties, which can increase your home’s future value.
If apartments, shopping centers, or stores are near buy, look at how well their grounds are kept.
Check for a Family-Friendly Atmosphere:
Look for signs of children playing and family-oriented activities.
If parks are near by, do you see playground equipment and if so, look to see how well they are maintained. This is often a tell all sign of how the city officials view the community and allocation of resources.
Browse local social media pages for information on neighborhood events and activities.
Research School Districts:
Investigate the quality of local schools.
Check if the schools meet your family's educational needs and standards.
Consider Public Transportation:
Ensure the neighborhood has convenient public transportation options.
Check for potential disturbances from nearby train tracks or other transit routes.
Monitor Traffic Patterns:
Visit the neighborhood at different times of the day to observe traffic flow.
Note if traffic could impact your daily life, particularly during rush hours.
Assess the impact of traffic on air quality and noise pollution in the neighborhood.
Understand Homeowners Associations (HOAs):
Determine if the neighborhood has an HOA and understand the associated fees.
Clarify what services and amenities the HOA covers.
Ensure HOA rules and fees do not disproportionately burden lower-income residents.
Check Crime Rates:
Research local crime statistics using online resources like SpotCrime and CrimeMapping.
Ensure the neighborhood has a low crime rate for peace of mind and future resale value.
Consider the broader social determinants of safety, including economic opportunities and community policing practices.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that ensures a harmonious and fulfilling living experience. Looking back, I wish I had spent more time advocating for buying the right neighborhood over the right house.
I wasn't aware of the importance of this decision and its overall impact, not just on your finances but more importantly on your mental health and quality of life.
Remember, choosing the right neighborhood is just as crucial as choosing the right house.
~
Louis Byrd Founder & CVO of Kataba
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