The 12 Best Neighborhoods in Kansas City (2023)

Kansas is home to more than 240 neighborhoods. Among these, you’ll find areas that feel like their own mini-cities – each boasting of uniqueness in terms of attractions, charm, and history.

Looking to move to Kansas City? Well, if you are, here are 12 neighborhoods that you should consider.

1. Overland Park

If your favorite way to spend your free time consists of enjoying the great outdoors, marveling at a museum masterpiece or sampling a tempting new cuisine, then Overland Park is definitely the best neighborhood for you.

If you are a nature lover, you’ll certainly love the options that Overland Park has for you. You can check out the Indian Creek Hike and Bike Trail, and the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Garden.

You will also enjoy renowned attractions such as the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art. Here, you can enjoy a variety of educational programs and experiences.

Kids will also love it here. They can enjoy an indoor skydiving session at iFLY Kansas City, catch a movie at Cinetopia Overland Park, or explore science and history at the interactive Museum at Prairiefire.

2. Brookside

Brookside is Kansas city’s first suburban shopping area. It’s home to some of the city’s hippest residents and urban professionals. The neighborhood is a metropolitan hub of cultural attractions, trendy restaurants, unique shops, and beautiful homes.

There is so much to do and see here. For shopping, check out Latin American Imports, World’s Window, or Stuff.

From high-end eateries to chic coffeehouses, there’s something for everyone in Brookside. Check out Carmen’s Café – a quaint Italian bistro that has been a Brookside staple for years. You can also try Jalapeno’s Mexican Restaurant where you’ll enjoy some spicy nachos and some of the tastiest margaritas in town. Another great option is the Roasterie Café.

3. Leawood

If you are looking for upscale, quiet living, you should probably consider Leawood. Located just minutes from the city and near the trendy Overland Park, Leawood boasts of plenty of entertainment and quieter life.

The area is known for its excellent public schools such as the Mission Trail Elementary School, Sunrise Point Elementary School, Prairie Star Elementary, and Blue Valley North High School.

Leawood also offers some chic spots to unwind after a long day at work. Have a romantic rye cocktail or farm-to-table dinner at Rye Restaurant. Catch a show by the acclaimed Leawood Stage Company. If you are looking for a casual snack and drinks, check out the Pig & Finch Gastropub.

4. River Market

This 150-year old riverfront Kansas city neighborhood is a mecca for lovers of fresh eats, local produce, and history. River Market is located between the Missouri River and downtown KC.

The area has drawn dozens of companies, including web designers, photographers, public relations firms, caterers, artists, and architecture firms.

Whether it’s time to experience something new or time to relax, the River Market is the place to be. You can experience an event, browse the shops, grab a bit to eat, smell the flowers or purchase produce at the City Market.

You will also enjoy some fine dining here. Nowhere else in the city will you find a more diverse dining experience. Here, you can enjoy American, French, Mexican, Ethiopian, and Chinese dining and everything in between.

5. Crossroads Arts District

Kansas City is an eclectic enclave of boutique shops, one-of-a-kind art galleries, studios, creative businesses, and restaurants. Crossroads neighborhood is located at the intersection of Kansas City’s most traveled thoroughfares.

If you have a passion for arts, then this is the right place for you. The Crossroads Arts District is a nationally recognized gem that’s home to hundreds of creative and art-focused entities intersecting all disciplines.

From performance art to live music to theater, this Kansas City area has it all. Check out Bazooka’s, Kansas City Ballet, Crossroads, KC Grinders, Kansas City Symphony, and more.

Foodies will also love it here. The neighborhood is home to some of the region’s most innovative and acclaimed restaurants and chefs, local cafés, and breakfast spots include Blvd Tavern, Bizz + Craftsman Supply, Anton’s, Afterword Tavern + Shelves, and Affare.

6. Westport

Westport has long been the hotbed of nightlife and culture. It’s one of the oldest neighborhoods in Kansas City. The area is a fusion of hot nightspots, fashionable boutiques, and local eateries.

Annual events include Westport Santa Dash, Holiday Open Houses, Art Westport, Summer Beer Festival, and St. Patrick’s Day.

7. Country Club Plaza

Country Club Plaza is an exceptional blend of major fashion houses and local favorites, along with dozens of fine restaurants. You can enjoy top-notch dining at places like Capital Grill and Fogo de Chao.

For shopping, check out Burberry and Michael Kors.

The city is home to two hundred rather impressive fountains. The Neptune fountain located in this neighborhood is perhaps the most impressive in the whole city.

8. Crown Center District

Stay and play in this Downtown KC area where family fun reigns supreme. This neighborhood is perfect for exploring the city.

The area is home to The Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. This is where you can see millions of dollars in the region’s largest cash vault. The other attraction is the National World War I Museum and Memorial. This is arguably one of the country’s most spectacular museums.

The Crown Center District is also home to several more attractions. They include the Hallmark Visitors Center, Kaleidoscope, Legoland Discovery Center Kansas City and Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium.

9. West 39^th Street

West 39^th Street is a funky collage of culture and cuisine. It’s located between Westport and KU Med.

The KC neighborhood is home to many of the city’s specialty and international eateries. Try Friends Sushi & Bento Place or Bob Wasabi if you love delicious sushi. Down the block, Q39, an award-winning barbeque joint, reigns supreme as a local favorite.

Other dining options include Anna’s Oven, Room 39, Genghis Khan, and Meshuggah Bagels.

For a great shopping experience, head over to Donna’s Dress Shop, Noir Arts & Oddities, Prospero’s, or Boomerang.

10. West Bottoms

There is never a shortage of treasures to find or history to discover in this hip, historic district. The neighborhood is located immediately west of Downtown Kansas, at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers.

While the Crossroads Arts District is well-known for its First Fridays, West Bottoms is known for the First Weekend. The First Weekend is when popular antique dealers open their shops to reveal their thrifty picks to the masses.

11. East Bottoms

This is an up and coming KC neighborhood that boasts of a history unlike any other. It’s named for its position against the confluence of two rivers.

When you are here, make sure that you visit the Local Pig. It is a butcher shop featuring a large selection of charcuterie, burgers, sausages, chops, roasts, and steaks.

You may also attend a concert a block away at knuckleheads at 2715 Rochester, do a tour and tasting at the J. Rieger Distillery, or shop next door at Urban Provisions General Store.

12. Waldo

This is a unique destination within Kansas City. It offers an eclectic mix of shops, bars, restaurants, and services.

Celebrate with cocktails at several great watering holes, such as Bier Station, The Well Bar, Grill & Rooftop, and Louie’s Wine Dive.

Shop at Eclectics Gallery, where you will find quirky gift shops and handmade knickknacks.

There you have it! These are the 12 great neighborhoods in Kansas City. If you are planning to relocate there, you certainly won’t regret it. In fact, the city was ranked 3^rd in the list of Travel + Leisure magazine’s “America’s Favorite Places.”