Job Transfer to USP Leavenworth (Kansas City, Parkville: apartment complex, rentals, low crime)

[RPribyl]

Hello all! My husband and I currently work at the Federal Correctional Complex in Coleman, Florida but we will hopefully soon be transferring to USP Leavenworth. We are trying to find a nice area to live in outside of Leavenworth. We would prefer to have a 30 minute or less drive to work everyday. We're both 26 and would like an area with people our age as where we live now is a mainly elderly area. We will be renting at first so a place with plenty of options as far as rentals go would be great! Also looking for a place with plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment options. A Lieutenant at work suggested Parkville but I think they may be too small of place. We don't really want to live directly in Kansas City but a larger suburb would be great.

[Samantha S]

Originally Posted by RPribyl

Hello all! My husband and I currently work at the Federal Correctional Complex in Coleman, Florida but we will hopefully soon be transferring to USP Leavenworth. We are trying to find a nice area to live in outside of Leavenworth. We would prefer to have a 30 minute or less drive to work everyday. We're both 26 and would like an area with people our age as where we live now is a mainly elderly area. We will be renting at first so a place with plenty of options as far as rentals go would be great! Also looking for a place with plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment options. A Lieutenant at work suggested Parkville but I think they may be too small of place. We don't really want to live directly in Kansas City but a larger suburb would be great.

You would probably like Parkville. It's a nice suburb that would put you within 30 minutes of Leavenworth and also close to everything the city offers.

If you are thinking of starting a family, you might also look into the Shawnee, KS area that is directly South of Leavenworth on K-7. Lots of young couples and little kids. A little further from the city attractions, but they are not out of reach by any means.

If you can tell us more of what you rae really looking for in a community, you will get more tailored responses.

[RPribyl]

Originally Posted by Samantha S

You would probably like Parkville. It's a nice suburb that would put you within 30 minutes of Leavenworth and also close to everything the city offers.

If you are thinking of starting a family, you might also look into the Shawnee, KS area that is directly South of Leavenworth on K-7. Lots of young couples and little kids. A little further from the city attractions, but they are not out of reach by any means.

If you can tell us more of what you rae really looking for in a community, you will get more tailored responses.

List of things:
1. Close to shopping, dining, and entertainment
2. Welcoming community
3. Couples our age 26-40
4. Low Crime area
5. Small City with the feel of a bigger city
6. Plenty of things to do
7. Block party type neighborhoods

[Samantha S]

Originally Posted by RPribyl

List of things:
1. Close to shopping, dining, and entertainment
2. Welcoming community
3. Couples our age 26-40
4. Low Crime area
5. Small City with the feel of a bigger city
6. Plenty of things to do
7. Block party type neighborhoods

Okay -- In Shawnee, KS, you will get 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 For 1 and 6, it will depend on what you consider "close". Within 20-30 minutes, there is plenty of shopping, dining, entertainment and things to do. But if you are looking for stuff within the community itself, the West part of shawnee is pretty "bedroom", you will have to get out and about for your fun. We do have "block party" type neighborhoods, but they are centered more around kids and families -- which may or may not be what you meant.

I have never lived in Parkville, but have been there several times and know people who live there. I'd say all of the above for Parkville (except #7, which I can't speak to) plus it seems to have more of a "life of its own".

[RPribyl]

Originally Posted by Samantha S

Okay -- In Shawnee, KS, you will get 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 For 1 and 6, it will depend on what you consider "close". Within 20-30 minutes, there is plenty of shopping, dining, entertainment and things to do. But if you are looking for stuff within the community itself, the West part of shawnee is pretty "bedroom", you will have to get out and about for your fun. We do have "block party" type neighborhoods, but they are centered more around kids and families -- which may or may not be what you meant.

I have never lived in Parkville, but have been there several times and know people who live there. I'd say all of the above for Parkville (except #7, which I can't speak to) plus it seems to have more of a "life of its own".

I'm thinking Parkville is probably going to be it. The more I look at it, it is the small town in the big city feel we are looking for. Now the only problem is finding rentals there. I'm having a bit of trouble finding any apartments and not too many houses.

[RPribyl]

Actually we have found an apartment complex called Falcon Falls in North KC. Does anyone know anything about it?

[Flower55]

Why wouldn't you want to live in the Leavenworth/Lansing area. Why give the money to another community. Lansing schools are rated top in the nation. It has all of the things on your list as far as livability. I wouldn't live in Johnson County, because of the crowds and congestion. They are closing down many schools. The list goes on. Yes, Parkville may be nice. You have everything you need right here in town. Shopping and dining is 20-30 minutes in any direction. You can go to the Missouri side and go to Zona Rosa. Stay on the Kansas side and go to the Legends. You want to travel a little farther than you have the Country Club Plaza about 30 or so minutes away. Wouldn't you like the luxury of driving 10 minutes to work? You really didn't get many replies, so I can see why you are undecided. Come visit the community. Speak to realtors that know what they are talking about(I am not a realtor) I just think you would enjoy Lansing/Leavenworth if you gave it a chance. Why do you think so many military families retire here. It's a great place to bring up kids and to retire!

[katie45]

Originally Posted by RPribyl

Actually we have found an apartment complex called Falcon Falls in North KC. Does anyone know anything about it?

Go to apartmentratings.com and plug in the zip code for Falcon Falls to read opinions of some of the residents.

You are in FL now. Have you ever lived in an area that has to deal with snow/ice every winter? And at times, even blizzards? You will need to take that into consideration since you'll be commuting to work. The 60 mile roundtrip from NKC to Leavenworth can end up taking twice as long in the dead of winter; and if you're not used to driving on snow/ice covered roads, it is truly a nightmare.

While I can appreciate your wish list...there are many practical things you need to be taking into consideration vs. shopping, entertainment, etc. And low crime is impossible anywhere near Kansas City, KS and/or Kansas City, MO.

Wherever you end up renting, try to get the shortest lease term offered to allow you the flexibility of not being locked in for a year.

It's your call, but in this area, the shortest commute time is the best.

[Okey Dokie]

Katie has given you good advice. I doubt USP Leavenworth is the type of place who will be understanding and say "Oh, that's okay" when you call them and say you can't get to work because of the weather. Rent a while and get a couple winters under your belt. Then you can make a more informed decision as your tolerance for winter driving.

[Okey Dokie]

Dang I hate it when this happens. Original post is over 2 years old -- they've lived through winter by now.