Neighborhoods near UMKC for single woman? (Kansas City, Union: section 8, apartments, to rent)

[quirky_alex]

I am a single woman moving to Kansas City to work at UMKC for a year. I want to live close to UMKC in a one-br apartment and in an area where I can experience city life. I've been told that Brookside, Plaza, West Plaza, Hyde Park, and Union Hill are all good areas and that I should avoid anything east of Troost. Looking at apartment listings online, I really like several apartments in Hyde Park - for their historic charm, amenities, and price. I will be traveling to KC next week to look at apartments and neighborhoods.

However, I'm wondering, do you any special recommendations/concerns about a single woman living alone in Hyde Park? I would also like to live in an area where I could jog in the mornings or early evenings after work - is Hyde Park a good area for that?

Also, I've seen several apartments listed on E Armour Blvd - is this a recommended place to live or not?

[xenokc]

Depends on where you are coming from. If from S Side Chicago or accustomed to inner city vibe, Armour and HP are doable. If not accustomed to being near Section 8, might be an eye opener. The W side of Midtown has much less commotion, like Roanoke, Volker, W Plaza. There are some apts near UMKC too and around the Plaza, though many have gone condo. You might find a condo to rent from owner for a year on Plaza. Southmoreland near Art Institute is generally 'better' than Armour with low rent but W Midtown probably still less commotion. Union Hill to Downtown could be doable depending on your budget as rents are higher. Will you have a car?

Pretty much all areas of downtown to Plaza to Brookside are doable to jog in the evening but Armour/HP (E side of Midtown) are not as much, relatively anyway. Some might disagree with me but there's a reason Armour rent is relatively low.

If you can afford to live on the Plaza, that would probably be something to check into first as it's close to UMKC and very single woman friendly. But the Plaza might be a little too frou frou if an offbeatenpath indie type girl. If the latter, check out W39th.

Where are you coming from?

HEre is a city guide along the Main MAX bus line to give some reference...

[brewcrew1000]

You could also live Downtown, Crossroads or the River Market and take the bus to UMKC everyday

[aragx6]

I probably wouldn't live in Hyde Park alone, and additionally, in my opinion, the area really doesn't have as much to offer as other neighborhoods.

I assume since you mentioned Armour that you're looking at MAC properties -- at least you'd be in a secure building.

I live in Volker (near KU Med and right off 39th St. West) and it's more walkable and significantly safer. Definitely suggest looking there -- and less than 10 minutes' drive to UMKC.

Can I ask what your budget is?

[quirky_alex]

xenokc, thank you for all the information! I'm relocating from Fort Worth, TX. I hate Texas suburbs and am looking for a different vibe, but perhaps KC suburbs have more character than what I'm used to. I do have a car.

brewcrew1000, how long would the busride be from Downtown or Rivermark to UMKC?

aragx6, up to around $700 is my ideal budget.

[aragx6]

How about this place in Volker? I think you'd really like the neighborhood. (I'd make sure the bedroom is in the back of the unit though, because 39th St. can be just a tough loud traffic-wise) I occasionally hear sirens from my bedroom but I like city noises.

A Home As UNIQUE As YOU! Exposed Brick, New Kitchen & Baths! L@@K! (http://kansascity.craigslist.org/apa/2479162747.html - broken link)

[aragx6]

Other places in the neighborhood to look at:
KU Med area 8 plex 3719 Wyoming St (http://kansascity.craigslist.org/apa/2488519489.html - broken link)

39th Street/Wyoming area ONLY $475 (http://kansascity.craigslist.org/apa/2480071582.html - broken link)

westport apt 1 bedroom off west 39th KU (http://kansascity.craigslist.org/apa/2490943865.html - broken link)

lovely 2bdrm-quiet neighborhood setting (http://kansascity.craigslist.org/apa/2480110855.html - broken link)

Great Mid-Town Location (http://kansascity.craigslist.org/apa/2467040715.html - broken link)

(ld)Great Apt / Great Location--Going Fast (http://kansascity.craigslist.org/apa/2424881291.html - broken link)

Here's a place in West Plaza -- a little less walkable, but close to everything: NEWLY RENOVATED 2 BEDROOM IN QUIET COMMUNITY (http://kansascity.craigslist.org/apa/2458245540.html - broken link)

Hope that helps!

[xenokc]

Based on your feedback, would check out where aragx6 lives.. W39th/Volker/Roanoke area. Will give you a bit more city living than suburbs and is 5-10 minutes to UMKC. Would also still check out Plaza area, which has solid pedestrian scale living - might find something. You could also probably find a one bedroom downtown for $700/month. Is about 15 minutes to UMKC, 20+ minutes on bus. There are a lot of cool loft style apts downtown.

[brewcrew1000]

quirky_alex
Did you send another message via couch surfing kc group?
If so, based on your style and profile, your ideal spots would be The East Plaza/Nelson Atkins area, West 39th, Westport, West Plaza. The east plaza area would be ideal because you could walk to school

[quirky_alex]

brewcrew, yes, I did! How funny that these online groups overlap. Thanks for the advice - those all seem like good areas to check out.