Living without a Car : Is it possible in Kansas City? (Washington: how much, house)

[Geologic]

Originally Posted by TabulaRasa

Crown Center wouldn't be my first pick, if walkability is a priority, personally. There's just not much to walk TO, beyond Union Station and the Liberty Memorial. There are other neighborhoods that come to mind much more when I think of walkability.

Thanks.
Any specific Suggestions?

[TabulaRasa]

Plaza, Westport, City Market, even Brookside and Waldo are all a bit more walkable, although the first two have by far the most retail if that's a priority. Crown Center does have a mall, but it's mainly touristy stuff.

[xenokc]

Originally Posted by Geologic

Biking under a mile is no great problem for me.

Is "Groceries: Deerfield Energy- : 356 ft" less well stocked tham Consentino's?

^Never heard of it. Ignore Walkscore lists as much is way off. It lists Mill Creek Park downtown but is near Plaza, 40 blocks away. I suppose the scores are OK relative between hoods but what they list often doesn't make much sense or is just wrong.

[TabulaRasa]

Yeah, I have no idea what Deerfield Energy, Inc. is, and neither does Google.

[Geologic]

Originally Posted by xenokc

^Never heard of it. Ignore Walkscore lists as much is way off. It lists Mill Creek Park downtown but is near Plaza, 40 blocks away. I suppose the scores are OK relative between hoods but what they list often doesn't make much sense or is just wrong.

Thanks, X.
That's why I am here.
Do you have any comments on that 909 Walnut St Apartment/Condo?
It looks like a converted office tower.

I gather you like Lofts.
Are the ones near you like in New York City - Tribeca?

This painting was painted in a Loft I found some years ago:

Triumph Over Mastery II

But that's a long story....

[xenokc]

Originally Posted by Geologic

Thanks, X.
That's why I am here.
Do you have any comments on that 909 Walnut St Apartment/Condo?
It looks like a converted office tower.

I gather you like Lofts.
Are the ones near you like in New York City - Tribeca?

Can't compare KC to NYC in any way really - just pointing out KC has a lot of 'real' warehouse style lofts in 3 warehouse districts, many are Tribeca era buildings but comparisons stop there. Crossroads is sort of like Williamsburgh in Brooklyn with about as many galleries but very low population density and places are scattered. West Bottoms is very much like DUMBO in Brooklyn before gentrified, but is very isolated from downtown down a bluff. River Market is like a quaint E Coast river town with mostly warehouse loft conversions and some new contemp buildings. The big difference is that KC lofts are dirt cheap in comparison and much larger rooms than you'd find on E Coast. Be prepared that KC is very low density, even in city. Friend of mine from Shanghai likes that, people not living on top of each other. If you want density, KC won't be for you. But it looks like you are looking for smaller cities, so KC should be a good balance.

Are you coming directly from Hong Kong or originally from there?

[Geologic]

Originally Posted by xenokc

Are you coming directly from Hong Kong or originally from there?

I am American, through and through, but have lived outside the US for most if the last two decades:
London and Hong Kong.

I am originally from Detroit. And have lived in: Boston, New York City, and Chicago over the years.

The lesser density will take some getting used to, so will
the wide roads, and speeding cars.

Still, it seems that KC may have most of what I am looking for, but I am on a steep learning curve right now.

[pacificwhim]

OP, you might be spinning your wheels a bit by relying on WalkScore or any other online source for information about the livability of a city. As another person pointed out, some of the information you found about the condos on Walnut was just plain wrong. I'd suggest visiting KC in about six weeks when spring has sprung, staying in Westport (puts you right in the center of things) and walking and cycling until you drop until you feel like you've gotten a taste of all the 'hoods. You just can't learn what it's like to live someplace until you get there and wander.

[xenokc]

Originally Posted by Geologic

I am American, through and through, but have lived outside the US for most if the last two decades:
London and Hong Kong.

I am originally from Detroit. And have lived in: Boston, New York City, and Chicago over the years.

If you want a large scale city in those categories, KC won't be for you. But the lower density/lower cost of KC with many bigger city amenities gives a pretty good balance. Much more to offer than the smaller cities you are considering, much less hassle than larger cities.

And as mentioned, check Westport/Plaza area too as it's more lively than downtown on a daily basis - if that is important to you.

[Geologic]

Originally Posted by xenokc

If you want a large scale city in those categories, KC won't be for you. But the lower density/lower cost of KC with many bigger city amenities gives a pretty good balance.

Actually, I was a bit shocked when I saw how low the costs could be.

Example:

Originally Posted by Geologic

Thanks for those comments.
909 Walnut StAPT 1403, Kansas City, MO 64106
For Sale: $242,100 / Zestimate®: $223,304
=======================================

This place shows a property tax of $165 per Zillow. Can that be right?
If so, then it must be related to the "abatement" which expires in 2026?

This is a bit worrisome:
+ How does the City earn the revenues it needs to pay for infrastructure? Is there a big deficit?

+ 2026 seems a long time from now. But if you live there for 5 years, the time will be much closer when you want to sell. I can imagine the price of the property DROPPING each year as the end of the abatement period approaches. These places may be like burning matches. And therefore not a good investment.