Up-and-coming neighborhoods - KC (Independence, Center: rental market, houses, purchase)

[DenverBound41]

Hello,

I am just starting my research looking for rental properties to purchase in the KC area. I am hoping to stay under $100k for a 3/1 or 3/2 and would like to find some neighborhoods that are considered up-and-coming or adjacent to such neighborhoods. I lived in Olathe for about 9 months back in 2003 but haven't been back since. Can anyone provide any suggestions for areas where I should begin my search?

Thanks!

[WiseOwlSaysHoot]

Here are some areas that you might consider:

Southern Waldo and the neighborhoods to the south like Santa Fe Hills (you'll likely be priced out of the more desirable northern portions of Waldo). This area is a little more stable and might not be as "up and coming" with as much potential for growth, but it is a already a fairly solid rental market where you can find some homes in your budget. I think being relatively close to the under-construction Cerner campus will be a boon.

The southern portion of the Westside neighborhood. The north end has been gentrified and pricey for a while. I think the south end is starting to follow suit.

KCK close to KU Med Center. Built in rental market with med students and hospital employees.

The Northeast - especially Pendleton Heights and Scarritt Renaissance neighborhoods. With all of the work going on removing blight from the gateway to the Northeast (around Paseo and Independence Ave), and the amazing housing stock, I think that area could be set to (finally) take of for good. You can find some large houses for cheap so the potential is quite high, it just might be a longer-term proposition to reach that full potential.

Neighborhoods between Troost and Paseo. Particularly south of Rockhurst University (good rental market for students with UMKC also nearby) and in Squier Park (one of the nicer neighborhoods between Troost and Paseo, and if the proposed development from Mac Properties on Armour and Troost comes to fruition, it will only push values higher).

You can also keep an eye on neighborhoods just west of Troost (like Hyde Park or Longfellow) where you won't usually find 3 bed homes under $100k, but something might occasionally pop up, especially if you are willing to take on a fixer-upper.