Specific advice on Plaza/Westport Apartments. (Kansas City, Washington: apartment complexes, lease, condos)

[dtamang]

Hi everyone,

I'm a first time poster, but I am moving to KC in about seven weeks. I will only be there for one year, but I am not going to be able to visit apartment complexes, so I'm hoping for help.

I know that I want to live in/around Westport, Plaza, Midtown, Crossroads....close to Penn Valley Community College. I believe that the prevailing advice in the forums is to stay out of the eastern parts/northeastern parts of this area.

I've come across a property management company called "Mac Property." They have a number of complexes near Hyde park (The Hamilton, Yankee Hill, Del Monte). I know it breaks the east rule and Hyde Parks reputation is somewhat iffy (I hope that's fair to say and I'm not offending anyone). However, they are in my price range (850 including utilities).

I've also looked at Roanoke West, Roanoke Court, Plaza Villas and Washington Gardens.

Should I avoid these apartments? Any advice as to well run apartment complexes in these areas? I've done as much online searching as possible, but some on the ground advice would be great.

I'm not so worried about crime (unless it is really rampant and you can't walk down the street during the day)...more about a clean, non-roach filled apartment with neighbors that are relatively respectful. Anything about the apartments' reputations would help me a lot. Thanks.

[Cairo_East]

"East" generally means east of Troost Avenue for a lot of people. I have a lot of friends who've lived around Hyde Park but none in it. I've driven through there a lot-for what it's worth-and it doesn't seem too bad. I think the apartments there are on a case-by-case basis. I don't know if there are any $850 apartments on Gillham Road or Union Hill anymore, but it's a good location near Hyde Park.

It's not very specific advice, but it's what I can offer.

[kcmo]

Originally Posted by Cairo_East

"East" generally means east of Troost Avenue for a lot of people. I have a lot of friends who've lived around Hyde Park but none in it. I've driven through there a lot-for what it's worth-and it doesn't seem too bad. I think the apartments there are on a case-by-case basis. I don't know if there are any $850 apartments on Gillham Road or Union Hill anymore, but it's a good location near Hyde Park.

It's not very specific advice, but it's what I can offer.

Have you driven through Hyde Park lately? There have been tons of renovations. There seems to be quite a few nice apartments and condos in the area now, especially near the Nelson and Art Institute.

As far as the OP, all the areas you are looking at are fine. You will know by price if the area is not a good area.

I would check out Union Hill. There are lots of condos in that area that you might be able to get into for a one year lease due to the housing slowdown. But then again, the same can be said for all areas of the urban core.

[dtamang]

Thank you to both of you for your input. It seems like the management company is doing tons of renovations to Yankee Hill, but the Hyde Park made me a bit nervous since I have been going through old posts. I'm glad to hear that the area is in an up-swing and will probably be OK for the next year.

I was concerned that prices might not reflect the apartment and surrounding areas, but since I am hampered with not being in the area, I'll hope for the best.

Also, thank you for clearing up the eastern border. I just assumed that Main street would be the dividing line, but going over to Troost opens up a few more complexes to look at more closely. And Union Hill will be added to my list.

[AJK1535]

MAC property management is the main renovator of places in Hyde Park and from what I have seen they have done a very nice job. The area is not as bad as some of the others you could be in, however it would not be picture perfect either.

[TabulaRasa]

I recently moved from a vintage apt. building on Roanoke in the Plaza neighborhood that's in your price range, but if you're looking to be closer to Penn Valley, you could get much closer than that.

[fanfares]

Honestly, I wouldn't live in midtown. Try Roanoke/Valentine Area. It's really shadowy/seclusive but you're still around bars and shopping. I lived on the corner of 43rd and Warwick for a while in the Aftons, and they were pretty cool except we had mice! A lot of apartments directly around the art institute have pest problems (another friend moved in to an apartment about 2 blocks from 43rd & Warwick and had roaches!!) so I suggest checking them out, or having someone you trust check them out for you. I can't remember the owners of those apartments, but I've heard bad things about many of their complexes in regards to pests. I think the southern part of Hyde Park has some really cool apartments and houses, but I would suggest looking west of Troost. Additionally, for some reason (in my opinion) midtown, east of main and north of about 41st street is a little seedy. West of main, is Westport, West Plaza, and the Valentine Area, which all have really nice places.

[fanfares]

By the way, Kansas City is one of the cheapest cities. You'll surely be able to find something comfortable in your price range. Hell, I live in a 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom house (right across from Penn Valley!) for $800/month.

[Jennifer James]

Dear Moving to KC,

Please, come & tour MAC Property Management! I am on the management team, and from what you have described, we are perfect for you!

We have 7 properties open and in 2010, we will have even more choices available.

We are not perfect and there is a certain mind set required of those who desire city life. If, you practice safety and common sense, you will be fine. We offer pass key entry and gated parking, too.

We are less than 2.5 miles from Penn Valley campus; you could easily take city transportation, to & from.

Call us anytime and we will happily give you a tour of the neighborhood and all of our properties.

Best Wishes,

THE MAC TEAM!

[Idodesign]

If you'd like a chance to look around, I have a great large fully furnished 3 bedroom- Great neighborhood, 1 block behind the Nelson Art Gallery. I do room share for $650 mth, laundry, off street parking, cable internet- if you want to check it out from a home setting.