The 8 Best Kansas City Neighborhoods To Call Home In 2025

When looking for the best Kansas City Neighborhoods to call home in 2025, there are 8 hidden spots around KC that deserve your consideration. Finding a place to live can take time and effort, knowing some places outside of the usual zillow search can help you have an edge on your housing search. From historic downtowns to up and coming suburban areas, these 8 neighborhoods have a unique mix of close knit community, walkability, and an oppourtunity to put down roots.

Brookside

Kansas City, Missouri, has a wealth of neighborhoods that will help you find safe and affordable places to call home in 2025. Brookside is a suburban area with the perfect balance of tree-lined streets and city amenities. Brookside is a family-friendly neighborhood with a close-knit community tucked outside of the main center of Kansas City. The Brookside Farmers Market and cozy spots like Bella Napoli give the neighborhood its charm. As an already walkable city, the neighborhoods are equally set up with local restaurants and shops within walking distance. Brookside has become an up-and-coming area for families to find their next home.

Waldo

Outside of Brookside is Waldo, a similar suburban area in the outer area of Kansas City. Waldo also offers a walkable neighborhood with more mixed-use developments. Here you can find a mix of historic homes and affordable apartment communities. Known for its dive bars, local breweries, and family-friendly vibe, you can grab a slice at Waldo Pizza or sip a craft pint at KC Bier Co while exploring. Waldo also has a tight-knit community to offer residents, and an emphasis on local infrastructure makes it an easy choice for those looking outside Kansas City for somewhere to call home.

North Kansas City

North Kansas City is another area with a burst of growth and community support. With a mix of commercial and residential developments, North Kansas City is the closest to city living while still being on the outer parts of downtown. Across the river from downtown, North Kansas City mixes industrial roots with a growing foodie scene. Chicken N Pickle is the area’s standout hangout, combining pickleball, food, and drinks in one lively spot. This area gives residents a sense of security outside of the city, while developing newer suburban areas for the influx of families to Kansas City.

Parkville

Parkville is one of Kansas City's fastest-growing areas. In the last 5 years, Parkville has seen an over 20% increase in population, and the infrastructure to match. Parkville sits along the Missouri River, which gives it a picturesque backdrop and a lot of recreation opportunities. Café des Amis and Parkville Coffee are local favorites that pair perfectly with a stroll through English Landing Park. Between boutique shopping, local food, and a community that values stepping out and supporting each other, Parkville has a lot to offer Kansas City residents. Join in on the next Parkville Days and find one of the best Kansas City neighborhoods to call home.

Leawood

Leawood sits as the border town for Kansas City, Missouri’s “last stop in Missouri”. As a town on the edge of Missouri and Kansas, Leawood brings the best of both worlds to the residents. It is recognized as one of the most desirable locations to live. Leawood has easy access to highways, shopping, and restaurants while still keeping a small-town feel. Leawood is polished and upscale, with stylish shopping centers like Town Center Plaza and Town Center Crossing. Dinner at Rye or North Italia gives you a taste of the neighborhood’s elevated dining scene. With its highly rated school district and ease of access for both states, Leawood is positioned as one of the best neighborhoods outside of Kansas City.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park continues to be an increasingly popular option for families and young people looking to leave Kansas City for something a little slower-paced. About 3 miles from downtown, giving it the perfect walkability while still being tucked away, Hyde Park is full of historic homes and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s close to Midtown hotspots like the KC Museum, giving it a mix of old and new. Here you can find everything from community-focused fun to plenty of places to walk and enjoy. Hyde Park gives residents a slice of quiet right outside of downtown.

Lee’s Summit

When looking for a location outside of Kansas City that provides easy access to that big city feeling, Lee’s Summit tops the list. One of the largest suburbs, Lee’s Summit, has a small-town feel matched with big-city amenities. Lee’s Summit is known for its historic downtown alongside the ample green spaces. As a local in Lee’s Summit, you can find things to do year-round, from recreation to community days and lots of local food and fun. For a place to call home, Lee’s Summit is one of the ideal suburbs of Kansas City, MO.

Mission Lake

Going south from Kansas City, MO, you’ll find yourself away from the hustle of downtown and into the beauty of the Blue River and Mission Lake. This southern suburb is great for retirees and families alike. The neighborhood’s lake, trails, and proximity to local spots like Taco Republic make it a great place for a relaxed day. Mission Lake is locally known as one of the safest areas outside of Kansas City. When moving to the area, Mission Lake gives residents the chance to slow down and find a safe space to call home.

Kansas City, Missouri, offers more than just a great location in the city. You can find 8 amazing neighborhoods to call home in 2025 if you know where to look. It is an area with family-friendly communities that offer both comfort and community. Whether you’re drawn to historic homes in Hyde Park or the lakeside luxury of Lake Waukomis, there’s a neighborhood that can meet you where you want to be. What matters most in these neighborhoods is safety, community, and livability.