The city of Independence, located in the Show Me State, is rich in history and full of opportunities. As more people choose Independence as their home, attracted by its combination of urban facilities with small-town charm, there has never been a better time to reside here! If you are considering moving to this Midwestern treasure trove but want more information first, don’t worry! Our guide aims to provide all the information regarding living and buying real estate in Independence.
The Appeal of Independence
Independence has a special appeal thanks to its long history, dating back to the 1800s. There’s lots to do here: the National Frontier Trails Museum is a great place for families to check out and unwind from the day-to-day, while foodies can enjoy some tasty BBQ at Santa-Cali-Gon Days, an annual festival in the city. With a population surpassing 121,000, Independence offers all the things you love about small towns without sacrificing any big-city perks!
Independence Is A Great Place To Raise A Family
Independence is gaining popularity for its superior quality of life. A relatively well-known review company (HomeSnacks) recently ranked it the fourth best city to live in Missouri—and with good reason.
Here, local residents enjoy affordable living costs plus a wealth of career options. Lots of folks with kids flock here, too, since there are loads of family activities: think top-notch parks and great schools (like Truman High School and William Chrisman High School)!
Independence is not only a great place for education; it also has a lot going on in the arts and culture scene. Every year, some events bring people from all walks of life together—like Christmas in the Park or SantaCaliGon Days—which help folks celebrate their community cultures!
Employment And Economic Opportunities
Independence is a city with abundant economic opportunities. Several significant employers help keep its economy strong. The top employment sectors include manufacturing, healthcare, and education.
The Independence School District, Centerpoint Medical Center, and Ford Motor Company are some of the biggest employers— they provide a lot of work for people living in or near Independence.
Independence is also home to several Fortune 500 companies, such as GMAC Inc., AT&T Mobility LLC, and Cigna Healthcare! These firms not only hire locals but also enhance the city’s pro-business image. The job market is pretty stable, with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%– much lower than the national average. This makes the city an attractive destination for both job seekers and investors!
The Real Estate Market in Independence is Growing
Affordability and Value
Independence should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for real estate that’s affordable and worth your while to invest in. There are more than a few different properties to choose from– whether you want to live or rent them out! According to Zillow, the median house price here is way below the national average. This makes it appealing to first-time home buyers or investors interested in real estate.
In addition to being affordable, what makes Independence unique is that it has many different neighborhoods. Every neighborhood in this city is charming in its own way— some of the most popular ones are:
- Downtown: If you want a bustling city life, consider living in Downtown Independence. Here, you can buy modern condos and apartments locally near shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
- East Village: It’s the place to be if you like quirky neighborhoods! The district has loads of cool stuff, like art galleries where unknown artists can show off their work alongside places to buy fashionable clothing. Plus, there are bars with gourmet food next door to buildings hundreds (yes, really hundreds!) of years old!
- Beaverdale: Families love the pleasant, friendly atmosphere; who wouldn’t want to live among the beautiful red brick houses in Beaverdale? Plenty of things are happening here, too, such as summer outdoor concerts series at nearby parks and what seems like an endless supply of community events organized through local schools.
- Windsor Heights: It provides a suburban lifestyle with urban amenities nearby. This neighborhood is popular with families because of its top-rated schools and safe atmosphere.
- South of Grand: If you want upscale living, look no further than South of Grand! This neighborhood boasts historic houses and big mansions— all within parklike settings that make this area feel rich (in a good way) and classy.
Real Estate Market Insights
Since the 2008 housing crash, confidence in property has been shaky nationwide. But Independence has weathered these uncertainties pretty well! Recent data from Zillow shows an increasing desire for homes in this city. Their median value is $198,967—up 5.8% over the past year alone! Plus, houses are being snapped up fast: on average, they stay on the market for a mere 6 days before sale—an all-time low!
Interested investors could consider rentals instead of just investing in real estate property. The city’s population is growing and there are a lot of employment opportunities, so rental properties are in high demand– from not only families and young professionals but also retirees!
Cultural and Recreational Activities
While Independence is recognized for its historical significance in United States history, the city also provides many entertainment options and chances to participate in local culture. Residents can visit Englewood Arts District or the National Frontier Trails Museum for arts activities and multiple outdoor possibilities.
The city offers much for outdoor lovers, with many parks like Waterfall Park and Little Blue Trace Trail. These are ideal if you enjoy activities like cycling, birdwatching– or even kayaking on the Missouri River! Fleming Park and Lake Jacomo are great places to visit for hiking or water sports.
Education and Healthcare
Independence has a slew of highly-rated schools and colleges. Students can choose from a wide range of public and private institutions to get a good education overall. Some renowned schools and universities include Truman High School, William Chrisman High School, Graceland University, and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary! Additionally, Independence boasts a superb healthcare system. Several high-ranking hospitals provide top medical care— not just to Americans needing treatment but also services valued worldwide. Centerpoint Medical Center, St. Mary’s Medical Center, and Children’s Mercy Hospital Kansas City East are among them. Residents feel secure knowing there’s good healthcare nearby if required— whether for everyday needs or emergencies.
Community and Lifestyle
Independence has a tight-knit community with a strong sense of pride and unity. The city is known for its amiable locals who are always ready to help out—whether you need a cup of sugar or directions somewhere. Throughout the year, there are lots of events that bring people together: think farmers’ markets and festivals galore.
And if dining options appeal, Independence has got you covered! There are plenty of places where delicious food and drink are served up with a smile, such as Ophelia’s Restaurant or Replenish Coffee & Co.; plus, there is always an open bar stool waiting just for you at McCoy’s Public House Brewery.
Shopping options are plentiful as well! Support small businesses by visiting independent shops such as Little Bluebird Vintage Boutique or visiting popular shopping centers like the Independence Center.
Transportation and Accessibility
Independence has a varied and convenient transportation system for visitors. Whether you like driving, flying, or taking the train– getting from A to B in this city is easy!
There are two airports near Independence: Kansas City International Airport, which offers domestic and international flights, and Charles B Wheeler Downtown Airport, which mainly serves smaller planes.
If public transit is more your thing, no worries: The Metro Bus System will provide an efficient way of moving about town for commuters on a budget!
If you’re heading to Independence by car, several major interstate highways—including I-70 and I-435—connect the city with places like Kansas City. This makes it simple to visit other sought-after destinations in the area.
Although Independence is part of a large metro region, roads in and around the city are generally less congested than those in neighboring places. As a result, it’s often easier for drivers here to get from A to B with a minimum of fuss!
Overall Conclusion on Living and Buying Real Estate in Independence
In conclusion, Independence provides an ideal mix of amenities that attracts many residents.
The city boasts a high standard of living, low costs, and strong community spirit– qualities that appeal to families and retirees wishing to feel safe at home.
But there is more. With its varied job opportunities and room for career advancement, young professionals, too, can take advantage of what Independence has to offer. Also, don’t overlook Independence’s real estate market. Its stable economy and consistent growth make buying property in this welcoming city attractive!