$161,696Average Value$125Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
Take the kids on a horse-pulled wagon along Main Street in the Heart of Independence.
Downtown Independence continues to make history
The Heart of Independence, or historic downtown Independence, is seeing a renaissance. The area is rich in small businesses, and annual events draw thousands. “When I was little, I came here all the time for bowling league, my mom got her hair done, we came to go shopping,” says Jeff Rogers, executive director of the Independence Square Association, a historic preservation and local business organization. “I watched the exodus of that as malls were built and things shifted to the interstate areas. It’s been nice to watch the return of this historic downtown.”
Residents here are surrounded by historical markers and landmarks, museums and other reminders of the generations who have called this place home. Preservation is a value here, though locals are eager to make their own mark on history.
Museums and landmarks on every corner
Independence has several historical claims to fame, which locals can explore through downtown museums and historic sites. The National Frontier Trails Museum exhibits the city’s role as a popular starting place for the Oregon, California and Santa Fe Trails. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints runs a visitors’ center chronicling its own local history, and the Community of Christ offers tours of its headquarters, a bold architectural presence within the neighborhood.
Independence is perhaps best known as the birthplace and longtime residence of President Harry Truman. The National Park Service preserves the home Truman and Bess Wallace Truman lived in before and after his presidency.
“We’re really blessed with a lot of history,” Rogers says. He and his wife were also raised in Independence. “We both love the city that we grew up in and really find value in trying to preserve historic buildings, though more so the stories that come from those historic buildings.”
The Truman Library
Heart of Independence
1/2
You can find several vintage homes, historic & vintage estates in Independence, MO.
Preserving turn-of-the-century homes
Buyers here can find historic charm at a lower median price than in Kansas City. “Independence would be a good place for a first-time homebuyer,” says Robert Riojas, a Realtor with the Kansas City Real Estate Team. Riojas has worked extensively in the area. “There are a lot of historic homes, and home prices are extremely fair for what you’re getting — the area and the overall value.” Fixer-uppers start around $80,000, while remodeled builds sell between $140,000 and $290,000. Some multi-family properties can sell just above that. The architectural landscape is varied, with Craftsman bungalows and Foursquares, Colonials and Kansas City Shirtwaist homes primarily built in the 1910s and 20s. The southern part of the neighborhood has National-style homes and a few New Traditional builds.
Gilbert Whitney & Co is the place for that special culinary tool in the Heart of Independence.
Small businesses in Independence Square
In downtown Independence, even the restaurants are historic. Since 1899, The Courthouse Exchange has served burgers to locals and travelers in a laid-back atmosphere. Menu items like “The Oregon Trail” nod to the area’s roots. In the warmer months, this basement bar and restaurant opens its outdoor patio, which locals flock to for live music on summer Saturdays. The dining and shopping scene of Independence Square is also home to gift shops, cafes and other small businesses.
Though the neighborhood has small markets and convenience stores, residents may choose to head east to shop at the Hy-Vee or Aldi on 23rd Street.
Holiday events straight out of a Hallmark movie
People from across the Kansas City metro pour into Independence for annual events. “We have a program called Living Windows where our storefronts come to life,” Rogers says. Dozens of store windows light up with local actors, musicians and dancers recreating scenes from holiday stories. The tradition draws crowds of nearly 10,000. “We call it our Hallmark movie moment. It ups the ante for what the holidays could be.”
McCoy Park has many activities for your children to enjoy on the playground.
Outdoor play at McCoy Park
Local historic sites offer plenty of weekend entertainment, though the neighborhood is short on playgrounds and green space. Mcoy Park sits just north of the neighborhood, and offers ball fields, a splash park, tennis courts and accessible playgrounds. It’s also the former site of The Neck, a historic Black community displaced by the Truman Presidential Library.
William Chrisman High School
Independence students get explore career paths early
Kids can attend Santa Fe Trail Elementary, a B-rated school, then B-minus-rated Bridger Middle for sixth grade. Bingham Middle has a C, and William Chrisman High has a B-minus. Teens can choose from one of five career academies, which include industrial technology and public service.
Heart of Independence
A short commute to downtown Kansas City
The Heart of Independence is only 9 miles from downtown Kansas City, accessible via Truman Road. Ride KC and IndeBus routes stop throughout the neighborhood.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mike Cooper,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Country Club Park
Trails
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Santa Fe Park Picnic Pavilion
Dog Park
Grills
Picnic Area
Hiram Young Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Bundschu Park
Basketball
Trails
Playground
McCoy Park
Transit
Airport
Kansas City International
42 min drive
Bus
On Pleasant & Maple Sb
Bus
On Pleasant & Kansas Southbound
Bus
On Lexington & Elm Northbound
Bus
On Lexington & Union Westbound
Bus
On Lexington & River Westbound
Bus
On Liberty Btwn Kansas And Lexington Nb
Bus
On W Walnut Btwn Temple And River Wb
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Heart of Independence
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Heart of Independence, Independence sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Heart of Independence, Independence over the last 12 months is $155,362, up 3% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This home exudes the charm and character of a bygone era, with many original features that are sure to captivate any history lover or architectural enthusiast. A unique and rare Ante Bellum Victorian, built in 1910 is perfect for a contractor renovation or homeowner looking for sweat equity - 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car detached oversized garage, includes a nice side yard with combination wood
Embrace the nostalgic charm and modern comforts in this beautiful historic gem located just a half mile from the downtown Independence Square. Built in 1910, this brick home sits on a 1/3 acre double lot, and backs directly to the iconic Bingham-Waggoner Mansion and Estate. Grab your coffee and relax outdoors while taking in the serene views and a touch of local history right from your own
This spacious 6-plex features 12 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, offering an incredible investment opportunity. The unit mix includes two 2-bedroom units, two 3-bedroom units, and two 1-bedroom units, giving you flexibility in rental options—whether by the room or as individual units. Several units have already been fully completed, while the remaining spaces are prepped and ready for your final
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mike Cooper,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,590
Median Age
41
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$24,180
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$40,340
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
86.2%
College Graduates
13.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.3%
% Population in Labor Force
54.5%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
34''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
33/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
55/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
29/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
