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Shawnee Heights

Shawnee Heights

Suburban Neighborhood in Kansas City, Kansas

Wyandotte County 66103

$171,091 Average Value
$155 Average Price per Sq Ft
8 Homes For Sale

Best of the suburbs and KC in one place

Serving as a transition between downtown Kansas City and the suburbs, Shawnee Heights blends the feeling of suburban living with the businesses and entertainment of the metro. On the northern side of the community, sidewalks and bike lanes weave between streets of eclectic, brightly painted houses and miles of trees positioned alongside the Kansas River's rushing water. Near the neighborhood's southern edge, local businesses and restaurants line the main streets, including a drive-in theater, a park and a few local eateries. Despite its suburban feel, Shawnee Heights is located only 4 miles away from the vast entertainment options and booming industries in Downtown Kansas City. The neighborhood is against the Kansas and Missouri state border and neighbors downtown KC on the Missouri side.

Shawnee Heights combines bright colors and 1900s designs

Housing options in Shawnee Heights vary between simple, modern builds and maximalist architecture from the early 20th century. Many single-family houses in the area were built between 1900 and 1950. These properties often have the pointed shapes of a bungalow-style home and facades of bright green, baby blue and even electric purple. Older neighborhoods tend to be lined with sidewalks and detailed community gardens. New construction has also been popping up throughout the area, focusing on symmetrical lines, simple details, and neutral colors typical of traditional architecture. Locals living on Shawnee Road get to be neighbors with the Sauer Castle, a 150-year-old Italianate-style mansion that has been in Shawnee Heights since 1872. Shawnee Heights homes typically cost between $150,000 to $250,000, and several listings can sell for under $100,000. “The demand has very much picked up in the past several years. It has always been and always will be a very popular area,” says Larry Bernard, a consultant at the Reece Real Estate Group. The neighborhood has a CAP Index Crime Score of 4, in line with the national average. Shawnee Heights’ location along the Kansas River can put it at risk for flooding during heavy rainfall, so most residents have updated flood insurance.

Movies under the stars at Boulevard Drive-In

The historic Boulevard Drive-In Theatre on Merriam Lane is among the community’s most popular destinations. Various movies are shown at the theater on weekends between April and September, and art shows and musical performances occur the rest of the year. The theatre also hosts a year-round flea market that operates every Saturday and Sunday morning. For a taste of classic Kansas City flavor, residents can head to Rosedale Bar-B-Q on Southwest Boulevard, which has served barbecue for over 70 years. “My grandparents founded this place back in 1934, on July 4th, to be exact,” says Marisha Smith, the vice president of Rosedale Bar-B-Q. “It’s very laid back, nostalgic, come as you are.” Jones Bar-B-Q on Kaw Drive is another family-owned spot. Jones has been open since the 1970s and is owned by the Jones sisters, who made an appearance on Netflix’s “Queer Eye.” Residents craving Mexican food will be treated to an array of options. Tacos El Matador on Merriam Lane, Casa Bonita KC on Steele Road, and Spanish Gardens Taco House on Metropolitan Avenue serve authentic tacos, quesadillas, and grilled entrees. Locals who want to eat at home can travel down Metropolitan Avenue to make a grocery run at El Mercado Fresco or Walmart Neighborhood Market.

Community parks on both sides of Interstate 35

Whitmore Park on Southwest Boulevard is the only community park local to Shawnee Heights. This small space has a wealth of amenities, including shaded picnic areas, park benches, a playground and places to play basketball and volleyball. Rosedale Park is across I-35 in neighboring Rosedale and has a skate park, disc golf courses, softball fields, and several walking and hiking trails through dense woods. Rosedale Park is across the street from Lifestyle Church on Southwest Boulevard, one of the few churches located directly in Shawnee Heights. The neighborhood is also 5 miles from Hy Vee Arena and American Royal Center, making it a short drive on rodeo days and basketball game nights.

Shawnee Height roads are friendly for pedestrians and bikes

Ride KC has some bus stops along nearby thoroughfares like Metropolitan Avenue and Ruby Avenue, but most Shawnee Heights locals travel by car instead of public transportation. The neighborhood is bordered by I-35 and Highway 69 and is close to Interstate 635, making it easy for drivers to find a high-speed route wherever they need to go, including midtown Kansas City 3 miles away. The nearest medical center, KU Medical, is 3 miles away, and Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport is 13 miles away. The neighborhood's main roads also have sidewalks and bike lanes for locals who want to travel around town on foot or two wheels.

Learn two languages at once in Kansas City schools

Shawnee Heights is home to Noble Prentis Elementary School, which has a C-minus score on Niche and is part of the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) system. Students can go on to attend Rosedale Middle School, which also has a C-minus rank on Niche, and J.C. Harmon High School, which Niche gives a C. All students in the KCKPS system can enroll in the Dual Language Program, which allows them to become bi-literate by taking courses in English and Spanish. Shawnee Heights is 5 miles from the University of Missouri Kansas City for students seeking a nearby higher education option.

Delaney Murray
Written By
Delaney Murray
John Collins
Photography Contributed By
John Collins
Francesco Basti
Video By
Francesco Basti

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Schools

Source:
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 Justin Berry, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Kansas City International

33 min drive

Bus

On 7th & Stein Northbound

Bus

On Ruby & 14th Eastbound

Bus

On Ruby & 18th Westbound

Bus

On Ruby & 18th Eastbound

Bus

On Ruby & Valley Westbound

Bus

On Ruby & 15th Eb

Bus

On Ruby & 17th Eastbound

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Shawnee Heights US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$201,000
Median Single Family Price
$202,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$285,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$155
Number of Homes for Sale
8
Last 12 months Home Sales
34
Months of Supply
2.80
Median List Price
$215,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
9%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,349
Median Year Built
1930
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,125
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,725
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
2,144
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,724
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,356

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Justin Berry, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
3,691
Median Age
37
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$56,101
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$62,857

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
78.9%
College Graduates
12.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1.2%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
71%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
38''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
24''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

10 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

1 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

21 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Shawnee Heights
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