Frank Lloyd Wright is just one creative who made his mark on Roanoke, a historic neighborhood in Midtown Kansas City. Prominent Kansas City families who loved the neighborhood's wooded terrain began building here between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This housing boom spawned a collection of large, stately homes with styles unique to the period. One of those belonged to American painter Thomas Hart Benton. To residents, Roanoke's best quality may be the strong neighborhood friendships. "You'll see neighbors walking the dog, using their front porches, it's almost like a Norman Rockwell painting," says Steve Sitton, site administrator of the Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site and a Roanoke resident since 2001.
Vintage Tudors, Queen Annes and Kansas City Shirtwaists
The housing boom began after 1897 when Kansas City annexed the Westport area. Three houses in the neighborhood predate 1900, while most were built in the early 1900s. Rustic stone exteriors add a decorative element to many properties. Tudor-style homes hearken back to old England with stone, brickwork and diamond pattern windows. Queen Anne homes offer a storybook silhouette with rounded towers. Kansas City Shirtwaist houses are also found here, with gabled entryways hanging over limestone porches. Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Sondern-Adler House in his famous Usonia style, emphasizing a horizontal layout. Although the average home size is 3,077 square feet, smaller bungalows are also available. Many homes sit on large lots with sprawling front yards, big enough to host a party. Prices may start around $450,000 for a 2,500-square-foot home. Prices may reach up to $1.4 million for a 9,000-square-foot home.
Historic park with modern amenities
Established in 1908, Roanoke Park has long been a favorite neighborhood green space. The brick road that runs through the park helped nearby companies to transport coal and stone. Today, outdoor lovers utilize two-and-a-half miles of dirt trails crossing through wooded hills and limestone outcroppings. Frogs hop on the lily pads at Coleman Highlands Spring. Children can climb on the rope course in the park's northern area. City in Motion Dance Theater performs here each September at Dance in the Park.
Kids earn college credits at Central High School
Roanoke students may attend public or private schools. For public schools, younger students may attend Primitivo Garcia Elementary School, which earns a C-minus, or Central Middle School, which earns a D-plus. Teens can attend Central High School, which earns a C-minus. There, students may graduate with an associate degree alongside their high school diploma through the Early College Academy. For private schools, Notre Dame de Sion High School and St. Paul's Episcopal Day School earn an A-plus and are about a mile away.
Local eats on bordering streets
Unique local bites border the neighborhood on West 39th Street and Southwest Trafficway. Residents wake up early to grab their favorite flavor from Meshuggah Bagels. Teetasty Foods serves flavorful West African dishes like efo riro, made with spinach, peppers, crayfish and assorted meats. The large windows and leather seats offer a bright and comfortable space for lunch. Sun Fresh Market is the spot to grab fresh produce, seafood and other groceries. Two miles south, Country Club Plaza is a popular Kansas City shopping destination with upscale stores like J.Crew and Tiffany.
Fourth of July fun and other festivities
Roanoke fosters fun and friendships with well-attended events throughout the year. On Christmas Eve morning, residents place about 1,000 luminary bags on the curb to light later in the evening. The Fourth of July is an all-day event in Roanoke, beginning with a softball game at the park. Residents chat over a beer and bratwurst, participate in three-legged races and watch the neighborhood parade. "There are maybe 100 people out at the intersection at one time," Sitton says.
Roanoke caters to pedestrians, cars and buses
Roanoke residents may walk, drive or utilize nearby public transportation. It's easy to get around Roanoke by foot, as sidewalks are widely available. The neighborhood is about three and a half miles from downtown Kansas City. Commuters can easily hop on Southwest Trafficway, which borders the neighborhood's east side and connects with Interstate 35. RideKC operates the number 39 bus, which stops along West 39th Street bordering the neighborhood's south side.
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 neighborhood?
Reach out to
Sterling Spicer,
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Parks in this Area
Rosedale Park
Penn Valley Park
Dog Park
Grills
Picnic Area
Roanoke Park North Playground
Playground
Roanoke Park
Trails
Playground
Hyde Park
Tennis
Trails
Pickleball
Gillham Dog Park
Dog Park
Transit
Airport
Kansas City International
32 min drive
Bus
On 39th & Roanoke Westbound
Bus
On 39th & Summit Westbound
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Roanoke
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Roanoke, Kansas City sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Roanoke, Kansas City over the last 12 months is $922,083, up 33% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Property Id: 1647566Whole apartment has been recently renovated, new flooring, paint, cabinetry, lighting and appliances.Conveniently located 1 bedroom apartment, tucked into a beautiful area in the Roanoke neighborhood, 36th and Southwest Trafficway is where we are located.Our approximately 500 square foot 1 bedroom unit provides everything anyone needs. Kitchens include
Property Id: 1820959Conveniently located 1 bedroom apartment, Tucked into a beautiful area in the Roanoke neighborhood, 36th and Southwest Trafficway is where we are located.Our approximately 500 square foot 1 bedroom unit provides everything anyone needs. Kitchens include dishwasher, full size refrigerator with top freezer and gas stove. All units have an individually controlled
Property Id: 1177324Conveniently located 1 bedroom apartment, Tucked into a beautiful area in the Roanoke neighborhood, 36th and Southwest Trafficway is where we are located.Our approximately 500 square foot 1 bedroom unit provides everything anyone needs. Kitchens include dishwasher, full size refrigerator with top freezer and gas stove. All units have an individually controlled
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Sterling Spicer,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
453
Median Age
43
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$95,370
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$139,185
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96%
College Graduates
72.5%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
49.6%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
81.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
38''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
24''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
53/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
77/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
40/ 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.
