Westside South

In 1910, the Mexican Revolution forced citizens out of their homeland, and many headed towards Kansas City’s Westside South neighborhood to work for the bustling railroad industry. Today, the community remembers and reimagines its roots with several well-regarded Mexican restaurants, a century-old community center and factories converted into lively local businesses. “There’s a lot going in the Westside area because it’s a residential corridor in downtown Kansas City,” says Nancy Ward, a real estate agent with Compass Realty Group. “It has an up-and-coming vibe while still being incredibly well-established.”

Adding to Westside South’s history, its hilly terrain is dotted with dwellings from the early 1900s. Find quaint bungalow-style houses with two-bedrooms and larger three-bedroom American Foursquares. While these homes retain their early 20th-century charm on the outside, they also have updated interiors. “Many families will live in these houses for years, so when they go on sale, they need renovations. You can get an older house with a brand-new kitchen and renovated bathrooms,” says Ward. To live in Westside South, expect to pay anywhere between $200,000 and $300,000, a range similar to a Kansas City home’s average $250,000 selling price.

In 1922, The Guadalupe Center opened, offering social services to Mexican immigrants, and it has resided in Westside South ever since. Today, members are privy to numerous programs. Children can join youth sports like baseball and basketball, and older adults benefit from meal delivery and free health screenings. Celebrate Latino holidays, like Día de los Muertos, with food trucks, face painting and ceremonial dancers. The center also operates a complete track of charter schools for prekindergarten through high school students. The Guadalupe Center Middle School is located in Westside South. It provides a rigorous traditional curriculum and strong support for students speaking English as a second language.

For public school, children in Westside South can attend Longfellow Elementary, where graduating fifth grade is celebrated with a promotion ceremony. Then, they go to Central Middle. The active art and music department displays student artwork at the Spring Showcase. Lastly, at Central High School, students can take courses in Early College Academy to simultaneously earn an associate degree and high school diploma. Additionally, students can join a variety of extracurriculars, including robotics, choir and wrestling.

A portion of the 176-acre Penn Valley Park is also in Westside South, offering residents unparalleled outdoor activity. It has a skatepark featuring a 10-inch-deep vert bowl, a small lake stocked with channel catfish and the city’s first off-leash dog park. Additionally, it’s home to the Congress-designated National WWI Museum and Memorial. While the interior is filled with a vast collection of objects, documents and personal stories from the conflict, the exterior is just as interesting. Egyptian Revival-style sphinxes and towering Guardian Spirits surround the 268-foot-tall Liberty Memorial. Visitors can take the elevator and walk the 45 stairs to the top of the landmark to enjoy breathtaking views of the Kansas City skyline.

Paying homage to the neighborhood's early residents, Westside South is brimming with Mexican restaurants along Southwest Boulevard. Since 1975, Ponak's has been a Kansas City go-to for Sonora-style Mexican fare, like hearty chicken enchiladas smothered in red sauce and refreshing margaritas made with pure agave. El Patron is another local favorite known for its freshly made guacamole. In addition to the neighborhood's plethora of Mexican eateries, there are a few other unique spots. Watch coffee beans roast when you tour The Roasterie factory, and sip on drinks like the honeycomb, a latte made with local honey and vanilla. For a different type of drink, stop by the Boulevard Brewing Company. As the largest craft brewery in the state, you can sample numerous seasonal beers and year-round staples, like the fruity berry noir ale or the hazy, unfiltered wheat.

Westside South is also located along Interstate 35, and a 2-mile drive north takes you to the Power & Light District, a dining, shopping and entertainment district. Get groceries at Price Chopper, catch a Sporting KC soccer game at No Other Pub or listen to live music at The Midland Theatre. A 3-mile drive south on the thoroughfare leads to the Country Club Plaza, a 15-block commercial mecca with stores like Lululemon and Barnes & Noble.

With distinct cultural influences and a location at the heart of Kansas City, Westside South is a community continuing to thrive.

Written By

Meghan Baker

Photography Contributed By

John Collins

Video By

Luke Basinger