About to move to KC

[ryankiefer]

Hey guys!

I'm Ryan. I just got a job with Garmin in Olathe, and I'll be starting on April 26.

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Mandatory intro part, as required by the sticky:

I drive a 1991 Toyota Cressida (disgustingly stock, needs some JZ action, but no funds for such a swap) and the wife a 2005 Honda Ody. I have two girls, aged 2 and 6 months. They're even more awesome than you think. When I have the chance, I like to lay down some lines on the 4 string -- I play an El Cheapo DeLuxe (Cort) through a Line6 LD300 Pro.
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Now, since I have to get into town hella quick, and as the wife stays home with the kiddos, I need to know where I can live that is commutable to Garmin on 151st Street, not insanely far from downtown KC, MO side, is affordable on a single young professional's salary, and safe. I have time for one reconnaissance trip, which I'm making on the April 18/19, and I have to decide on where I'm going to put us on that trip.

I don't know anyone in KC, so I'm beggin' you guys for help. I'm coming from GA, so I can't just make multiple quick trips over to check things out. April 18/19 is all I got.

I can look all night at rental listings online and get an idea of price and location, but I have no idea whether the neighborhoods I'm looking at are safe or filled with idiots.

HELP!

[TruDutch]

Welcome, I'd tell you, but I don't know how much it has changed since I've lived there. Missouri side might be a little tough since Indep is going way downhill and Blue Springs is close. Both about 30 mins out from downtown minus traffic.

[Slowleen]

Welcome, I'd tell you, but I don't know how much it has changed since I've lived there. Missouri side might be a little tough since Indep is going way downhill and Blue Springs is close. Both about 30 mins out from downtown minus traffic.

Why would Independence and Blue Springs be mentioned to someone working in Olathe?

To the OP, you'll drive to work everyday and downtown only on occassion, so looking in Olathe to live should serve you best.

If you are interested in living more of the heart of the city then the commute isn't bad as it a "reverse commute" where the traffic is headed to the city rather than from (about 20 minutes).

But, with kids, you will probably want to stay out towards Olathe (Johnson County) for the good school districts.

[JDLM]

My wife works at Garmin and we live in Olathe not too far from her work :lol:

So look into Overland Park/Olathe the hwy to get downtown is easy to navigate

[Corners]

Olathe is pretty cheap around Garmin. Watch out for some of the Olathe schools, though. Olathe North High School District would be the one to avoid. Not that's it's "bad", but if you have a choice... This is going to sounds really snotty and slightly racist, but:

http://online.ksde.org/rcard/building.aspx?org_no=D0233&bldg_no=0864
Olathe North - 32.50% "economically disadvantaged students" and 64.59% "white"
http://online.ksde.org/rcard/building.aspx?org_no=D0233&bldg_no=0865
Olathe South - 9.08% "economically disadvantaged students" and 84.62% "white"

Just saying that some of the schools in that area have more "rough" kids (not that every school is without, but I do play the odds with my children).

Also, check out Gardner, which is 1 exit south of 151st off I35. Lots of cheap(ish) houses in good neighborhoods with lots of kids. Good schools too.

Do not, I repeat do NOT look at KCMO if you have kids, even if you think you've found some cheap, clean houses. The school system is unaccredited and they have a 1% earnings city wide income tax. Stay away.

But, working at Garmin, it's pretty hard to go wrong with anyplace in Johnson County, Kansas.

[falkenfighter]

if you dont mind a half hour drive try lawrence, i live in ottawa which is about a half hour as well