Why Live in Ruskin Heights
Ruskin Heights in south Kansas City is conveniently located between the interstate system to the west and Longview Lake to the east. This neighborhood spans just 10 blocks and includes three parks, making it a hub for outdoor activities. Iser Park, the largest, features green spaces, a climbing structure, toddler swings, and a looping trail, while Ruskin Way Park offers a mulched playset and a reservable picnic shelter. Sycamore Park, near Ruskin High, includes a playground, swings, and a multi-use grass field. The area is known for its 1950s ranch-style homes with one-car garages, narrow porches, and large fenced-in backyards, many of which have been recently renovated. Newer developments include traditional homes with Craftsman accents. Ruskin High School, the neighborhood’s only school, provides 16 career pathways, while younger students attend Ingels Elementary and Smith-Hale Middle School. Residents enjoy proximity to Longview Lake for swimming, boating, and water sports. Dining options include Antojitos El Paraiso, known for its Honduran cuisine, and additional eateries in the nearby Longview Shopping Plaza. Grocery shopping is convenient with El Mercado Fresco and an Aldi close by. Ruskin Heights has a low crime risk compared to the national average, enhancing its appeal as a practical and enjoyable place to live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ruskin Heights a good place to live?
Ruskin Heights is a good place to live. Ruskin Heights is considered car-dependent and somewhat bikeable with minimal transit options. Ruskin Heights is a suburban neighborhood. Ruskin Heights has 7 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 8.0 people per acre and a median age of 30. The average household income is $68,613 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 12.7% of residents. A majority of residents in Ruskin Heights are renters, with 66% of residents renting and 34% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Ruskin Heights can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Ruskin Heights neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Ruskin Heights?
The median home price in Ruskin Heights is $158,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $31,600 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.5%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $800 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $34K a year to afford the median home price in Ruskin Heights. The average household income in Ruskin Heights is $69K.
What are the best public schools in Ruskin Heights?
The best public schools that serve Ruskin Heights are:
- Grandview Middle has a B- Niche grade and a student teacher ratio of 13:1.
- Ruskin High School has a C Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 13:1 and an average review score of 3.1.
- Burke Academy has a C- Niche grade and a student teacher ratio of 13:1.
What are the best private schools in Ruskin Heights?
The best private schools that serve Ruskin Heights are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Ruskin Heights, Kansas City, MO?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Ruskin Heights, Kansas City, MO?
Are home prices dropping in Ruskin Heights?
Yes, home prices in Ruskin Heights are down 2% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Ruskin Heights, MO
On average, homes in Ruskin Heights, Kansas City sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Ruskin Heights, Kansas City over the last 12 months is $141,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$141,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$149,950
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$134
Number of Homes for Sale
15
Last 12 months Home Sales
86
Median List Price
$158,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-3%