First-time buyers find value in Gladstone’s housing market
Sometimes referred to as “happy rock,” Gladstone is a suburb where residents are often in high spirits. Not only does the north Kansas City community boast ample commercial hubs and green spaces, but it’s also known for reasonably priced dwellings. “Gladstone is a cost-effective area,” says Ron Henderson, a team lead and Realtor with Keller Williams. “It’s a great place for first-time homebuyers because the homes are also well-maintained. If one of these houses were in any other Kansas City area, they would easily be $150,000 more.”
Gladstone homes range from 1950s styles to new farmhouses
Homes in Gladstone typically cost between $230,000 and $400,000, a range similar to a Kanas City home’s average $250,000 selling price. You can buy a spacious midcentury dwelling constructed around the suburb's 1952 establishment for this amount of money. Find three-to-four-bedroom ranch styles with low-sloping asymmetrical roofs and split levels with two-car garages. There are also a few Colonial Revivals and Mansard-style homes from the same era. The neighborhood’s eastern region has newer developments with contemporary and modern farmhouse designs. No matter what style you’re looking for, you’ll have to act fast to buy a home here. “All of Gladstone is selling incredibly quickly,” says Henderson. “Most houses barely stay on the market for six days.”
Students can explore careers at Oak Park High School
Gladstone is in the North Kansas City School District, and children between Prospect Avenue and Jackson Street can attend Chapel Hill Elementary, which has an A grade on Niche. The school also celebrates graduation with Fifth Grade Fun Day, where students go bowling, eat pizza and play in a student-versus-teacher kickball game. Then, they can go to Antioch Middle School, where pupils prepare for their future with college counselors and a postsecondary college readiness program called AVID. But before students are ready for college, they go to Oak Park High School, which offers a pathway program allowing students to take classes in fields they may be interested in as a career. Focuses include business, design, health science and public services.
Central Park and the community center offer pools and play
Gladstone is dotted with several unique green spaces, but a few especially stand out. For instance, Linden Square is in the city’s downtown area, and the outdoor amphitheater offers year-round entertainment. Celebrate the Summertime Bluesfest, where jazzy tunes and local food vendors unite. To celebrate the end of summer, Gladfest invites residents from across the city to enjoy carnival rides and games. When the weather gets colder, commemorate the holiday season with the Christmas tree lighting ceremony and a trip around the synthetic ice skating rink. The 15-acre Central Park is another popular recreational hub. Children can sail away on the pirate ship-themed playground or swim in the Gladstone Municipal Pool, which has a water slide and splash park. You can even swim indoors at the community center’s three pools or work out in the fitness center.
Tex-Mex, coffee and home goods are easy to find nearby
Along North Oak Trafficway, residents will find a plethora of shopping and eating options. Grab groceries at Price Chopper or home improvement essentials at Home Depot. Hit up Headrush for a cup of joe or a relaxing tea. The café also has rotating specialty items, like the wedding cake latte with cherry and white mocha syrups. Stop by Tortilla Flats for classic Tex-Mex fare, including the crunchy flautas stuffed with perfectly seasoned chicken and smothered in guacamole and white queso. Gladstone is also less than 10 miles from Kansas City’s downtown area, where you can explore the 15 blocks of retail options at the Country Club Plaza or the numerous restaurants in Westport.
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Written By
Jessica Haddad
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Photography Contributed By
John Collins
