Situated smack dab in the middle of the country, Independence is a community that’s teeming with American history on multiple levels. Formally founded in 1827, the city was named for the Declaration of Independence. As the country’s westward expansion boomed, Independence was notable because it was a point where pioneers could depart on the California, Oregon and Santa Fe trails. The city is also the hometown of Harry S. Truman, who grew up in Independence before serving as the country’s 33rd President. Post-World War II expansion accelerated its population growth, and at about 121,000 people, it’s now the fifth-largest city in Missouri — one that borders Kansas City, the region's anchor. Despite its proximity to larger cities, it maintains a dining and shopping scene of its own, a collection of major employers, and a housing market with prices that are relatively more accessible than in some other nearby communities. “It’s kind of in the heart of Kansas City,” says Sherri Oaks, of ReeceNichols Real Estate, who has over 20 years of industry experience. “You can get to any other part of the metro fairly easily from Independence. So, if you need to commute anywhere, you’re about halfway to everything — Overland Park, the airport, Kansas City, downtown. So, you’re kind of in the middle of everything.”
Formally founded in 1827, Independence was named for the Declaration of Independence.
Independence is notable for pioneers departure on the California, Oregon & Santa Fe trails.
Residents & visitors like to visit Harry S. Truman's homes in Independence near the square.
Independence is a community that is teeming with American history on multiple levels.
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Chances to settle in a variety of settings
Independence’s 78 square miles include everything from densely constructed neighborhoods like Hill Park and Benton on the city's west side to more rural environments in eastside neighborhoods like Rainbow and Spring Branch. Historic homes in town, built in the 19th century, are around Independence Square — with price tags from $100,000 to $300,000 based on condition. Fixer-uppers, in places like Hill Park, can be had for $20,000 to $80,000. Established but move-in-ready homes in neighborhoods including Benton and Little Blue go for anywhere from $80,000 to $800,000. New construction, in areas like Randall and Blackburn, sells for prices from $200,000 to $500,000. “You’ve got a wide variety of housing,” Oaks says.
Oaks also considers affordability to be one of Independence's biggest draws. Sale prices for all the city’s assorted options average about $221,000, which is more than $100,000 less than the average in neighboring Kansas City. Homes here sell after an average of 34 days on the market, 10 days quicker than the national average.
Newly built 1 and 2 story ranch homes are popping up around in Independence.
Raised ranches and split-level homes make up a majority of homes styles in Independence.
Independence offers room to breathe with several large farmhouse style homes on 5 acre lots.
Craftsman homes built in early 1900s are clustered closer to Downtown Independence.
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Park space is abundant
Independence has almost 800 acres of city parks, and some popular choices include McCoy Park, which has a spacious play area and a quarter-mile-long trail. The 86-acre George Owens Nature Park offers 4 more miles of trails, plus two lakes open to fishing. The park has an indoor facility called the DeWitt Center, with multiple aquariums and exhibits. “There are quite a few parks in Independence,” Oaks says. The Blue Springs Lake and Lake Jacomo are just outside the city, combining for almost 1,700 acres of water access for boating, fishing and water sports. In the winter, Independence Community Ice is an indoor recreation option. The rink that offers skating lessons, hockey leagues and special events.
The city is part of an area that experiences all four seasons, so the viability of outdoor activities can vary. The region is prone to tornados, too — Missouri has averaged 55 tornados a year since 2010, according to a Springfield News-Leader database.
Photographers in Independence enjoy George Owens Nature Park and all its natural beauty.
McCoy Park in Independence offers a spacious play area and a quarter-mile-long trail.
Blue Springs Lake and Lake Jacomo offer Independence 1,700 acres of water access.
Trails weave through Independence, locals enjoy Bund-Jack Park & Little Blue Trace Trail.
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Manufacturing and healthcare are the city’s largest employers
Food packaging company Burd & Fletcher is one of the city’s top manufacturing employers. The 285-bed Centerpoint Medical Center, which has dedicated chest pain and stroke centers, is a major employer in health. The city’s location next to Kansas City puts residents close to major companies like H&R Block, Hallmark and Commerce Bank. According to the Kansas City Area Development Council, most Independence residents commute more than 30 minutes for work.
Independence is 25 minutes from downtown Kansas City with major companies like H&R Block.
Hallmark corporate office is a large employer in Kansas City and 10 miles from Independence.
Centerpoint Medical Center is a prominent feature employer in Independence.
Food packing company Burd & Fletcher is one of Independence's top manufacturing employers.
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Central thoroughfare grants highway access
One of the city’s main roads, 23rd Street, cuts right through the middle of town and links commuters to Interstate 435. I-435 connects to I-70 for drives toward the heart of Kansas City — Downtown Kansas City is 14 miles from Independence Square. Independence also has its own bus network, IndeBus, with six routes. The Kansas City International Airport is a 30-mile trip on I-435.
Public schools come from multiple districts
Four public school systems serve different parts of Independence. The Independence School District serves almost 1,500 students and rates a B-minus on Niche. High schoolers in the Independence system can enter career academies in arts and education, business, industrial technology, public service, or STEM for a jumpstart on one of those fields. Depending on location, students could be part of the Blue Springs School District, ranking an A, the Fort Osage School District, earning a B, or the Raytown C-2 School District, getting a C-plus.
Two local college campuses offer higher education. Metropolitan Community College’s Blue River Campus has 2,100 students in Independence, and Graceland University’s nursing school is headquartered at its Independence campus.
Rogers Elementary in Independence offers students a start to their educations.
Pioneer Ridge Middle School is a public school in Independence, MO.
Van Horn High School achieves high academic standards in Independendence.
Metropolitan Community College's Blue River Campus has 2,100 students in Independence.
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Independence Square is home to events and commercial businesses
Independence Square is the city’s de facto downtown, full of local shops and restaurants organized within a walkable district full of classic glass storefronts. Many of the businesses fall within a neighborhood known as Heart of Independence. The Englewood neighborhood west of Independence Square is an arts district with several more eateries and other businesses. “Englewood, it’s an up-and-coming little area,” Oaks says. The same goes for the area around Little Blue Parkway on the opposite side of town, a thoroughfare that’s been a magnet for new commercial construction.
SantaCaliGon Fest in Independence Square is one of the biggest events of the year. It's a free four-day affair on Labor Day weekend that celebrates the city’s history as the beginning of the California, Oregon and Santa Fe trails. The festival features live music, rides and more. The Independence Farmers Market is in the square and is open on many Saturdays throughout the year.
Some in Independence are within 2 miles of a couple of Kansas City’s professional sports teams. Fans can see the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, while the MLB’s Kansas City Royals play next door at Kauffman Stadium.
People come from all over to experience the SantaCaliGon Days Festival in Independence.
Independence Square is filled with eateries like Square Pizza.
Englewood Arts Center has visiting artists, classes & galleries in Independence.
The Independence Farmers Market offers locally grown foods & handmade items in Independence.
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Crime
Multiple categories of property crime increased from 2022 to 2023, according to the Independence Police Department’s annual report, including a 67% jump in motor vehicle theft. However, the city’s violent crime rate is below national levels, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer.
On average, homes in Independence, MO sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Independence, MO over the last 12 months is $212,500, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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.
