Farview

The sound of children playing in the street, a neighbor waving from their garage and the smell of backyard barbecue can all be found in Farview. In the northern neck of Independence and 21 miles east of Kansas City, this family-friendly community offers the benefits of both cities, paired with the appeal of small-town living.

Built between the ‘50s and ‘60s, the Cape Cods, split-levels and ranch homes in Farview hug tightly together and commonly feature one-car garages and wide driveways. Properties are framed with narrow sidewalks and are sprinkled with newly planted saplings or mature oaks that are perfect for hanging tire swings. If homebuyers are lucky enough to find a home on the market here, they can expect to pay anywhere from $150,000 to $200,000. “I’ve lived in Sugar Creek, which isn’t far from Farview. Many young families have moved here for the smaller, lower-priced homes and convenience factor,” says Katie Cole, a real estate agent at Premium Realty Group who has sold homes in and around the Farview subdivision. “There’s also an elementary school here right off of Kentucky Road.”

Independence School District students may attend Randall Elementary School and Bingham Middle School, rated C-plus and C, respectively, by Niche. Students can then transition to William Chrisman High School, which boasts a 93% graduation rate and a B-minus Niche score. The school offers five college prep career academies specializing in everything from arts and education to business and public service.

While the size of Farview might be small, the possibilities for things to do here are anything but. Neighboring this nine-block suburbia is the picturesque Winterstone Golf Course, and the locals mark their calendars for the annual Strawberry Festival at the Vaile Mansion in June. Just 13 miles away, fans can be heard cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs at the Arrowhead Stadium and right down the street, shows sell out quickly at the T-Mobile Center. “The B&B Theatres Twin Drive-In is also here, and if you have kids, it’s the perfect place to go,” says Cole. Right off Kentucky Road, cinema lovers can enjoy buttered popcorn and the latest movie viewed from the comfort of their car.

Independence Center offers great shopping options. A little farther west in the heart of Kansas City is Country Club Plaza, a Spanish-inspired shopping district with over 120 stores and restaurants. Also known as “The City of Fountains” Kansas City is home to 200 ornate fountains speckled across its streets. Toss a penny into a fountain and make a wish. If your wish was for good food, you’re in luck! Farview has many mom-and-pop restaurants to choose from closer to home.

For classic diner food, Mugs Up off East 23rd Street is a local favorite. Prepare to be handed a bubbling old-fashioned soda in a frosted glass by one of the diner’s carhops, alongside the choice of a hot dog or sandwich. Swap the diner food for one of the area’s top-rated restaurants, Hereford House off East Jackson or take Little Blue Parkway to get to Kobe Japanese Steakhouse. “From 24 Highway, you’re a hop-skip-and-a-jump down to Buckner where Tusconos is, which is a really awesome restaurant, too,” says Cole. If cold beer is in the cards, try the local biker bar, Katz Sugar Inn. Right off Highway 24, Sun Fresh and Save A Lot offer a variety of healthy groceries. Alternatively, locals like to drive down the highway a little ways and stop at Halls Farm Fresh Produce to pick up fresh fruit to eat on a walk at one of the beautiful parks the area offers.

George Owen Nature Park off Highway 78 has breathtaking lakes, hiking trails and the DeWitt Center, which features four expansive aquariums. The Missouri River and Labenite Park are within 4 miles, offering ample canoeing, kayaking and fishing opportunities. With the amenities and buzz of Independence or Kansas City and the convenience of multiple parks, restaurants, and the Missouri River, Farview is a small community that offers a large list of possibilities.

Written By

Corrine Fizer

Photography Contributed By

John Collins

Video By

Daniel Quattro