Rock Creek

The mature oak trees lining the streets of Rock Creek point to the fact that this neighborhood, sitting just a few miles from downtown Independence, has endured the test of time. Homes here exude the same sort of ethos. You won’t find trendy designs or experimental architecture. Instead, you’ll see houses that were built to last. This is an established community filled with homeowners who appreciate that longevity; some have been living in Rock Creek for many years. This is not to say that the neighborhood is somehow stuck in a time warp. Nothing could be further from the truth, in fact, as Rock Creek is situated close to a veritable buffet of modern amenities. This is a neighborhood poised to leap into the future, while maintaining roots as strong as those of its grand oak trees.

The majority of homes in Rock Creek were built between 1920 and 1960, meaning buyers will oftentimes find sought-after features like hardwood floors and crown molding in the interiors. Ranch-style homes predominate in the neighborhood, but there are also Cape Cods, bungalows and farmhouse-style homes. The median price for real estate in Rock Creek hovers around $158,000, and buyers should expect to pay about $135 per square foot. A two-bedroom/one-bathroom bungalow starts at around $84,000, and a spacious four-bedroom/four-bathroom ranch-style home on an acre-and-a-half lot can sell for up to $260,000. “The houses in the neighborhood are well-built and it’s a great price point for first-time homebuyers,” says Elaina Dougherty with Re/Max Heritage.

Children in the neighborhood can attend Korte Elementary, Clifford H. Nowlin Middle and Van Horn High School, all three of which are in a hotbed of technology-themed education. All three schools participate with the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) teams. Elementary and middle school students have the option to join the FIRST Lego team under the mentorship of the high school’s FIRST robotics team members. “Robotics and STEM-related programs are very popular in the area,” says area Realtor Joe Blackshere of 1st Class Real Estate, “and the programs are doing very well.”

Rotary Park is located within the neighborhood, and offers visitors a picnic area, playground and restrooms, as well as a splash park to allow kids to cool-off during the summer months. There is also a walking path that circles the open play area, allowing folks to get their daily steps in or just take the dog for an outing. Rotary Park also serves as the starting point for the Rock Creek Trail, which snakes its way diagonally across the neighborhood, extending for 1.5 miles to Country Club Park southeast of the neighborhood. For those who prefer their recreational activities to be a little extreme, the nearby Independence Skate Park gives area skateboard artists the chance to hone their skills in a huge bowl or on the adjacent rails.

Speaking of artists, Rock Creek is close to the highly-esteemed Englewood Arts District, which offers a full slate of creative activities and art shows throughout the year. Becka Watkins, a real estate agent with ReeceNichols, says of the Arts District, “It’s a community of creativity. During the summer, there is an outdoor sidewalk sale of artwork by local artists that is called Third Friday Art Walk.” The heart of the Arts District and all that it has to offer is less than a mile away from the neighborhood.

Neighborhood residents don’t have to travel far to buy their groceries, as Price Chopper is conveniently located in the neighborhood. For those nights when cooking at home just isn’t on the menu, options abound for dining out. In the nearby Englewood Arts District, you’ll find restaurants ranging from the more upscale Vivilore to casual bites at the iconic Englewood Café. Alternatively, Mandarin House Chinese is nearby with all of your traditional Chinese favorites, including crab Rangoon, spicy Szechuan beef, cashew chicken and shrimp with lobster sauce. Or you can take your tastebuds south of the border for Mexican fare from Tacos El Chilango, where you can get tacos al pastor, carne asada and all the other staples. And when you feel the need for retail therapy, the vibrant downtown section of Independence is only three miles away.

If you’re looking for a tried-and-true neighborhood that has stood the test of time, check out Rock Creek. It’s a traditional neighborhood that provides all the modern conveniences you need, with attractive price points that fit a lot of budgets.

Written By

Andrew Spencer

Photography Contributed By

Brooke Wasson

Video By

Tyler Belile