Rockwood

With the end of World War II in 1945 – a period that coincided with the Presidency of Harry S. Truman, himself a native of Independence – the American economy was still in a precarious position. With the end of the Great Depression brought on by wartime production and spending, the end of the war meant a transition to something new. One solution to how best to transform the economy was building, and a boom in the construction industry ensued. The Rockwood neighborhood of Independence was one of the beneficiaries of that boom, with hundreds of homes in the neighborhood owing their very existence to the surge in construction activity at the time. As its name suggests, Rockwood helped support and strengthen the fragile post-war economy. And many of those homes constructed in the 1950s and 1960s remain today, a testament to the quality of both their construction and the neighborhood that they comprise. Rockwood is a neighborhood that should definitely be on your radar if you’re looking for some of the area’s most affordable homes that are convenient to some amazing amenities and great schools.

The median price of real estate in Rockwood is around $165,000 and the median price-per-square-foot is $122, making homes in the neighborhood some of the most affordable in all of Independence. A cozy two-bedroom/one-bathroom bungalow lists for around $107,000, while a spacious four-bedroom/three-bathroom farmhouse-style home lists for $347,000. “Rockwood is an established neighborhood that has been around for a long time. Today, it has a good entry-level price point for first-time homebuyers, and a lot of investors are making upgrades to existing homes. It’s definitely an up-and-coming area,” says Linda Holm of ERA McClain Brothers.

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.”

Hill Park, one of the area’s most beautiful city parks, is located adjacent to the neighborhood. Offering visitors a playground plus a huge picnic pavilion with grills, electricity, water and restrooms spread out over 20 acres, Hill Park is a favorite gathering spot for neighborhood families. The park is also home to the Independence Skate Park, a poured-in-place concrete skating area with 10,000 square feet of bowls, rails and grind blocks to challenge the most advanced skateboarders, while still being accessible to beginners. Fans of professional sports will be happy to know that Rockwood is just three miles away from both Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium, so heading to sporting events for either the Chiefs or the Royals is a quick drive south of the neighborhood.

If your tastes lean more towards the artistic side of things, you’re in luck. Rockwood is also 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—including art galleries showcasing the works of local artists, educational opportunities and amazing restaurants—is less than two miles away from the neighborhood.

Grocery shopping is made easier by the fact that Price Chopper is a 5-minute drive away, and Walmart Super Center is less than 10 minutes away by car for any of those household necessities. And if you decide that dining out is a better option, Daisy’s Mexican Food is nearby for all of your traditional Latino favorites. Or you can head up to the Englewood Arts District for an elegant dinner at Vivilore, where upscale American cuisine is served in a glamorous interior featuring antiques and artwork, all of which are available for purchase. Of course, given the convenient location, you’re also less than 10 minutes’ drive from downtown Independence and a quick 15-minute drive to downtown Kansas City.

A lot has changed in the last 60 years, but the quality of life in Rockwood – like the houses in the neighborhood – has remained strong. With some of the most affordable homes in the city, it’s a great time to be a part of that strength.

Written By

Andrew Spencer

Photography Contributed By

Brooke Wasson

Video By

Zack Kojoyian