Sycamore

It's easy to see why Sycamore is a top-of-mind neighborhood in the Kansas City suburb of Independence. It stretches across one of Independence’s busiest sectors, with Interstate 70 serving as its southern border. Two of the area's biggest schools lie within it, and a strip of restaurants line its western side. To boot, there's a massive golf course and beloved park bookending it to the north. "Plus, the most desirable schools in Independence are all in this neighborhood," says Anna Castelli, Realtor for Realty Professionals Heartland. "You get more bang for your buck here."

Despite the surrounding bustle, Sycamore’s residential streets somehow maintain a serene aura comparable to that of a secluded area. Split-levels and traditional-style properties built in the 1960s dominate the area, offering highly sought-after features like pergolas, covered front porches, spacious yards and up-to-five-car garages. While most homes rest on small lots, you can still find a few that eclipse three-quarters of an acre. Asking prices typically start at $200,000 and max out at $350,000. "This is a good range for entry-level homes," says Shaun Ashley, Realtor for Re/Max Heritage.

Every home lies within a few blocks of one of the neighborhood’s two schools. Closer to the southern end and given a B rating by Niche, Sycamore Hills Elementary serves kindergarten through fifth grade with a literacy focus while also prioritizing the arts. Graduates then go 4 miles northeast to Pioneer Ridge Middle for a success-oriented curriculum and electives heavily emphasizing fine arts before heading back to the neighborhood’s northwestern corner to Truman High. This Niche-rated B institution is part of the A+ School program, offering two-year scholarships to those pursuing further education at local community colleges or vocational schools.

You’re never too far from after-school or weekend play options, either, and arguably the most popular leans against the northern boundary. Drumm Farm Golf Club comes with two courses: one with 18 holes bending through forests and wetlands, offering a unique challenge for seasoned players, and a nine-hole course fit for beginners. Not looking to play a full round? Get in some practice on the drive range, putting green or chipping area, or work out your way in the full-service fitness center. Right next to the site sits Glendale Park, with two playsets, including one with a climbing structure, as well as a jungle gym, swings, green space and a walking trail.

Head a few blocks south of Sycamore for the area’s softball epicenter. Adair Park offers almost 10 fields popular with local leagues alongside five picnic pavilions, a half-mile walking trail and a gently flowing creek snaking through it.

You can stay right in the neighborhood for dinner, though. Stroll down Noland Road’s cluster of restaurants for a wide range of cuisines and experiences. One of the most popular, Hacienda Vieja, awaits almost perfectly in the center of the strip with authentic Mexican fare and nearly 30 different types of tequila. With specials almost every weekday – like $7.99 nacho supreme plates Monday through Thursday – it offers classic taco and burrito platters and all-day breakfast but specializes in eccentric dishes like pescado al horno, two grilled fish with spinach, mushroom and shrimp with sides of lettuce, tomato, red onion and avocado.

For dessert, swing by the end of the strip and you’ll find what many locals call the metro area’s best custard at Andy’s. This Missouri-based shop offers much more than that, too, including build-your-own sundaes and malts, cream soda freezes and seasonal treats like pumpkin pie concretes in the fall. To make your own sweet treats or check grocery shopping off your to-do list, head to Walmart Neighborhood Market adjacent to Truman.

Always lively but never overwhelming – that’s Sycamore.

Written By

Bre Offenberger

Photography Contributed By

Brooke Wasson

Video By

Nathan Allen