Town Hall

Though it has divergent origination stories, Missouri’s moniker of “The Show-Me State” is one that is well-known throughout the country. Many Missourians know one version of the story in which Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver declared in a speech that he was unconvinced by eloquent speech and instead required that he be shown evidence in order to be convinced. When it comes to buying a home, it’s all too easy for someone to talk about things like affordability or convenience or multiple amenities. But this is Missouri, and that means showing exactly what that vague talk means. The Town Hall neighborhood, located in northern Independence, does just that. Offering some of the city’s most affordable homes and pairing them with convenient access (as in walking distance) to downtown Independence and easy access to a host of amenities, Town Hall is here to show you exactly what is meant by affordability, convenience, and multiple amenities.

The median price of real estate in Town Hall is around $135,000, and the average price per square foot is $114, making homes in the neighborhood some of the most affordable in the city. “There are a lot of bargains there,” says Becka Watkins, a real estate agent with ReeceNichols. “You’re seeing a lot of buyers coming in and making updates to existing homes, though, so I think prices are going to go up.” As testament to that wisdom, consider the fact that a two-bedroom/two-bathroom bungalow currently lists for around $80,000, while a fully-updated four-bedroom/two-bathroom Craftsman-style home can sell for $291,000.

Students in the Town Hall neighborhood can engage in various academic enrichment opportunities at both Ott Elementary and Bridger Middle, which feed into William Chrisman High School. One program of note is the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Lego and robotics teams. Those in elementary and middle school can participate with the Lego team under the mentorship of high school robotics team members. And while past results aren’t a guarantee of future returns, it bears mentioning that William Chrisman High School has produced such notable alums as former president Harry S. Truman.

Attached to James Bridger Middle School is Henley Aquatic Center, a family-oriented indoor swimming facility with 10 lanes dedicated to lap swimming. The center also offers swim lessons for all ages and open swimming. The facility is available for rent to host birthday celebrations year-round. During the summer, the nearby outdoor Adventure Oasis Water Park offers a lazy river, 3 water slides, a family pool and lap pool, concession stands and changing facilities.

For outdoor recreation, Hiram Young Park is located in the neighborhood. The 1.6-acre park includes basketball courts and a playground, as well as a walking path. Approximately a mile north of the neighborhood is Dickinson Park, which has a picnic shelter and playground. There is also a trail from the park that leads to Dickinson Park Pond, which is stocked periodically with various species of gamefish.
Town Hall is also located within 10-minutes’ drive of the Englewood Arts District, an area that Watkins describes as “a culture of creativity,” adding that “there is an outdoor sidewalk sale of artwork by local artists that is called Third Friday Art Walk during the summer months.” Additionally, the Englewood Arts Center serves as the cornerstone of the creative scene in the area, focusing on visual, performing and culinary arts. The Center provides workshop space and classes for those interested in learning about or perfecting their craft in any of those three areas and artists’ residencies. The Puppetry Arts Institute offers a variety of family-friendly puppet shows and puppet-creation workshops, and Pottery Art offers children and adults the chance to paint their own pottery. Multiple art galleries showcasing the work of various local artists dot can be found along East Winner Road.

Grocery shopping is a breeze with Cash Saver in the neighborhood, while nearby dining options include authentic Italian cuisine served up in a casual setting at Café Verona or classic KC-style barbecue from nearby Top Hat’s Backdoor BBQ or Jack Stack BBQ. And because residents are less than a mile from downtown Independence and 20 minutes’ drive from downtown Kansas City, those urban destinations are an easy trip for work, play or shopping.

If you’re looking for evidence of affordability paired with convenience, come check out Town Hall and see for yourself what those things really look like.

Written By

Andrew Spencer

Photography Contributed By

Dennis Gray

Video By

Luke Basinger