Fifty years ago, Crown Center looked much different than it does today. At that time, abandoned buildings and overgrown lots defined the area a mile from downtown Kansas City. However, development initiated by the construction of Hallmark's headquarters in the 1970s set off a series of projects that propelled a build-up of urban shopping, entertainment, and housing that transformed Crown Center into the vibrant district it is today. Hallmark is deeply interwoven with Crown Center, even taking its name from the company's crown logo. However, the district is about more than just Hallmark and the Shops at Crown Center. It also includes much of the 176-acre Penn Valley Park. Residents can take advantage of city convenience without being consumed by it. "This is an attractive neighborhood for people who are downsizing," says Stacy Garrett, a Realtor with Engel & Volkers, who has been selling homes in the area for 24 years.
Convenient condo living just south of downtown
Two condominium buildings, San Francisco Tower and Santa Fe Place, blend into the surrounding shopping, dining and other conveniences with covered access points and shared shopping garages. Those who live in Crown Center either rent an apartment or own a condo. Crown Center condos are housed in buildings ranging from modern high-rises to brick structures dating from the early 1900s, such as the unusually shaped Western Auto building. Penthouses at the 30-story San Francisco Tower have a walkway that leads to the Crown Center Shops and Plaza. The units are predominantly owner-occupied. Most condos sell for between $150,000 and $375,000, and larger condos sell for between $425,000 and $1 million. Owners pay HOA fees based on unit size and other factors.
Crown Center Shops anchored by Hall's department store
The tall, glass-encased shopping mall includes multiple shops and restaurants. Santa comes here every year. Other family-friendly attractions include the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, the SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium and Kaleidoscope. "Crown Center is a huge tourist destination for a reason, and it's not like it's just them. People in the suburbs come here for day trips all the time. There's so much to do," says Rachel Kilmer, a Realtor with Reece Nichols, who's been selling homes in the area for three years. The upscale Hall's department store anchors the Crown Center Shops, including several small shops and eateries. Nearby restaurants include Unforked, which serves scratch-made breakfasts with locally sourced ingredients and Burnt End BBQ, which has earned first place in the American Royal Barbecue Championships for its Sweet Chipotle Glaze and Sweet Honey Glaze sauces. Lidia's is an upscale restaurant serving Northern Italian cuisine. Boulevard Brewing Company is less than a mile to the west. Shang's Tea House features homemade tea cakes, moon pies, and premium loose teas, some of which are grown on the owner's land in China.
Penn Valley Park offers expansive green space
Penn Valley Park is as much as presence in Crown Center as the shopping and dining. While also home to the National World War I Museum and Memorial, Liberty, the park offers an abundance of recreation. The 1.7-mile Liberty Memorial Path winds around Penn Valley Park for runners and walkers to enjoy. Within the park are tennis courts, a baseball field, a skate park, walking paths and an off-leash dog park. Washington Square Park at the northeast tip of the neighborhood has 5 acres of open space and more walking paths. Union Cemetery, the oldest public cemetery in Missouri, is in the neighborhood.
Free K.C. Streetcar at Union Station
The free Kansas City Streetcar at Union Station provides public transportation around the metro area from Crown Center. The streetcar runs to River Market, but by 2025, the Main Street extension will take riders south to popular spots like the Country Club Plaza. "It will really connect the city in ways it hasn't before," Kilmer says. Driving is also convenient, with U.S. Highway 71 and Interstate 35 bordering the neighborhood. For longer trips, Amtrak runs out of Union Station, and Kansas City International Airport is about 23 miles north.
New tradition in the making with first-ever Hallmark Christmas Experience
Crown Center Square hosts events year-round, including concerts, plays and outdoor movie screenings. The Mayor's Christmas Tree lighting ceremony kicks off the holiday season, and trees throughout Crown Center glitter with white lights. The Crown Center Ice Terrace has enticed Kansas Citians outdoors in cold temperatures for over five decades. The Hallmark Christmas Experience is making its debut in 2024 with a visual throwback to the Hallmark Movies vibe. In May, the K.C. Folk Festival covers three live stages with live performance while food trucks, vendors and artisans fill the festival grounds. With the exception of ice skating, all of these events are free.
Northeast High School is Missouri’s only Junior Achievement 3DE school
Children can attend Primitivo Garcia Elementary before attending Northeast Middle School. Both schools receive a C-minus from Niche. From there, they can move to C-rated Northeast High School, Missouri’s only Junior Achievement 3DE school. 3DE schools strive to bring equitable access to high-quality education through a public-private partnership designed to prepare students for life beyond the classroom.
Increased chance of flooding and crime score above U.S. average
Main Street, Grand Boulevard and the northern part of Crown Center are at higher risk of flooding. Crown Center's overall CAP Index Crime Score is 8, compared to the U.S. average of 4. It scores higher than 8 in specific categories.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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GREAT DEAL! This stunning corner unit in Building 3 of Western Auto offers the perfect blend of style, space, andconvenience! Expansive windows and a private balcony provide breathtaking panoramic views of Downtown and beyond.The open-concept floor plan features a spacious living area with a cozy fireplace, a versatile flex space, and a well-appointed kitchen with ample cabinetry,
Full-service 24/7 concierge, stunning downtown views, and one of the most iconic addresses in Kansas City. This fully renovated condo is located in San Francisco Tower—a true full-service high-rise offering resort living in the heart of KC. Inside, you'll find a modern, open layout with travertine floors, high-end lighting, and a sleek Portfolio kitchen. The private west-facing balcony offers
Iconic Sky-High Residence with Panoramic Views & Custom Finishes. Perched on the 25th floor of one of Kansas City’s most iconic full-service buildings, this expansive residence—formed by seamlessly combining two units—has been completely reimagined from the walls in. The building itself is architecturally significant, designed by The Architects Collaborative, co-founded by Walter
Welcome to Via, your destination for luxury apartments in the heart of Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts and Freight Districts. Where history and modernity collide, Via stands as a tribute to the city’s rich industrial roots and artistic revival. With a name inspired by the journey, Via celebrates life on the move.Our community features studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, designed
Experience elevated living in the heart of Midtown, one of downtown Kansas City's most vibrant neighborhoods. Our thoughtfully designed condos offer a collection of spacious, one-of-a-kind floor plans, each featuring high-end finishes that blend modern sophistication with everyday comfort. Whether you're drawn to the charm of original architectural details or the sleek appeal of contemporary
Western Auto!Walking distance to tons of downtown shops, buildings and restaurants!12-month lease unless otherwise stated.$50 credit/ background check per tenant.Tenant must make 3x the rent (income).Tenant must pay: electric, cable, internet.Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed- property subject to change due to price and availability.Be a part of
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
818
Median Age
37
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
11.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$84,175
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$121,970
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97%
College Graduates
73.9%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
36.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
77.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
38''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
24''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
41/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
46/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
69/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
