Kearney

Through its mix of subdivision housing and acreage properties, Kearney of Clay County, Missouri offers the comforts of country living. “This area is straight east of Smithville Lake, so a lot of people who enjoy water sports and fishing live here," says area local and Realtor Brandi Walker of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. The lake is 12 miles west via Country Road and neighbors love to swim along its beaches. Kearney is also just 10 miles from the city of Liberty and 25 miles from downtown Kansas City.

When asked “what shouldn’t be missed” about Kearney, Walker highlights its impressive school district and that it’s famously the home of Jesse James – the controversial outlaw who killed many and looted a quarter million. “You can still tour his home if you want to. I’ve been there a few times.” Along the 1.5 loop the circles the park that bears his name near his family home, there are several stops for fishing. Also inside Jesse James Park is the Kearney Amphitheater, which regularly hosts live music and overlooks a spring-fed lake. Aside from being the setting of James’ outlaw activities, Kearney is also the birthplace of Harry S. Truman.

Most residents head to Liberty for shopping as there aren’t a ton of options locally. “The biggest grocery store available is Price Chopper. Kearney also has fast-food chains like McDonald's, Dairy Queen and Starbucks and a few sit-down mom-and-pop restaurants,” Walker says. When asked which restaurant locals frequent, Walker offers La Fuentes on Watson Drive, known for its large, tasty and affordable portions of classic Mexican fare. In short, people don’t move here for a bustling scene bursting with eateries and retail spots. They appreciate the amount of space they have around their houses and the small-town lifestyle.

A two-bedroom ranch-style home with a spacious yard and opportunities for updates may sell for under $300,000 in Kearney and a three-bedroom house with updates on six acres for $500,000. A brand-new residence will cost $600,000 to $700,000, and a home on 10 or more acres will travel even higher. Houses here have been known to climb upward toward the millions, making the price range vast, with entry-point opportunities for those on a budget. Homes reflect mostly ranch-style properties and new traditionals. Some are stately and built out of red or white brick and sometimes with Tudor influences. Others are farmhouse-style with their board and batten accents and hipped roofs. Subdivisions here are classically suburban, with tall trees lining the streets, sidewalks for walking and well-tended yards.

Students in Kearney attend the Kearney School District. Along its pipeline, they may attend Hawthorne Elementary, Kearney Middle School and Kearney High School. The elementary school earns a B-plus from Niche, the middle school an A-minus and the high school scores a B rating. The high school has a book club and holds “counselor cafes,” where counselors are available during lunchtime to help students navigate any career or college preparation questions they may have.

Most locals drive everywhere in and around Kearney, but OATS Transit Services, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, provides specialized transportation for anyone who needs it. Many of its routes connect to Amtrak, airports or intercity bus services. Kearney also has access to a robust highway system as Interstates 33, 35 and 92 all cross through the city. The nearest airport is Kansas City International Airport, 25 miles north via I-35. Locally, residents love to hop on hayrides at The Fun Farm on Jefferson Street. They also rent fire pits there throughout the year.

Kearney is a home for those who love country living.

Written By

Hannah Rainey

Photography Contributed By

Dennis Gray

Video By

Logan Cox