Kearney offers country living near a lake and bigger cities
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 away 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. Walker highlights Kearney's 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.” Aside from James and his outlaw activities, Kearney is also the birthplace of Harry S. Truman.
Ranch-styles, Tudors and farmhouses shape the housing mix
A two-bedroom ranch-style home with a spacious yard and opportunities for updates may sell for under $300,000 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 in Kearney have been known to climb upward toward the millions, making the price range vast. Some homes reflect ranch-style and New Traditional properties, while others are stately and built out of red or white brick with Tudor influences. Still 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.
Jesse James Park offers fishing and live music
Jesse James Park has a 1.5-mile loop where there are several stops for fishing. The park, located near the former home of its namesake, also features the Kearney Amphitheater, which regularly hosts live music and overlooks a spring-fed lake.
Liberty provides shopping and dining opportunities
Retail is sparce in Kearney, so most residents head to Liberty for shopping. “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. Walker also mentions that La Fuentes on Watson Drive is known for its large, tasty and affordable portions of classic Mexican fare.
Kearney School District serves community students
Students in Kearney attend the Kearney School District. They may attend Hawthorne Elementary School, which earns a B-plus from Niche, Kearney Middle School, which holds an A-minus, and Kearney High School, which has a B. 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.
Interstate 35 and OATS connect residents to Kansas City
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.
![Dennis Gray]()
Photography Contributed By
Dennis Gray
