Affluent neighborhood exudes elegance and tranquility
Mission Hills is a forested, affluent neighborhood in the Kansas City area. It was built in the mid-1900s as a country club enclave to draw wealthy residents across the state line from Missouri to Kansas. This strategy succeeded, but it did so while relying on systemically racist practices to exclude minorities. The developer’s legacy of creating sought-after neighborhoods amid green rolling hills lives on, but so do remnants of the exclusionary past three-quarters of a century later. Mission Hills, where stately homes range in price from $1 million to over $7 million, is 6 miles from downtown Kansas City.
“It’s probably one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Kansas City. It’s super close to the Plaza. It has old, unique architecture and big rolling hills throughout,” Earvin Ray says. Ray, a Realtor with Compass Realty, has been selling homes in the area for six years.
Stately homes with old-world character
Mission Hills continues to be one of the state’s most affluent localities. “It’s probably one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Kansas City. It’s super close to the Plaza. It has old, unique architecture and big rolling hills throughout,” Earvin Ray says. Ray, a Realtor with Compass Realty, has been selling homes in the area for six years. Some homes have been here for over a century and are as elegant as ever. Styles include Tudors, French Country, Colonial, Spanish Revival and ranch-styles. Prices range from $1 million to $7.5 million. “There are so many pros to why people live in Mission Hills. You have fabulous public schools, neighborhood restaurants and local grocery stores. There are lush, large lots and historic homes. Homes in this area will continuously rise in value. It’s a really safe investment,” Heather Lyn Bortnick says. Bortnick, a Realtor with Reece Nichols, has been selling homes in the neighborhood for 26 years. Most homes have at least four or five bedrooms, 2- to 3-car garages and sprawling, manicured lawns. Homes in the million-dollar range could be up to 4,000 square feet with up to four bedrooms. In the $5 million to $7 million range, homes tend to be more than 10,000 square feet with at least five bedrooms.
Niche names Shawnee Mission School District No. 7 in state
Mission Hills is in the Shawnee Mission School District, which Niche names the No. 7 best school district in the state, giving it an A grade. Children may attend Prairie Elementary School, Indian Hills Middle School and Shawnee Mission East High School, which Niche names the No. 5 best public high school in the state. Niche rates all of the Mission Hills area schools with an A. The Shawnee Mission District offers an IB program and a signature program for high schoolers, allowing them to specialize in areas of interest, from culinary arts to biotechnology to computer animation.
Residents partner with leaders and philanthropists to restore 1920s-era Sunken Garden
Many residents belong to J.C. Nichols’ original three country clubs: the Kansas City Country Club, Mission Hills and Indian Hills, where they dine, play golf and spend summers poolside. Some of these and other nearby private country clubs are by invitation only and require annual dues. Residents, local philanthropists, foundations, and the city banded together in 2018 to restore Mission Hills’ 1920s-era Sunken Garden. Steps away, the Verona Columns Park is where neighbors gather for special events. This small, old-world-style space features stone benches, statues, fountains, and a reflecting pond. Residents are only a mile away from the sprawling Jacob L. Loose Park.
The Shops at Prairie Village feature favorite local retail and dining options
The Shops at Prairie Village two miles away features several local favorites, such as Tavern in the Village and Café Provence, where patrons can dine al fresco. Residents can grab groceries while in the Village at the Hen House. Other grocery options include Whole Foods and Cosentino’s in Brookside.
Prairie Village Art Show kicks off the summer in Johnson County
Mission Hills residents know it’s summer when the pool opens and 15,000 visitors walk through the Shops at Prairie Village for the 3-day Prairie Village Art Show. Now in its 67th year, the art show features 100 artists, music and food. Area residents and visitors push strollers and walk beside their dogs as they browse booths with paintings, glassworks, jewelry and more.
Major thoroughfares close by for easy commuting
Mission Hills is one mile south of U.S. Highway 169, which connects to I-35 for north-south travel across six states. It’s 9 miles south of Interstate 70, which spans 10 states.
Lowest possible crime score
Mission Hills scores a 1 on the CAP Index, the lowest possible score. It's crime rate is four times lower than the U.S. average.
