Richmond appeals to Kansas City buyers looking for a small-town pace
Like many small towns within an hour of Kansas City , Richmond has an active farming community, lower taxes and a slower pace of life. According to Chastidy Loftin, a broker with Community Realty, she's seen plenty of city buyers interested in moving out to Richmond for that small-town feel. "Our kids can run across town and walk to the swimming pool," says Loftin, who has lived in the city her whole life. For her, the community feel comes from knowing everyone who lives there, whether that's people she grew up with or the newcomers to town. "You can be $5 short at the grocery store, and you'll probably know the person behind you, and they'll say 'Hey, I got that,'" she says. Despite the rural atmosphere, Richmond is large enough to have some city conveniences, including Walmart and a hospital.
Older Victorians and ranch-style homes, not as much new construction
Some of Richmond's oldest homes date back to the 1800s, including larger Victorians and modest bungalows. Construction continued steadily throughout the 1900s, adding plenty of ranch-style homes, but began to taper off after 2000. According to Loftin, the scarcity of newer homes means that they are flying off the market. "We just have more sporadic houses all over, and we need development like a housing addition," she says.
Some investment properties are available under $50,000, and older move-in-ready homes range from $85,000 to $275,000. From $275,000 to $480,000, homebuyers can find modern construction or properties with several acres. Most of Richmond's streets still feel rustic, with no sidewalks or curbs, and canopies of mature trees.
Graduates of Richmond High can get two free years of college
Prekindergarten through first graders can attend Dear Elementary School, and second through fifth graders move on to Sunrise Elementary. Niche gives both schools a C-plus grade. Richmond Middle School is rated C, and Richmond High School receives a B-minus. All four schools are located in the city. Richmond High graduates are eligible for two years of reimbursed tuition to any public community college, technical school or vocational school in Missouri.
Recreation includes fishing, swimming and a standout golf course
Richmond's local parks have playgrounds, ball fields and walking trails. Southview Park is a go-to spot in the summer for the public pool, and golfers can tee off 18 holes at the semi-private Shirkey Golf Course. "It's a really, really nice golf course to play on," Loftin says. "People come from all around to play on Shirkey." The city runs a variety of youth sports and all-ages recreation activities, often utilizing the indoor gymnasium at City Hall. Over at the Ray County Library, community members can rent out fishing poles in addition to books. To put the poles to good use, Ray County Lake, just over 3 miles north, is a popular fishing spot.
Old-school dining, big-brand shopping and a growing concert venue
Richmond's restaurant selection includes homestyle diners, casual pizza joints and dive bars where smoking is still allowed inside. In addition to the locally owned offerings, the city has chains like Subway and McDonald's. The local Walmart and Harps Food Store are the only major grocery stores in Ray County, so residents appreciate having them nearby.
One of Richmond's standout dining spots is Branded Steakhouse Oink & Moo BBQ & Taproom, a combination restaurant and concert venue. Visitors can order pulled pork or burnt ends while enjoying the outdoor amphitheater, which has attracted acts like Lorrie Morgan and Sara Evans. "They'll throw a New Year's party and a Halloween party there," Loftin says. "And that's always fun because everyone plans to do that — so we can all see each other and be together."
Country fun at the Richmond Mushroom Festival
When the weather warms up in the spring, morel mushrooms grow abundantly in the area's lush forests — meaning it's time for the Richmond Mushroom Festival. A time-honored tradition for over 40 years, the festival is a weekend of carnival rides, car shows and vendors selling mushrooms cooked every way imaginable. Avid foragers go out the week before the event to try and find a prize shroom that will win the biggest mushroom contest.
The festival's proceeds benefit the Farris Theater, a historic entertainment venue that first opened in 1901. Today, the building is lovingly maintained by a local non-profit and is still used to show local plays and screenings of the newest movie releases.
Taking country roads to Kansas City and Liberty
Richmond is home to the Ray County Memorial Hospital, but other large amenities are a drive away. The city lacks interstate access, so commuting can take longer along state Route 210, a highway lined with scenic farmland. Downtown Kansas City is 40 miles away, just under an hour by car. It's about 50 miles to get to Kansas City International Airport. Richmond also has direct highway access to the large suburb of Liberty , less than 30 miles away.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
