Riverside is a small community poised on the edge of growth
The city of Riverside is located on high-elevation bluffs along the Missouri River, offering sweeping views of downtown Kansas City , just 15 minutes away. According to Mayor Kathy Rose, people are moving to Riverside for four reasons: the location, the well-rated school system, the safety and the city's lack of property taxes. Riverside is poised on the precipice of massive growth. Upcoming plans include new parks, a Live Nation amphitheater and a multimillion-dollar soccer stadium expected to host a team for the 2026 World Cup.
"We started out as a blue-collar, hardworking community, where everybody knew everybody, and we helped each other," Rose says. Although Riverside has seen an influx of luxury homes and amenities in recent years, she says that feeling hasn't changed. "Everybody's still hanging on to those core values of being able to be close to the people in your neighborhood."
Modern housing options with tax-free benefits
Riverside has a mix of older, wooded neighborhoods and brand-new, uniform subdivisions like The Palisades. In the last few years, the city has shifted from a place to find a modest ranch-style home to a place to live in a luxury New Traditional property with a homeowners' association. But all residents enjoy one unique feature — no city property taxes. The Argosy Casino & Hotel plays a large role in boosting the local tax base, making it possible for residents to enjoy the benefits of free city services like trash, recycling and composting, without the fees.
Older homes start around $220,000 to $400,000, and modern construction in HOA-run subdivisions can range from $415,000 to $650,000. Homes priced between $675,000 and $1.2 million were typically built in the last few years, offering sprawling floor plans and elevated views of downtown Kansas City's skyline.
Well-rated schools with a project-based high school alternative
Riverside is part of the Park Hill School District, but school zoning can vary based on location. Many kids attend English Landing Elementary and Lakeview Middle, both of which receive an A from Niche. The city is zoned for Park Hill South High, which gets an A-minus. High school students can also apply to spend a year at LEAD Innovation Studio, a separate high school building emphasizing project-based learning and creative problem solving.
New stadium and amphitheater expected to boost the economy
Riverside's south side is home to manufacturing and industrial businesses that draw thousands of workers into the city. In 2022, the Kansas City Current women's soccer team opened an $18 million training facility there. It's undergoing a major expansion — including a 2,000-seat stadium, performance center and youth soccer pitches. The facility is set to be completed in 2026, just in time for the World Cup in Kansas City.
The $135 million, 16,000-person Riverside Amphitheater, built in partnership with Live Nation, will also open in this area in 2026. While some higher-elevation homes may be able to hear the occasional concert, the venue is located miles from residential areas.
Growing parks and community events keep residents active
The city works to keep residents active, whether that's by continuing to expand the local trail system or partnering with the YMCA to offer classes at the Riverside Community Center. The city also subsidizes 75% of membership fees at local fitness centers. In recent years, E. H. Young Riverfront Park received a major renovation, adding eight pickleball courts, and the Riverside Aquatic Center was updated to add a modern splash pad. And in 2025, the city broke ground on what is expected to be one of the largest inclusive parks in the Midwest. Spanning 5 acres along the Missouri River, the park will offer two adaptive and accessible playgrounds, trails and a TOPSoccer field.
The central Renner Brenner Park is a community gathering point, including events like Christmas tree lighting and a very popular Easter egg hunt. "We'll probably have over a thousand families and kids come out for that," Rose says, adding, "I think last year we threw down like 6,000 eggs."
Hometown grocery and cafe that have stood the test of time
Many of Riverside's businesses have been around for generations. Riverside Red X began as a family-owned gas station in the 1940s, but quickly grew into a full grocery store known for its unique display of antiques. The original owner, Ed Young, eventually became the mayor of Riverside, and his family has kept the store running for more than 75 years. "If you grew up in Kansas City, you knew Red X," Rose says. Today, Red X is a go-to spot for groceries, and despite its brand-new building, it is still decorated with Ed's beloved antiques. Another long-standing local staple is Corner Cafe Riverside, known for its cozy red booths, vintage motorcycles and homestyle comfort food — especially the cinnamon rolls.
Several routes connect to downtown Kansas City
Downtown Kansas City is just over 5 miles south. Residents have several options for commuting, including Interstate 39, state Route 9 and U.S. Route 169. It's about a 12-mile trip to Kansas City International Airport. The closest hospital is Kindred Hospital Northland, 5 miles away.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
