$177,026Average Value$131Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
People take pride in Sugar Creek
Sugar Creek is a small city with a strong identity just north of Independence and only 9 miles from downtown Kansas City. “Most people say, ‘Oh you live in Independence,’ but people here will correct you and say, ‘No I’m in Sugar Creek,’” says City Administrator Joseph Kenney, adding that residents refer to themselves as “Creekers.” A community of immigrants formed here in the early 1900s to work at the Sugar Creek oil refinery, and Creekers today retain strong ties to their Eastern European and working-class roots. The city still hosts a high density of industry, including cement plants and a gasoline terminal. “My granddad was one of the ones who came in the 20s to work at the refinery, my mom and dad stayed and raised us, so far my three kids still live here in town,” Kenney says. “I wouldn’t trade my upbringing or what I’ve done for my kids for anything.”
The Slavic Festival draws thousands
Thousands of people attend the Sugar Creek Slavic Festival each June. “People come from all over, but it’s kind of the homecoming weekend here,” Kenney says. The event started in the 1970s as a folk festival sponsored by St. Cyril’s Parish. It has grown into a weekend-long bash with food, live music and performances from kolo dancers, polka bands and other cultural acts. “We do a couple special things each year,” says Sugar Creek Mayor Mike Larson, who moved to the city in the 1980s. “Last year they did an actual, real, honest-to-goodness wedding based on how the Czech Slovaks did weddings back then.”
A simple commute to downtown Kansas City
Proximity to the urban core “is one of our sells,” Kenney says. “You can be in downtown Kansas City parked at your desk in 20, 25 minutes. That’s part of the reason people stay here through the years.” For many Creekers, the journey downtown starts on Highway 24. Road improvements are expected to be completed in spring 2024.
Expanding options for Sugar Creek dining
Creekers are loyal to their local haunts, which include Kross Lounge & Ernie’s Restaurant, serving classic comfort foods since 1945. Down the street, Sugar Inn is a biker bar that hosts frequent pool tournaments. Residents with a sweet tooth head to KEMA Sweets Bakery, where U.S. veteran and French-trained pastry chef Nancy Griego serves diverse treats and teaches community classes.
More businesses have invested in Sugar Creek in recent years, including a Dominos and an existing Taco Bell that moved to a more trafficked location. “Nobody asked for tax incentives or anything, they thought it was a cool place to be,” Larson says. The city is currently working with developers to attract more retailers. “The last new grocery store that was built in a 2- or 3-mile radius of us was probably in the 70s,” Kenney says. The Sterling Apple Market on Highway 24 is the closest option for many residents.
Recent refreshes for neighborhood parks
“The last few years we’ve done some updates to our parks,” Kenney says. Projects have included a new splash pad at Kaw Field, a new playground and updated facilities at several parks. “The coolest thing that we did was we added an 18-hole disc golf course to our LaBenite Park,” Larson says. LaBenite Park has riverside walking trails, a playground and boating access. Locals gather along the bank for the city’s Fourth of July fireworks show.
Greater affordability beyond the Kansas City limits
Most of the neighborhood's residences are concentrated in the southwest portion of the city, where a lot of the construction dates back to the 1950s. One- or two-bedroom investment properties can start as low as $45,000, though most homes in Sugar Creek range between $125,000 and $250,000. Homes hovering around $200,000 are typically renovated and have three bedrooms. Ranch-style builds are common, as are bungalows and historic Craftsman homes. Residential lots start at $12,000 for about a quarter of an acre.
Independence School District serves most students
The Independence School District serves most students in Sugar Creek. Kindergarten and first graders can attend Sugar Creek Elementary, which has a B-plus from Niche and a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, well below the national average. Kids head to C-plus-rated Abraham Mallinson Elementary through fifth grade, then Clifford Nowlin Middle, which gets a C. Van Horn High is just 2 miles away and has a C-plus.
The community organizes for clean water and air
The Amoco oil refinery closed in the 1980s, though Creekers are still wary of the potential health risks of local industry. In 2021, hundreds of community members successfully protested a proposed limestone quarry near LaBenite Park, garnering more than 2,500 signatures on a petition to local officials.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Doug Shafer,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
William Henry Harrison Park
Baseball/Softball
Football
Picnic Area
Mill Creek Park
LaBenite Park
Bike Trails
Fishing
Trails
Hink Park
Multi-Purpose Field
Hiking
Bundschu Park
Basketball
Trails
Playground
Transit
Airport
Kansas City International
42 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Sugar Creek
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Sugar Creek, MO sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The average sale price for homes in Sugar Creek, MO over the last 12 months is $171,737, up 7% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming Sugar Creek Ranch with Bonus Lot & Private Backyard Retreat! Welcome home to this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath ranch in the heart of Sugar Creek! Step inside to find an inviting, open layout featuring a stylishly renovated kitchen with modern finishes and plenty of cabinet space, perfect for everyday living or entertaining. The large master suite offers a peaceful escape with a
Calling all investors and visionaries! This historic 6-bedroom, 2.5-bath home sits on approximately 20.88 acres in Sugar Creek, MO, offering endless potential for renovation and restoration. Built in 1915, this 4,952 sq. ft. property is full of character and waiting for the right buyer to bring it back to life. This historic gem boasts timeless stone and frame construction, exuding classic charm
PRICE IMPROVEMENT! All brick, maintenance-free duplex in Sugar Creek. Great for own private residence with ability to lease other side; OR, an investor opportunity to have a steady rental. Extremely well maintained and taken care of. Family built and owned. New windows, doors, newer roof. Walking distance to park, tennis courts and community hall. Taxes, square footage are estimated, buyer agent
Welcome to your dream home! Step inside this pet-friendly home featuring modern finishings and a layout designed with functionality in mind. Enjoy the storage space found in the kitchen and closets as well as the spacious living areas and natural light throughout. Enjoy outdoor living in your yard, perfect for gathering, relaxing, or gardening! Take advantage of the incredible location, nestled
Looking for your dream home? Through our seamless leasing process, this beautifully designed home is move-in ready. Our spacious layout is perfect for comfortable living that you can enjoy with your pets too; we’re proud to be pet friendly. Our homes are built using high-quality, eco-friendly materials with neutral paint colors, updated fixtures, and energy-efficient appliances. Enjoy the
Property Id: 1319094Beautiful 1 bed, 1 bath apartment in Sugar Creek, MO. Features modern amenities including above-the-range microwave, WiFi enabled heating, keyless entry, LVP flooring, and security cameras. Enjoy private and on-street parking, spacious private patio for tenants and a secure building in a convenient location with walking distance to parks and restaurants in a welcoming
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Doug Shafer,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,361
Median Age
43
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
22.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$53,673
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$64,741
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
80.8%
College Graduates
11.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1.4%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
38''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
24''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
3/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
