It's summertime in Brookside and I'm loving it!  Yes it's hot and sticky, but I couldn't live in a city that didn't have the full change of seasons.  Despite the constant drumbeat of gloomy economic news, high unemployment rates, higher inflation and stalled economy, every day I'm thankful for where I live.  And here's why:

As a real estate agent, I often get asked about neighborhoods. And there are several great neighborhoods in the greater KC area.  But Brookside is special.  It's an area that continues to hold home values despite the reputation of the KCMO school district.  It's an area of singles, families, empty nesters, and older folks -- on every block!  And the home prices here range from a $150K fixer upper to $1million--all within a three mile radius.  And it's an area where all the houses are different.  Several styles of homes: tudors, two-and three story homes, bungalows.  Built up from the early 1900s to 1930s, there is a mix of styles and interior features.  Exteriors feature stucco, wood shingle, brick, concrete, tile roofs. 

More specifically, here's a few specific reasons why I love Brookside.  I was thinking of these special features when I was on a bike ride with my daughter last week...

Brookside is a walking neighborhood (although we do have excellent bus transit as well).  Even when it's 95 degrees with 100% humidity, you see people out walking the streets:  dog walkers (who actually pick up after their pets), kids in strollers and on bikes, folks walking with grocery bags or jogging on the Trolley Track Trail.  This encourages...

Interaction among strangers.   People here nod when passing others on the street, walking by, make space for bicyclists to pass.  Mostly everyone is smiling and enjoying the outdoors, acknowledging the community atmosphere.  And strangers can become friends--it's easy to see the same faces walking about at the same time of day, we are more aware of what's going on outside of our homes.

People make an effort to know their neighbors.  When I sell a house in Brookside, the buyers are often telling me how the neighbors came by within a day or two of moving in to welcome them to the block!  There can be an instant sense of community here. 

Many of the shops are locally owned. Sure, we have a Baskin Robbins and Mr Goodcents, but we also have Stuff and Worlds Window,a farmer's market,  the Roasterie Cafe, Avenues Bistro and Foos Frozen Custard...and who doesn't love spending time in The Dime Store?  Brookside residents support local businesses with their dollars and the local merchants support the community with donations in kind and attractive, clean  store fronts and landscaping.

Annual special events.  The St Patrick's Day parade, the Brookside Art Fair, July Sidewalk Sale--of course anyone in the KC area can participate but these small events again promote that sense of unity and friendship we share as Brooksiders.

Part of the magic of Brookside is the way the neighborhood is laid out.  Homes line all of the streets, there are no large parking lots cutting off pedestrians from the stores, parking is easy and speed limits are lower. We don't have cul-de-sacs or large, major traffic intersections or highway access close by.  Most homeowners take pride in maintaining and enhancing  their properties' curb appeal.  

If you are thinking of a move to the Kansas City area, consider Brookside as your next home.  You may never want to move again!

Thanks for reading my blog.  To contact me, send me an email or visit my website.