Kansas City Real Estate

Before Kansas City was a city, Westport was the center for commerce trading. Once a thriving town through which the California, Oregon and Santa Fe trails passed, Westport marked the passage into the great western frontier and set the precedence for what is today a thriving entertainment and shopping district. This historical legacy allows visitors to travel back in time to the days of mountain men, wagon trains, and Civil War battles. Discover one of Kansas City's historical treasures.

Kansas City is forged by a rich history. The city was founded on the banks of the Missouri River and formally incorporated in 1850.

Kansas City, situated within 250 miles of both the population and geographic centers of the country, is often called “the Heart of America.” But throughout its history the city has been known by a number of other names as well. In its early days the settlement-turned-town-then-city earned a number of nicknames, including “Possumtrot,” “the Town of Kansas,” “Chouteau’s Town,” “Westport Landing” and “Kawsmouth.” The name “Kansas City” first came into use in the late 1800s and reflects the name of the Native American Kansa tribe who once lived in the region.

The city of Kansas City is well known for its jazz history. Some of the greatest jazz players in all of history got their start in the clubs of Kansas City. World-class musicians such as William "Count" Basie, Charlie "Bird" Parker, and Orin "Hot Lips" Page, among many others, came together to create a sound the town can call its own. "It's a blues-based, swing style of jazz," said Mary Ellen Farney, past president of the Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors.

Jazz, as a musical genre, was born out of a marriage of down-home blues and ragtime just after the turn of the century. While New Orleans was the birthplace of jazz, America's music grew up in Kansas City.

By the time the Roaring '20s rolled around, jazz had emerged as America's favorite dance music. In retrospect, it seems only natural that people were lovingly loosening up and moving to the beat of this hot, new set of pulsating rhythms. World War I had ended, jobs were plentiful, and times were good. Around the rest of the country, Prohibition (enacted 1919, repealed 1933) effectively ended the activity at traditional nightclubs and dance halls. But in Kansas City, mob boss Tom Pendergast, known as "Boss Tom," controlled the police, the politics, and essentially the entire town. So much so that, here, even at the height of Prohibition, liquor flowed freely, and gamblers and musicians played most of the day and all of the night at "private" clubs. This made Kansas City a national jazz mecca.

When it comes to lip-smackin', finger-lickin', chin-dribblin', literally rib-stickin' barbecue, Kansas City holds its own. The Carolinas can rightfully claim to be the cradle of American barbecue and Texas is by far the brisket capital of the world. But Kansas City brings it all together with more than 90 barbecue joints - from little bitty eateries to full-blown, nothing-but-barbecue restaurants.

The crack of a bat and the smooth melodies of a tenor sax bring back memories of what was once the heart of Kansas City culture. Known throughout the world as trademarks of Kansas City, Negro Leagues Baseball and jazz music have been rekindled into brilliant reality with a massive revitalization of Kansas City's historic 18th & Vine district.
The Museums at 18th & Vine celebrate their grand opening on September 5, 1997 in the area where baseball, jazz, and good times reigned as part of Kansas City's cultural life. The City of Kansas City, Missouri launched a $24 million project to pay tribute to the historical development of jazz and Negro Leagues Baseball. With the opening of the museums, Kansas Citians and visitors have the opportunity to get a first hand look at some of the greatest legends of jazz and baseball such as Charlie Parker, Count Basie, Lester Young, George and Julia Lee, Satchel Paige, James "Cool Papa" Bell, and Josh Gibson. This "who's who" of early jazz and baseball legends is highlighted in brilliant sight and sound with a dynamic look at Kansas City history.

Newest Kansas City Real Estate Properties

$717,000

Lot 4 NW Ambassador , Kansas City

Corner lot in AMBASSADOR PARK with great accessibility and visibility. New highway system in and around I-29 and Tiffany Springs ,great new growth. GP-2 zoning. Possibl...

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$64,900

Mt Olivet , Smithville

Great Smithville location near Smithville Lake. Access from 2 points. NO subdivision restrictions or covenants and no HOA dues. Sale subject to lot split approval by C...

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$64,900

Mount Olivet , Smithville

Great Smithville location near Smithville Lake. Access from 2 points. NO subdivision restrictions or covenants and no HOA dues. Sale subject to lot split approval fr...

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$370,000

Wyoming Rd. S of 247 , Wellsville

South of Wellsville, 100 Acre family farm has pond, lakes, tillable acreage, pasture, trees, and a 24 X 32 metal barn w/2 garage doors and a concrete floor. Oil and farm ...

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$349,900

738 Orville , Kansas City

6 Duplex Package includes 403 N 8 Street KC KS. SO MUCH NEW!Most units have NEW PAINT,CARPET,TILE,MECHANICALS,APPLIANCES,STORM DOORS! Also NEW SIDEWALKS! Off Street Park...

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$349,900

403 N 8 , Kansas City

6 Duplex Package includes 738 Orville Ave KC KS. SO MUCH NEW!Most units have NEW PAINT,CARPET,TILE,MECHANICALS,APPLIANCES,STORM DOORS!Also NEW SIDEWALKS!Off street parkin...

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$147,000

110 Cora , Weston

Very nice duplex just off JJ Highway in the Citadel, and located at the end of the cul-de-sac. Each side contains 2 bedrooms with 'long-time' renters. Occupancy rate v...

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$183,750

1 Pearl , Weston

Amazingly well maintained Fourplex with great floor plan and close to 100% occupancy since being built. All tenants have been on month-to-month leases with some being th...

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$220,000

3001 S Granite , Blue Springs

*SHORT SALE* All offers subject to bank approval. Sellers paid $296,000 in 2005. Their loss is your gain. Hearth room island kitchen with walk-in pantry, master on th...

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Baths 3.5

$56,000

255 N Michigan 20-124 , Lawrence

Buy this property with as little as 3% down! This home features 3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 bathrooms, basement, and patio. Needs some 'TLC" on the inside but will be well wort...

Beds 3
Baths 1.5

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