kctaxlady

When we moved to this street in 1988, I was nervous because the County Jail was right around the corner. But there was no need. This somewhat secluded street was a friendly neighborhood onto itself. Just over the hill from the Royals/Arrowhead Stadium Complex made for some interesting evenings and Sunday afternoons, listening to what amounted to a direct broadcast. But the street is slippery and treacherous when icy, so don't forget your chains!

I don't know why, but I'm always fascinated by the bypassed highway. You know, the old four-laner that an Interstate replaced. E 40 Hwy is one of those. It's full of trailer courts and the remnents of old motels. But it also has a few tricks left up its sleeve. V's Italian Restaurant is still there and so is Cool Crest, a real Kansas City institution where you can play miniature golf and race go-carts and dream of simpler times.

Wending its way through Crown Center,past trendy restaurants and big-time banks,all the way to the River Market, Grand Avenue has something for everybody.Whether you're looking for a hotel room, an ATM, a good meal, a few drinks or some antiques, this is your big, broad, bawdy cowtown street.

Locust is another great Mid-town street with lots of those brick six-plex apartments that are so typical of Kansas City. It attracts Art Institute students and other bohemian types who are lured by the reasonable rents and its proximity to nearly everything. Perched above Gillham Park, it offers great views from the apartments on the east side.

E 33rd is one of several streets that wends its way down the hill to Gillham Road, past Holmes, Charlotte, Campbell and Harrison. It contains rows of nice medium-size houses that are actually doable rehabs. The whole neighborhood is filled with young families and has a great support network of activities.

Once known as Waldo, Wornall Rd south of 75th Street, was where the streetcar line ended. Now part of the KC metro area it offers bargain shoppers two great thrift stores, a used CD shop and some antique stores to peruse. With its streets of tiny cottages, the whole area still has a small town vibe.

All kinds of recreation is available on Gillham Drive as it winds its way through mid-town Kansas City. There's a summer film festival for kids, an Easter Egg hunt and Santa comes to town along with a bevy of lights and a HUGE snowman. This is a great neighborhood asset and especially appealing to families with young children.

I always loved living on Strong Ave. It offers so much variety. From the Argentine neighborhood to Turner, there was so much to do and see. The Santa Fe railroad yards nearby are fascinating. The local McDonald's had a caboose in the parking lot. The many Latinos in this area are friendly and family-oriented.

I lived on Campbell St in the mid-80's. It was widely rumored that the area was going to become gentrified and we were all going to make a killing. That never happened, but Campbell remains a good place to frustrate yourself rehabbing a big old house. If this is the kind of action that appeals to you, there are plenty of big, neglected houses left. Just to encourage you, they are interspersed with successful rehabs, a beautiful sight to behold.

Although it actually originates downtown and winds its way far south, the part of Charlotte St I am most familiar with is its heart, located in what we natives affectionately refer to as Midtown. Charlotte is a solid residential street, rapidly being gentrified by young families in North, South and Central Hyde Park. It offers a neighborly energy with a newsletter, play groups and block parties. A nice place to start your family. .