Independence, Missouri, known as "The Queen City of the Trails," is a historic and vibrant community located just east of Kansas City. With its rich history, diverse cultural scene, and strong sense of community, Independence offers a high quality of life for its residents. The city's blend of historic charm and modern amenities makes living in Independence an attractive option.
Residents of Independence enjoy a variety of recreational activities and cultural events. The city's numerous parks, trails, and recreational facilities provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The historic Independence Square and the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site are popular destinations that offer a mix of history, shopping, and dining. The Vaile Mansion and the Bingham-Waggoner Estate are cultural highlights that enrich the community.
Independence's strong economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, education, and retail. The city is home to several higher education institutions, including the Independence campus of Graceland University and Blue River Community College, which contribute to the city's vibrant academic and cultural environment.
The cost of living in Independence is relatively affordable, making it an attractive option for families and young professionals. The housing market includes a variety of options, from historic homes in charming neighborhoods to modern apartments and condos. The city's strong sense of community and welcoming atmosphere further enhance its appeal.
Public transportation in Independence is provided by the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA), facilitating easy commutes within the city and to neighboring areas. Independence's climate features four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters, allowing for a variety of seasonal activities. Overall, Independence offers a blend of historic charm, cultural richness, and community spirit, making it a desirable place to live.
Amenities
Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.
Commute
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
Cost Of Living
Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Crime
High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.
Independence, Missouri is a moderately-sized city with a population of 120,977 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (79% White). Given that fact, Independence could be considered less diverse than other cities. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Independence, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 24 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Independence is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating to any new city in Missouri, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, commute, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Independence and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Independence to Missouri and the national average.
Using data and statistics Independence has received a livability score of 82/100. This score is ranked in the 96th percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Independence could be a great choice! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. Based on the scores for each individual category, Independence has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). Regrettably for Independence, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: crime (F).
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Independence, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Independence undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, Vaile Mansion, and National Frontier Trails Museum.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Independence market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Independence. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Independence are affordable. The median home price for Independence homes is $221,370, which is 11.3% lower than the Missouri average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Independence, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 14.7% lower than the Missouri average.
| Statistic | Independence | Missouri | National |
| Average one way commute | 24min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 86.3% | 81.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.3% | 9.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.3% | 1.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.6% | 1.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.8% | 4.6% | 4.6% |
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