There's No Place Like Home
Kathy Boos - Publisher 435 South
It’s always surprising when people who have never visited our community are initially struck by the beauty of the rich natural surroundings populated with mile after mile of stately neighborhoods dense with sizable estates. But with our well-maintained highways, breathtaking city parks, exquisite fine dining and vibrant social scenes, it doesn’t take long for a first-time visitor to gain a greater respect and better understanding of the true reasons residents take such great pride in our Heartland home.
I point to affordable housing as one of the top five most important quality-of-life factors in our community. There is no question that residents of south Johnson County, in particular, own homes with more square footage but for far less investment than our West Coast counterparts—even in these economic times.
When compared to the trendier, more populated communities of the Sunbelt and West Coast, the greater Kansas City area shines like a diamond in the prairie. Though it is true we have experienced a decline in property values throughout the past 12 months—something that has not occurred in recent history—when framed against the 50 percent decline in what were once considered the more desirable communities in our nation, our situation becomes more palatable. In fact, I believe a dynamic shift in the nation’s attitude about the Midwestern region is occurring as we discover that what our communities lack in scenic views is increasingly offset by relative economic stability and more affordable living.
While we may not enjoy seaside serenity or mountain vistas in our landscape, the quality of day-to-day living in this Heartland community warrants regular listings among the most credible top 10 ratings, identifying south Johnson County as one of the “most livable” communities in America. Magazines such as Forbes and Money cite affordable housing at the top of their lists among other features such as clean air, excellent education, uncongested highways, quality health care, world-class museums, professional sports teams with legions of loyal fans and access to a wide variety of visual and performing arts.
In this special edition of 435 South, Associate Editor Rachael Hedgcoth takes a good hard look at the real estate values in our region and reports on the complicated changes in our most valued asset—our homes. She makes clear sense of the dizzying statistics coming from the Johnson County Appraiser’s Office, and we find that although we have not grown for the first time in decades, our decline has not been as dramatic as it could have been. And, perhaps more importantly, she discovers that area realtors contend that there is good cause to take heart in the measurable activity throughout the past 90 days. Their unified message? Now, more than ever, could be your perfect time to buy.
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