KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The trend of empty-nesters moving to the city is taking place nationwide, and Kansas City isn't exempt.
But in Kansas City, young families also are flocking to some of the same neighborhoods, like the Westside.
"We love having this backyard," said Bryan Clithero, who gave us a tour of his Summit Street home.
Clithero recently started a new chapter in his life and was ready to leave suburbia behind.
"My son is out of the house," he said.
After searching high and low for the perfect fit, he settled on a spot near The Westside Local, just a few blocks from the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
"I'm downtown, but I still get the benefit of being in a neighborhood," Clithero said.
There are plenty of other people who feel the same way.
"I would say within the last six or seven months, I've sold about six homes in this part of town and had several on the market here," said Sarah Page, a residential Realtor with Keller Williams Key Partners.
Several factors play into the high demand.
"They want to have the walkable city feel, be close to the arts, the restaurants and the city scene," Page said.
She sees a similar trend in Longfellow and Beacon Hill as well as Strawberry Hill on the Kansas side.
For those looking to downsize and move into the city, there's good news.
"It's a perfect time to put your house on the market," said David Cooper, president of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Kansas City Homes. "The interest rates are low, and there's a lot of buyers out there looking for that special house."
If you plan to move into the city, be prepared to compromise.
"One of the things I really wanted was a garage, and I gave it up because there was so much about this house that did fit," Clithero said.
Page has some advice for those looking for the next up-and-coming neighborhood.
"If you follow the creative types, follow the people that really love food and love culture, you're going to find the next place that's going to drive the city," Page said.
She's keeping an eye on Pendleton Heights, Columbus Park and the Historic Northeast plus east Brookside and the neighborhood surrounding 31st and Troost.
