I will relocate to KCMO soon, where to rent a room/studio? (Kansas City: apartment complexes)

[joedeng002]

I am a single Asian man, will land my new job which is located at Independence MO soon.
I live in Iowa now. The new employer does not offer relocation assistant.

I do not have wife or kid; an apartment may be too large for me.
Where to rent a room/studio? I do not mind share with a roommate.
How much will be the total cost per month? (rent+utility+WIFI+laundry)

Kansas City has city income tax. If I live out of the city, like Independence MO, whether I can waive the city income tax?
Kansa City has a high crime rate, which areas should be avoided for looking the room/studio?
I have my own car, do not need the public transit.

Thank you very much!

[Okey Dokie]

If you live OR work within the city limits of Kansas City, MO, you will have to pay city earnings taxes. If neither applies, you don’t pay. If your job is in Independence, then just don’t live in KCMO. Easy!

It’s impossible to give you a range of costs. The price of apartments can vary greatly. Utility usage varies.

As far as what areas to avoid, there are plenty of threads here that discuss that, and all the “bad” areas then are still bad.

[NORTY FLATZ]

You'll be alright. Just remember, the guy's name is MAHOMES!

[sub]

Independence doesn't have a lot in the way of apartment complexes I'd recommend.
There are a couple of complexes in the area next to the hospital and Independence Center mall that are alright. It's a pretty nice, convenient area.

If you don't mind the commute, the so-called "northland" (any Missouri-side areas north of the Missouri River) has more apartment options as does Johnson County, Kansas.
Lee's Summit is a nice area if you can find any rentals there of the kind you're looking for.
I'd avoid East Kansas City (south of the river) and adjacent Raytown and the parts of Independence nearest those.

Studio apartments look to start in the upper $600's to upper $700's per month.
I don't know much about just rooms to rent or current utility rates.

[Okey Dokie]

Originally Posted by sub

If you don't mind the commute, the so-called "northland" (any Missouri-side areas north of the Missouri River) has more apartment options as does Johnson County, Kansas.

Since the OP has expressed concern about the KCMO earnings tax, he needs to be cautious when looking “north of the river” as large parts of it are in KCMO and would make him subject to it. He needs to look at the cities of North Kansas City, Riverside, Parkville, Gladstone or Liberty.

[sub]

Originally Posted by Okey Dokie

Since the OP has expressed concern about the KCMO earnings tax, he needs to be cautious when looking “north of the river” as large parts of it are in KCMO and would make him subject to it. He needs to look at the cities of North Kansas City, Riverside, Parkville, Gladstone or Liberty.

Agreed. The city services will generally be better in the suburbs as well.
The only other thing is that while the earnings tax isn't a huge deal I wouldn't blame anyone for wanting to avoid the extra cost.

[Mad Anthonie]

Independence has a number of newer/nicer apartment complexes, especially in the southeast portion of town. That area also has the most retail, along with a large medical center and medical offices. It would be best to use an apartment rental site for specifics concerning rates and amenities.

I suggest using Google street view to get a feel for any prospective neighborhood. To learn more about Independence view some of these videos:
https://www.youtube.com/@IndependenceMissouri/videos

[joedeng002]

Thank you very much for all the replies!

My new employer also has office in the Lee's Summit. I could work in that office.
I can rent a room or studio around Lee's Summit. Any recommend? I am brand new to the Kansas City areas.
If I live in KS and work in MO, I think I need to pay state income tax to both KS and MO. So, I prefer to live in the MO side.

I used to work in the NJ/NYC areas. The rent of apartment is very expensive.
But some families are willing to rent a room for a single person. The rent will be much cheaper.
I wonder whether the suburb of KCMO families is willing to rent a room for a single person?
If yes, where can I find the related information?

Many thanks!

[Floorist]

Originally Posted by joedeng002

Thank you very much for all the replies!

My new employer also has office in the Lee's Summit. I could work in that office.
I can rent a room or studio around Lee's Summit. Any recommend? I am brand new to the Kansas City areas.
If I live in KS and work in MO, I think I need to pay state income tax to both KS and MO. So, I prefer to live in the MO side.

I used to work in the NJ/NYC areas. The rent of apartment is very expensive.
But some families are willing to rent a room for a single person. The rent will be much cheaper.
I wonder whether the suburb of KCMO families is willing to rent a room for a single person?
If yes, where can I find the related information?

Many thanks!

Lee's Summit has some nice areas. Better to live on the Missouri side. Rent is outrageous in Johnson County, Ks. All of the KC suburbs have some nice and some not-so-nice areas. Ask some of the people you will be working with.