Crestview - Kansas City, MO

This diverse neighborhood has thrived since the post-war period of suburban growth in the 1950s. Crestview Elementary, of the North Kansas City School District, started in 1954. The nearby Crestview Park came into existence in 1957. St. Patrick Parish & School has anchored the neighborhood since the Catholic church moved there in 1960. The oldest and smallest homes were built in 1950, with newer construction from the 1980s to the 2010s.

Crestview lacks an overall arts and cultural presence, save for occasional religious events at the church. The annual advent wreath making at St. Patrick's Parish provides greenery for the Christmas season. Occasional auctions at the church benefit charities, other parishes and worthy causes. Kansas City proper, to the south, has all the major museums of the area.

In a Tub offers Mexican food just south of Crestview and on the way to Briarcliff. The Burrito Everything comes covered with onions, lettuce, and chili, making it mandatory to eat it with a fork. Powdered cheese pervades the tacos, but locals love the taste, and they love the fried tacos. In A Tub's tacos compare to corn dogs because of the batter that encapsulates the deep fried Tex Mex specialties.

Cascone's has been a Kansas City tradition for 60 years, with the baked lasagna frequently ranking as the favorite dish of the house. Tortelloni Savina Marie features pasta stuffed with peas, mushrooms, proscuitto and a delightful creamy cheese sauce. The fourth generation of the Cascone family generously serves heaping mounds of spaghetti, shells, meatballs and original pasta sauce. Chef Victor Cascone prepares authentic Italian cuisine passed down in his family for generations. The restaurant touts its fine detail to service, making this a perfect destination whether you come for a romantic date, a family dinner or a business meeting. You can even take home some of the restaurant's famous sauces, marinades and salad dressings in a jar when you purchase them from the restaurant's shelves.

Piropos, also in Briarcliff Village, specializes in hearty Argentine barbecue dishes of beef, pork and lamb. Like Argentina itself, this cuisine mixes European, Hispanic and South American traditions. Meat empanadas form the backbone of the appetizer selections. Try one with beef tenderloin, olives, raisins, onions and spices. An Empanada del Mar combines shrimp, scallops and tilapia mixed with red peppers and onions. The heartiest entrée on the dinner menu comes with grilled beef medallions in brandy cream sauce, served alongside jumbo tiger shrimp, au gratin potatoes and grilled asparagus. This higher-end restaurant does not disappoint in any facet of your dining experience.

Just southwest of the neighborhood, Shooters Tavern marks the closest bar to Crestview. Karaoke and billiards dominate the entertainment at Shooters, with plenty of weekly drink specials and ladies' night events thrown in for good measure. A DJ occasionally assists karaoke singers. Patrons compare Shooters to the famous "Cheers" show, where everybody knows your name. If you come to this tavern regularly, expect the bartenders and owners to get to know you eventually. For another bar choice, try Depot Saloon & BBQ, a place that serves typical American fare in addition to plenty of beer.

Most of the sidewalks in Crestview go along streets south of the elementary school. Houses have driveways and garages for bicyles to easily move through the streets. Parvin and Oak Trafficway characterize the major streets of Crestview, and cyclists have no problems navigating these thoroughfares.

KCATA's Route 243 picks up passengers at Vivion and North Oak Trafficway, just north of Crestview. This stop operates from 7:35 a.m. to 5:35 p.m. Monday through Friday, making stops every hour. Several taxis service the Crestview area, and Uber has rides available as well.

Easily travel by car thanks to Interstate 29's exit at North Oak Trafficway. Just one exit later and you get on I-35. Just a few minutes south on the highway and you reach downtown.

Crestview has plenty of major parks nearby for kids, active families and leashed dogs. Crestview Park, just off the elementary school, features a playground for the kids and plenty of wide open green space for kite flying, Frisbee throwing and backyard baseball. Riverview Greenway sits just south of Crestview with plenty of trails and wooded scenery. Get lost in Riverview's landscapes for hours without even knowing Interstate 35 runs just a few blocks away.

Most of the annual activities and events in Crestview revolve around the elementary school and St. Patrick's Parish. Briarcliff Village, just to the south, has plenty of annual arts festivals and outdoor music events that allow residents to soak up the local arts scene.

Living in Crestview costs slightly higher than downtown Kansas City. A one-bedroom apartment averages $637. Greenfield Apartments have one bedroom spaces for $595 to $655 depending on the square footage.

A day pass for KCATA runs $3 to get to downtown Kansas City, while a gallon of gas hovers 18 percent below than the national average. A pint of beer costs approximately $4 at your local watering hole.

North Oak Marketplace delineates Crestview's closest shopping center, just north of I-29. North Oaks contains Price Chopper as the nearest grocery store. Home Depot, Big Lots and Petco round out the national chains in the retail center. Briarcliff Village has many specialty stores and local boutiques. The Village at Briarcliff Farmers Market operates every Thursday from May to September.

Design in the City features clothing, furniture and gifts that turn any space in a home into a work of art. The store specializes in designs by Free People, AG Jeans, and XCVI to outfit your closet. Jewelry and seasonal gifts complete Design in the City's collection of contemporary, classic and ethnic designs all under one roof.