Highland Manor - Independence, MO

The area around Highland Manor was once inhabited by Missouri and Osage Indians before Spanish and French fur trappers explored the area. This part of Missouri became the jump-off point for western settlers who travelled along the Santa Fe, Oregon and California trails.

The neighborhood became filled with mostly residences throughout the 1960s when the population of Independence exploded. Several retail shops and restaurants have been near Highland Manor since the 1980s.

One of the closest museums is Missouri Town 1855 in Lee's Summit along Lake Jacomo. Relive frontier life before the Civil War with this living history exhibit.

The Independence Events Center, the local ice rink and sports arena, hosts games of the Missouri Comets and Missouri Mavericks every winter. The Comets play indoor soccer while the Mavericks play minor league ice hockey. Highland Manor has no true arts scene.

Highland Manor contains mostly residential buildings. On the northern edge of the neighborhood, along U.S. Highway 40, several restaurants and retail establishments dot the landscape. A few middle-priced chain eateries and fast food joints sit along this road, along with some ethnic, local favorites. No true bars exist in the neighborhood. The nearest music venue is the Independence Events Center, a multipurpose arena.

Brothers Tim and Steve Pace of Tim's Pizza have created thick, hearty pizzas loaded with toppings since 1987. This cash-only establishment bakes crispy crust, piles on lots of cheese and adds thick-cut meats and vegetables. Order Canadian bacon, and the middle two-thirds of the pizza is covered in tiny pieces of chopped ham with gooey cheese underneath. The 10-inch super pizza, the house special, has long slivers of onions, huge chunks of ground beef, pepperoni, green peppers, sausage and mushrooms. The Hawaiian pizza is more than just Canadian bacon and pineapple; Tim's cooks throw on onions, mushrooms and green peppers to dampen down the sweetness of all the pineapples.

Master Wok Chinese features quality food with fresh ingredients. Staples of Chinese food, such as General Tso's chicken, cashew chicken and sweet and sour chicken, represent favorites of the locals. The sesame double delight contains chicken served on a bed of noodles with a trefoil-shaped orange wedge in the middle. Tropical fried rice comes with pineapple, raisins, shrimp, cashews, chicken and onions served in a carved-out pineapple bowl. For a delectable appetizer, the shrimp purse has fried wontons stuffed with shrimp and onions.

The Salty Iguana Mexican Restaurant keeps locals coming back for its taco specials, huge platters of food and friendly staff. Open-faced tacos contain beef, chicken, fish, steak or pork. The cream cheese burrito has pork, beef or chicken wrapped inside a flour tortilla and covered in jalapeño cream cheese sauce and cheese. The iguana special burrito features beef, pork, onion, egg, cheese and tomato underneath enchilada sauce.

The Flamingo Lounge, just west of the neighborhood, features Karaoke and $1 tacos on Thursday nights. Catch the football game on their Giant Screen, or see one of their live music performances.

You need a car for this neighborhood's long, windy roads. However, streets do have sidewalks if you want to stretch your legs during the day. Bicycles are good for side streets only.

Nearby restaurants and shopping centers have plenty of parking. If your car breaks down, a few taxis based in Independence can pick you up. Uber is an option, even this far away from Kansas City.

The closest KCATA bus stop to Highland Manor is located at U.S. 40 highway and Lee's Summit Road, just west of the neighborhood. Buses from route 251 pick up and drop off passengers every weekday at 9:15, 10:15 and 11:15 a.m., followed by 12:15, 1:15 and 2:17 p.m.

Nearby Waterfall Park contains an 18-acre lake, a dozen picnic tables, a bike trail and a 1.25-mile walking trail. The Little Blue Trace Trail runs through the southern part of the neighborhood, and it follows the Little Blue River for 14 miles. The southern terminus of the trail occurs southwest of Highland Manor. Bring your leashed dog so your pooch can get some exercise with you.

Lake Jacomo, just to the east, has many annual events to enjoy. The kids fishing derby happens in early May when children ages 2 to 15 can learn the skills and art of fishing. National Marina Day in mid-June gives participants a change to get free boat rides, attend free seminars and win raffle prizes. Lake Jacomo characterizes an outdoor recreational opportunity for anyone who likes hiking, boating, camping, history

Living costs less in Highland Manor thanks to much lower property prices. Otherwise, expenses are relatively the same as downtown. A one-bedroom apartment runs approximately $795 per month.

A day pass for KCATA buses costs $3 for unlimited rides. A pint of beer goes for $3.50 at the local watering hole. Gas typically hangs around 21 percent lower than the national average.

A few retail centers surround Highland Manor that provides everything from discount retailers to national chains. Other local businesses have storefronts along U.S. Highway 40. The Pavilion at Hartman's Heritage Center contains several chain store such as Party City, Dress Barn, Bed Bath & Beyond, as well as several other shops.

A Costco warehouse near the Independence Events Center marks the closest grocery store. A Walmart Supercenter and Lowe's are nearby, to the north. Farmers markets in Blue Springs or Independence provide fresh, locally grown produce.

City Nights Tuxedos characterizes one of the oldest tuxedo rental stores in Kansas City. Rent a tux for weddings, dances and formal occasions. If you can't make it to the store, City Nights will deliver your formal wear to you. Approximately 10 featured designers have tuxedos waiting for you to try, with a wide array of colors to match any bridesmaid dresses or prom dresses.

Eskew's Fine Jewelers provide watches, Swarovski crystal, engagement rings and fine jewelry. Jim Eskew has been in the jewelry business since 1973. Create your own ring with loose stones, in both diamonds and colored gems, thanks to design software. Whether you need a Valentine's Day gift, jewelry for a special occasion or a custom-made engagement ring, Eskew's Fine Jewelers represents a relevant choice for Kansas City residents.