Kingsridge - Blue Springs, MO

Blue Springs started as a jumping off point for settlers moving west into the Great Plains and beyond thanks to the spring-fed Little Blue River. The first permanent settlement appeared at Burrus Old Mill Park just south of Kingsridge, and the first post office was spawned in 1845. The city did not incorporate until 1880.

The Dillingham-Lewis Museum on west 15th Street is the closest museum to Kingsridge. Because it displays vintage clothing and documents related to the city's past, The Blue Springs Historical Society has headquarters here. The society sponsors several annual events, including a vintage wedding dress fashion show, a Christmas tree raffle and a garden tour. Proceeds benefit historic preservation efforts in Blue Springs.

The Blue Springs Civic Center hosts community theatre musicals and plays throughout the year. Blue Springs Civic Theatre has been going strong since 1986.

Several fast food chains exist on the west side of the neighborhood along Woods Chapel Road. Other eateries sit near the intersection of I-70 and Highway 7 to the east and on Main Street near downtown Blue Springs. Local favorites include ethnic cuisines from around the world.

China Kitchen serves basic Chinese fare to northwest Blue Springs locals. The face of the building displays pictures of the menu's main dishes, so you can think about what to order as you walk inside. The crab rangoons come to your table crispy and warm, and the General Tso's chicken strikes a perfect balance of red peppers and sauce.

Las Playas dishes out Mexican favorites, including tacos, burritos and enchiladas. Order the pulled pork tacos for a tasty barbecue/Mexican treat, or enjoy the Azteca burrito, which comes loaded with pulled pork, vegetables and cheese.

Brewer's Sports Bar and Grill on Main Street has plenty to choose from on its menu, including appetizers and signature sandwiches. Nosh on fried pickles or deep fried pepperjack cheese balls before devouring the Angus beef sliders, which come with Brewer's signature dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy the big game on one of several televisions near your table, but make sure to order early — the grill closes a few hours before the bar shuts down for the night.

The closest bar to Kingsridge, Firehouse Bar lies on Woods Chapel Road. Play a few games of pool, select tunes from the digital jukebox or throw darts and relax after a long day of work. The bartenders here serve up mostly American favorites, local brews and popular imports.

Every street in this neighborhood contains sidewalks, making walking safe. Residential streets are safe for bicyclists since every house has a driveway and the neighborhood posts low speed limits, but traffic makes cycling on the busier streets relatively unsafe.

Take Woods Chapel a few blocks north to access I-70 easily. The city and businesses offer plenty of free parking. If you need a ride, call a taxi company in Blue Springs to come and get you or use the Uber app on your smartphone. KCATA public buses and the Blue Springs Express commuter bus also run during the week.

Baumgardner Park consists of 12 acres across the street from Blue Springs high school. It provides plenty of sports opportunities year-round — play tennis, softball or baseball. The swimming pool opens during summer months, and the park charges a daily fee to use it, but you can let your kids enjoy the small playground for free. Leashed dogs are welcome here.

Burrus Old Mill Park covers 14 acres and includes multiple ball fields, sports courts and a skate park. It also has a playground and does not charge a fee for using its open spaces. Bring your leashed pooch to this park too.

Rotary Park features Music in the Park every summer from June through August. Bring your food and sit in a lawn chair or lay on a picnic blanket, and enjoy this free concert series happening on Sunday evenings.

Living costs a little more in Blue Springs than in downtown Kansas City, mainly because of higher housing costs and more-modern spaces. A one-bedroom apartment runs approximately $640 per month.

A pint of beer is $2.50 at the local bar during happy hour, and a round-trip ride on a KCATA public bus costs $3. Gas typically costs 22 percent less than the national average.

A few nearby shopping centers have high-value retail shops, including the Jackson Grove Shopping Center just north of I-70 and Highway 7. Price Chopper marks the closest grocery store in Jackson Grove, and a Walmart Neighborhood Market sits just north of that. Aldi and Hy-Vee are closer to downtown. The Blue Springs Farmers Market on 11th and Main provides locally grown produce every Saturday from May until October.

Opened in 1975, Forty Woods Bait and Tackle takes its name from Highway 40 and its location near Blue Springs Lake. The store's mission is to facilitate your passion for outdoor activities. Find a hunting rifle, fishing pole, lure, live bait or life jackets and other accessories to use for vacationing or recreation. Purchase paintball supplies here too. If Forty Woods doesn't have what you need, the friendly staff tries to locate it for you.

Genevieve's Home and Handmade near downtown showcases local artists who handcraft all kinds of goods. The store also stocks vintage furniture, stationery, baby items and jewelry. For European decor, check out the English section for Union Jacks, antique train placards and teacups. Alternatively, browse the mixed media, paintings, woodcarvings, sculptures, necklaces and coasters, or take a class hosted by one of the artists and learn a new skill.