Southmoreland - Kansas City, MO Area Guide

Southmoreland played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States in the early 19th Century. Part of the City of Westport throughout the 1800s, Southmoreland gained official recognition when William Rockhill Nelson bought around 30 acres of land and built the massive Oak Hill residence. In 1897, the City of Westport became part of Kansas City, and the neighborhood began attracting the city's elite. A post-WWI population and development boom brought working-class families and modest housing to the area.

The construction of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Kansas City Art Institute transformed the neighborhood into a trendy, university area populated by intellectuals, artists and students. Young professionals in the area have easy access to the Nelson's-Atkins annual Party Arty, considered one of the most anticipated events of the year. Including food, music and drinks, the benefits of this event help fund the museum.

The greater Kansas City area presents a wide selection of fine-dining restaurants and international cuisine, while the Southmoreland neighborhood continually attracts both tourists and locals for its array of classic Americana steak houses and nationally renowned barbecue fare.

Located just 2.5 miles west of the Kansas City Art Institute on West 47th Street, Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que stands as the city's most popular barbecue joint. This historic and world famous restaurant specializes in everything related to traditionally smoked barbecue, including ribs, steaks and much more. The homemade sauce remains the most popular item, especially when slathered on the pulled pork Z-Man sandwich with onion rings or the brisket.

In addition to world class barbecue, Southmoreland also hosts a comprehensive cafe scene. The Cafe Trio Restaurant on Main Street has won several awards for its elegant, unpretentious atmosphere and assortment of quality eats for both lunch and dinner. The salmon burger and fish tacos stand as must-eat lunch items, while Executive Chef Adam Yoder recommends stopping by for dinner to try the roasted Idaho trout or the braised beef brisket.

Southmoreland locals can visit Ragazza Deli & Wine when looking for hearty Italian fare blended with Americana staples and flavors. Taking inspiration from classic Italian kitchens straight out of the old country, this pleasant and sociable restaurant emphasizes good eats, delightful wine and even better company. Locals insist on trying the pork chop and eggplant Parmesan or the sausage artichoke soup.

A culture of exciting nightlife and trendy hip lounges characterize the Southmoreland neighborhood, and most area bars and lounges often reflect the young, student vibe prevalent throughout the area. Beer Kitchen on Westport Road caters to craft beer enthusiasts as well as locals searching for a relaxing, low-key evening. From its attractive menu of deli foods and flat-bread pizzas to the extensive list of beers, wines and cocktails, Beer Kitchen remains packed throughout the week. The Manifesto Lounge and the Green Lady Lounge also showcase live music performances, cheap drinks and a festive, hip crowd.

The Southmoreland neighborhood sits about 4 miles south of downtown Kansas City, but due to the area's values for green transportation, residents often choose to bike, walk or use public transportation when getting around. In fact, residents can complete most errands, or enjoy nearby entertainment and restaurants by foot. The neighborhood has a few, smaller hills near the Kansas City Art Institute, but the network of wide, cultivated streets and courteous drivers make Southmoreland fairly convenient when bicycling. Some bike lanes remain available as well.

Don't feel like walking or biking? Locals often take advantage of the comprehensive Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) for quick trips around the city. Several bus lines pass through the neighborhood, including Routes 35, 39 and 47. The Metro Area Express travels along Main Street and stands as the easiest way to get downtown. For quicker rides, consider using ride-sharing services such as Uber. Hailing a taxi from the curb may be difficult in most areas, though locals can often find one outside the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Southmore residents do need a car if they plan on heading outside the city. Driving downtown via Main Street should take about 15 minutes during non-rush hour times. From the downtown area, car owners can connect with Interstates 35 and 70. By heading south along Main Street, residents can jump on U.S. Route 56, which travels southwest across Kansas. When returning home, residents can often find free curbside parking available, especially near East 40th Street and East 41st Street.

The university atmosphere of Southmoreland and the abundance of museum culture in the area has helped cultivate an wide appreciation for parks and open green spaces. Whether studying under the shade of an oak tree or maintaining a healthy lifestyle with the variety of serene jogging paths, Southmoreland encourages residents to spend more time outside.

Neighborhood parks mostly cater to students and artists, though neighborhood children can discover playground equipment and open green spaces, ideal for soccer or playing catch at Southmoreland Park. The Plaza Tennis Center immediately west of Brookside Boulevard enables high-action tennis all-day long, but visitors must pay court fees. For free tennis, head to Hyde Park to the north. Gillham Park provides the most amenities for neighborhood athletes, including baseball diamonds, tennis courts, trails and much more.

Feel free to bring the dog to any Kansas City parks, but keep in mind that city regulations state that dog owners must keep their pets leashed. To let Fido run free without a leash, Kansas City hosts three dog parks for large and small dogs. The closest dog park, the Penn Valley Off Leash Dog Park, awaits about 2 miles north of Southmoreland in Penn Valley Park.

Southmoreland locals should always be on the lookout for upcoming events at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art or for theater performances at the Frank A. Theis Park amphitheater. The largest event in the city, however, occurs during the first week in October and involves one of the largest barbecue competitions in the world. Combining the World Series of Barbecue competition at the American Royal Complex with the barbecue-related trade expo for the public, this massive event draws thousands of spectators from all over the nation.

The cost of living in Southmoreland sits slightly higher than Kansas City averages, though residents typically pay similar prices for common goods and services. Newcomers to the area should expect the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment to hover around $786 a month.

Traveling around Kansas City via KCATA costs $1.50 for a one-way ticket, while car owners generally pay about 22 percent less than the national average on gasoline. Enjoying a pint of beer at some local pubs costs about $3 or $4.

Southmoreland's central location near historic arts and entertainment has prompted the growth of a multifaceted, high-end shopping scene. Convenient chain shops as well as designer boutiques abound in the area. The Country Club Plaza stands as the most popular shopping mall in the neighborhood, featuring a wide array of anchors that include American Eagle Outfitters, Barnes & Noble and much more. Pryde's Kitchen and Necessities remains one of the most famous kitchen and home decor supply stores in all of Kansas City. Navigate among shelves of bakeware, kitchenware, high-tech gadgets and gift baskets. Even if visitors don't know what their kitchen or home needs, the friendly and knowledgeable staff at this superstore work with their customers to ensure a beautifully styled, functional kitchen. Travel back in time and discover the styles and decorations of the past by visiting Urban Mining on Walnut Street. This small and comfortable shop introduces visitors to heaps of authentic vintage furniture, lighting options and other architectural elements. Decorate the new room with a vintage rock poster, or stock up on household furnishings for a true vintage feel to the home. Southmoreland residents have several grocery options to choose from when picking up standard foods as well as organic fruits and vegetables. The World Market remains the most popular food store in the neighborhood due to its selection of fun and interesting international food and drink. For a classic grocery store featuring essential foods for a balanced diet, take a trip on over to the Nature's Own Health Food Market off Main Street. The Westport Plaza Farmers' Market opens every Wednesday between May and October, and this renowned market includes hundreds of vendors as well as live music, fresh-cut flowers and sustainable foods.