Fairwood & Robandee - Kansas City, MO

Fairwood, Robandee, and their surrounding areas started as a staging ground for pioneers traveling along the Santa Fe Trail in the 1820s. Before settlers arrived from East Coast states such a Virginia, Osage Indians lived here. Blacksmiths, wagon makers and farmers earned livings in Raytown, Little Blue and other small towns. Farms grew larger from the 1870s to the 1930s to include dairy cows, grain crops and beef cattle. Mills, doctor's offices and railroads soon followed.

Most of the houses in Fairwood & Robandee came about during the suburban boom of the 1950s after World War II. Former factory workers and railroaders bought houses and property in the neighborhood to begin life away from the busy urban landscape.

Nearby arts and culture include the Harry S. Truman farm and the Kansas City Zoo. The Mid-Continent Public Library provides several events free and open to the public.

Some restaurants, music venues, and nightlife exist in the adjacent Robandee South neighborhood or just to the southwest in Hickman Mills. The restaurants in Fairwood & Robandee sit along Blue Ridge Boulevard.

Los Compas Mexican Restaurant features huge platters of enchiladas and chile rellenos. Locals recommend mixing the spicy salsa with the mild version for a taste explosion. Enjoy complimentary nachos while you wait for your food, but don't snack too much or you may find yourself carrying home a to-go box full of fish tacos or burritos.

Big T's Bar-B-Q serves food just as the name implies – grab huge portions and great food in a casual atmosphere. Arrive early if you want burnt ends, because they sell out fast. Meat is slow-cooked overnight so it arrives on your plate hot, tender, juicy and falling off the bone. Smoked meat sandwich specials include pork, beef, ham and turkey. Order your food 16 different ways from a simple sandwich on a bun all the way up to a whole chicken or generous portions of beef ribs. The most unique dish on the menu features Italian sausage sandwich mixed with the restaurant's signature sauce on a bun.

Locals flock to Tasty's for a quick bite. Order by number, one through 21, on the big menu board above the main counter. The all-American burger contains a 1/2-pound of black Angus ground beef with standard "fixins" such as tomatoes, lettuce, and onion with condiments. The giant tenderloin sandwich features pork on a bun for the same affordable price as Tasty's hamburgers. Order the sandwiches by themselves or with a combo platter for just a few dollars more.

Head north into Raytown along the Blue Parkway to discover Stumbles Public House. This dive bar features several billiards tables as you enjoy simple bar fare or one of the many drink specials. Watch out for frequent updates on social media to check for daily deals on drinks, food and pool.

Many streets in this neighborhood have sidewalks, so walking is a viable choice during daylight hours. Bicycles have plenty of room to navigate when the sun is up because most houses have driveways to park cars. If you need a cab, several companies service the area and you can call for Uber rides at any time.

Blue Ridge Boulevard, Bannister Road and 87th Street note the major thoroughfares of the neighborhood. Bannister and 87th both connect to I-435 to the west. Take advantage of free parking at public shopping centers.

KCATA routes 28 and 28x service the area. The major bus stop picks up and drops off passengers at Blue Ridge and 87th on weekdays and Saturdays.

Plenty of nearby parks provide outdoor enthusiasts a chance to jog, walk, take the kids for a stroll or give your leashed pooch a workout. James A. Reed Park contains a concrete half-mile trail to walk and bike during daylight hours. A few miles to north, Swope Park notes the largest green space in the neighborhood, and the area includes the Kansas City Zoo and a golf course.

Living costs less money in Fairwood & Robandee than in Kansas City, partly because this neighborhood contains older houses. A one-bedroom apartment runs $425 per month in rent.

Prepare to spend $3 for a day pass on KCATA to get anywhere on the bus transit system. A gallon of gas runs 18 percent lower than the national average. A pint of beer costs around $5.50 at local pubs.

The intersection of 87th Street and Blue Ridge Boulevard contains the Loma Vista Shopping Center. Here you'll find Dollar General, Save a Lot, and some smaller stores and businesses. The grocery store Price Chopper on Blue Ridge has fresh groceries, ingredients, and more. The Home Depot sits on Bannister and I-435. The nearest farmers markets sell fresh produce in Lee's Summit and Grandview.

Bannister Beauty Supply sells shampoo, conditioner, make up, hair extensions and everything you need to look and feel your best. Buy hair straighteners, curling irons, and other special hair products in one store. Annabelles stocks exquisite French and Italian linens as well as goose down bedding and fine bath furnishings. The store also sells adorable infantwear, christening gowns, and sleepwear in addition to candles, lotions, and unique gift items.