Lea Manor - Kansas City, MO

Leawood, the community surrounding Lea Manor, originates back in the 1940s when it became an established housing development. It quickly drew attention as an attractive suburban living option in the Kansas City area. A neighborhood built on the desire for a strong, tight-knit community, residents flock to Lea Manor for the quality schools, established churches and small-town feel.

Located just down the road you'll find the Alexander Majors Historical House and Barn. Originally built in 1856, this preserved property serves to acknowledge the role Alexander Majors played in the shaping of Kansas City.

The local community values the cultural arts and has designated the Leawood Arts Council responsible for promoting its importance. The organization does so by hosting annual art shows, jazz concerts, studio tours and educational outreach programs.

Kansas City-style barbecue defines this city's cuisine, and Lea Manor residents share their streets with one of the best BBQ joints in the area. Recently featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, B.B.'s Lawnside BBQ remains a local favorite. While the house smoked ribs are something to talk about, the burnt ends platter keeps people coming back for more. Served with pit beans and battered fries, it's a meal worth checking out. In addition to satisfying your taste buds, B.B.'s provides entertainment by hosting live blues bands throughout the week.

For a hearty, home-style breakfast, residents rely on Jerry's Cafe. Serving homemade buttermilk biscuits and pancakes the size of dinner plates, this dining establishment aims to fill you up. Considered the most bang for your buck, Jerry's is a go-to neighborhood breakfast spot.

Lea Manor residents enjoy a unique bar located right in their neighborhood. Originally opened in 1978, The Piano Room provides an evening experience unlike any other. Each night, Dave McCubbin serenades customers with the keys of his piano. The bartenders, waitresses and customers often join in on the fun by singing along to popular tunes. Serving cheap drinks and a one-of-a-kind experience, The Piano Room takes nightlife in Lea Manor to another level.

The majority of the Lea Manor residents prefer to drive to their destinations. While biking isn't a popular transportation option, several surrounding streets in the area are bike-friendly. Additionally, the neighborhood borders the Indian Creek Greenway, which can be utilized to get to a few nearby shopping centers and businesses.

Lea Manor sits just west of the junction of many of the state's major highways, providing easy access to downtown and to surrounding cities. The west border of the neighborhood is defined by State Line Rd., creating the border of Missouri and Kansas.

Kansas City Area Transportation Authority provides bus transportation to this area. Many neighborhood residents choose to take the bus into Kansas City as an easy commuting option.

It's unlikely you'll be able to hail a cab from Lea Manor. However, cab services are available with prior arrangement. Uber is another popular transportation option many residents rely on.

Lea Manor situates itself near one of Kansas City's most popular attractions, the Kansas City Zoo. Sitting in Swope Park and boasting over 200 acres of animal exhibits, including Australian, African, and Farmland themes, the zoo is an attraction that can't be missed. The zoo merely scratches the surface of everything this park has to offer. Swope Park covers almost 2,000 acres, making it one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. The park includes numerous ball fields, a swimming pool, a frisbee golf course and a golf course. It's also home to Starlight Theatre, an outdoor theatre that accommodates up to 8,000 people. The park also features an off-leash dog park, giving you a great place to let your pet drain some energy.

Each summer, Swope Park hosts the Ethnic Enrichment Festival. One of the largest national events of its kind, this festival features people from over 60 different cultures selling food, crafts and showcasing performances of ethnic music and dancing.

The cost of living in Lea Manor is 6.4 percent higher than that of Kansas City, and it's also 1.5 percent higher than the national average. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the neighborhood sits at $840. A city that likes its beer, Kansas City is full of gastropubs and breweries. These establishments often have higher prices to accompany their high-quality beer. Locals expect to pay around $5 for traditional domestic beers and up to $8 for craft beers. Gas prices in Lea Manor are equal to the city average, falling roughly 1.8 percent lower than the national average.

For some of the best shopping in the city, Lea Manor locals opt to make the short trip north to Country Club Plaza. This trendy shopping center attracts customers with high-quality brands like Michael Kors, Burberry and Tiffany & Co. The unique and eclectic building designs and number of restaurants make Country Club Plaza a popular place to spend a Saturday. Those who prefer boutique shopping choose retail places like Shopgirls. The shop provides a great selection on unique clothing items and jewelry. Shopgirls is a place to get lost in, never knowing what you might find. A number of grocery stores serve the community, meeting the needs of any shopper. Trader Joe's is one of the closest and most popular options. For the bargain shopper, Price Chopper sits just down the road. Natural Grocer's serves the health-conscious shopper seeking organic, vegan and gluten-free products. McGonigle's Market is the locally owned grocer in the area. While it doesn't have a huge selection, this charming market is known for its great selection on quality cuts of meat. From April to November, head over to nearby Overland Park to the farmer's market. Vendors provide customers with fresh produce, local goods and specialty items. The Overland Park Farmer's Market has been assisting in farm-to-table living for over 30 years.