Rosedale - Kansas City, KS

Rosedale was first surveyed by James G. Brown and Abraham Grandstaff in May 1872 on land that once belonged to Shawnee Indians. Rosedale became incorporated in 1877, and by 1897, the area contained more than 2,000 residents. It remained an independent city until annexation by Kansas City, Kansas, in 1922.

The town's World War I Memorial Arch sits near Rainbow Boulevard and Southwest Boulevard. The edifice memorializes the men of Rosedale who served in the Great War. The Clendening History of Medicine Library, on the KU Medical Center campus, contains more than 40,000 volumes that illustrate the history of medicine.

Rosedale celebrates Bike Week every May when Bike Walk KC urges residents to use bicycles throughout the city. Among other events, local businesses give discounts and treats to customers who arrive to the stores on bicycles. Rosedale has no definable arts scene, unlike neighborhoods to the east along Westport.

Most restaurants exist along 47th Street to the south, with a few along Southwest Boulevard on the north side. Sadly, Rosedale lacks true bars, live music and nightlife. A more active food, nightlife and music scene occurs just over the Missouri border on Westport and on 39th. The recordBar is one of the best music venues close to Rosedale because it features national and local acts weekly while serving food and drinks until the wee hours of the morning.

Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que specializes in all kinds of delectable meats including pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked turkey, chicken and sausage. Owners tout burnt ends sold for lunch on Monday and Saturday and at dinner Wednesday until they disappear, so get there early to enjoy an original Kansas City barbecue treat. For a taste of the South, gobble up a Carolina pork sandwich with pulled pork, spicy slaw and Bubba's vinegar sauce. Aside from pulled pork, ribs represent the other specialty of the house. These succulent pork cuts fall off the bone as soon they touch your lips. The baked beans have complex, hearty flavors and almost make a meal by themselves.

Vietnam Cafe, by the medical center, serves lunch and dinner every day except Sunday. Sweet potatoes and shrimp figure prominently as an appetizer. Fusion-style pho-soup has a beef-broth base with rice noodles and your choice of eight ingredients including beef, chicken, meatball, tofu and brisket. On the side comes a plate of cilantro, bean sprouts, lime and a jalapeño. A crispy rice pancake comes stuffed with roasted pork, shrimp, bean sprouts and onions. Mint, spicy fish sauce, cucumber and lettuce come on the side. Locals believe Vietnam Cafe has the best such cuisine in Kansas City due to savory, spicy dishes.

Sabor y Sol marks a favorite Mexican restaurant on Southwest Boulevard. Guacamole is made fresh just before it arrives at your table. The shrimp quesadilla fills up half the plate and comes with rice and vegetables on the side. Drop by for inexpensive beer on Mondays and buy-one-get-one-taco Tuesday specials. One special of house, the pollo Sabor y Sol, contains a chicken breast topped with grilled onions, peppers and zucchini topped with a spicy cream sauce.

Rosedale's large population and spread-out streets mean you need a car to get around the neighborhood. Mission Road cuts through the middle of Rosedale, and U.S. Highway 169, or Rainbow Boulevard, runs on the eastern part by the medical center going north and south. Take 47th Street, or Southwest Boulevard, to travel east and west. Roe Avenue, Mission Road and Highway 169 have access to I-35 to the north. Use 43rd Street to move east and west through the center of the area.

Businesses and public areas incorporate plenty of parking spots. If your car breaks down, several taxis service this neighborhood, and Uber drivers can pick you up for fee.

Most streets in the neighborhood have sidewalks, so you can walk safely during daylight hours if you need to get somewhere without a car. Residential streets contain less traffic and slower speed limits for bicycle safety. Southwest Boulevard has bicycle lanes.

Buses for KCATA use Route 105 throughout Rosedale. Stops occur at 47th and Mission starting at 6:25 am and go to 5:25 pm weekdays. Buses from Route 107 stop at 47th and Rainbow from 5:51 am to 6:21 pm weekdays.

Rosedale Park, toward the north end of the neighborhood, has something for everyone. Play softball on a lighted field or one of three non-lighted fields. Kick a ball around on the wide-open field or hike through the wooded area surrounding the park. Kids have a playground, and two tennis courts provide a place to practice your overhand smash. Parking spaces are free to use for everyone.

Mt. Marty Park contains the World War I Memorial Arch that overlooks the area from the top of a hill. Hike or bike through an extensive trail from Mt. Marty Park to Rosedale Park along the Mission Cliffs Trail. Bring your dog, but please keep your pooch on a leash.

Every year in October, Rosedale Park hosts the neighborhood's amateur championship for disc golf enthusiasts. In 2014, the park held the Kansas City Flying Disc Club Championships with 132 competitors.

Living costs less in Rosedale than in downtown Kansas City, mostly because housing options are lower due to the older homes in the area. A one-bedroom apartment averages $583 of rent per month.

A day pass for KCATA buses costs $3 to go anywhere within the system. A pint of beer runs you $3 at one of several nearby bars. Gasoline goes for 17 percent lower than the national average cost.

Most retail stores in and around Rosedale feature discounted merchandise for everyday use. A few scattered local specialty shops exist along 47th Street, Rainbow Boulevard and Southwest Boulevard. Walmart's Neighborhood Market on 47th marks the closest grocery, while Roeland Park to the southwest has a Price Chopper next to Lowe's. Check out the Rosedale Farmer's Market on Rainbow every Sunday starting in May.

Velvet Creme Popcorn features 6.5-gallon tins, bags, gift towers and boxes of 5 flavors and 11 combinations of popcorn. Perfect for holiday shopping or as corporate gifts, the retail store just south of Rosedale contains tons of ideas for unique presents beyond just a simple popcorn tin. Order hand-made popcorn balls or popcorn lollipops made with the company's special recipe that dates back to 1937.

Boulevard Drive-In, just north of Rosedale on the other side of I-35, characterizes a family-friendly, outdoor cinematic experience. Kids get to play on a playground before movies begin at dark during warmer months from April to October. The Swap 'n' Shop happens every Saturday from 5 am to 1 pm, weather permitting, as an open-air flea market. Feel free to bring outside food, other than alcohol, to movies. The snack bar has food to purchase, and the drive-in accepts cash only.