Broadway Gillham, Kansas City

Bottom line up front: I would never recommend someone living here. Most of the area is dedicated to shopping but it's a little odd in that there are several big box stores as well as lots of fast food, boutiques and mom and pop stores. That said, there are several stores that cater to the sorts of people you'd rather not have lounging around in your front yard. I bought a home 12 years ago in a neighborhood bordering this one based on the word that the area was on the upswing and would get more affluent and less dangerous. More than a decade later and despite a massive influx of cash and new businesses, the area is even more dangerous. I would not want to be there after dark... in fact there is a gas station in the area locally known as "a great place to get shot". To be honest, there are some beautiful old homes in the area and, like Hyde Park, a sense of urban survivalism and a big dose of optimism could net you a pretty great fixer upper for a surprisingly low price. Also, this neighborhood is centrally located and you could be in some of the better parts of KC in just a few minutes. Luckily Hospital Hill is close by so, if you have a run in with one of the criminals skulking around, you won't be far from a hospital. Public transportation is readily available too. I would not recommend this area for people with children as it is in the deplorable KC school district.