Heartland Homesteads in Overland Park Provide Budget-Friendly Retirement

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overland parkEditor’s Note: Recently, MoneyWise revealed its list of the 40 most frugal and friendly places to retire. In a bid to provide an idea of what housing inventory is available in these cities and towns, we’re taking a look at listings in each of the cities on the list.

Not everyone can spend $1 million or more on a second home, even if it’s with the idea that eventually you’ll retire there. So when MoneyWise’s list of 40 places to retire that are more budget-friendly came out, we were curious — what kind of homes could you find in these towns?

Before the holidays, we looked at the 33rd city on the list — Lakeland, Florida. This week, we look at Overland Park, Kansas, and found three great homes — all for less than $500,000.

“If you want to live in the American heartland, this is the place for you,” MoneyWise said. “The cost of living is slightly higher than some of the smaller locales on our list: you will need an income of about $72,000 to live here.”

“Overland Park is close to Kansas City, so health care options abound,” the story continued. “It is a low-crime city and residents consider it to be a nice, quiet place to live. The weather can be cold in winter, but summers are mild and sunny.”

BRIGHT UPDATED TOWNHOME IN SHAWNEE MISSION

Overland ParkPrice: $150,000

If you’re looking for something with minimal maintenance, this two-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath townhome in the Shawnee Mission neighborhood of Overland Park is just about perfect. Light, bright, and “cute as a button,” as the listing brags, it’s been updated throughout and is move-in ready.

Although it’s a townhome, the color and finish choices make the whole place feel substantial. A living room boasts a gorgeous fireplace perfect for chilly Midwestern nights, too.

The kitchen has gotten a reboot, with stainless steel appliances, stained concrete and quartz countertops, and a tile backsplash.

The paint has been freshened up throughout the home, and there are updated light fixtures throughout as well. Both bedrooms are generously sized, and each has two closets. The master bedroom also has new carpet.

It’s listed by the Shannon Lyon Group with ReeceNichols-Leawood.

DOWNSIZER FRIENDLY FAMILY HOME IN ESTABLISHED NEIGHBORHOOD

Price: $285,000

Want more space between you and your neighbor, but still enamored of a downsized lifestyle? This 1,641 square foot Ranch-style home in the Shawnee Mission East neighborhood of Overland Park is roughly the same size as the townhome above, but boasts three bedrooms and two bathrooms, really bringing in some great bang for the buck — and it’s got a finished basement with an additional guest sleeping quarters.

The home has had a complete remodel — the wood floors have been refinished, there’s new paint throughout, and the kitchen has been updated with marble countertops and a farmhouse sink, as well as a new dishwasher, microwave, and double-range gas oven.

The finished basement has new carpet, and is wired for surround sound, making it the perfect movie night spot, too.

The home is listed by Kristin Jernstrom with Keller Williams Key Partners.

NEW CONSTRUCTION WITH PLENTY OF NEARBY AMENITIES

Price: $499,990

If you’re looking for enough room to comfortably host the kids and grandkids for Christmas, and still want a fairly affordable price point, this brand-new home in the Chapel Hill neighborhood is probably the perfect fit, at 2,668 square feet of manageable living space, with four bedrooms and three bathrooms.

Listing agent Bill Gerue with Weichert Realtors Graham Welch said that the home is the Varese model by Comerio Corp. There are two bedrooms on the main floor, and two up, meaning that if you’re wanting single floor living when guests aren’t around, you have the means to do so.

A vaulted entry with gorgeously rustic beams leads into a spacious great room with a coffered ceiling. The home benefits from tall ceilings throughout, large windows, beautiful hardwood floors and lots of bright, airy finishes and colors.

“The open kitchen/dining area is perfect for entertaining with a large island, gas cook-top, custom white enameled cabinetry, and a pantry with tons of natural light,” Gerue added.

The community has a pool, and is also close to great parks and green spaces.

 

Bethany Erickson

Bethany Erickson