Westwood vs. Downtown KC Living: Which Is Better For Professionals?

At Woodside Village, home to the best apartments in Kansas City, we understand how difficult it can be for working professionals to find a rental that fits their lifestyle. While both locations—Westwood and Downtown KC—are close to each other and offer numerous benefits for professionals, they differ in many ways. Let’s compare what each location offers working professionals. We’ll explain at the end what each option provides as an established neighborhood.

Westwood (KCMO Suburb/Area)

Westwood is a small yet well-populated first-tier suburb of Kansas City. It has a charming, historic, tree-lined feel, fostered by its strong community. Carrying a desirable mix of suburban tranquility and urban amenities, it’s one of the most sought-after places for working professionals.

Pros

• Has an affluent, quiet atmosphere.

• Close to Country Club Plaza/Brookside amenities.

• Larger homes and amenities contribute to an upscale lifestyle.

• Great for established professionals and families.

• Ample parks and green spaces.

• Low crime rate.

• Proximity to Kansas City's best dining and culture.

Cons

• A potential lack of nightlife and a vibrant social scene.

• Needs a car-dependent lifestyle to commute to a broader city for work or leisure.

• Some find the Westwood community somewhat cliquish.

• Professionals living in Westwood and working in Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO), need to pay the KCMO earnings tax.

• The area is primarily single-family homes, with condos and apartments available as well.

Best For

Westwood is best for those professionals looking to live in an esteemed, quiet, community-focused environment with high-end amenities and a blend of suburban comfort with city access.

Downtown Kansas City (KCMO)

Downtown offers a vibrant and diverse living environment. With extensive entertainment options, historic areas, and abundant social opportunities, it attracts young professionals.

Pros

• Short commutes to downtown jobs.

• High walkability (especially Crossroads and River Market).

• A bustling entertainment/dining scene.

• Younger professional demographic.

• Gives an affordable urban experience.

• Lower cost of living.

• Growing job market.

• Home to major employers and many startups.

Cons

• Less greenery

• It can be noisier for some.

• Potentially higher density.

• Costs for rental vary.

• Potentially expensive downtown grocery/shopping scene.

• Extreme Midwest weather (tornadoes, harsh winters).

• Limited transit options for suburb-to-city commuting.

Best For

Suited for young professionals who want to lead an active lifestyle. Those who prioritize walkability, nightlife, and being at the heart of the action benefit from this kind of environment.

Which Is Better?

There isn’t a single answer that works for everyone. Everyone’s lifestyle and aspirations vary. What matters most is finding a place that feels true to your personality and supports your daily life. Here’s some information on what you need to consider about each location to assess which one’s best suited for you.

Downtown KC if:

Choose this option if you want to thrive in a fast-paced, walkable environment while accessing a thriving social life. Here, you can enjoy a modern urban lifestyle with access to great amenities and essentials.

Westwood if:

Known for its picturesque, neighborhood feel, Westwood offers a quieter, more tranquil, and more established neighborhood with an excellent community feel. Experienced professionals are more likely to go for it.

Woodside Village—Reside In The Heart Of Westwood

At Woodside Village, we recognize both Westwood and Downtown KC as ideal living locations for working professionals. While Downtown KC offers a thriving nightlife, vibrant walkability, and easy access to major employers, the KC suburb of Westwood provides a quieter, natural, and affluent feel, with access to a wide range of amenities. It’s recommended that you first assess your lifestyle type to determine which location would provide the best life experience for you.

Those seeking the best apartments in Kansas City can contact us at Woodside Village. Nestled in the heart of Westwood, Woodside Village offers you a range of amenities and services that foster an elevated sense of community. With a blend of modern amenities and sustainable design features, you will enjoy a lavish lifestyle.

Welcome to Woodside village apartments. Get exposure at truly premier luxury apartments in Westwood that offer fully functional and furnished apartments. At our apartments. we provide amenities for daily living standards, housekeeping and many more.