Moving to Kansas City and torn between Westwood and Brookside? You are not alone. Both spots offer charming streets, established homes, and quick access to everything you need, but the day-to-day feel is different. In this guide, you will learn what sets each area apart, how to tour them like a local, and a simple way to decide which one fits your lifestyle. Let’s dive in.
Westwood vs Brookside at a glance
If you want a lively neighborhood main street, historic architecture, and closer proximity to the Plaza and midtown, Brookside often wins. If you prefer a small, quiet Kansas-side city feel with compact lots and easy access to Johnson County amenities by short drive, Westwood is a strong match.
- Westwood is a small, incorporated city in Johnson County with its own municipal services and codes.
- Brookside is a neighborhood inside Kansas City, Missouri, connected to KC services and ordinances.
Neighborhood character and homes
Westwood homes
In Westwood, you will see mostly mid-20th-century houses. Expect ranches, modest bungalows, and small detached homes designed for post-war growth. Many lots are compact, and single-story or 1.5-story layouts are common. You will also find infill and new builds, plus classic exteriors with modern interiors.
Brookside homes
Brookside showcases early to mid-20th-century character. Look for Craftsman bungalows, Tudors, Colonial Revival, and brick homes with mature trees and landscaped streets. Many homes are multi-story with preserved facades and thoughtful, high-quality renovations.
Property expectations
- Westwood: a mix of well-kept originals and smaller remodels, plus opportunities for lower-maintenance, single-level living. Lot expansion can be limited due to size.
- Brookside: more period details like brickwork and built-ins, and a higher chance of full renovations that maintain historic character. Values often reflect the neighborhood’s proximity to the Plaza and midtown.
Daily life and amenities
Walkability and shops
- Brookside has a defined neighborhood commercial spine along Brookside Boulevard and 63rd Street. Many residents can walk to cafés, boutiques, fitness studios, and small services.
- Westwood is more compact with a small local node. Most errands are a short drive away, especially into nearby Johnson County centers like Mission or Overland Park clusters.
Groceries and services
Both areas are near larger grocery and service options. In Brookside, you have neighborhood shops plus quick access to midtown and Plaza stores. In Westwood, you will drive a few minutes into surrounding Johnson County corridors for bigger selections.
When you tour, verify your essentials: grocery store, pharmacy, dry cleaner, bank, pet care, and urgent care.
Dining and culture
- Brookside offers more immediate café and dining choices within walking distance. It is simple to reach midtown and Plaza restaurants and cultural venues by a short drive or bike.
- Westwood feels quieter and more residential. Dining and nightlife are close, but typically a short drive away.
Parks and recreation
- Brookside is near neighborhood parks and larger green spaces. Many residents enjoy easy walks, runs, and dog-friendly routes.
- Westwood has small city parks and access to Johnson County trail networks a short drive away. Expect a calmer, less destination-oriented park scene within city limits.
Transit and non-auto options
Both areas have regional transit coverage and sidewalks, but frequency and convenience vary between Kansas City and Johnson County. If transit matters to you, check route maps and schedules. For biking, Brookside’s connected street grid makes shorter bike commutes more feasible, while Westwood may rely on arterial routes or a mix of bike and drive.
Commute and connectivity
Proximity to job centers
- Brookside is generally closer to the Country Club Plaza, midtown, and many downtown amenities, which can shorten trips to those destinations.
- Westwood sits on the Kansas side with quick access to Johnson County employment and retail corridors, and still a short drive to the Plaza and downtown.
Routes and congestion
Main thoroughfares near both areas carry peak-hour traffic. Your best route depends on where you work and the time of day. When you tour, drive your likely commute during rush hour, note slow spots, and test alternate paths.
Transit and biking
Transit exists in both areas, but directness and frequency differ. Confirm coverage if you plan to rely on it. Brookside’s grid and closer-in location typically improve bike access to nearby destinations.
Airport access
Both locations are within a reasonable drive of Kansas City International Airport and the metro’s road network. Your preferred side of the metro and typical travel times will guide which feels more convenient.
How to choose what fits you
Framework A: Lifestyle priority
Rate each neighborhood from 1 to 5 on these factors, then weight your top two.
- Walkability to shops and cafés
- Architectural character
- Yard and lot space
- Proximity to Plaza and midtown
- Ease of commuting to work
Framework B: Housing tradeoff
Set your dealbreakers and soft preferences.
- Dealbreakers: single-story living, garage, lot size, period details
- Soft preferences: front porch, mature trees, specific exterior style
Eliminate neighborhoods that miss any dealbreaker. Use your soft preferences to choose between finalists.
Framework C: Total cost and ownership
Compare the big picture.
- List price and likely renovation needs
- Property tax jurisdiction differences
- Utility or municipal fee differences based on city vs neighborhood
- Any design rules or permitting steps that could affect your plans
What to do on your tour
On-the-ground checks
- Walk a typical block at midday and again in the evening to feel the rhythm, noise, and foot traffic.
- Stroll Brookside’s 63rd Street corridor and note dining, retail variety, sidewalks, and crosswalks.
- Time your commute during peak periods and test alternate routes.
- Check parking at shops and restaurants in the evening.
- Evaluate sidewalks, lighting, and bike infrastructure.
- Look for renovation patterns: are homes updated with care or replaced by modern infill?
Brookside: 90-minute loop
- Park near the Brookside commercial corridor.
- Walk Brookside Boulevard and 63rd Street, grab a coffee, and browse a boutique.
- Explore one to two residential blocks to see housing styles and street character.
- Drive to a nearby major park to assess green space access.
- Finish with a short drive toward the Plaza to sample traffic and route options.
Westwood: 60–90-minute loop
- Park in or near Westwood’s local business node.
- Walk the immediate commercial area and nearby residential streets.
- Drive to neighboring Johnson County centers to compare grocery and retail choices.
- Time a peak-hour drive to downtown or the Plaza and compare it to your Brookside trial.
Smart questions to ask
Westwood permitting and projects
- What are the current rules and timelines for additions or remodels?
- Any planned public works or roadway changes that could affect daily life?
Brookside design and exterior changes
- Are there neighborhood plans, historic overlays, or design reviews that affect exterior updates?
- What is the process for permits and inspections?
Utilities and services in both areas
- Which utility providers serve the property?
- What are trash and recycling schedules?
- Any upcoming infrastructure or streetscape projects to know about?
After your visit: finalize the choice
- Pull current MLS snapshots for inventory, days on market, and trend lines for each area.
- Review county assessor records for property tax details and parcel data.
- Confirm transit routes and schedules if a bus commute matters to you.
- Check city planning pages for any proposed developments or rezoning.
Both Westwood and Brookside offer something special. If you want neighborhood retail at your doorstep and classic architecture, Brookside likely fits. If you value a small-city feel on the Kansas side with quick drives to Johnson County amenities, Westwood is a great choice. If you want help weighing the tradeoffs, scheduling targeted tours, or aligning your housing criteria with the right streets, reach out to Jodie Brethour for local guidance tailored to you.
FAQs
How does Westwood compare to Brookside for walkability?
- Brookside has a defined commercial corridor with walkable shops and cafés, while Westwood is quieter with a small node and more short-drive errands.
What home styles will I see in each area?
- Westwood features mid-20th-century ranches and bungalows, while Brookside offers Craftsman, Tudor, Colonial Revival, and brick homes with mature trees.
Which area is closer to the Plaza and midtown?
- Brookside is generally closer to the Plaza and midtown, while Westwood provides quick access to Johnson County corridors with a slightly longer drive to those destinations.
Is biking or transit practical in these neighborhoods?
- Transit exists in both, but coverage and frequency vary; Brookside’s connected grid can make short bike trips more feasible, so verify routes that match your commute.
What should I look for on a neighborhood tour?
- Walk key blocks at different times, test commute routes, check parking, note sidewalks and crosswalks, and observe renovation patterns on nearby streets.
