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Things You Should Know Before Moving to Independence, MO

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Independence is the fourth largest city in the state of Missouri and is mostly known for its association with the Latter Day Saint movement. Independence is proud of its most famous citizen, former president Harry S. Truman who coined the phrase "The buck starts here!" and the city is also home to over 40 parks, excellent schools and outstanding shopping facilities. Because of its proximity to Kansas City, Independence is considered a satellite city of Kansas City and is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area.

This guide will provide you with some helpful tips and information on just about everything you need to know if you're going to be making the move to Independence. From the city's neighborhoods and school systems to the employment options and recreational activities available within the city, you'll find it all in this guide so that you can go into your move with the knowledge that is needed to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Independence Climate

Hot and humid summers and cold winters are the characteristic feature of Missouri's climate. Without high mountains or oceans nearby, Missouri experiences a wide range of temperature changes. The city of Independence experiences four distinct seasons and is located in the northern limits of a humid subtropical climate.

When moving to Independence, make sure to pack clothes for all kinds of weather. The typical weather patterns in Independence vary from season to season, and from blistering hot and humid summers to frequent snowfall in the winters, you should be prepared for all weather. Thunderstorms and powerful tornadoes are also common in the area during the hot summer months, and knowing how to properly protect yourself during these storms is incredibly important.

Independence Geography and Neighborhoods

The city of Independence has a total area of 78.25 square miles and it is located on the south bank of the Missouri River, towards the western portion of the state of Missouri, close to the Kansas border. Independence is located about 15 miles from downtown Kansas City, and is considered part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. The southern portion of the city is bisected by Interstate 70, which is the major highway that connects Independence to Kansas City and runs from east-to-west.

Living Costs in the City

Independence has a fairly low cost of living, and when compared other cities in the region, as well as throughout the state of Missouri, the city of Independence finds itself right in the middle in terms of the average cost of living. The median family income in Independence is $53,953, which is right around the national average for median family income and contributes to the low cost of living in Independence.

The median home price for an average home in Independence is $86,288, also lower than other real estate market prices when compared to competing markets in surrounding areas, and substantially lower than the national average as well. With a median family income that is close to the national average and real estate prices that are significantly lower than average, it's a great time to buy property in Independence and the city's low real estate prices and low cost of living make it an ideal place to move and it certainly makes it easier to find a nice place to settle down in Independence.

Registering Your Car

You have 30 days to register your car in Missouri from the date of the beginning of your residency in the state of Missouri. Registration is done at various licensed offices of the Missouri Department of Revenue. All motor vehicles are exempt from the safety inspection for the first five years following the model year of manufacture, regardless of change of ownership.

Out of state driver's licenses valid or expired no more than 184 days, along with the required documents, need to be submitted to obtain a Missouri driver's license. In case you lose your license, you are asked to submit a current clearance letter from the state, and also have to take the written, vision and driving tests again to obtain a driver's license.

Independence Moving Resources

Moving and storage companies are ready and willing to help you with your move to Independence, whether you're moving from out of state or from another county in Missouri. Make sure you get estimates from multiple moving services before you commit to hiring any (at least three estimates). Check back to our guides for tips on how to choose your moving service wisely with important questions to ask, differentiating between types of estimates, and mistakes to avoid. Visit the following pages at Movers.com to get quotes for the following services:

Independence Schools

The city of Independence is served by four different school districts, the Independence Public School District, the Blue Springs Public School District, the Fort Osage Public School District, and the Raytown Public School District. These four districts also contain four public high schools that are located in the city, namely Fort Osage High School, Truman High School, Van Horn High School, and William Chrisman High School.

There are also several colleges and universities with campuses located in Independence, including Graceland University, Blue River Community College, and Independence College.

Independence Employment

Independence is an exciting pro-business community and it is estimated that by the year 2020, there will be an additional 20,000 people and 5,000 new office, industrial, and retail jobs. While the average household income is $50,875 the median household income is $46,431 with the per capita income being $21,779.

The local economy and job market is affected by the city's proximity to nearby Kansas City, and while the area is in a period of re-growth and current unemployment rate has been relatively stagnant at 7.0 percent as of March 2013, the job growth rate is on the rise at 7.41 percent.

Public Transportation

Although the city of Independence does not have its own public transportation system, its proximity to Kansas City means that the area is serviced by the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA), which provides and oversees all public transportation in Independence and surrounding areas. It is popularly called Metro. Various services offered by the ATA are metro bus service, metro-area express rapid bus transit service, share-a-fare paratransit service for the elderly and for those who are physically challenged, and metroflex on-demand response routes.

Independence is positioned at the crossroads of I-70 and I-470, where approximately 150,000 cars pass each day to and from the Kansas City area, as well as surrounding cities and towns. There is an Amtrak station located in Independence as well, and the nearest major airport is the Kansas City International Airport, located approximately 30 miles from downtown Independence.

Culture and Contemporary Life

There is certainly no shortage of museums in Independence, but that's not all. If you're looking for more excitement, the annual Santa-Cali-Gon Days is a festival held every Labor Day since 1973 that celebrates the city's history as the origin of three major frontier trails in the 19th century: the Santa Fe Trail, the California Trail and the now-famous Oregon Trail. There is also the Vaile Strawberry Festival, which is held on the first Saturday of every June, as well as the Independence Heritage Festival.

As for the museums, you have the choice of visiting several great museums like the National Frontier Trails Museum, the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, the Vaile Mansion, the Bingham-Waggoner Estate and the Harry S. Truman Home National Historic Site, to name a few.

Moving to Independence

Whatever your reasons for moving to Independence, whether it be for a change of scenery or for employment, the city beckons you with its charm. The first step in the process of moving to Independence is choosing a moving company after first checking their BBB ratings, insurance and license. The moving rates are charged by the hour if you are moving within the state boundary, while for a long distance move the charges will depend on the total weight or volume in cubic feet of your belongings. In the latter case, you can ask about a flat rate or any special discounts that are available with the mover.

Robert Moreschi  Posted by Robert Moreschi on June 19, 2013

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