Independence, Missouri

What It Is Like to Retire in Independence

Independence, Missouri is justly famous for a number of reasons. For one, this growing town of over 120,000 people was the starting point in frontier days for the Oregon, Santa Fe, and California trails. The National Frontier Trails Museum commemorates that history.  Harry Truman, one of America's most popular Presidents, hailed from here and indeed lived here in the home pictured above (photo courtesy of Wikipedia). The Harry Truman Presidential Library  is another attraction in Independence. photo of Jackson County Courthouse courtesy of Wikipedia and TheCatalyst31, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/

Where to Retire in Independence and Home Prices

There are active adult and 55+ communities in the region.  According to Zillow, the median home value was $191,516, in mid-2023.

What Is Special about Independence

Being the hometown of Harry Truman makes it special, as does being the jumping off point for the trails to the west.

What Is Not Special about Independence

The crime rate is high.

Who Will Like Retirement in Independence

Those looking for a mid-sized town with a low cost of living would like it here.

Local Economy Is Driven by

Tourism is important. Property taxes are low.

Climate and Physical Environment

The median January temperature is 31 degrees, July's average temperature is 79 degrees.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

There are a number of cultural attractions including the Truman Presidential Library, the Truman National Historic Site (Home), and the National Frontier Trails Museum.   The Kansas City Public Library operates the Trails West branch  in Independence. There is an extensive archive of the Korean War at Graceland University. And the Church of the Latter Day Saints has a large temple and visitors center.

Crime

Crime is above average.

Medical facilities

Transportation

Kansas City has  a major airport and Amtrak.

Valuable Links

Independence, Missouri