Clay County, MO Real Estate, Homes For Sale, School & Area Information

Discover the great outdoors right here in Clay County, Missouri! Our community is home to a wide variety of parks offering something for everyone. From hiking and biking trails to fishing lakes, playgrounds, and picnic areas, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy nature close to home.

Whether you’re exploring the trails at Smithville Lake, spending the day at Hodge Park, letting the kids run at a neighborhood playground, or enjoying the quiet beauty of smaller community parks, Clay County has plenty of options to get outside and recharge.

Make plans to explore a new park this week and take advantage of all the natural beauty our area has to offer!

Here are a few ideas to enjoy the outdoors in Clay County!

1. Equestrian, Hiking & Mountain Biking Trails
Smithville Lake Trail System:
Offers 26 miles of equestrian trails, making it a fantastic choice for horseback riding.
Also includes 24 miles of paved walking and biking paths, plus 11 miles of single-track mountain biking trails.

Camp Branch Trail System (part of Smithville Lake area):
Total of 10.4 miles, including the Bonebender (6.0 mi), Campground (2.9 mi), and Eagle’s View (1.5 mi) trails.
Plenty of amenities along the way—lookout points, shelters, restrooms, picnic areas, disc golf course access, and more.

Crows Creek Trail System:
Features 8.9 miles of trails: the Anita B. Gorman Trail (1.9 mi) and Cabin Fever Trail (7.0 mi).
Enjoy forest scenery, grassland restoration areas, shelters, and picnic spots.

Additional Nearby Trails
Stocksdale Park (2.8 mi loop) for hiking and mountain biking.
Watkins Mill State Park: includes a 3.5-mile equestrian trail plus a 3.75-mile paved bicycle trail.
Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary: home to 13 varied trails, a nature center, and plenty of wildlife.
Fishing River Walking Trail: located in Excelsior Springs, ideal for walking with a blend of scenic and historic elements.
Plus, urban or suburban options like the Happy Rock Trail, Cooley Lake Conservation Area, Briarcliff Greenway, and more.

2. Road & Recreational Biking Routes:
Enjoy smooth, scenic road biking routes are available across Clay County. Popular circuits such as the Smithville Lake Trails Loop provide a nice mix of paved road riding and beautiful views.
Dedicated mountain bike trails (roughly 12.2 miles total) weave through forested areas near Smithville Lake, with natural terrain and lakeside panoramas.

3. Pickleball Courts Around Liberty & Gladstone
Liberty Area:
Liberty Pickleball Courts (public, outdoor, well-lit): 8 courts, great for casual and active play.
Clayview Country Club, Kearney, The Sandbox, Chicken N Pickle, EH Young Park, and others offer a mix of public, private, indoor, and outdoor courts.
Liberty Community Center - features a gymnasium available to rent for pickleball and volleyball. Membership grants full access, and various pricing options are offered.

Gladstone Area:
Recently built six new pickleball courts at 2099 NE 72nd St. (on former tennis courts), along with expanded parking and restroom facilities.

4. Parks & Other Outdoor Goodness
Clay County parks offer everything from camping and water sports (especially at Smithville Lake) to golf and historic site exploration. Ideal for families and active groups.
Watkins Mill State Park delivers options for equestrian riding, biking, hiking, and even historic farmstead exploration.

The real estate market is currently showing a low supply of inventory, with only 1.11 months available. This indicates a seller's market, where demand exceeds supply, leading to potentially higher prices. Over the past 12 months, there has been a significant increase of 29.07% in the months of inventory, suggesting a shift towards a more balanced market. This could mean more options for buyers and less competition among sellers.

Homes are spending a median of 40 days on the market before being sold, which is relatively quick and may indicate strong buyer interest in the area. The sold to list price percentage is 100.3%, meaning that homes are typically selling for slightly above their listing price. This could be a result of competitive bidding or desirable properties in high demand. The median sold price in this market is $232,000, indicating the average price at which homes are being sold. This information can be helpful for both buyers and sellers to understand the current market value of properties in the area.

Overall, these metrics suggest a dynamic and potentially competitive real estate market, with opportunities for both buyers and sellers to make informed decisions. Buyers may find a variety of options to choose from, while sellers could benefit from strong demand and potentially higher sale prices. It is important for all parties to stay informed and work with a knowledgeable real estate professional to navigate the market effectively.

The real estate market is currently experiencing a high demand with a low supply of inventory, as indicated by the low Months Supply of Inventory at 1.7. This means that there are not enough homes available to meet the needs of potential buyers, leading to increased competition and higher prices.

The 12-Month Change in Months of Inventory at -20.56% shows a significant decrease in the amount of time it takes for homes to sell, further emphasizing the tight market conditions. Sellers are able to sell their homes more quickly than in previous years, indicating a strong seller's market.

The Median Days Homes are On the Market at 31 days confirms the quick pace at which homes are selling. Buyers need to act fast and be prepared to make competitive offers in order to secure a property in this fast-moving market.

The High Sold to List Price Percentage of 99.3% demonstrates that homes are selling very close to their listing price, showing that sellers are able to command top dollar for their properties. Buyers may need to be prepared to pay close to asking price in order to successfully purchase a home in this market.

The Median Sold Price of $305,000 reflects the current state of the market, with prices remaining strong due to high demand and low inventory levels. Sellers are benefiting from the favorable market conditions, while buyers may face challenges in finding affordable options.

Overall, the real estate market is currently favoring sellers, with low inventory levels, quick sales, and strong prices. Buyers should be prepared to act quickly and competitively in order to secure a property in this competitive market.

Look no further for a night out north of the river, Cooper's Hawk is now open and ready for business. This new restaurant is conveniently located off of Platte Purchase Road just north of Costco and is easily accessible with both parking and visibility. The menu offers anywhere from delicious steaks to soup and salad options to mouth watering truffles for dessert. When you are walk in and are waiting, you have a huge offering of wine glasses, serving trays, cookbooks, pastries and much much more. Make your plans with girlfriends or a date night today. Remember to make your reservation as it's a popular venue but is so worth the wait!!! Enjoy!!!
Location: 1900 NW Tiffany Spgs Rd, Kansas City, MO 64154
Phone: (816) 398-8100
Hours: Monday – Thursday 11:00am – 9:00pm
Friday & Saturday 11:00am – 10:00pm
Sunday 11:00am – 9:00pm

Hebrews 13 Coffee is a hidden gem in Kearney, MO, for coffee lovers seeking a genuine, unpretentious experience. They offer a welcoming atmosphere with friendly service that makes you feel right at home. The star of the show is, of course, the coffee, brewed with care and complemented by their house-made syrups. What truly sets them apart is their attention to dietary needs, with a large selection of gluten-free products. Whether you're stopping by for a quick coffee or planning to stay a while, Hebrews 13 delivers consistently great drinks without any frills – just a focus on quality and service. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a cozy spot with excellent coffee and thoughtful options!

Even though Kansas City is known for its BBQ, there are some really good pizza places too! Today's highlight will be Minsky's Pizza. They use the best quality foods and it shows. They offer anything from a normal pepperoni pizza to taco pizza and even a seasonal BBQ pizza. If you aren't a fan of pizza they have a variety of sandwiches and salads and super good ranch too! There are several locations in the city and it is a really fun spot to watch your favorite sporting events!

With springtime upon us, be sure and take your young ones out to the new and improved Liberty City Park. The brand new water park area will keep them cool on those warm days, and the new playgrounds will be a great way for them to burn off all that excess energy. What a great place to bring the family for some fresh air and fun.

I know it's cold outside, but there is no bad time to visit Andy's Frozen Custard. I have been to their location on NE Shoal Creek Valley Drive in Kansas City, and it never disappoints. With a wide variety of frozen treats, you're sure to find something you love on their menu. If you're driving by and see a long line, don't let that scare you away. They have a streamlined process to get you through the line very quickly. I hope you try it out today.

You are sure to find some of the best pizza the Kansas City Northland has to offer at Nicky's Pizza! This great little neighborhood pizza pub is located in the Kansas City Northland, just west of I-35 and MO 291 HWY, and offers casual dining, spacious bar seating, and plenty of T.V.'s to catch your favorite game. Not in the mood for pizza? That's okay because Nicky's has a wide menu selection to include appetizers, salads, specialty sandwiches, pasta, and dessert. Dine in or carry out - you won't be disappointed! Be sure to give Nicky's a try the next time you're craving some pizza!

Don't let the name scare you off - there is nothing "mean" about Mean Gene. He is a great guy that gives a great haircut! Gene takes his time cutting your hair and is meticulous with his skill set. I've never left Mean Gene's with a bad cut, in fact, it is not uncommon to frequently hear people comment on the great haircut experience they receive from Gene. Got a beard? Gene will trim that up for you too. Don't just walk in though, for your haircut, Gene is by appointment only so be sure to give him a call first to get on his schedule. Check out his Facebook Page for more details!

Are you looking for a spooktacular good time? Every Thursday-Sunday through Halloween night, this theme park transforms into a haunting ground of fun. Feel the thrill of your favorite rides and the chills of the eight different haunted attractions the park has to offer. The park opens at 6:00 p.m. with the attractions opening up at dusk and closing at 11:00 p.m. on Thursdays and midnight Friday-Sunday,

I recently stopped into the Old Chicago Pizza & Tap Room at Shoal Creek for a little dinner and it did not disappoint! Old Chicago has an extensive menu that includes a wide variety of local and craft beers. On this evening, we opted for one of their specialty Insanity pizzas - The Pepperoni!
This pizza did not disappoint, it was delicious and paired nicely with a Boulevard Space Camper IPA. The service was fast, the staff was courteous and polite, and the meal was a great value for the price.

Look for this entrance to Hodge Park on NE 96th Street, just east of I-435. Hodge Park provides a new playground, athletic fields, walking trails, picnic shelters, and much more. It's a great place to play with the kids, exercise, walk the dogs, and enjoy outdoor activities. Check out the park's link below to see everything this great Northland park has to offer.

The Shoal Creek Driving Range and Batting Cages is the perfect place to improve your golf swing or further develop your batting skills. They have several options to choose from so stay for a while and hit a jumbo bucket of balls or get the small bucket if you're short on time. Not sure about your golf game? They even offer lessons! Conveniently located right off the highway at NE 96th St and I-435. You're sure to have a great time!

Can't wait to get outdoors this summer? Want to be able to camp, swim, and ride a bike? Smithville Lake has it all! They have swim beaches, horseback riding, fishing, boating, and camping! There is something for everyone! Who doesn't love a good Smore!? Be sure to book a camping reservation as the campsites can fill up fast.

Clay County is a unique opportunity to experience everything Missouri has to offer. After a night of camping at Smithville Lake, kick off your next day boating, fishing, or wildlife watching. Then visit one of 40 places on the National Historic Registry, including the birthplace of outlaw Jesse James!

If room service is what you seek, then the elegance of The Elms Hotel might be your preference before tee time at one of the championship golf courses Clay County plays host to. Of course, all of this can be capped off with a nightlife that features award-winning BBQ, Gordon Ramsay Steak house, large and small outdoor music venues, dancing, and more!

Growing up in the Northland, we played at Penguin Park. Back then it was a simple park that featured the large fiberglass animals that are still there. As the 1980's wore on, the park began to decay and draw less attention. Through a community effort in the 1990's called "Save the Penguin", the funds were raised to repair the park and add the pavilion. The park was updated in 2010 with new turf and play equipment. The same fiberglass animals still stand tall amid the playground. In early 2019, the third section is having the playground equipment changed out. The iconic park lives on and is as busy as ever. If you haven't checked it out, it is definitely worth the trip.

As the Staley development continues to expand in the Northland, they added an assisted living community. This community is nestled next to the Staley Villas and the Staley Hills communities. It is located just north of 152 Highway on North Woodland Avenue. Not only do they offer assisted living options, there are adult day programs too. The assisted living allows seniors to enjoy independence and have support available. The entire community is located on one level with a few living options. The adult day programs allow seniors to enjoy time with delicious meals and social opportunities while freeing up caregivers to run errands or just unwind.

Anne Garney Park is located off of North Woodland Avenue close to Staley High School in the Northland. The park will slowly take shape as funding continues to be approved. If you are looking for a paved biking/walking trail, this park features a 1.9 mile trail that winds around a 100 acre space. The first section of playground for school age children opened a few years ago. The next development that should be installed in 2019 is the toddler playground for 2-5 year olds. They will also be expanding the parking lot and adding street lights along the drive from the entry to the playground. The full plan will take years to develop. However, the plan is to include a community center, sand volleyball, pond with gardens and shelter areas, as well as sports fields. This park is a great addition to the Northland, and I am excited to watch it continue to take shape.

The Major Save program benefits the Liberty Educational Foundation and our schools. Since 1999, the Liberty Educational Foundation and Liberty Schools have raised over $968,000 with this awesome fundraiser. 2018 Campaign kicks off Wednesday, November 28th and runs thru Wednesday, December 5th - Wednesday December 12th. Save at your favorite places including Price Chopper, Dick's Sporting Goods and 54th Bar & Grill while supporting our local community and kids!!!

Major Saver cards may be purchased online at www.majorsaver.com and your purchase can be credited to your favorite LPS student. All cards purchased will be mailed directly to the customer. You may also download the app: Major Saver App.

For questions about the camping, contact Mike Ellis, Campaign Manager (816.682.5657 office: 816.554.7999) or Tanna Campbell, Liberty Educational Foundation (816.736.7116).

Linden Square, in Gladstone, is a sweet little area that offers a Christmas tree lighting on November 21, 2017. After the lighting ceremony the ice skating rink opens and continues through March 4, 2018. If you have not been there then you might want to check it out. It makes for a fun time for the whole family.

You can now reserve and pay online for your camp ground site at Smithville Lake. Camp Branch and Crow's Creek campgrounds are now taking reservations online. Go to www.claycountymo.gov and secure your spot!

Looking for a way to give back to our community? The Clay County Clothes Closet is asking for donations of new socks and underwear for their clients, all sizes are needed. This nonprofit is located at 3939 N. Cleveland Ave., Kansas City, MO. To help call 454-3960 or email [email protected].