Gladstone, Missouri is located in Clay County and has a population of 25,410. The students of Gladstone are served by the award winning North Kansas City School District. The North Kansas City School District is known for its neighborhood schools and sense of community. The North Kansas City School District has earned the state’s prestigious “Distinction in Performance” award for high achievement several years and is fully accredited by the state of Missouri. The district was the first school system in Missouri to meet the North Central Association’s Commission on Accreditation rigorous district wide quality standards. The Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places is located in Gladstone. The farm sits on 22 acres and is one of the oldest continuously lived in homes in Clay County. It features original barns, outbuildings and a historic cemetery and offers visitors fascinating exhibits on farming and life on the frontier.
The City of Gladstone has a diverse mix of housing units, ranging from older "postwar" housing to newer upscale and larger housing choices. Like most all first-tier American suburbs, reinvestment and revitalization of older neighborhoods not only takes monetary investment, but also requires neighbors coming together and prioritizing their neighborhoods most pressing needs. Although some neighborhoods will require more investment and work than others, each neighborhood has unique aspects that can be built upon and promoted. Older neighborhoods often have an abundance of mature trees and landscaping that provide the neighborhood with history and a sense of long-term pride. Newer neighborhoods tend to incorporate modern urban design standards such as streetlights, sidewalks, and stormwater management practices. With Gladstone representing 29 distinct neighborhoods and approximately 22 homes associations within its city boundaries, commitment and "community building" will be essential for future success.