Logo for Keller Williams Kansas City North, a traditional real estate brokerage with a local presence.
Logo for Keller Williams Kansas City North, a traditional real estate brokerage with a local presence.

Clay

About the neighborhood: Clay County, Missouri, is a diverse and rapidly growing region located just north of Kansas City, offering a mix of urban amenities and suburban charm. The county encompasses several communities, each with its unique character and appeal. Liberty, the county seat, is known for its historic downtown, excellent schools, and family-friendly atmosphere. Gladstone offers a suburban feel with easy access to the amenities of the larger Kansas City metropolitan area. Kearney provides a more rural lifestyle with spacious properties and affordable housing options. Smithville is a charming town located near Smithville Lake, a popular spot for fishing, boating, and camping. Excelsior Springs is known for its mineral waters and historic architecture. North Kansas City offers a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas, with several large employers. Pleasant Valley lives up to its name with its peaceful, rural atmosphere and affordable housing. Avondale is a small city with a strong sense of community and tree-lined streets. Claycomo is a small village known for its friendly residents and quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Oaks is a small, tight-knit community located near the Missouri River Whether you’re seeking the vibrancy of urban living or the tranquility of rural life, Clay County offers a variety of neighborhoods to suit diverse preferences. The county’s strong educational institutions, recreational opportunities, and proximity to Kansas City make it an attractive option for families and individuals alike.

Homes For Sale in Clay


This content is currently unavailable. Please check back later or contact the site’s support team for more information.

Community Features & Amenities

Award-Winning Schools

Liberty Public School District (LPS 53) in Clay County is well regarded for its academic achievement, strong extracurriculars, and steady growth. Key high schools are Liberty High School and Liberty North High School, both known for solid graduation rates, diverse programs, and competitive athletics. Middle school options include Liberty Middle School, Heritage Middle School, and Discovery Middle School. On the elementary side, among many, there are Alexander Doniphan Elementary, Shoal Creek Elementary, Manor Hill Elementary, Liberty Oaks, and more. Student-teacher ratios tend to be favorable, and the schools benefit from strong community support.
Assigned Schools:

Transportation & Accessibility

Clay County’s communities like Liberty and Gladstone are fairly well connected to Kansas City via major highways and well-maintained arterial roads. Commuting into KC from Liberty is common. Public transit options are less pronounced (bus service is more limited) but many neighborhoods are walkable locally, especially in more mature parts. Key roads and corridors provide access to shopping, healthcare, and recreation without long drives.

Shopping & Daily Essentials

In Liberty, there is a strong presence of grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware stores, banks, and other essentials, with several shopping centers and strip malls that handle most daily needs. Gladstone, nearby, adds even more retail variety. For specialty goods or high-end stores, people often drive toward larger KC suburbs, but for routine errands, locals are well served.

Healthcare & Services

Liberty is well served by multiple healthcare providers. The Clay County Public Health Center offers many baseline public health services. There are also private clinics, dental offices, urgent care, and specialists in the area. Liberty High School’s district also offers wellness and athletics support. For major hospital care or more specialized services, KC metro hospitals are accessible. Mental health services are available through the Public Health Center for residents who qualify.

Parks & Recreation

Ruth Moore Park anchors Clay’s recreation with baseball diamonds, playgrounds, and walking trails, while nearby Stocksdale Park offers disc golf and the popular Liberty Community Center provides year-round activities.

Recreation Highlights:
• Ruth Moore Park
• Stocksdale Park
• Liberty Community Center

Family-Friendly Community

Clay County communities like Liberty balance a feel of suburban comfort and “small city” friendliness. Schools are strong, parks are plentiful, and neighborhoods tend to have safe, tree-lined streets. The availability of local events, recreation leagues, seasonal festivals (especially in Liberty’s historic downtown area), and green spaces make it very appealing for families. Housing options vary, so many types of families find something that fits both budget and lifestyle.
Average Home Prices:
Stay Connected:

Dining & Entertainment

Dining in Clay County features a mix of local family-run restaurants, casual dining chains, cafés, and some ethnic food options. In Liberty and Gladstone you’ll find spots for burgers, BBQ, sushi, etc. For broader or more upscale dining and nighttime entertainment (theatre, live music, etc.), many head toward Kansas City. Liberty also hosts regular community events, markets, outdoor concerts, and festivals, especially in its downtown and parks.

Preferred Vendor List

Clay homeowners rely on trusted local service providers from Liberty and the greater Northland area for everything from lawn care to home improvements.

Related Communities

Scroll to Top