Westwood, Westwood Hills and Roeland Park Real Estate Area Information and Homes for Sale in Kansas City, KS.

Westwood, Westwood Hills and Roeland Park Houses for Sale

Westwood, Westwood Hills and Roeland Park

The compact community of Westwood Hills got its start in the 1920s when the first homes were sold. Those early residents enjoyed the region’s landscape of rolling hills dotted with shade trees. Small businesses began to crop up by 1925 and 56 more homes were built in the second half of the decade. The Westwood Hills Homes Association was established in 1926. In that era, there were five female architects making a name for themselves in Kansas City; two of them designed homes in Westwood Hills, which helped to spread the word about the community. In 1949, Westwood Hills incorporated as an independent city with a population of 447.

Roeland Park, in its earlier years, was inhabited by Kansa and Shawnee Indians. The region became well-known by many European settlers who traveled through Roeland Park as they headed west on the Santa Fe Trail. Some of these pioneers saw opportunity in the lush land and settled. An early 20th century rail line became the turning point that prompted the organization of the Roeland Park community. The line connected the communities of Kansas and Missouri, and its placement determined much of the layout of modern Roeland Park. Its existence made it easier for families to work in Kansas City and live elsewhere. Roeland Park was incorporated in 1951.

The neighboring city of Westwood was largely built during World War II. As of the last census, there were approximately 750 houses in the city with an average build date of 1947. The traditional, ranch style homes are indicative of the simple lifestyle that is enjoyed by Westwood residents.