Peculiar, MO 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Peculiar is a hidden gem that's perfect for living in a 55+ retirement community. This charming small town offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, with all the amenities of a larger city just a short drive away. The community is close-knit, friendly, and welcoming, making it easy to make new friends and become a part of the community. One of the most unique things about Peculiar is its annual "Peculiar Spring Festival," which is a celebration of the town's name and brings people from all over the region to enjoy the festivities. The town is known for its low crime rate, beautiful parks, and picturesque downtown area.

Peculiar, MO got its name from an unusual circumstance that occurred during its founding. When the town was being established in 1868, the residents were having trouble agreeing on a name. One of the settlers jokingly suggested they name the town "Peculiar" since the situation was indeed peculiar. The name stuck, and the town has been known as Peculiar ever since.

If you're looking to move to Peculiar there are a few local resources that can help you out. The city's official website offers information on local events, government services, and more. The Peculiar Chamber of Commerce is a great resource for information on local businesses, events, and attractions. 

Affordability and Cost of Living 

Peculiar is a great location for those looking for an affordable place to live. The cost of living in Peculiar is 2.1 percent lower than the national average, which means retirees can stretch their dollars further. The cost of housing in Peculiar is $306,400, just a bit lower than the national average of $338,100. Transportation is about 10 percent lower than the U.S. average while healthcare, utilities, and groceries are 1 to 3 percent lower than the national average. Sales tax in Peculiar is 8.86 percent which consists of the 4.23 percent state tax, 1.63 percent county tax, and 3 percent city tax. Peculiar is located in Cass County where the average property tax is 1.03 percent of a home's value.

Missouri's state income tax ranges from 1.5 to 4.95 percent but Social Security and some other types of retirement income are exempt as is the first $1,000 of income. Missouri does not have an estate tax or an inheritance tax. There are some state property tax credits for lower income seniors.

Climate and Geography 

The Peculiar area sees about 44 inches of rain per year, much of it falling during the month of May. The average low temperature in winter is 23 degrees with an average snowfall of 18 inches with the highest chance of snow during the month of January. Summer is hot and humid with an average high temperature of 87 degrees with 69 percent humidity. 

Peculiar is located in the western part of Missouri and is surrounded by rolling hills and farmland. The town is situated near the Little Blue River and has several small creeks running through it. Peculiar is 20 miles south of Kansas City, which allows residents easy access to all of the amenities of a larger city while still enjoying the benefits of small-town living. The town is known for its scenic countryside, and the nearby James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area offers over 3,000 acres of outdoor recreation, including hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. The beautiful Ozark Mountains are just a short drive away and are a must-visit destination for anyone looking for breathtaking natural scenery. 

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

Peculiar, MO is known for its quaint charm and friendly atmosphere. Despite its size, Peculiar has plenty of recreational activities and events that are sure to keep visitors and residents entertained. Here are some of the top things to do in and around Peculiar:

Golf and Racquet Sports

• The Golf Club at Creekmoor
• Creekmoor Tennis Club
• Country Creek Golf Club

Hiking, Biking and Boating

• Lake Jacomo
• James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area
• Blue Springs Lake
• Little Blue Trace Trail

Museums and Historical Sites

• Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum
• Cass County Historical Society Museum
• Battle of Lexington State Historic Site

Performing Arts

• Beltonian Theatre
• Powell Gardens Summer Concert Series

Parks and Gardens

• Powell Gardens
• Rose Garden at Loose Park
• Longview Lake Park
• Missouri Town 1855

Festivals and Fairs

• Cass County Fair
• Missouri Town 1855 Independence Day Celebration
• Peculiar Spring Festival
• Belton Fall Festival

Health and Wellness 

As part of the greater Kansas City metropolitan area Peculiar, MO residents have access to several major medical centers. Saint Luke's Hospital, Truman Medical Center, and the University of Kansas Health System offer a wide range of medical services and specialties.

For those looking to stay fit and active, Peculiar offers several options for self-care and exercise. There are several fitness centers in the area as well as yoga and pilates studios. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the many parks and trails in the area, including the Little Blue Trace Trail and James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area, for walking, hiking, and biking. There are several farmers markets within a 5-mile radius of Peculiar, including the Belton Farmers Market and Raymore Farmers Market all of which provide access to fresh, locally grown produce and healthy foods.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

If you are considering retiring to Peculiar, taking a trip to visit the area is a great way to get a feel for the community and the amenities it offers. During your visit, you can explore the local parks and attractions, sample the area's cuisine, and meet with a local 55+ real estate agent to learn more about the retirement communities in the area. Here is a suggested two-day itinerary for your visit:

Day One

Morning:

• Grab breakfast or coffee at Flytte Eatery
• Visit Powell Gardens, a 970-acre botanical garden featuring extensive plant collections, a conservatory, and hiking trails
• Take a stroll along the Little Blue Trace Trail

Afternoon:

• Enjoy lunch at Lutfi's Fried Fish, a local favorite for Southern-style seafood
• Visit the Cass County Historical Society Museum to learn more about the area's history
• Stop by the Belton Grandview and Kansas City Railroad Co. to see vintage trains and ride a miniature train

Evening:

• Have dinner at Kelli's 331 Forever, a farm-to-table restaurant featuring local ingredients

Day Two

Morning:

• Grab breakfast or coffee at Downhome Cafe, a cozy café serving breakfast and lunch
• Meet with a local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to discuss 55+ retirement communities 

Afternoon:

• Put together a picnic lunch from PJ Fresh Marketplace and visit James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing

Evening:

• Have dinner at Merle's American Tavern, a casual American-style restaurant and bar

Getting to Peculiar, MO

Here are the directions to Peculiar from different starting points:

By Car:

MO-71 is the major highway that runs through Peculiar, providing access to nearby cities such as Kansas City and Harrisonville. Visitors can reach Peculiar via MO-2, which intersects with MO-71 in Peculiar and runs east-west across Missouri. Additionally, Interstate 49 (I-49) is located approximately 12 miles east of Peculiar, connecting the area to cities such as Joplin and Fayetteville. 

By Air:

The closest major airport to Peculiar, MO is the Kansas City International Airport (MCI), which is located approximately 47 miles north of Peculiar. Several airlines operate at MCI, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, which offer connections to primary hubs across the United States. Visitors can rent a car or take a taxi or shuttle service from the airport to Peculiar.

By Train or Bus:

Peculiar does not have a train or bus station, but visitors can take Amtrak or Greyhound to the nearby city of Kansas City, MO. Amtrak operates out of the Kansas City Union Station, while Greyhound operates out of the Greyhound Bus Station in Kansas City. From there, visitors can rent a car or take a taxi or shuttle service to Peculiar.