Who This Residence Suits — and Who Might Look Elsewhere
The Newbern in Kansas City is a mid-range apartment property that caters primarily to students and young professionals who value on-site amenities such as a fitness centre, laundry facility, and swimming pool. Its dual-occupancy option makes it a practical choice for those who wish to share a unit with a roommate and split the rent. The property is located in Kansas City, MO 64109, an area close to several local universities and transport links.
However, this residence is not ideal for budget-conscious renters. The monthly rent range (indicative — confirm with the operator) of USD 1,020 to USD 1,650 sits well above Kansas City’s platform-wide starting price of USD 745 per month, which means a single tenant on a tight budget will likely find cheaper options elsewhere in the city.
The property also appears to have maintenance and management challenges. Multiple negative reviews highlight recurring issues — elevators frequently out of order, poor communication from maintenance staff, and a lingering smell of cigarette smoke in the building. These factors make The Newbern a less suitable choice for anyone who expects prompt repairs, a well-maintained building, or a smoke-free environment. If you are sensitive to building odours or rely on elevators daily (e.g., mobility concerns or living on a high floor), you should weigh these risks carefully.
On the other hand, residents who prioritise community events and friendly staff may find the property appealing. One 5-star review specifically praises a staff member (Kat) for organising a fun event. Additionally, the property offers studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and apartment floor plans, providing flexibility for different living arrangements.
What Residents Actually Say
The Newbern has a Google rating of 3.2 out of 5 based on 38 reviews. The three reviews provided in the dataset offer a glimpse into both positive and negative experiences.
Positive feedback:
“Kat is amazing! I had so much fun at her event. Thanks Kat for a great time.” — Elle Jensen, 5-star
“Welcome to everyone who is looking to rent a flat at Newbern! Here’s my detailed review of this place after living here for a year. First off, you gotta appreciate the maintenance guys here. They are here for you 24/7 to make sure you have a safe and a hassle free day. They make sure to resolve the issues raised by ten…” — kevin royce, 4-star
The 4-star review acknowledges the 24/7 maintenance team and their responsiveness, although the truncated text suggests the reviewer may have had some minor complaints as well.
Critical feedback:
“I’ve lived here just under two years, and it’s a hell hole. The elevators are constantly not working, maintenance says they do stuff when they haven’t (I work from home and would know), and management is lack luster. You can report things if you want but they truly do not care. The building reeks of cigarettes and is c…” — Benjamin T, 1-star
This review points to core issues: unreliable elevators, distrust of maintenance, indifferent management, and indoor air quality problems. The comment is cut off but clearly conveys strong dissatisfaction.
Overall, the property appears to have a mixed reputation. The positive remarks centre on individual staff members and basic maintenance, while the negative comments point to systemic management failures. Prospective tenants should weigh these reviews and, ideally, visit the building in person or speak to current residents before committing.
Price Positioning vs Kansas City’s Starting Point
The city’s lowest listed price on the student-housing platform is USD 745 per month (indicative — confirm with the operator). The Newbern’s rent range of USD 1,020–1,650 per month is 37% to 121% higher than that baseline, placing the property in the upper-middle segment of the local market.
For comparison, the average unit in Kansas City on the same platform likely falls between USD 745 and roughly USD 1,200 per month for a standard apartment. The Newbern’s premium can be partially attributed to the included amenities: a fitness centre, swimming pool, and laundry facility. However, it does not offer any unique features such as parking, study rooms, or security services that are not listed in its tags. Renters on a moderate budget may find better value in older buildings or those located further from the city centre, whereas The Newbern is better suited for tenants who can afford to pay extra for comfort and convenience.
All prices are indicative — always confirm the exact amount and any additional fees (utilities, parking, etc.) directly with the property operator.
Room Type Guidance
The Newbern offers four unit types: studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and apartment. The term “apartment” is listed separately, which may refer to larger floor plans (e.g., 1-bedroom or 2-bedroom configurations with specific layouts). The dataset does not break down rent by unit type, so it is not possible to assign exact price ranges to each category. However, based on typical market patterns, studios and 1-bedroom units are likely at the lower end of the range (USD 1,020–1,200), while 2-bedroom and larger apartment units occupy the upper end (USD 1,300–1,650).
Dual occupancy is permitted according to the property tags, which means two tenants can share a single unit — a good option for friends or couples who want to split costs. No specific pet policy, floor size, or number of floors is indicated in the data, so you should ask the operator about these details.
If you are a solo occupant on a tight budget, a studio or 1-bedroom may be affordable. Groups of two or three friends could consider a 2-bedroom and split the rent, bringing the per-person cost closer to the city average.
Booking Timing Advice
Since the property has an opening date listed as null and no specific move-in availability in the dataset, it is assumed that units are available on a rolling basis. However, given the mixed reviews and the property’s mid-range pricing, it is advisable to start your search 3 to 4 months before your intended move-in date. This allows you to inspect the building, speak to current tenants about maintenance issues, and secure a unit that fits your budget.
For students planning to move in for the fall semester (August–September), the best time to book is between April and June of the same year (e.g., April–June 2026 for a September 2026 move-in). If you are flexible with move-in dates, contacting the operator in the winter months (December–February) may yield lower rates due to lower demand.
Because the property has negative reviews regarding elevator reliability and management responsiveness, booking early also gives you the chance to request a unit on a lower floor to minimise elevator dependency. Confirm all terms — including deposit, lease length (minimum not specified — ask the operator), and cancellation policy — in writing before signing.
FAQ
Is the building well-maintained?
Based on resident reviews, the quality of maintenance appears inconsistent. One 4-star review praises the 24/7 availability of maintenance staff and says they ensure a “safe and hassle free day”. Conversely, a 1-star review claims that maintenance staff “say they do stuff when they haven’t” and that the elevators are “constantly not working”. The overall Google rating of 3.2 suggests that while some tenants have a good experience, others encounter serious problems. You should request a tour of the building and, if possible, speak with current residents about their experience.
Can two people share a unit?
Yes, the property tag includes “dual_occupancy”, indicating that two tenants are permitted to share a unit. This can help reduce per-person costs. However, the operator may impose additional fees or charges for a second occupant — confirm this during the booking process. The unit types (studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, apartment) offer various options for sharing; a 2-bedroom is a natural choice for two unrelated tenants.
What is the security deposit?
The dataset does not include a deposit amount or policy for The Newbern. Deposit requirements vary by operator and may depend on credit history, income, and unit type. As a general guideline, deposits in Kansas City typically range from one month’s rent to a flat fee. You must ask the operator directly for this information before making any payment.
Sources & data date
This article is based on data retrieved in July 2026 from the student-housing platform. All prices and availability are indicative — confirm with the operator at the time of booking. Reviews are quoted verbatim from Google (38 reviews, average rating 3.2 as of the data snapshot). No external websites or third-party brands have been referenced.
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