Communities of River Ridge secret is out as buyers flock to see offerings

Buyers seeking a distinctive setting for their new home have discovered the Communities of River Ridge in southern Johnson County. The high volume of visitors during the Spring Parade of Homes has continued long after the Parade with potential residents continuing to flock to the community to see the remaining home sites available for a custom home.

For those who can’t wait for a custom-built home, four inventory homes are available, two that are completed and two under construction.

River Ridge, south of 159th Street on Kenneth Road, has a tranquil setting but is close to city conveniences. “Many people who visit are surprised how close River Ridge is to everything you need: highways, shopping, restaurants,” said Lettiann Southerland, who markets the community. “But it feels like it’s miles from the city. It’s peaceful here.”

River Ridge sits high above the Blue River Valley and overlooks Aubrey Vineyards, with the homes offering expansive views in all directions. It includes a number of neighborhoods, but those who want to build a custom home here are running out of opportunities since home sites are available in only two: the Enclave at Sunset Hills and Sunset Hills.

A new model home and sales office opened this spring in the Enclave at Sunset Hills. This 11/2-story Denali Chalet plan by Tabernacle Homes is adapted specifically for its premium home site overlooking the Blue River Valley. The open design of the main floor includes a great room, flex room, island kitchen with a large walk-in pantry and butler’s pantry, and dining area that opens to the covered deck. The main-floor master includes a bath with tiled shower, soaking tub and double vanities, as well as a large walk-in closet that conveniently connects to the laundry.

A curved staircase leads to a loft overlooking the great room as well as three additional bedrooms, each with its own bath. This home is priced at $675,000.

Wheeler Design Custom Homes has two homes under construction. The first is a reverse 11/2-story Bayview plan in Sunset Hills that offers four bedrooms and 41/2 bathrooms. The hilltop home site backs to a private wooded area and offers sweeping views to the north.

The open design of the first floor includes the master suite as well as another bedroom with bath that could be an office, a great room, island kitchen with large walk-in pantry, dining area and large covered deck. On the finished lower level are two bedrooms, a bathroom, a rec room with a bar and a game room. The lower level opens to a second deck. This home is priced at $589,900 and is expected to be completed by July.

Wheeler’s other home is a two-story Monterrey offering the master suite and three other bedrooms with bathrooms on the second floor, as well as a bedroom/office and another bath on the first floor. The second-floor laundry conveniently opens to the master bath and the hall.

The main level has an open design that includes a great room with fireplace, hearth room with another fireplace, dining room, breakfast room and island kitchen with a walk-in pantry, as well as a covered deck. Construction has just begun and the home is expected to be priced around $600,000.

In the High Point neighborhood, homebuyers will find a two-story Stratten by Comerio Corporation priced in the low $400,000s. The open design of the first floor includes a great room, dining and breakfast rooms, island kitchen with walk-in pantry, half-bath and covered porch. The upper level includes the master suite and three other bedrooms with two additional bathrooms, as well as the laundry. The lower level could be finished with another bedroom and bath plus a recreation room.

Other award-winning builders working in River Ridge include ParkView Homes, Braklow Custom Homes, Bickimer Construction, Taylored Homes, James Engle Custom Homes and Krueger Homes. Other builders are welcome with developer approval.

Amenities include a pool, tennis courts, volleyball courts, fishing ponds and playground. Students attend schools in the Blue Valley School District. Residents have quick access to Interstate 435, U.S. 69 and Missouri 150. They are within minutes of an abundance of shopping and dining venues at 135th Street and State Line Road and along 151st Street.

For information, contact Lettiann Southerland at 816-898-5477.

This story was originally published June 13, 2015 at 7:00 PM with the headline "Communities of River Ridge secret is out as buyers flock to see offerings."