Nice, affordable communities in driving distance to Kansas City?

[aturnis]

My mom has been living in Kansas City for a few years now, but isn't altogether familiar with the surrounding communities.

She's lived in upscale condos, but her longtime boyfriend(high school sweetheart and been together since my parents divorce almost 20 years ago) recently passed.

She doesn't need all the space, or the nearly $2300/mo for rent, HOA fees, utilities, etc anymore.

She'd like to get to a more affordable area where she can buy a decent/nice condo for probably under $120,000. Sounds like she might even be open to renting, but I can't imagine there'd be many 2 bedroom places for under $800/mo.

Anyone have suggestions for nice, safe smaller communities outside of KC that would fit the bill? Know any landlords with any such property to rent?

She's okay with a drive of up to a half an hour as she still works in KC.

Any help would be appreciated. Leave suggestions and comments in the thread, any specifics can be PM'd. Thanks in advance.