10 Best Places To Call Home In Missouri In 2025
When deciding where to live, several factors can influence your choice, including housing prices, job market, amenities, and serene landscapes, among others. Missouri is an excellent place to live due to its affordability, thriving job market, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene, including diverse food and music. With easy access to both nature and cities, there are plenty of things to do in Missouri that will make you happy to call it home. There are several towns that offer compelling reasons to consider moving to Missouri, and these ten best places to call home in 2025 will be explored further.
Sainte Genevieve
Sainte Genevieve, Missouri, has a population of around 5,000, and with a median home listing price of $249,000, 40% lower than the national average, it is no surprise that it is placed first on the list of best places to call home. Living in Sainte Genevieve, you are surrounded by historic buildings and parks. Particularly, St. Genevieve National Historical Park, which shares the stories and histories of various communities that once resided in the area, allows residents and guests to explore stunning architecture. Another well-known park is Hawn State Park, a serene outdoor area that has hiking trails and rocky streams, providing a peaceful escape. For an entertaining trip with friends and family, visit the River Rapids Waterpark, the largest in the area, featuring a wide array of activities.
Hermann
Hermann, Missouri, is a picture-perfect village found in the Missouri River Valley and known for its German heritage. If you are a wine and history lover, there are numerous wineries and museums scattered throughout the area. Located on 200 acres of rolling hills sits the Hermann Farm Museum, a great place to learn about Missouri’s history, culture, and agriculture. Visit the Hermann Riverfront Park if you are looking for a place to fish, camp, or just enjoy nature. Another popular place among locals and visitors is the Herzog Mansion, a circa-1885 historical landmark that sits on parklike grounds and offers free hot breakfast. Residents often visit the local Farmers Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays for access to fresh produce and baked goods.
Boonville
Boonville, Missouri, is a stunning place with a median home listing price of $329,000, which is substantially lower than the national average. Numerous events are hosted throughout the year, keeping residents and visitors alike busy. The Big Muddy Folk Festival, held over a 2-day weekend, is particularly entertaining, offering live music from well-known artists, food, and workshops. Boonville is home to the Rivers, Rails, and Trails Museum, which houses a half-scale replica of the famous Lewis and Clark expedition’s barges and other memorabilia. For those who enjoy history, there is the Boonville Walking History Tour that includes exploration of over 20 historic places. The Rolling Hills Park is a great place to go for a walk, jog, or bike, as it features numerous paved walking trails. There are playgrounds and picnic areas that allow visitors to enjoy the beautiful natural landscape. In the warmer months, residents flock to Boonville’s Lions Park Aquatic Center, a state-of-the-art aquatic center featuring huge pools, tube slides, a zero-depth entry children's play area, and much more.
Branson
Branson is an Ozark town in southwest Missouri and is a popular tourist destination, with many things to do, such as parks, museums, lakes, theatre, and more. Famously lined with theatres, visitors often flock to Country Blvd, where there is a wide selection of shows to attend. Dolly Parton’s Stampede, a dinner theater extravaganza, is one such establishment, where horse stunts, musical productions, and special effects are all held while attendees enjoy a home-cooked dinner. Residents have access to the Silver Dollar City amusement park as well as White Water water park, where rides, entertainment, and fun are inevitable. Individuals can also hike, swim, boat, and fish along Lake Taneycomo, a serene reservoir filled with natural beauty. A median home listing price of $265,000 makes Branson an affordable and fun place to call home.
Fulton
Fulton, Missouri, is home to two universities and offers experiences that captivate history enthusiasts. Events in the area consist of farmers' markets, craft fairs, and close by is the popular Mokane World’s Fair. The fair consists of rides, beer, tractor pulls, parades, and music. Visit the Auto World Museum, which holds an impressive collection of vintage cars. Fulton also has America’s National Churchill Museum, with numerous exhibits located near the site of his famed ‘iron curtain’ speech. Another great location to spend the day is Serenity Valley Winery, where serenity meets sophistication and visitors can taste a great selection of wine amid stunning scenery. A median home listing price of $212,400 makes Fulton a great deal.
Lebanon
Known for some of its popular attractions, as well as a historic downtown area with unique shops, is Lebanon, Missouri. With a median house price of $287,300, Lebanon is an affordable place that is filled with beauty. Several parks are found throughout the area, each with its own activities and amenities. Atchley Park features a walking path, playground, picnic areas, ball fields, and an 18-hole disc golf course. Bennett Spring State Park has a stocked stream for fishing, camping, hiking, canoeing, and a rustic dining lodge. Residents often visit Heartland Antique Mall, which has over 400 booths to keep you busy and furnish your new home.
Sedalia
In west-central Missouri, approximately 30 miles south of the Missouri River, is the town of Sedalia. With an average home listing price of $212,000 and a wide range of amenities, Sedalia, Missouri, is a great place to call home. A popular place to explore is the Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site, a historical site and park that features a playground, fishing, hiking trails, and walking paths. Liberty Park Maintenance is another beautiful location where recreation and nature meet amid a verdant oasis. Sedalia residents also have access to the famous Missouri State Fairgrounds, where various events are held throughout the year, from farmers' markets and trade shows to auctions and animal shows.
Hannibal
Hannibal, Missouri, is well known as the place where Mark Twain was raised. With well-maintained properties and lower-than-average housing prices with a median of $178,000, Hannibal is a fantastic place to live. Located in northeast Missouri on the Mississippi River, Hannibal has several places dedicated to Mark Twain and many other areas that provide a well-rounded experience for residents and visitors. The Mark Train Boyhood Home & Museum, Gallery, and the Memorial Lighthouse are popular spots to visit. Spend your days exploring the Sodalis Nature Preserve, a 200-acre park property that offers stunning views and a hiking trail. Another great outdoor place to spend time is Riverview Park, a 1,465-acre forested riverside park with a playground, paved trails, and picnic shelters.
Washington
On the South banks of the Missouri River, approximately 50 miles west of St. Louis, is Washington, Missouri. There are plenty of things to do in Washington, such as visiting museums, playing in parks, and enjoying the unique shops located throughout town. A particularly interesting shop is the Olivino Tasting Bar, a gourmet grocery store that specializes in balsamic vinegars and extra virgin olive oils from around the world. Located along the Missouri River, one block away from the downtown area, is the James W. Rennick Riverfront Park, where visitors can take a walk along the water, go for a picnic, and go boating. Additionally, the park often hosts various events throughout the year. For those who like history, the Iron Spike Model Train Museum and the Washington Historical Society offer a wide selection of materials.
Brentwood
With a population of approximately 8,000, located in Clayton Township, is Brentwood, Missouri, a great town that is close to many engaging amenities in nearby St. Louis. Get lost in the beauty of the St. Louis Art Museum, a free experience that consists of a Grand Beaux-Arts building and a modern extension that houses over 30,000 works of art. A great place to visit is Brentwood Park, a 32-acre park featuring a huge playground, pond, paved trails, and an indoor and outdoor pavilion. Catch one of the many shows hosted by the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, a performance arts theatre that holds different performances throughout the year. Brentwood is also close to the St. Louis Zoo, which offers free admission to the 90-acre property, featuring elephants, bears, and penguins. An average home listing price of $195,000 makes Brentwood a steal.
Missouri is one of the most affordable and accessible places to live in the United States, and a wide range of attractions and recreation add to its appeal. Missouri's landscape includes prairies, mountains, and rivers, which offer ample opportunities for outdoor activities like boating, fishing, camping, and hiking. With approximately 1,226 cities, towns, and villages to choose from, there is no shortage of amazing places in Missouri to call home.
