9 Best Places To Live In Missouri In 2025
Along the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers and everywhere in between, the Show-Me State has wonderfully charming towns offering a diverse range of communities to call home. Current residents of Missouri love the variety of lifestyles their home state caters to, whether it’s the energy of a bustling suburb or the tranquility of a small town. Top-notch schools, affordable housing, growing job markets, scenic hiking trails, thriving downtown spaces, and peaceful escapes can all be found in Missouri. Once you know what your priorities are, the only question is—which town checks all of your boxes?
Ballwin
Ballwin, located west of St. Louis, connects residents to urban conveniences while providing the tranquility of the suburbs with the added bonus of multiple financial benefits. The poverty rate is half the national average (11.1%) at 5.5%, which is an excellent sign of job opportunity in Ballwin. The median household income is approximately $121,000, and the median home is roughly $395,000, making Ballwin an appealing place to buy property compared to other towns.
Families are drawn to the area for its safe neighborhoods, strong sense of community, highly-rated public schools, and the suburb’s various public parks and recreational opportunities. For example, the Ballwin Golf Course and Events Center is an excellent place to get in a round of golf or plan a fun social gathering in a picturesque setting. For a perfect weekend adventure, residents love camping at Greensfelder County Park and exploring its 1,700 acres of nature trails.
Wildwood
As its name suggests, Wildwood is a town full of natural beauty. Babler State Park, Greensfelder Park, and Rockwoods Reservation(wildlife refuge) are all nearby and offer amazing trails and green spaces for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. When it’s time to hit the slopes in the winter, Hidden Valley Ski Area is a great place to ski and snowboard.
In addition to outdoor recreation and beautiful scenery, the town has other various aspects that make Wildwood an attractive place to settle down. The poverty rate is an extremely low 3.0%, thanks to the plethora of local businesses in the area, along with Wildwood’s proximity to St. Louis. Public education is highly valued in the community, too. Parents and students of the local high school, Lafayette High School, are proud of the campus’s academic programs and extracurricular options.
Chesterfield
Chesterfield is an excellent option if you’re looking for a blend of upscale living, a close-knit community, and beautiful outdoor spaces. The median home value is approximately $540,000, which is higher than the national average of $360,000; however, residents often see this balance with the town’s high-quality amenities and public education. Healthcare services are exceptional in Chesterfield as St. Luke’s Hospital offers residents comprehensive medical care, and Chesterfield has a poverty rate of only 3.3%.
Moreover, for seniors looking at affordable living options, the Lumiere of Chesterfield is a great option, boasting a dining program, regular activities, and wellness programs. For recreation, locals often spend time on the scenic trails of Faust Park or take part in a community event hosted by the Chesterfield Parks, Recreation & Arts Department.
Hannibal
Mark Twain, the author of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer, grew up here! However, if that is not enough of a reason for residents to love Hannibal, there are tons of others. Located along the Mississippi River, Hannibal boasts a historic downtown area, as well as the Mark Twain Boyhood Home Museum Gallery, the Rockcliffe Mansion, and riverfront parks like Glascock’s Landing Nipper Park. Locals can explore the Mark Twain Cave, go hiking at the Sodalis Nature Preserve, or experience the Mighty Mississippi from the Mark Twain Riverboat.
Financially, Hannibal is quite reasonable, and home ownership is accessible for many residents. The median home value is around $160,000. For Hannibal's senior citizens, multiple assisted living facilities, including the Beth Haven Retirement Community and Hillside Care Center, offer various services. Additionally, Hannibal residents of all ages can spend time at the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center, which is open to the public and includes a Play Without Boundaries Sensory Room.
Mexico
Known as the “Main Street of the Midwest,” Mexico offers the slow pace of small-town living, a low cost of living, and friendly neighbors. If owning a home is important to you, Mexico has extremely affordable property. The average home costs approximately $150,000, less than half the national average. The Graceland Museum is a great place to learn about the town’s rich history. At the same time, venues such as the Presser Arts Center offer residents opportunities to broaden their cultural horizons.
Hidden on a quiet country road is Hummingbird Vineyard and Winery, where residents can enjoy wines made from grapes grown only in Missouri. The Mexico Area Family YMCA and the seasonally open Mexico Municipal Pool are other great options for enjoying the town. Along with the fun things to do in town, families will appreciate the safety that comes along with being part of a close-knit community in Mexico, too. In 2019, the town saw fewer than ten violent crimes, much less than similar-sized communities like Marshall.
Liberty
Liberty is recognized by Family Circle Magazine and Money Magazine as an exceptional place to live, and it is an affordable haven with excellent public schools. The median household income in Liberty is approximately $96,000, and the median home value is around $315,000, making home ownership accessible for many residents. The city is also home to William Jewell College, a private liberal arts college that participates in 25 different intercollegiate sports. Residents can participate in one of the various youth or adult leagues at the Capitol Federal Sports Complex of Liberty or swim laps at the Liberty Community Center.
Liberty’s historic downtown is quite walkable and filled with dining, shopping, and entertainment options, so residents always have plenty to do. From May to October, the farmer’s market operates every Saturday, which is ideal for getting groceries. Since Liberty is a suburb of Kansas City, residents have access to big-city culture while living a slower suburban daily life.
Washington
With a population of around 15,000, Washington offers a spacious suburban environment where the majority of residents own their homes, giving the town a friendly, welcoming vibe. The median home value is roughly $295,000, and the public schools are excellent; therefore, families are drawn to this Missouri town. Additionally, the presence of Mercy Hospital, a Level III Trauma Center with advanced medical facilities, ensures excellent healthcare access for residents.
In their free time, residents can spend time in Washington’s newly revitalized, walkable downtown. New apartment buildings, shops, and restaurants are contributing to a vibrant local economy. An ideal day off in Washington might include a stop by The Washington Coffee Shop or Silver Spoon Ice Cream and Sweets before enjoying a scenic view of the Missouri River on a bench at James W. Rennick Riverfront Park.
Cape Girardeau
Whether you plan to rent or buy, Cape Girardeau is a great city to consider. The median home value is approximately $210,000, and renters pay an average of $1,185 a month, which is approximately 35% lower than the national average. Located south of St. Louis next to the Mississippi River, the city is also home to superb healthcare facilities, including Southeast Missouri Hospital, and educational institutions, such as Southeast Missouri State University. As for activities, Riverfront Park offers residents a peaceful place to take in beautiful scenic views and participate in recreational opportunities. Meanwhile, the Century Casino & Hotel Cape Girardeau is ideal for some slot machines and card games.
Jefferson City
Although Jefferson City is the capital of Missouri, it has a population of less than 45,000, giving it a small-town feel with hints of big-city vibes. Residents of Jefferson City enjoy the benefits of inexpensive living, friendly neighborhoods, and breathtaking scenery all at once. The median home value is roughly $255,000, so many people are drawn to Jefferson City for affordable housing. The Missouri State Capitol is also located near the Missouri River, which runs directly through the city, so residents have abundant opportunities to visit the historically significant building and to sit by the river enjoying the natural beauty of Jefferson City. Runge Nature Center, Binder Park, Ellis Porter Park, and Katy Trail are also fantastic public spaces to enjoy nature in Missouri’s state capital. On the other hand, medical care is provided by the SSM Health-St. Mary’s Hospital, while the JeffTran bus service covers public transport.
Concluding Thoughts
If you’re a young professional looking to break into the tech industry in Cape Girardeau, a family prioritizing schools and community near the Mighty Mississippi, or a retiree looking for peace and affordability with a nearby winery, Missouri has a perfect town for you. Spacious suburbs, lovely riverfront towns, and natural scenery are all here in the Show-Me State. Now, the only question is—which town in Missouri is the best place for you to put down your roots?
