Kansas City
Kansas is the barbecue and jazz capital of the midwest and one of the best places to live in Missouri. It is the largest city in Missouri by land area and the 6th largest city demographically, with a diverse population of 486,405 and is located along the western edge bordering the State of Kansas. With tons of attractions, fun things to do, great schools, and a laid-back lifestyle, you’ll love moving to “the heart of America”.
Cost of Living
Living in KC is comparatively cheap and is an attractive destination for young professionals just starting out on a budget and families as well. The median per capita income in this city is $32,350 while the median household income is $54,195. 52.8% of the residents own their homes, a figure expected to rise over time. The median home value in KC is $209,240 and monthly rental costs for a decent-sized apartment average about $940.
Utilities in this city cost slightly higher than national averages. The city has invested heavily in transport infrastructure so getting around is a breeze.
Education in Kansas City
Kansas City Public Schools is the authority mandated with the provision of quality education in KC and oversees the management of 35 schools serving 15,147 students. The city is home to a number of well-performing public and private schools and hasand impressive high school graduation rate.
KC is also home to a sizeable number of colleges and universities making it a college town in its own right. Colleges in the area include the University of Missouri-Kansas City Volker Campus, University, Avila University, and Donnelly College to mention a few.
Fun Things to Do
Residents, tourists, and sightseers in search of thrilling adventures in Kansas City are treated to a buffet of exciting experiences from a lively music and nightlife scene to colorful food festivals that have gone on to achieve national recognition and tons of fun outdoor activities for families with young kids and/or pets. If you are aching for a memorable, inexpensive deep dive into KC’s entertainment options, you’re in for a real treat.
The city market is another must-visit location that promises an unforgettable shopping experience and with roots dating back to 1857, you can look forward to the best quality local produce from the region. The Country Club Plaza is one of KC’s largest shopping centers.
The food scene is perhaps among everybody’s favorite mentions about KC and for a good reason too; the food here is amazing. Other than more than a dozen food festivals, professional sports is a huge draw for KC as the city plays host to the Kansas City Chiefs’ home turf.
Saint Louis
St. Louis is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in Missouri and perhaps America’s most historic city. The city played a pivotal role in the past, acting as a launching point for westward expansion. St. Louis is an industrial and transportation powerhouse and boasts one of the country’s liveliest musical and sports scenes.
Cost of Living
St Louis, Missouri is cheaper than the national average cost of living. The city also boasts affordable housing with a median home value of $222,075. Monthly rent prices in the city average at $1,045 for a decent size apartment in any St Louis suburb. The median household income in the city is $67,450 while the average per capita income is $37,500.
Compared to state and national averages, transport, utilities, and groceries in St Louis are costlier. Healthcare in St Louis is slightly pricier compared to national averages. The city does however have an impressive employment rate.
Education
The city of St Louis boasts some of the finest public schools in the state of Missouri. Nine of the ten top public high schools in Missouri are located within St Louis. There are a number of private schools in the area as well.
In matters of higher education, the city plays host to the University of Missouri, Washington University, Saint Louis University, Harris-Stowe State University, and Ranken Technical College to mention a few. St Louis is one of Missouri’s most famous college towns, with a fairly well-educated population and an exciting job market.
Home of the St Louis Art Fair
The city offers endless opportunities for adventure to suit all budgets and tastes. There are acres of botanical gardens, state parks, nature parks, countless hiking trails, and green spaces. These provide residents an opportunity to reconnect with nature, take a walk, jog, ride a bike or simply have a picnic.
The St Louis Art Fair is an event for creatives to put on display their creations. While St. Louis boasts an impressive restaurant scene, performing arts, and museum attractions, baseball is the heart and soul of the city. The St Louis Blues are another of the city’s beloved professional sports teams and a dominant name in the NHL.
Columbia
Columbia is a rapidly expanding city and one of the best places to live in Missouri. Columbia boasts a highly-educated workforce, excellent schools, and state-of-the-art healthcare. The city’s business-friendly laws and policies make it a suitable investment hub for small business startups which further helps create more job opportunities.
Cost of Living
Columbia has consistently been ranked below the state and national average in the cost of living. Columbia residents enjoy an abundance of low-cost housing in safe, family-friendly neighborhoods. The median household income in Columbia is $51,276 and the average per capita income figure is $30,250.
While utilities and miscellaneous costs are slightly pricier, Columbia’s median home value is $243,650. Monthly rent in this area for a decent-sized apartment will on average set you back an affordable $850.
Education
Schools in Como are some of the best in the region with a lot of emphasis being placed on the quality of education as well as social and co-curricular activities such as sports, the arts, and more. Being a family-friendly city means your kids get access to personalized attention which explains the high rate of high school graduations. A number of private schools are available in the area as well as numerous colleges and universities.
Top colleges in Como include Columbia College, Stephens College, University of Missouri, and William Woods University to mention a few.
Fun Things to Do
From golf courses, nature trails, music venues, fine restaurants, and scenic views of the rolling Missouri hills, Columbia has everything you need to feel at home. For the outdoors lover, there are plenty of recreational opportunities in any of the city’s gorgeous nature parks and green spaces.
CoMo’s downtown area houses several interesting attractions you might want to see. The area is the main business, government, and recreational hub featuring art galleries, live music venues, yoga studios, and more!
Known to the locals as “The District”, Como’s downtown boasts over 110 shops, more than 60 bars, nightclubs and restaurants, and numerous performing arts venues. The area in general scores top marks in livability, affordability, and quality of local amenities making it one the best places to live in Missouri.
Jefferson City
With a population just slightly above 43,000, Jefferson City, Missouri is the state capital and one of the best places to live in Missouri. The city has beautiful tree-lined and lighted streets, gorgeous views of the river, and unique historic architecture. The area has on several occasions been recognized among the most beautiful towns in America and it’s easy to see why.
Cost of Living
The average living costs in Jefferson are lower than the national and state average. The state government is the largest employer in town. The area has a comparatively low unemployment rate, low-cost housing options, and excellent healthcare infrastructure. The median household income is $52,550 while the per capita income for the area averages at $28,075.
The median home price is $201,249 while rent on average costs around $825 for a decent 2-bedroom apartment. Utilities are slightly costlier than the national average but by only a small price difference.
Education in Jefferson City, Missouri
Learners in this area are exposed to quality education and have registered consistently good test scores at state and national levels. The area has two middle schools, 11 elementary schools, two high schools, a career center, and one alternative school. As the authorities continue to channel resources and efforts into improving education, major changes are expected.
Colleges and universities in the area include the likes of William Woods University, Westminster College, State Fair Community College, Lincoln University, and State Technical College of Missouri.
Places to Visit
Jefferson City has a charming downtown featuring restaurants, boutique shops, malls, and plenty of hotspots you can hop in for a drink. The city offers a unique display of Missouri’s history at the Museum Of Missouri Military History, the Jefferson Landing State Historic Site, the historic Missouri State Penitentiary, and plenty more attractions.
The state Capitol is a worthwhile visit as well as the Katy Trail, a tranquil nature trail that runs along a section of the Missouri River. The trail is one of the numerous urban trails popular with hiking and biking enthusiasts & is a great opportunity to reconnect with a bit of nature. The city is a short drive from nearby St Louis, Columbia, and Fulton.
Monroe
Monroe City, Missouri is a small quiet town that is located in the American Midwest. The area borders the nearby small town of Hannibal; Mark Twain’s childhood home. There are a variety of world-class shops, several water parks, three lakes, golf courses, and excellent local amenities to make you feel right at home.
Highest Median Household Income in the State
The city of Monroe, Missouri is considered an economic powerhouse in the region with a growing job market that draws skilled labor within the area and nearby towns and cities as well. The city’s laws and policies provide a very conducive environment for businesses both established and startups as well.
Monroe has the highest median household income in Missouri at $43,966 according to figures from Data USA. The per capita income is $24,697. Most residents own their houses. The median price for a home in this area is $134,695 and monthly rental costs average about $880.
Education
One factor that supports Monroe’s claim as one of the best places to live in Missouri is the quality of education offered and the emphasis on nurturing the next generation of problem solvers. The city’s schools performance is satisfactory at state and national levels. Colleges and universities in the area include Hannibal LaGrange University in nearby Hannibal, Quincy University, John Wood Community College and more.
Overall, schools in this area have maintained a consistently high level of academic performance.
Places to Visit
Monroe offers its residents and visitors plenty of entertainment options and recreational opportunities in the great outdoors. Several miles south of Monroe lies the Mark Twain Lake; 18,000 acres of crystal clear waters. There are about 284 miles of shoreline which makes for an interesting weekend retreat for boating, fishing trips, quiet picnics, hiking, and biking.
A trip to the lake treats visitors to a spectacular view of beautiful farm country and country homes. Downtown Monroe is home to over 30 fine restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops. The city also has several cultural and historical attractions, museums, and aquatic theme parks.
Springfield, Missouri
As with most iconic Missouri cities, Springfield treats its residents to a close-knit sense of community; a big city with a small-town ambiance. Excellent air quality, proximity to neighboring small towns, and local attractions make it a strong contender in the best places to live in Missouri.
The area also boasts a rapidly expanding job market, world-class health care facilities, excellent schools, and all the cultural trappings of a Midwestern city. Springfield has some of the best urban trails in the state, stunning architecture all around, and tree-lined streets.
Living Costs
Relocating to the city of Springfield offers some of the most affordable living costs with low-cost housing, two nationally-recognized healthcare systems, and pleasant four-season weather to boot. in the nation. Springfield’s cost of living is lower than the state and national averages. Proper planning and investments in transport infrastructure allow quick and easy access to neighboring cities and towns.
The median household earnings in this area are $36,856 while the per capita income averages at $23,430. The median house value is $192,080 and monthly rental charges will set you back an affordable $645.
Education
Academic excellence is a long-standing theme in Springfield, a city with a sizable population of bachelor’s degree holders. The area has several colleges and universities, that include Missouri’s second-biggest university system.
So whether you’re searching for a school for your young ones or looking to further your education, Springfield region schools provide quality education you can trust.
Places to Visit
Springfield is located in the scenic Ozarks in southwestern Missouri. Whether you prefer a fast-paced urban lifestyle or the peace and serenity of the countryside with all the conveniences of suburban living, Springfield has something to offer you. There are green spaces, hiking and biking trails, picnic spots, and botanical gardens spread out across the city.
There are also malls, dozens of shops, restaurants, and popular attraction sights within the city. The close-knit sense of community adds to its allure as one of the best places to live in Missouri.
St Charles
Last but not least, the City of St Charles, Missouri is home to a diverse population of 91,000 and is one of the best places to live in Missouri for several reasons. The city offers young professionals growth potential in manufacturing, tech, commerce, and more. Located at the congruence point of the Missouri, and Mississippi rivers, St Charles offers some of the most unique views of nature at its best and is part of the world’s fourth-largest river system.
Cost of Living
With sustained growth, decent economic figures, and an abundance of business incubation centers, St Charles has perhaps some of the most progressive business laws and practices. The average household income in the area is $56,622 while the average annual per capita income is $29,645.
Median home value in this area is while monthly rental charges cost on average. Utilities, transport costs, and miscellaneous costs may be slightly higher than national figures. City tax rates are also higher than national averages.
Education
The city of St Charles has a total of 63 schools comprising 38 preschools 23, elementary schools 16, middle schools, 9 high schools, 21 public district schools, and 42 private Schools. Several high schools in the area have been recognized for their efforts in providing quality education, high graduation rates with successful college admissions and completion rates.
The area has several colleges and universities that include Lindenwood University, St Charles Community College, Missouri Tech, and Vatterott College to mention a few.
Fun Things to Do
St. Charles is a short distance’s drive from nearby world-class regional attractions such as St. Louis Arch, St. Louis Zoo, and professional sports events in nearby St Louis. The city is home to the second-largest historical district in the nation, showcasing the first permanent European settlement site along the banks of the Missouri River.
St Charles also boasts gorgeous diverse terrain that includes acres of nature reserves, forests and botanical gardens, shorelines, bluffs, and iconic architecture. There are several specialty and antique stores, recreation complexes, outdoor parks, and dozens of local restaurants along Main Street.