If you are looking for a new place to call home, then Missouri might be the place for you. Thanks to a healthy economy and booming real estate market, plenty of Missouri affordable housing options exist, as well as some of the country’s best recreational opportunities. It certainly beats living in a cardboard box under the bridge!
It’s no secret that Missouri is beautiful, thanks to its sprawling prairies and peaceful countryside. Many diehard fans of the University of Missouri Tigers football team might be tempted to call the Show Me State their home, as it prides itself on being the “Gateway to the Great Plains.” And let’s not forget: the Gateway Arch towers over the town, celebrating America’s westward expansion. It’s quite an image to live inside the “heart of the nation.”
Kansas City, Missouri
While you might not want to live in Kansas City, Missouri, you might want to visit it. The downtown area is rich in culture and entertainment, and the people are incredibly friendly. If you are looking for some of the country’s best restaurants, as well as sporting events, you will find it here. If you love shopping, you will definitely want to visit the city’s numerous malls and upscale stores.
The largest city in Missouri, Kansas City boasts over 600 sports teams, including the Chiefs, whose green and yellow tinted jerseys have become one of the city’s symbols. Many fans regularly make the trip from Kansas to cheer on their beloved team. The city also has a unique culinary scene, drawing inspiration from its multicultural population. You will find everything from traditional Polish restaurants and bakeries to Middle Eastern eateries and sushi bars. It’s quite an eclectic collection!
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is the third-largest city in Missouri, named after the apostle of the same name. This relatively new city draws inspiration from its French and Spanish heritage, as well as its status as America’s “City of Festivals.” Its festivals celebrate African American History, St. Louis Blues Music, and even the famous “French” dip! The River Front revitalization project began in 2011 and continues to this day, making over 17 million dollars worth of upgrades to the city’s waterfront.
The people of St. Louis are warm and friendly, which might be why many consider it to be the “People’s Republic of Missouri.” The Mid-Missouri area in particular is well known for its progressive and civic-minded citizens. In addition to a thriving arts community, one of the city’s largest attractions is the grandiose art museum, the Moda (Museum of Design and Art). This museum has the second-largest collection of Claes Oldenburg’s ice-cream trucks in the world. Many other iconic New Yorkers, as well as visitors from all over the world, frequent the city’s museums and galleries. The architecture of St. Louis is also distinctive and beautiful, especially in certain areas such as The Ville and the Central West End. Tourists regularly visit the city to take photos with the “Gateway Arch,” the “Big O” sculpture, and the “Arch Light Brigade”.
Bethlehem, Missouri
Bethlehem is a tiny town located in the Ozark Mountains, about two hours northeast of St. Louis. The population of the town is around 3,000, but the surrounding areas draw thousands more visitors each year. You will find a unique mixture of German and American cultural influences, as well as some of the most amazing sunsets you will ever see.
The name “Bethlehem” is most likely a reference to the fact that the town was once the winter home of the poet Robert Browning. The area is rich in scenic drives, parks, and recreational opportunities. A four-season resident of Bethlehem can savor the sweet smell of burning prairie grass in the summer, and the biting cold of a New York winter is also unforgettable. Although there isn’t a direct route from Bethlehem to the big city, it’s not hard to reach. The town is located at the intersection of I-44 and Highway 76, which provides quick and easy access to the rest of the state. In addition, the St. Louis Airport is roughly forty minutes away, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the area.
Rolla, Missouri
Rolla is a town in central Missouri, situated on the banks of the Meramec River. The economy of the town is heavily reliant on the manufacturing sector, and the town is proud of its “food city” status, due mainly to the many mom-and-pop restaurants and eateries that call it home. While you are there, try the local specialty, the frog salad. It is, in fact, made with crayfish tails!
The architecture of the downtown area is eclectic, drawing inspiration from many different periods and styles. There are plenty of parks and green spaces, making this a family-friendly destination, as well as some of the best museums and art galleries in Missouri. The town plays host to many festivals throughout the year, including the internationally renowned World Series of Beer Pong Championship. The Missouri Aquarium and the Children’s Museum of Missouri are also located in nearby Springfield, making the trip worthwhile for children and adults alike.
Clayton, Missouri
Clayton is a town of around 6,000 in the Bootheel of Missouri. The economy of the town is heavily reliant on the presence of a large campus, which draws in hundreds of students each day from all over the world. If you are a fan of the Blues, this might be the place for you, since there is an abundance of live music venues, bars, and restaurants throughout the town. If you are looking to avoid the more competitive real estate markets in St. Louis and Kansas City, you might want to consider moving to Clayton, which has a considerably more affordable price tag.
Also read: Top 5 Kansas City Chiefs Matches That You Should Not Miss
