The Best Places to Live in Missouri
Missouri offers a little bit of everything to the home buyer. In fact, many say it is where the East Coast meets the West Coast, with St. Louis representing the former and Kansas City representing the latter. Yet if city life isn't for you, there are a number of smaller towns and suburbs surrounding the metro areas as well as an abundance of booming small cities and communities within the state. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Kansas City
-
If you're looking for an urban area in the "Show Me State," look no further than Kansas City. This sprawling city, with a population of only about 475,000, has a major airport nearby, a rich arts community, multiple major sports franchises and a vibrant nightlife. Although it can get a little steamy in the summer, the winters are fairly mild, with temperatures averaging in the 20s and 30s. The median income for families falls n the $50,000 range, and employment opportunities abound--four Fortune 500 companies call the city home. The city is also home to 12 colleges and universities.
Lake Saint Louis
-
For those wanting to leave the big city behind, but not too far behind, there is Lake Saint Louis. This satellite town outside of St. Louis has a population of nearly 14,000. It was originally conceived as a resort community and it shows. The town boasts two pristine lakes, three golf courses and an equestrian center. The city has a very low crime rate and one of the best school systems in the state, making it a perfect locale for families. It's proximity to St. Louis, only an hour away, makes taking a trip to the big city or to the airport a breeze. But Lake St. Louis is a little pricey, as reflected by the $100,000 median family income.
-
Columbia
-
The state's fifth largest city is the perfect option for families looking for a well-educated, left-leaning community in this notorious swing state. Columbia is most well-known for its Tigers, the mascots of the state's major university, the University of Missouri. In addition, the city is surrounded by many state parks, providing residents with lots of fun and active weekend excursions. The population is booming as the local government continues to annex surrounding land. As of 2009, it has 165,000 residents. The city is equidistant from St. Louis and Kansas City and is a 30-minute drive from the state's capital, Jefferson City. Columbia is famous for its educated citizenship, having been ranked 13th in most highly educated municipalities.
-
