Missouri offers a diverse range of attractions, landscapes, and lifestyles for its residents. Whether you seek urban amenities, rural charm, or natural beauty, the Show-Me State has it all.
Moreover, for those looking for an affordable and appealing place to live, Missouri boasts some of the most budget-friendly cities in the country, with a cost of living below the national average. Additionally, some of these cities are recognized as among the most beautiful places to live by Travel + Leisure magazine. Here are two such cities:
St. Louis
St. Louis, the largest city in Missouri with a population of approximately 300,000, rests on the banks of the Mississippi River. It is renowned for the Gateway Arch National Park, the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere. St. Louis also showcases a rich cultural heritage through its museums, theaters, art galleries, and festivals.
Notable attractions include the St. Louis Zoo, the Missouri Botanical Garden, the St. Louis Art Museum, and the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. Residents of St. Louis appreciate the scenic beauty of the 1,300-acre Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the U.S., housing the World’s Fair Pavilion, the St. Louis Science Center, and the Muny Opera.
Affordability is another hallmark of St. Louis, with a median home sale price of $260,000, significantly below the national median. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,000, and the median household income is $45,000. St. Louis provides a range of housing options, from historic neighborhoods to modern lofts, and maintains a low unemployment rate of 4.5%.
Springfield
As the third-largest city in Missouri, Springfield, with a population of around 170,000, lies in the southwest part of the state near the Ozark Mountains. Known as the “Queen City of the Ozarks” and the “Birthplace of Route 66,” Springfield serves as a hub for education, health care, and entertainment.
The city boasts several colleges and universities, hospitals, and shopping malls. A vibrant downtown area features restaurants, bars, and music venues, while Springfield serves as a gateway to outdoor recreation, offering access to lakes, rivers, caves, and trails. Key attractions include the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, the Springfield Art Museum, the Fantastic Caverns, and the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.
Springfield is an affordable city in Missouri, with a median home sale price of $159,000, approximately $140,000 less than the state’s median. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $758, and the median household income is $37,000. Springfield maintains a low cost of living, encompassing affordable utilities, transportation, and groceries, along with a low unemployment rate of 3.8%.
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