If you are thinking about moving to Missouri, bustling cities like Kansas City or St. Louis may come to mind. However, this province has a lot to offer. From small towns to community festivals, Missouri’s small towns are perfect for anyone who wants to experience what life is like in its quiet corners. In this Redfin article, we’ll discuss 11 charming small towns in Missouri, each with its own unique character and plenty of reasons to call it home.
1. Warrensburg, MO
Median selling price: $249,000
Warrensburg Real Estate | Real estate in Warrensburg
Warrensburg is a small town that is home to the University of Central Missouri. One of the city’s most notable landmarks is the historic Johnson County Courthouse, which dates back to 1896. For outdoor enthusiasts, Knob Noster State Park is just a short drive away, where hiking, fishing, and camping are favorite weekend activities. If you’re hungry, popular spots like Heroes Restaurant & Pub offer American fare in a relaxed atmosphere.
2. Kirksville, MO
Median selling price: $177,500
Kirksville Real Estate | Real estate in Kirksville
Kirksville is known for being the home of Truman State University and AT One of the city’s unique attractions is Thousand Hills State Park, where locals and visitors can enjoy boating, hiking, and exploring ancient Native American petroglyphs. On weekends, you’ll find locals dining at Maxwell’s, a popular take-out spot, or coffee at The Java Co. Kirksville also hosts the annual Red Barn Arts and Crafts Festival, which brings artisans, food vendors, and live music to the heart of town.
3. Sedalia, MO
Median selling price: $175,000
Real estate for sale in Sedalia | Homes in Sedalia
Sedalia is famous for hosting the Missouri State Fair, one of the largest state fairs in the country. The fair attracts thousands every August with its carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, and live concerts. The city’s rich railroad history can be explored at the Katy Depot, a restored 1896 railroad station that now serves as a museum. Downtown Sedalia has both historic buildings and modern attractions, with popular restaurants like Kehde’s Barbeque, a local favorite housed in a converted train car. Nearby, Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site offers spectacular views and hiking trails, perfect for a weekend trip.
4. Neosho, MO
Median selling price: $230,500
Houses in Neosho | Real estate in Neosho
Neosho is often called the “Flower Box City” because of its natural beauty. The town is home to the George Washington Carver National Monument, a memorial to the famous scientist and agricultural pioneer who spent his childhood in Neosho. Locals like to spend time at Big Spring Park, where a natural spring feeds the lake, making it a favorite spot for picnics and photography. For food, local favorites like Sam’s Cellar Bar & Oven, known for its wood-fired pizzas, offer a cozy place to grab a bite after a day of exploring.
5. Mexico, MO
Median selling price: $153,500
Real estate in Mexico | Apartments for rent in Mexico
Mexico is often called the “Horse Capital of the World,” because of its American horse industry. Every year, the town hosts the annual Missouri Horse Shows Association, which draws equestrian enthusiasts from all over the state. For a fun weekend getaway, locals enjoy visiting the Audrain County Historical Museum Complex, where you can explore a variety of exhibits including the historic Graceland home. Mexico also has the Presser Performing Arts Center, where residents attend theater and musical performances throughout the year.
6. Marshall, MO
Median selling price: $177,000
Marshall real estate | Marshall real estate
Every fall, Marshall hosts the Marshall Philharmonic Orchestra, a community treasure that brings live classical music to the historic Martin Community Center. For outdoor recreation, Indian Foothills Park is the place to go, offering a golf course, hiking trails, and tennis courts where locals spend sunny weekends. A popular local restaurant is Salt Fork Kitchen, which specializes in serving fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a cozy, casual setting.
7. Fulton, MO
Median Auction Price: $227,500
Fulton Real Estate | Real estate in Fulton
Fulton is best known as the site where Winston Churchill delivered his famous “Iron Curtain” speech in 1946. Visitors can explore the National Churchill Museum, at Westminster College. The museum commemorates Churchill’s speech and legacy with exhibits and a reconstructed 12th-century church. Locals also enjoy outdoor activities at Veterans Park, where people gather for picnics and sports. Each fall, the city hosts the Fulton Street Fair, which draws crowds with live entertainment, food trucks, and carnival rides.
8. Bolivar, MO
Median Auction Price: $285,000
Real estate in Bolivar | Real estate in Bolivar
Bolivar is located in southwest Missouri. The town is home to Southwest Baptist University, which hosts many cultural and sporting events throughout the year. For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby Pomme de Terre Lake has excellent fishing, boating, and camping, making it a favorite weekend getaway. The town square in Bolivar is full of shops and restaurants, including famous places like Main Street Mediterranean, popular for its fresh and tasty dishes.
9. Lebanon, MO
Median selling price: $186,000
Real estate in Lebanon | Apartments for rent in Lebanon
Lebanon is located in the heart of the Ozarks. The town is home to the Route 66 Museum and Research Center, where visitors can explore exhibits devoted to the Mother Road’s impact on American travel and culture. Additionally, Bennett Spring State Park is a top spot for trout fishing, hiking, and camping. Lebanon is also famous for its role in the boat manufacturing industry, Tracker Boats is headquartered there. Dining options range from local favorites like Dowd’s Catfish and BBQ to the popular Elm Street Eatery, known for its home-cooked meals and pie.
10. Hannibal, MO
Median Auction Price: $184,000
Hannibal Real Estate | Houses in Hannibal
Hannibal is best known as the boyhood home of Mark Twain, and the city embraces its literary heritage with pride. Visitors can visit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, which brings the world of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer again Huckleberry Finn in life. Hannibal also hosts the annual Tom Sawyer Days, a festival that includes fence-painting contests, live music, and a frog-jumping contest. The town’s location along the Mississippi River offers spectacular views and opportunities for riverboat tours and fishing.
11. Rolla, MO
Median Auction Price: $225,000
Houses in Rolla | Houses in Rolla
Rolla is home to the Missouri University of Science and Technology. The university brings a dynamic, exciting atmosphere to the city, with cultural events, concerts, and sporting events taking place throughout the year. Rolla also has natural beauty with the nearby Mark Twain National Forest offering hiking, mountain biking, and scenic drives that locals love on weekends. Every October, Rolla hosts the Festival of Nations, an event that celebrates world cultures with parades, music, and food from around the world.
How to do it: Median home sales price and median monthly rental data from Redfin Data Center.
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