Best places to live in Missouri
Written by:
March 31, 2021
realtor.com
Best places to live in Missouri
What do you look for in an ideal town? Proximity to trails, lakes, and beaches? How about top-ranked schools for your children? Would you like a professional or college sports team nearby, or do you prefer museums and art walks?
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Missouri using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
On the list, there’s a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.
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#25. Ellisville
- Population: 9,661
- Median home value: $250,700 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,130 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $79,563
- Top public schools: Lafayette High School (A+), Marquette Senior High School (A+), Woerther Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. John Lutheran School (unavailable), St. Clare of Assisi School (unavailable), The Learning Experience - Ellisville (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1630 Bentshire Ct, Ellisville ($999,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $250,700 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,130 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $79,563
- Top public schools: Lafayette High School (A+), Marquette Senior High School (A+), Woerther Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. John Lutheran School (unavailable), St. Clare of Assisi School (unavailable), The Learning Experience - Ellisville (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1630 Bentshire Ct, Ellisville ($999,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#24. Maryland Heights
- Population: 27,080
- Median home value: $158,800 (56% own)
- Median rent: $1,043 (44% rent)
- Median household income: $66,686
- Top public schools: Parkway Central High School (A+), McKelvey Elementary School (A+), Parkway Central Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Holy Spirit Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 211 Midland Ave, Maryland Heights ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $158,800 (56% own)
- Median rent: $1,043 (44% rent)
- Median household income: $66,686
- Top public schools: Parkway Central High School (A+), McKelvey Elementary School (A+), Parkway Central Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Holy Spirit Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 211 Midland Ave, Maryland Heights ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#23. Manchester
- Population: 18,110
- Median home value: $229,700 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,061 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $77,983
- Top public schools: Parkway West High School (A+), Parkway West Middle School (A+), Henry Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Al Manara Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 711 Connie Ln, Manchester ($849,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $229,700 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,061 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $77,983
- Top public schools: Parkway West High School (A+), Parkway West Middle School (A+), Henry Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Al Manara Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 711 Connie Ln, Manchester ($849,900, 5 bedrooms)
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#22. Clarkson Valley
- Population: 2,614
- Median home value: $642,700 (100% own)
- Median rent: No data available (0% rent)
- Median household income: $175,125
- Top public schools: Lafayette High School (A+), Marquette Senior High School (A+), Crestview Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 16508 Kingspointe Lake Ln, Chesterfield ($1.1 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $642,700 (100% own)
- Median rent: No data available (0% rent)
- Median household income: $175,125
- Top public schools: Lafayette High School (A+), Marquette Senior High School (A+), Crestview Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 16508 Kingspointe Lake Ln, Chesterfield ($1.1 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#21. Maplewood
- Population: 8,051
- Median home value: $189,600 (40% own)
- Median rent: $763 (60% rent)
- Median household income: $48,278
- Top public schools: Mark Twain Elementary School (A), Brentwood High School (A), Webster Groves High School (A)
- Pictured: 7272 Sarah St, Maplewood ($477,500, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $189,600 (40% own)
- Median rent: $763 (60% rent)
- Median household income: $48,278
- Top public schools: Mark Twain Elementary School (A), Brentwood High School (A), Webster Groves High School (A)
- Pictured: 7272 Sarah St, Maplewood ($477,500, 3 bedrooms)
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#20. Parkville
- Population: 6,724
- Median home value: $411,600 (83% own)
- Median rent: $714 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $136,389
- Top public schools: Park Hill South High School (A), Plaza Middle School (A), Lakeview Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 6533 Ridge Rd, Parkville ($2.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $411,600 (83% own)
- Median rent: $714 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $136,389
- Top public schools: Park Hill South High School (A), Plaza Middle School (A), Lakeview Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 6533 Ridge Rd, Parkville ($2.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#19. Crestwood
- Population: 11,865
- Median home value: $208,600 (87% own)
- Median rent: $952 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $84,714
- Top public schools: Crestwood Elementary School (A), Sperreng Middle School (A), Sappington Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Holy Cross Academy - Our Lady of Providence (unavailable), Our Lady of Providence School (unavailable), Queen of the Holy Rosary Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5 Heather Dr, Saint Louis ($379,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $208,600 (87% own)
- Median rent: $952 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $84,714
- Top public schools: Crestwood Elementary School (A), Sperreng Middle School (A), Sappington Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Holy Cross Academy - Our Lady of Providence (unavailable), Our Lady of Providence School (unavailable), Queen of the Holy Rosary Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5 Heather Dr, Saint Louis ($379,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#18. Town and Country
- Population: 11,077
- Median home value: $734,800 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,195 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $192,983
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Visitation Academy (A+), Principia School (A), Westminster Christian Academy (A)
- Pictured: 3 Serendipity Cir, Town and Country ($4.0 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $734,800 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,195 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $192,983
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Visitation Academy (A+), Principia School (A), Westminster Christian Academy (A)
- Pictured: 3 Serendipity Cir, Town and Country ($4.0 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#17. Oakland
- Population: 1,713
- Median home value: $318,500 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,176 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $107,500
- Top public schools: Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Nipher Middle School (A+), North Glendale Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Ursuline Academy (A-)
- Pictured: 124 N Holmes Ave, Oakland ($899,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $318,500 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,176 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $107,500
- Top public schools: Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Nipher Middle School (A+), North Glendale Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Ursuline Academy (A-)
- Pictured: 124 N Holmes Ave, Oakland ($899,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#16. Des Peres
- Population: 8,619
- Median home value: $449,800 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,870 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $150,800
- Top public schools: Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Parkway West High School (A+), Nipher Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Paul's Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 11 Claychester Dr, Saint Louis ($2.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $449,800 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,870 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $150,800
- Top public schools: Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Parkway West High School (A+), Nipher Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Paul's Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 11 Claychester Dr, Saint Louis ($2.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#15. Wildwood
- Population: 35,459
- Median home value: $378,000 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,210 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $135,202
- Top public schools: Lafayette High School (A+), Marquette Senior High School (A+), Woerther Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Alban Roe School (unavailable), Elegant Child Early Learning Center (unavailable), Living Water Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 19203 Brookhollow Dr, Wildwood ($2.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $378,000 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,210 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $135,202
- Top public schools: Lafayette High School (A+), Marquette Senior High School (A+), Woerther Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Alban Roe School (unavailable), Elegant Child Early Learning Center (unavailable), Living Water Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 19203 Brookhollow Dr, Wildwood ($2.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#14. Rock Hill
- Population: 4,634
- Median home value: $192,700 (87% own)
- Median rent: $983 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $83,398
- Top public schools: Brentwood High School (A), Webster Groves High School (A), Steger Sixth Center (A)
- Top private schools: The Goddard School - Rock Hill (Webster Groves) (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1053 N Rock Hill Rd, Rock Hill ($659,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $192,700 (87% own)
- Median rent: $983 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $83,398
- Top public schools: Brentwood High School (A), Webster Groves High School (A), Steger Sixth Center (A)
- Top private schools: The Goddard School - Rock Hill (Webster Groves) (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1053 N Rock Hill Rd, Rock Hill ($659,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#13. Ladue
- Population: 8,601
- Median home value: $831,800 (99% own)
- Median rent: $1,490 (1% rent)
- Median household income: $214,875
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Clayton High School (A+), Kirkwood Senior High School (A+)
- Top private schools: John Burroughs School (A+), MICDS - Mary Institute & St. Louis Country Day School (A+), Community School (A+)
- Pictured: 701 Barnes Rd, Saint Louis ($10.0 million, 10 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $831,800 (99% own)
- Median rent: $1,490 (1% rent)
- Median household income: $214,875
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Clayton High School (A+), Kirkwood Senior High School (A+)
- Top private schools: John Burroughs School (A+), MICDS - Mary Institute & St. Louis Country Day School (A+), Community School (A+)
- Pictured: 701 Barnes Rd, Saint Louis ($10.0 million, 10 bedrooms)
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#12. Warson Woods
- Population: 2,046
- Median home value: $444,100 (98% own)
- Median rent: $1,450 (2% rent)
- Median household income: $150,417
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Rohan Woods School (A+)
- Pictured: 555 Flanders Dr, Saint Louis ($550,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $444,100 (98% own)
- Median rent: $1,450 (2% rent)
- Median household income: $150,417
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Rohan Woods School (A+)
- Pictured: 555 Flanders Dr, Saint Louis ($550,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#11. Webster Groves
- Population: 22,951
- Median home value: $296,800 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,349 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $102,759
- Top public schools: Mark Twain Elementary School (A), Brentwood High School (A), Crestwood Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Nerinx Hall High School (A+), The College School (A), Mary Queen of Peace School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6 Algonquin Ln, Saint Louis ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $296,800 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,349 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $102,759
- Top public schools: Mark Twain Elementary School (A), Brentwood High School (A), Crestwood Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Nerinx Hall High School (A+), The College School (A), Mary Queen of Peace School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6 Algonquin Ln, Saint Louis ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#10. Glendale
- Population: 5,891
- Median home value: $414,800 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,407 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $140,184
- Top public schools: Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Nipher Middle School (A+), North Glendale Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: 722 Edwin Ave, Glendale ($769,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $414,800 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,407 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $140,184
- Top public schools: Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Nipher Middle School (A+), North Glendale Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: 722 Edwin Ave, Glendale ($769,900, 5 bedrooms)
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#9. Kirkwood
- Population: 27,708
- Median home value: $315,000 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,074 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $90,730
- Top public schools: Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Nipher Middle School (A+), North Kirkwood Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. John Vianney High School (A), Christ Community Lutheran School - Woodbine Campus (unavailable), St. Peter Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 740 N Taylor Ave, Kirkwood ($1.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $315,000 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,074 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $90,730
- Top public schools: Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Nipher Middle School (A+), North Kirkwood Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. John Vianney High School (A), Christ Community Lutheran School - Woodbine Campus (unavailable), St. Peter Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 740 N Taylor Ave, Kirkwood ($1.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#8. Creve Coeur
- Population: 18,538
- Median home value: $402,300 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,244 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $96,319
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+), Parkway West High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Saint Louis Priory School (A+), Whitfield School (A+), Chaminade College Preparatory School (A+)
- Pictured: 15 Williamsburg Rd, Saint Louis ($2.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $402,300 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,244 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $96,319
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+), Parkway West High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Saint Louis Priory School (A+), Whitfield School (A+), Chaminade College Preparatory School (A+)
- Pictured: 15 Williamsburg Rd, Saint Louis ($2.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#7. Frontenac
- Population: 3,513
- Median home value: $694,300 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,707 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $217,768
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School (A+)
- Pictured: 6 Bridle Ln, Frontenac ($4.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $694,300 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,707 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $217,768
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Kirkwood Senior High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School (A+)
- Pictured: 6 Bridle Ln, Frontenac ($4.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#6. Ballwin
- Population: 30,252
- Median home value: $261,900 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,138 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $98,750
- Top public schools: Parkway West High School (A+), Marquette Senior High School (A+), Parkway West Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Holy Infant Elementary School (unavailable), La Petite Academy of Ballwin (unavailable), Primrose School of Ballwin (unavailable)
- Pictured: 267 Meadowbrook Country Club Est, Ballwin ($875,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $261,900 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,138 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $98,750
- Top public schools: Parkway West High School (A+), Marquette Senior High School (A+), Parkway West Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Holy Infant Elementary School (unavailable), La Petite Academy of Ballwin (unavailable), Primrose School of Ballwin (unavailable)
- Pictured: 267 Meadowbrook Country Club Est, Ballwin ($875,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#5. Olivette
- Population: 7,849
- Median home value: $338,100 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,133 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $86,250
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+), Old Bonhomme Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Immanuel Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7 Arbor Rd, Saint Louis ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $338,100 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,133 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $86,250
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+), Old Bonhomme Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Immanuel Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7 Arbor Rd, Saint Louis ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#4. Brentwood
- Population: 8,005
- Median home value: $228,800 (64% own)
- Median rent: $1,239 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $81,069
- Top public schools: Mark Twain Elementary School (A), Brentwood High School (A), Webster Groves High School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Mary Magdalen School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8 Southcote Rd, Brentwood ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $228,800 (64% own)
- Median rent: $1,239 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $81,069
- Top public schools: Mark Twain Elementary School (A), Brentwood High School (A), Webster Groves High School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Mary Magdalen School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8 Southcote Rd, Brentwood ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#3. Chesterfield
- Population: 47,605
- Median home value: $379,800 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,200 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $113,315
- Top public schools: Lafayette High School (A+), Parkway West High School (A+), Marquette Senior High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Barat Academy (A), Missouri Torah Institute (A), Incarnate Word Parish School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 42 Pacland Estates Dr, Chesterfield ($4.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $379,800 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,200 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $113,315
- Top public schools: Lafayette High School (A+), Parkway West High School (A+), Marquette Senior High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Barat Academy (A), Missouri Torah Institute (A), Incarnate Word Parish School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 42 Pacland Estates Dr, Chesterfield ($4.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#2. Clayton
- Population: 16,588
- Median home value: $633,400 (59% own)
- Median rent: $1,249 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $107,596
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Clayton High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Central Christian School (A+), The Wilson School (A+), The St. Michael School of Clayton (unavailable)
- Pictured: 32 Brentmoor Park, Clayton ($3.0 million, 9 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $633,400 (59% own)
- Median rent: $1,249 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $107,596
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Clayton High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Central Christian School (A+), The Wilson School (A+), The St. Michael School of Clayton (unavailable)
- Pictured: 32 Brentmoor Park, Clayton ($3.0 million, 9 bedrooms)
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#1. Richmond Heights
- Population: 8,500
- Median home value: $253,700 (56% own)
- Median rent: $1,035 (44% rent)
- Median household income: $82,261
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Clayton High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Immacolata Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 105 Lake Forest Dr, Saint Louis ($2.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $253,700 (56% own)
- Median rent: $1,035 (44% rent)
- Median household income: $82,261
- Top public schools: Ladue Horton Watkins High School (A+), Clayton High School (A+), Ladue Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Immacolata Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 105 Lake Forest Dr, Saint Louis ($2.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
