Top 15 Missouri Cities for a Quality Lifestyle

Missouri is notable for several reasons, including its association with Mark Twain and its reputation as a barbecue paradise. Additionally, it is known for having some of the finest frozen custard globally and a vigorous real estate market.

The state is home to the loudest stadium in the world and boasts one of the highest turkey populations, far surpassing its human population.

Conversely, Missouri also grapples with negative aspects such as elevated pollution levels, particularly concerning air quality, high crime rates, poor health statistics, and a lack of inclusivity. These challenges contribute to its listing in many “Worst States to Live in” compilations.

Nonetheless, Missouri is not as dire as some might suggest. Intriguingly, it has a larger shoreline than California, highlighting a remarkable natural beauty that is often overlooked.

This Midwestern state is characterized by its vast waterways, including the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, alongside the picturesque Ozarks and expansive plains, coupled with numerous caves.

A thriving economy and a low cost of living further encourage the decision for many to reside in America’s Heartland.

Residents of Missouri are typically skeptical, which is why the state has earned the nickname, The Show-Me State.

Therefore, it was essential to compile empirical data based on five critical metrics—education, income, quality of life, crime rate, and recreational opportunities—to create our list of the 15 best places to live in Missouri.

Here are our findings.

1. Creve Coeur

Source: ChrisYunker / Flickr

Located in St. Louis County, Creve Coeur offers convenient access to essential transportation routes like Interstate 270, Mason Road, and Conway Road. The city features seven nature parks, with Conway Park being the largest at twenty-nine acres and Fountain Park as the smallest at one acre.

The city’s nature parks, which include playgrounds, nature trails, volleyball courts, and a seasonal splash pad, provide recreational enjoyment for residents. Specifically, the Creve Coeur Community Center, which is well-frequented by locals, offers an ice rink for skaters and hockey teams, alongside a golf course catering to enthusiasts.

Additionally, Creve Coeur is an economic hub, housing major corporations such as Energizer and CenturyLink. The presence of two public school districts further enhances its appeal for families with children.

Entertainment & Activities

Noteworthy attractions and activities in and around Creve Coeur include:

• Millennium Park
• AMC Creve Coeur 12
• Forest Park
• STL Zoo
• The Gateway Arch
• Conway Park
• City Museum

2. Clayton

Source: ChrisYunker / Flickr

Renowned for its high quality of life, Clayton stands out as one of the premier places to reside in Missouri. The suburb offers a harmonious blend of downtown amenities and residential neighborhoods, making it particularly appealing to families.

Clayton’s strategic location with easy access to interstate highways facilitates convenient commuting. Notably, over eighty percent of Clayton’s land is allocated for residential and park use, while its business district features more than eight million square feet of office and retail space.

In addition, Clayton’s low crime rate enhances its desirability as a living destination. Many residential properties are conveniently situated within walking distance of shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.

Entertainment & Activities

Key attractions and activities in and around Clayton include:

• Saint Louis Art Museum
• Forest Park
• Shaw Park
• Boathouse at Forest Park
• Ivy Cafe
• Saratoga Lanes
• Turtle Playground
• Saint Louis Science Center
• Tower Grove Park

3. Wildwood

Source: Allegrorondo / Wikimedia

Wildwood stands out as one of Missouri’s premier residential options, consistently reporting six-figure household incomes.

This picturesque town in St. Louis County is home to over five thousand residents and offers ample amenities for its community. With convenient access to the city, Wildwood benefits from proximity to a wealth of urban facilities, including excellent dining and shopping options. Its charming atmosphere, numerous nature parks, and recreational areas contribute to its appeal.

Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of Wildwood’s several state parks, nature reserves, and trails, including a ski resort available for winter sports.

The area boasts a notably low crime rate and high-performing schools, with a graduation rate of 97%, tying with Creve Coeur for the highest in the state.

Entertainment & Activities

Prime attractions in Wildwood include:

• Hidden Valley Ski Resort
• Rockwoods Reservation
• Six Flags St. Louis
• Babler State Park
• Bluffview Trail
• Community Park
• Grant’s Farm
• Purina Farms
• Big Joel’s Safari Petting Zoo

4. Glendale

Source: Michael R. Allen / Flickr

Glendale is a compact community with a population exceeding six thousand residents. This small town cultivates a strong sense of community, evidenced by its motto prioritizing residents’ welfare.

How does Glendale compare to other affluent neighborhoods? The cost of living is notably high, nearly double the national average, while its median home values also exceed that of many comparable areas.

As a residential suburb, Glendale is recognized as one of Missouri’s finest places to reside. The community offers a variety of recreational activities, making it an ideal suburban environment for families.

Although small, Glendale’s nightlife thrives alongside numerous recreational opportunities.

For families considering relocation, Glendale, like its counterparts, provides access to some of the best schools in the state.

Entertainment & Activities

Prominent attractions in Glendale include:

• Tilles Park
• Campbell House Museum
• Algonquin Golf Club
• Busch Stadium
• Tower Grove Park
• National Blues Museum
• Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
• Jefferson Barracks Park

5. Kirkwood

Source: pasa47 / Flickr

Home to over twenty-seven thousand residents, Kirkwood features high-value properties, exemplary public schools, and secure neighborhoods. The town offers various amenities, including an ice rink, ball fields, outdoor amphitheater, and numerous playground areas.

Kirkwood boasts a diverse culinary scene, with over forty restaurants ranging from quaint coffee shops to upscale dining establishments. Additionally, the town has introduced the Kirkwood Connector, a complimentary electric cab service to facilitate transportation between downtown areas.

The annual calendar in Kirkwood features events like the Route 66 Festival-Cars and the Hallown Walk. Furthermore, the town encompasses over fourteen parks, which provide ample options for outdoor activities, including playgrounds, athletic fields, and hiking trails.

Entertainment & Activities

Highlights of Kirkwood include:

• Kirkwood Park
• Grant’s Farm
• National Museum of Transportation
• Saint Louis Art Museum
• Kirkwood Ice & Fuel Co.
• The Minifig Shop
• Kirkwood Community Center

6. Chesterfield

Source: pknitty86 / Flickr

Chesterfield, the largest city in west St. Louis County, is referred to as the City of Volunteers, ranking among the best places to live in Missouri. The city features thriving shopping districts, cultural venues, and a variety of nature parks and trails.

Chesterfield is home to Faust Park, which encompasses a historic village, children’s playground, hiking trails, a carousel, and The Butterfly House, an educational center showcasing butterfly exhibits.

A local favorite, Sauce on the Side, is known for its specialty calzones, salads, and dessert calzones.

Entertainment & Activities

Notable attractions in and around Chesterfield include:

• Faust Park
• Central Park Chesterfield
• St. Louis Premium Outlets
• Chesterfield Amphitheater
• St. Louis Carousel
• The Neutral Zone Retro Arcade and Toy Store
• Dream Play Recreation
• Chesterfield Antique Mall
• Marcus Chesterfield Cinema

7. Ballwin

Source: Tom Feary / Flickr

Ballwin is a town in St. Louis County, home to over thirty thousand residents. The cost of living here is lower than many areas on this list, with lower housing prices attracting newcomers.

Households in Ballwin enjoy high median incomes coupled with a relatively low unemployment rate. The town is also home to 17 Missouri Gold Star Schools and 14 National Blue Ribbon Schools, along with four state parks.

These factors contribute to Ballwin’s repeated appearances in Money Magazine’s best places to live in the United States over the past decade.

Entertainment & Activities

Popular attractions in Ballwin include:

• Castlewood State Park
• Sky Zone Trampoline Park
• The Pointe
• Circle 7 Ranch
• Vlasis Park
• North Pointe Aquatic Center
• Ferris Park

8. Webster Groves

Source: Matthew Black / Flickr

Webster Groves is designated in a region that originally formed part of the Louisiana Territory. The area emerged in the late 19th century as an alternative community for St. Louis residents seeking a more tranquil and safer living environment.

Presently, Webster Groves is known as one of the most affluent and sought-after suburbs in the metropolitan area, boasting both affordable housing options and strong income prospects.

The community appeals to families and retirees alike, and it also attracts numerous students, aided by the presence of Webster University. The area encompasses over twenty-three thousand residents.

The Old Webster locale is favored by inhabitants, featuring a charming town center filled with historical allure and quaint shops, making it a preferred social gathering place.

Meanwhile, the Old Orchard area epitomizes a flourishing dining and entertainment venue, creating an ideal balance of traditional and contemporary experiences.

Entertainment & Activities

Key attractions in and around Webster Groves are:

• Green Door Art Gallery
• Saint Louis Science Center
• Missouri Botanical Garden
• Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
• Puzzle Warehouse
• Tower Grove Park

9. Ozark

Source: Kbh3rd / Wikimedia

Ozark, a rapidly expanding community, continues to be recognized as one of the most desirable places to live in Missouri. It offers residents the charm of a small town while providing access to the conveniences of metropolitan living.

Strategically located on Highway 65, it takes only a ten-minute drive to reach Springfield and twenty-five minutes to access Branson, Missouri. Whether one enjoys outdoor parks, shopping, historical sites, or amusement parks, Ozark accommodates a diverse range of interests.

Boasting top rankings for quality of life from Bizjournals, Ozark also features a distinguished school district with official recognition from the state.

Entertainment & Activities

Key attractions in Ozark include:

• Smallin Civil War Cave
• Heather Hill Farms
• Stained Glass Theater
• Finley River Park
• Silver Dollar City
• Seven Springs Winery

10. Columbia

Source: Aneta Waberska / shutterstock

With its classic aesthetic and architecture, Columbia is often dubbed the Athens of the West, recognized as one of the best places to live in Missouri. Home to over one hundred and twenty thousand individuals, it also ranks as a prominent college town.

Columbia is teeming with educational institutions, including the University of Missouri, multiple elementary and middle schools, and four high schools. An array of major businesses such as Shelter Insurance and Columbia Insurance Group are based here as well.

Living in Columbia offers excellent value, with many properties featuring spacious plots adjacent to farmland. The city is also home to seventy-five nature parks, sixty miles of hiking trails, and twelve recreational facilities.

Residents appreciate the warm community atmosphere, neighborly friendliness, and expansive neighborhoods.

Entertainment & Activities

Top attractions and activities in Columbia include:

• Stephens Lake Park
• Shelter Gardens
• The Blue Note
• Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
• Ragtag Cinema
• Finger Lakes State Park
• The Candy Factory

11. Lee’s Summit

Source: Roadgeek Adam / Flickr

For individuals who identify with urban living yet seek the tranquility of suburbia, Lee’s Summit, a suburb of Kansas City, is an appealing choice.

Located in Jackson County, Lee’s Summit is home to over ninety-three thousand individuals, making it the fifth-largest city by population in Missouri. Despite its close proximity to the largest city in the state, Lee’s Summit possesses its own unique attraction.

Residents appreciate the low cost of living, particularly in terms of affordable rental properties.

The downtown area features an array of specialty shops, eclectic restaurants, and local businesses.

Overall, it stands out as a wonderful place to establish a residence.

Entertainment & Activities

Attractions and activities available in Lee’s Summit include:

• Summit Lanes
• Summit Fair
• Summit Waves
• Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street
• Winterset Park Nature Area
• Stonehaus Farms Winery

12. Liberty

Source: Americasroof at en.wikipedia / Wikimedia

Liberty is historically significant due to the Jesse James Bank Museum, located in its historic square, which marks the site of the first peaceful bank robbery in the United States, orchestrated by the renowned local outlaw’s gang.

With roots tracing back to a frontier trading post, Liberty has evolved into a vibrant community of more than sixty thousand residents.

This Clay County suburb is situated just 20 miles from the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Interestingly, Liberty has become one of the safest places in the state, with virtually no crime reported.

Residents benefit from an array of top-notch amenities and activities typically found in larger cities. The local dining scene is robust, featuring a mix of well-known chains and cozy independent establishments.

When assessing the cost of living against the quality of life, Liberty indeed offers significant value.

Entertainment & Activities

Notable experiences in Liberty encompass:

• B&B Theaters Liberty Cinema 12
• Belvoir Winery and Inn
• Above All Trampoline Park
• Historic Downtown Liberty
• Clay County Museum
• Worlds of Fun

13. Town and Country

Source: pasa47 / Flickr

Town and Country is an esteemed suburb of St. Louis, boasting a population of 11,000. If you are a follower of the PGA Tour or US Open, the town name may sound familiar, as it has hosted both prestigious events.

The median home values here rank among the highest in Missouri, reflective of the high incomes enjoyed by residents.

Its public schools rank amongst the elite in the state, accompanied by a low unemployment rate.

Entertainment & Activities

Highlights in Town and Country include:

• Lone Elk Park
• Castlewood State Park
• Queeny Park

14. St. Charles

Source: pasa47 / Flickr

Located near St. Louis, the city of St. Charles is part of the eponymous county.

This historical city was the embarkation point for the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1804, endowing it with a rich historical legacy while effectively integrating modern charm.

St. Charles boasts a wealth of outdoor attractions alongside numerous shopping options.

Residents can relish in local cuisine featuring the well-known St. Louis-style ribs, and the nightlife is vibrant, highlighted by venues like Ameristar Casino.

St. Charles is recognized for its low crime rates, and its population of over sixty-seven thousand enjoys an appealingly low cost of living.

Entertainment & Activities

Notable attractions in St. Charles include:

• Lewis and Clark Boat House and Museum
• Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles
• Frontier Park
• Jaycee Park
• The Family Arena
• Play Street Museum
• AMC Streets of St Charles

15. Maryland Heights

Source: pasa47 / Flickr

If you prefer a small-town atmosphere while being just minutes away from the Gateway City, Maryland Heights presents an exceptional living option.

Maryland Heights enjoys a prime location, situated less than 20 miles northwest of St. Louis, making it one of the largest suburbs in the area.

Education and manufacturing serve as the backbone of the local economy, with the highly-rated public school system contributing to Maryland Heights’ favorable ranking in educational standards. The area’s nightlife scene is vibrant, featuring venues like Hollywood Casino.

Such attractions have given rise to a burgeoning hospitality industry in Maryland Heights, greatly benefiting the nearly twenty-eight thousand residents.

Entertainment & Activities

Top experiences in Maryland Heights include:

• Ryze Adventure Park
• Aquaport
• Six Mile Bridge Brewery
• Maryland Heights Community Center
• Vago Park
• Brew House
• Westport Social