Best Places to Live in Missouri (2025)

Discover the best neighborhoods in Missouri. From Kansas City's walkable districts to St. Louis' brick-lined streets and Columbia's college town atmosphere, explore Missouri living through detailed neighborhood guides.

Missouri Neighborhood Guides

Explore our detailed guides for Missouri's best neighborhoods. Each guide provides in-depth analysis of local characteristics, cost of living, and lifestyle fit.

Why Move to Missouri?

Missouri offers exceptional affordability combined with two major metro areas providing diverse career opportunities and urban amenities. Kansas City delivers world-renowned BBQ culture, jazz heritage, and walkable neighborhoods like Westport and the Crossroads Arts District, while St. Louis features iconic architecture, Forest Park, and revitalizing neighborhoods. The state's central location and no state tax on Social Security make it increasingly popular with retirees.

Our Missouri neighborhood guides analyze real data on cost of living, school ratings, walkability, and community characteristics to help you find your perfect match. Whether you prioritize Kansas City's growing streetcar corridor, St. Louis' historic brick neighborhoods, Columbia's Big 12 college town atmosphere, or peaceful Lake of the Ozarks waterfront living, these guides provide detailed insights into Missouri's most livable communities.

2-5.3%
State Income Tax
6.2M+
Population
Low
Cost of Living
Central
US Location

Missouri Regions: Where to Live

Kansas City Metro (Downtown, Westport, Plaza)

Known for: BBQ capital, jazz heritage, streetcar revival, fountains. Downtown KC features new residential development and Power & Light District entertainment. Westport offers walkable bar and restaurant scene. Country Club Plaza provides Spanish architecture and upscale shopping. Crossroads Arts District attracts young professionals.

St. Louis & Inner Suburbs (Central West End, Clayton, Maplewood)

Known for: Gateway Arch, Forest Park, brick architecture, Cardinals baseball. Central West End features historic mansions and walkable streets near Washington University. Clayton offers suburban downtown with restaurants. More affordable major metro than coastal cities. Strong medical sector with BJC Healthcare and Wash U Medical School.

Columbia (University of Missouri)

Known for: Mizzou campus, college town atmosphere, walkable downtown, healthcare jobs. Classic college town with Big 12 athletics, restaurants, and cultural events. University Hospital and VA Medical Center provide stable employment. More affordable than Kansas City or St. Louis while offering urban amenities. Popular with graduate students and young families.

Springfield & Southwest Missouri

Known for: Ozarks proximity, lower costs, outdoor recreation, smaller-city feel. Springfield is Missouri's third-largest city with Bass Pro Shops headquarters and growing healthcare sector. Gateway to Branson entertainment and Table Rock Lake. Appeals to those seeking affordability with moderate city amenities.

Lake of the Ozarks & Lake Communities

Known for: Vacation homes, waterfront living, boating culture, resort atmosphere. Lake of the Ozarks provides 1,150 miles of shoreline with year-round residents and seasonal tourism. More affordable lakefront than northern states. Popular with retirees and remote workers seeking water lifestyle.

Compare Missouri Cost of Living by ZIP Code

Use our interactive calculator to compare living expenses between any Missouri ZIP codes. See how housing, food, transportation, and other costs differ across the Show-Me State.

Compare Missouri ZIP Codes