These 10 Cities In Missouri Aren't Big And Aren't Too Small - They're Just Right
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Liz Oliver
Author
Kansas City and St. Louis get a lot of attention when talking about Missouri. However, where Missouri really shines is in our mid-size cities that have a little bit of everything! These cities are perfect for having all that you need for a great time without the big city hassle. If you’re looking for a new place to lay down some roots or just a new weekend getaway, check out our list of 10 cities in Missouri that aren’t too big and aren’t too small – they’re just right!
Lee's Summit is a great suburb of Kansas City. In 2006 Money Magazine ranked the city 44th in its list of the "100 Best Cities to Live in the United States." Downtown Lee's Summit is a cute shopping and entertainment district. Lee's Summit is well known for having great schools and safe neighborhoods. If you enjoy the outdoors spend some time at Longview Lake!
Arnold is a rapidly growing town about 30 minutes south of St. Louis. In 2008, Money Magazine ranked Arnold as the 12th "best and most affordable city to live in the United States." Everything you need is right in town but one of the best perks is being so close to the St. Louis metro for sporting events, concerts, and other special activities.
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Although Joplin widely know for the devastating tornado that destroyed much of the town in 2011 it should be known for the resilience the community showed in the years after the storm. The town has been rebuilt and is home to Grand Falls (Missouri's largest waterfall) and the Washington Carver National Monument. There are also great institutions of higher learning, tons of shopping and dining, and many great outdoor attractions. Check out all that Joplin has to offer!
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Besides being home to the University of Missouri, Columbia is an economic hub in the center of the state. Columbia has a great downtown district, tons of shopping and dining options, and lots of outdoor activities. You can access the Katy Trail from downtown, drive to the outskirts of town and see Big Burr Oak, or visit Rockbridge Memorial State Park and hike into the Devil's Icebox. With great schools and plenty of activities Columbia is a perfect place to call home.
Independence is home to not one but two major league stadiums. The Community of Christ Temple is also a prominent attraction in the city. Independence is very historically important as it was the start of the Oregon, Santa Fe, and California Trails. It is also the birthplace of President Harry S. Truman and you can find his museum and library there. Just a short drive to Kansas City makes Independence a great place to live and commute.
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St. Charles is one of Missouri's oldest settlements. This historical river town has the largest historic district in the state. St. Charles is also home to many museums, cultural attractions, an arena for sporting events and concerts, and hundreds of dining and shopping options. St. Charles has great schools, including Lindenwood University and is just a short drive to Lambert International Airport.
Missouri's state capitol is a great place to live or visit! For visitors there are great attractions like tours of the haunted Missouri State Penitentiary, the governor's mansion, or the capitol building. Take the Amtrak and explore this great river city.
St. Joseph is well known for being the starting point of the Pony Express. The famous outlaw Jesse James was killed in St. Joe and visitors can check out the museums dedicated to both the Pony Express and Jesse James. Be sure to visit the beautiful homes on "Millionaire's Row" located on the historic Hall street. Whether your making your home or just planning a visit, St. Joseph is a great place to be.
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Wentzville is the fastest growing city in Missouri. There has been a lot of development in the area over the past 10 years making it a great place to shop and eat. They are known for their great school districts and small town feel with big city amenities.
This river town in southeast Missouri is home to Southeast Missouri State University, great parks, plenty of shopping and dining options, and a unique arts district. Spend some time outside at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center or watch the barges go by at the Riverfront Bridge Park. Known as Cape by locals, this town is a perfect place to spend a weekend or settle down and plant some roots.
Do you live in any of these cities? What you do think are their best qualities? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Do you love small towns? Check out the 7 coolest small towns in Missouri.
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