Why moving to Missouri: Affordable living costs. Diverse cultural experiences. Mild, four-season climate. Thriving job market. Top-rated educational institutions. Welcoming, friendly communities. Expansive outdoor recreational opportunities. Rich historical landmarks. Vibrant arts and music scene. Centrally-located transportation hub.
Affordable living costs.
Moving to Missouri offers significantly affordable living costs, with the state's overall cost of living 8% lower than the national average, driven by lower housing costs, utilities, and other necessities like groceries and healthcare. This affordability can be explored in detail using the Cost of Living Calculator, making Missouri an attractive option for those seeking to save on daily living expenses. This affordability extends across various categories and highlights why so many find the state appealing for budget-conscious living.
Diverse cultural experiences.
Moving to Missouri offers diverse cultural experiences, from the cosmopolitan arts and music scenes in St. Louis and Kansas City, to the traditional folk arts and music of the Ozark Mountains, and a rich tapestry of historical and cultural institutions that celebrate the state's unique heritage. For those interested in exploring Missouri's vibrant culture further, Cultural Life provides an in-depth look at what makes this state a fascinating place to live and visit.
Mild, four-season climate.
Missouri offers a continental climate with strong seasonality, featuring distinct four seasons. While winters can be cold and summers hot, the state experiences a gradient of climate conditions from northwest to southeast, with regional variations that include both humid subtropical and humid continental influences, providing a diverse and dynamic seasonal experience. For detailed information, you can visit the Climate Summary page to explore more about Missouri's climate.
Thriving job market.
Missouri is an attractive destination due to its thriving job market, leading the nation with a 2.4% increase in employment in 2024, driven by significant growth in industries such as healthcare, leisure and hospitality, and construction, along with substantial investments in infrastructure and technology. For more detailed insights into Missouri's economic achievements, visit the Missouri Partnership website.
Top-rated educational institutions.
Moving to Missouri offers access to top-rated educational institutions, including Truman State University, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Missouri-Columbia, all of which are highly accredited and offer a range of academic programs with strong retention and acceptance rates. These institutions provide a mix of public and private options, various learning environments, and a focus on student success and career development. For more information on educational opportunities, explore the offerings at BestColleges, which highlights these and other outstanding colleges in the region.
Welcoming, friendly communities.
Missouri is renowned for its welcoming and friendly communities, with towns like Branson, Saint Genevieve, Hermann, and Boonville offering a mix of Southern and Midwestern hospitality, rich cultural influences, and a strong sense of community and togetherness. For a comprehensive overview, visit the World Atlas for detailed insights into these charming towns. Whether you are seeking vibrant cultural experiences or simply a warm and inviting atmosphere, Missouri's towns provide the perfect backdrop for exploring the diverse and hospitable Midwest.
Expansive outdoor recreational opportunities.
Missouri offers expansive outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, boating, and hunting along the Missouri National Recreational River, as well as numerous state parks with activities such as backpacking, cave tours, and horseback riding. These areas provide diverse landscapes and activities that cater to various interests and skill levels, making Missouri National Recreational River an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Rich historical landmarks.
Moving to Missouri offers the opportunity to explore a rich array of historical landmarks, including Civil War battlefields like the Battle of Lexington and the Battle of Pilot Knob, the birthplaces of notable figures such as Harry S Truman and Mark Twain, and historic sites like the Missouri Mines State Historic Site and the Deutschheim State Historic Site, which showcase the state's diverse historical and cultural heritage. These sites provide interpretative tours and museums that delve into the state's significant events and figures. For more detailed information on planning your visit and the activities available at these sites, you can explore the Historic Site Tours which are managed by Missouri State Parks.
Vibrant arts and music scene.
Missouri offers a vibrant arts and music scene, with notable hubs in Kansas City for jazz, St. Louis for blues, and Branson for live music, showcasing a rich musical heritage and influential contributions from legendary musicians like Charlie Parker, Count Basie, and Chuck Berry. Experience the rhythm and soul by exploring the renowned music hubs highlighted on Visit The USA, where the state's commitment to the arts is passionately celebrated.
Centrally-located transportation hub.
Missouri is a centrally-located transportation hub, with the Gateway Transportation Center in St. Louis serving as a multimodal transit hub for passenger trains, long-distance buses, public light rail, and public buses, making it a key connector for both people and goods.