California offers a small-town feel with events and volunteerism
California, the seat of Moniteau County, lies about 25 miles west of Jefferson City. With rural farmland surroundings and a population of roughly 4,500, the city offers a relatively peaceful, small-town lifestyle. “It’s a very green, pretty place,” says April Reed, a Realtor with eXp Realty who has lived in the region her entire life. Beyond its calm setting, residents foster a sense of community through local gatherings and acts of service. “People really support each other — we have a great nutrition center that offers low-cost meals, and some of the cooks are volunteers," Reed says.
Mix of historical homes and newer builds in California
California’s housing options include bungalows and farmhouses dating back to the early 1900s, as well as ranch-style homes from the mid-1900s onward. Sidewalks and mature hardwood trees line many of the gridded central streets, while subdivisions tend to have curving streets that pass wide, grassy lawns and private driveways. Fixer-uppers may sell from $70,000 to $110,000, but most sales fall within the $120,000 to $520,000 range. Parts of the area are prone to flooding, and lenders may require flood insurance.
Supporting local businesses, like Cal’s Thriftway
The city has some fast-food chains, including Sonic, and a few locally owned eateries. Dicus BBQ is a no-frills barbecue spot known for its smoked brisket, and Burger Haus has a buffet loaded with homestyle favorites, such as fried chicken. Grind Coffee & Bistro features specialty drinks and sandwiches, and when the weather’s nice, diners can enjoy the patio at MexiCali Bar and Grill. The California Nutrition Center hosts bingo nights and serves lunch on weekdays — people who are 60 or older pay a discounted rate.
While nearby Jefferson City is home to several large grocery chains, California has two grocery stores of its own — Cal’s Thriftway and C&R Market. “People take great pride in the community — some only grocery shop in town because they want the stores to stay open,” Reed says. “They fought for years to keep Walmart from coming because they knew it would shut the local stores down.”
California schools have a connected elementary-middle campus
California Elementary School receives a B rating from Niche, and its building connects with California Middle School, which earns a B-plus. California High School also holds a B-plus rating, and it offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including archery, football and band.
Recreation options include Proctor Park, sports fields and bowling
Residents have access to a variety of indoor and outdoor recreation. Proctor Park, a city-run green space, has a playground, as well as walking trails encircling a large lake. Near the fairgrounds, a sports complex provides fields for baseball and soccer. California Country Club has a nine-hole golf course that is open to the public, and members can use its swimming pool. LoveBug Play Center, LLC, is a miniature indoor village with imaginative play activities for toddlers and young children. The city also has a bowling alley and several fitness centers.
Rodeos, races and car shows bring California residents together
One of the most well-attended community events is the annual Ozark Ham & Turkey Festival, held each September. It is a nod to two major local employers — Burgers’ Smokehouse, known for its pork products, and Cargill, which has a poultry farm in California. The day-long gathering includes a parade, car show and 5K race, as well as plenty of food vendors. Afterward, the festivities continue with a rodeo at the county fairgrounds. California also hosts the Moniteau County Fair each summer. There’s a small midway with a Ferris wheel, and bands perform in the evenings. “There’s something different every night in the arena — the demolition derby is the big event,” Reed says.
U.S. Route 50 connects to services in Jefferson City
OATS Transit offers limited on-demand bus service, but most locals rely on personal vehicles for travel. U.S. Route 50 connects drivers to Jefferson City, around 25 miles away. California has its own primary care clinics and dentists, and emergency care is available at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital-Jefferson City. The Columbia Regional Airport is roughly 45 miles away. Freight trains periodically pass through the city, which may cause traffic delays.
