Along the Mississippi River about 115 miles south of St. Louis, the city of Cape Girardeau is home to around 40,000 people but with a culture all its own. There's plenty of outdoor recreation, lively entertainment and a historic downtown, setting apart the town from its eastern Missouri neighbors. “We are a small town, but we have all the amenities of a large city—music and theater—without the traffic or the people,” says Brenda Newbern, the executive director of the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The Blue Diamond Sports Bar is a place to socialize with friends and play a game of pool or darts in Cape Girardeau.
Established in 1733, Cape Girardeau sits along the Mississippi River beginning as a trading post.
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Historic homes and modern subdivisions
The median sale price for a home in Cape Girardeau is $208,250, about half the national median. Homes downtown tend to be older than in other parts of the city, with Craftsman styles, bungalows and cottages lining the streets. “In the historic districts, you have traditional homes, but we also have apartments and new subdivisions with modern styles,” says Newburn. The city's five historic districts often require a level of preservation, and permissions must be granted before significant changes or renovations can be made. Major employers include St. Francis Medical Center, Mercy Hospital Southeast and Procter & Gamble, which operates a paper-products factory on a 1,300-acre site north of town.
The quaint craftsman style homes are common in downtown Cape Girardeau.
Bungalows and small cottages line many streets in Cape Girardeau.
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Threaded with trails and peppered with parks
“Our parks are beautiful, and the trail system is unbelievable,'' Newburn says. "The Shawnee Trail runs the length of the city.” Cape Girardeau is home to 25 parks, spanning over 600 acres and seven scenic trails, including a riverfront walk. “You can bike on it, you can skateboard on it, and there are terraces where you can just sit and watch the barges go by.” Other popular spots include Cape Girardeau County Park South and Trail of Tears State Park, the latter of which is just outside the city in neighboring Jackson. Golfers can book a tee time at Dalhousie Golf Club. Locals can also catch a show at the Show Me Center, Southeast Missouri State University's destination for sporting events and live entertainment. Downtown, the historic Rose Theater puts on plays and musicals.
Families and kids enjoy the playground at Cape Girardeau County Park South.
Trail of Tears State Park stands as a memorial to those Cherokee Native Americans who died on the Cherokee Trail of Tears.
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Dinners in the historic downtown and shopping at The West Park Mall
Though restaurants and shops can be found throughout the city, most are concentrated downtown and along Blues Highway. Downtown, in particular, is known for its restaurants and antique stores, which are clustered together in historic buildings. “The food— oh, my goodness,” says Newburn. “We have every restaurant you can think of in this small town. I think we have something like 77 restaurants— everything from chains to independent, and all types of food.” The West Park Mall, located on the west side of the city, is being renovated and expanded to include new shops.
The West Park Mall in Cape Girardeau offers name brand shopping and a cozy place out of the elements to socialize.
Port Cape Girardeau Restaurant is a popular place for dinner downtown.
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The Cape Girardeau School District
The Cape Girardeau School District serves the city. Scoring a B on Niche, the district maintains five elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. Blanchard Elementary School ranks particularly high, earning an A-minus from Niche. At Franklin Elementary, class sizes are relatively small, with an average student-teacher ratio of 8-to-1.
Southeast Missouri State University, a four-year public institution, serves about 7,000 undergraduate students.
Franklin Elementary School is located at 1550 Themis Street.
Cape Girardeau is a college town, home of SEMO, Southeast Missouri University.
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Travel in Cape Girardeau and beyond
Interstate 55, State Route 74 and State Route 177 run through the city, providing a direct route to St. Louis. Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority operates fixed-route bus service and paratransit transportation. Cape Girardeau Regional Airport provides daily flights to Chicago under the federal Essential Air Service program. The St. Louis Lambert International Airport is 130 miles north and offers a broader selection of airlines and destinations.
Climate and Environment
Cape Girardeau experiences a humid subtropical climate, with humid summers and mild winters. Stormwater pollution is a concern, as most of the city’s stormwater ends up in the Mississippi River, which is a major drinking source for the community and surrounding areas. Prevention efforts include Cape Girardeau’s Storm Drain Stenciling Program, which remind residents and business operators that storm drains lead to the river.
Barge traffic can be seen traveling the Mississippi River that serves as the water source for many towns in this areas including Cape Girardeau.
Mild winters in Cape Girardeau allow students a comfortable commute to classes.
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Crime
According to FBI data, the rates of reported violent crime and property crime in Cape Girardeau over the last five years trend higher than the Missouri and national averages.
Written By
Stephanie Davison
Photography Contributed By
Dana Dieckmann
Video By
Victoria York
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Cape Girardeau, MO sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Cape Girardeau, MO over the last 12 months is $677,450, up 152% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Tucked at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in Carolewood, this one just feels different the second you pull up.From the moment you walk in, the entry makes a statement and sets the tone for the rest of the home. Upstairs, the kitchen is built for someone who actually uses it, with granite countertops, great flow, and plenty of space to cook, host, or gather. With 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms,
Welcome to this beautiful historic home, full of timeless charm and ready for its next family! From the moment you step inside, you’ll fall in love with the character, featuring tall ceilings, pocket doors, and beautiful wood floors that showcase the craftsmanship of its era. The main level offers added convenience with a half bath and laundry, while upstairs you’ll find 3 spacious bedrooms. The
Step into timeless elegance with this brick Italianate Historic Treasure. On the Historical Registry, built in 1883, this home has been lovingly preserved with only 4 owners, each honoring its remarkable legacy. From the moment you arrive, you are in awe, from the elaborate porch and original double set of doors welcoming you to a grand foyer with a 3 story original staircase with cherry newel
1.5-story vinyl-sided three-bedroom, one bath home with detached garage-workshop area.Minutes from Semo University and the amenities of town. This home could serve multiple purposes, such as a college rental for an investor or for parents looking for college housing, or a single-family residence that would make a great starter home for a first-time homebuyer.
Tract# 2 of this newly split acreage for residential development consists of a 4.33+/- acre urban timbered residential building lot, but with the country feeling of privacy & seclusion. Located with an entrance off W Cape Rock Rd, this exclusive upscale property has some limited deed restrictions to maintain its long-term upscale integrity. Just outside of the Cape Girardeau city limits, the
Welcome home to this completely renovated 4-bedroom, 3-1/2 bath residence located in a quiet Cape Girardeau neighborhood. With 2,619 sq ft of finished living space, this home blends modern updates with a highly functional layout designed for everyday comfort. The upper level features all four bedrooms, including a spacious primary suite with a private attached bathroom, creating a true retreat.
Tract# 4 of this newly split acreage for residential development consists of a 7.67+/- acre urban timbered residential building lot, but with the country feeling of privacy & seclusion. Located with an entrance off Old Sprigg Street Rd, this exclusive upscale property has some limited deed restrictions to maintain its long-term upscale integrity. Just outside of the Cape Girardeau city limits,
MOVE IN READY! This adorable home is ready to welcome you with its truly oversized kitchen with center island, lots of cabinetry too, 3bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and large fenced in yard. With plenty of space to entertain inside and out, it also has a family room in the basement thatwalks up into the backyard for easy use during parties, family gatherings, or for pets to venture in and out. The
This is your opportunity to live within one of the top ranked private golf clubs in Missouri. With a limited number of homesites available, you can design and build your dream home surrounded by the beauty and prestige of Dalhousie Golf Club. City water, city sewer, electric, gas, and Spectrum cable/internet have been installed and ready for your build. Dalhousie’s award winning course -
Spectacular Home in Northfield Subdivision!Nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this stunning home sits on a beautiful lot that truly feels like your own private oasis! Step through the front door into a grand entryway with wood floors that lead into a gorgeous living room featuring a gas fireplace and custom built-ins. The kitchen is a showstopper with stainless steel appliances,
Opportunity awaits with this affordable 2 bedroom, 1 bath home situated on a corner lot at 1501 N Main St in Cape Girardeau. The home offers a functional layout with a separate dining room, an unfinished basement for storage, and a detached garage for added flexibility. Conveniently located within 5 minutes of Southeast Missouri State University. Whether you’re searching for your next home, an
Welcome to the Highlands of Dunvegan! Located near Dalhousie, this 46 acre subdivision is ready for you to build your next home. There are 17 lots ranging from 2.5 acres to 3.24 acres in size. All the streets have been installed along with electric and Spectrum. Shared wells will be installed as the lots are sold and each home will install their own septic system. These large lots provide the
This is your opportunity to live within one of the top ranked private golf clubs in Missouri. With a limited number of homesites available, you can design and build your dream home surrounded by the beauty and prestige of Dalhousie Golf Club. City water, city sewer, electric, gas, and Spectrum cable/internet have been installed and ready for your build. Dalhousie’s award winning course -
You'll want to see this one in person! From the fenced yard with pool, heated & cooled workshop, low traffic convenient location, and incredible community, this home has features that are impossible to fully appreciate online. Now offered under $300,000, this spacious 4-bedroom Cape Girardeau home sits on approximately 1/3 acre in a quiet north Cape neighborhood and features a heated and cooled
The District at Cape near SEMO University is a unique, inclusive community offering the best of the best living in Cape Girardeau. Whether you're a college student, retiree, single professional, or family of four, you'll find the perfect fit with one of our one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans. At The District at Cape, you'll enjoy carefree living at its finest in your new
Blaze new paths here at Cape Trails Apartments in Cape Girardeau, MO! Our exciting community offers generous 2 and 4-bedroom floor plan styles, featuring in-unit washer and dryer as well as built-in desks in every bedroom. We are excited for you to discover every detail that makes our community special. Work up a sweat in our modern fitness center, or indulge in late-night study snacks in our
Elevate your living experience at Hawthorne Place! We are thrilled to announce the availability of our new 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath homes for lease. This home boasts modern designs and high-end finishes, including quartz countertops and backsplash, a spacious walk-in pantry, premium Kitchen-aid appliances, and elegant wide-plank LVP flooring. Located in the vibrant heart of Cape Girardeau and adjacent
4 Bedroom Roommate Matching Available Now! We still have a few units available for August move ins -- don't delay!! Visit our website for a virtual tour of the perfect place to call home!Welcome home to Hawks Landing Apartments in Cape Girardeau, MO! Our vibrant community offers multiple floor plan styles, with options for both furnished and unfurnished homes. We can’t wait to show you
These luxury townhomes offer a seamless blend of comfort and style. Designed with a fully equipped kitchen which include a stove, oven, dishwasher, microwave, and refrigerator. Each unit comes with a washer and dryer for added convenience. Residents enjoy access to a 24-hour fitness center, a saltwater pool, and a clubhouse, making this townhome an ideal choice for anyone seeking a practical yet
Property Id: 981739This two-story unit comes with a 1 car garage and 400+ sqft basement! This unit has 2 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms! Washer and Dryer hook-ups in basement with tons of storage area. A personal, single car, garage with enough room to store your ride and tools. Don't worry about paying for yard maintenance. The large lawn is trimmed by the owner. Some pets are allowed, with
Property Id: 1480880This is a beautiful, huge, newly restored home by River Campus remodeled with college student’s needs in mind. Everything has been completely redone. There are redone hardwood floors throughout the home, new energy efficient double hung widows, new doors, and 10 ft ceilings. The kitchen has new cabinets, countertops, stainless steel appliances and flooring. All
Start Your New Year in a Cozy Home – 3BR, 1BA for Only $1000!Ring in the New Year with a fresh start at 732 N. Middle St., Cape Girardeau, MO! This charming 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home is perfect for you and your loved ones. With a rental price of just $1000/month, it’s the perfect place to begin your next chapter. Enjoy the freedom of having small pets and take on the responsibility of
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