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
Rhonda Overberg,
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 58 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.
Beautiful full-brick ranch-style home offering 2,488 finished square feet of comfortable living space! This 4-bedroom, 3-bath home features a spacious master suite, stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, and a functional layout perfect for everyday living. The main level includes 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths, while the finished basement expands your living space with a large family room, an
Like new 3-year-old brick ranch offering exceptional space and design. This home features a 3-car garage and over 2300 sq ft on the main level, plus an additional 1200 finished sq ft. on the lower level. With 5 bedrooms (potential for 6) and 3 full baths, there is room for everyone. The open concept layout is highlighted by wood and tile flooring throughout the main level and an abundance of
Welcome to 2204 Crown Point in Cape Girardeau - offering over 2800 finished square feet with room to grow! With over 1900 square feet on the main level, this all brick home delivers spacious, comfortable living from the moment you walk in. The main level features three bedrooms all with vaulted ceilings, including a generous primary suite complete with soaking tub, separate shower, dual granite
Exceptional duplex opportunity in beautiful Baldwin Village, listed at $734,900. This well-maintained property offers flexibility for investors, 1031 exchange buyers, or an owner-occupant wanting to live in one side while using the other side to help offset the mortgage. One unit is currently rented on a month-to-month lease with great long-term tenants, while the other side is vacant and ready
Stunning, All-brick home on approx. 5.8 acres located 2 miles south of Gordonville on Hwy 25. Main level offers 1,620 sq ft with an additional 420 sq ft finished basement space. Home features hardwood and ceramic tile throughout, solar, propane gas heat, county water, septic, and SEMO Fiber internet. Kitchen includes custom S&W Knotty Alder cabinets, granite countertops, leathered granite island,
Welcome to 2637 Hopper Rd — a versatile property packed with potential for first-time homebuyers, VA buyers, or anyone looking for extra space and flexibility as their lifestyle changes. This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath ranch-style home offers approximately 1,425 square feet on the main level, along with a partially finished full basement featuring walk-up access for added functionality
Tract# 2 of this newly split acreage for unrestricted development consists of a 4.33+/- acre timbered building lot with the country feeling of privacy & seclusion. Located with an entrance off W Cape Rock Rd, this rural timbered land tract is just outside of the Cape Girardeau city limits providing an urban setting. With paved road access and electric utility accessible at the roadside,
Located just outside the Cape Girardeau city limits between West Cape Rock Road and Old Sprigg St. Road, this rural-feel timbered land tract is comprised of four smaller tracts, but yet in an urban setting. This is one of those unrestricted development opportunities that rarely come available with private acreage so close to city limits. Currently available for sale are Tracts# 2, 3, &
Tract# 3 of this newly split acreage for unrestricted development consists of a 12.88+/- acre timbered building lot with the country feeling of privacy & seclusion. Located with an entrance off Old Sprigg Street Rd, this rural timbered land tract is just outside of the Cape Girardeau city limits providing an urban setting. With paved road access and electric utility accessible at 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.
This perfect family urban neighborhood 4.76-acre lot features an all-brick home that offers over 4,000 sq. ft. of living space with 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths, a main-level master bedroom, including a bonus of a main-level laundry, Custom Cabinets, a pantry with stainless steel appliances, a formal dining, and a living room with a wood-burning fireplace and a built-in cabinet for additional
Tract# 4 of this newly split acreage for unrestricted development consists of a 7.67+/- acre timbered building lot with the country feeling of privacy & seclusion. Located with an entrance off Old Sprigg Street Rd, this rural timbered land tract is just outside of the Cape Girardeau city limits providing an urban setting. With paved road access and electric utility accessible at the
Welcome to your private paradise — a stunning 5-bedroom, 4-bath brick estate perfectly situated on five majestic acres of serene countryside. This meticulously maintained property offers the ideal blend of luxury, comfort, and peaceful seclusion, while still providing easy access to town.From the moment you arrive, the remarkable pride in ownership is undeniable. Beautifully landscaped
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 -
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
The District at Cape near SEMO University is a unique, inclusive community offering the best of living in Cape Girardeau. With a wide variety of flexible spaces, you're sure to find the perfect layout to fit your lifestyle within our one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans. At The District at Cape, you'll enjoy carefree living at its finest in your new home!Residents love 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: 981739Half off first months rent if lease is signed before June 1st, 2026!! This 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
This property at 109 N Pindwood Ln features 2 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms within a total of 1,200 square feet. The attached photos are of the occupied side, where the available side has vinyl flooring. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and entertainment, while the spacious bedrooms provide comfortable accommodations. The bathroom includes essential fixtures, and the half bath adds
Welcome to a Luxury Rental in Cape Girardeau, MO!Make this beautiful brand-new construction rental yours today. This spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom unit offers the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and modern design. From the moment you walk inside, you will notice the quality finishes, custom cabinetry, thoughtful layout, and unique features that make this home stand out from
This is a very nice, 2 brm apartment with off street parking for 2 cars. Includes stove, fridge, dishwasher, garbage disposal, washer and dryer supplied. Central air and heat.
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
Welcome to 132 South Benton St, Unit A, Cape Girardeau, MO 63071!Enjoy the perfect mix of comfort and style in this inviting 2-bedroom, 1-bath. Priced at $900 per month with a flexible security deposit, this home offers great value and convenience.Pet-Friendly: Small dogs and cats are welcome!Smoke-Free: A clean and healthy living environment for everyone. Apply online
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