Centralia offers low crime rates, real estate prices and commute time
About 20 miles northeast of Columbia , Centralia is a Boone County city of 4,500. Founded in the 1850s as a railroad town, the area still takes advantage of its location to attract potential homeowners. “You’re probably about 30 minutes from Columbia,” says Ryan Martin, a Realtor with Real Broker and lifelong resident. “Most people here are farmers or working in this city, so it’s not a bad commute.” He says combining proximity with Centralia’s low crime and real estate prices is attractive for many, particularly parents. “It’s a safe, small town where you get a lot more bang for your buck,” Martin says.” Centralia has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4 out of 10.
Homes range from historic bungalows to lakefront views
Downtown Centralia is surrounded by residential zones mostly laid out in a grid pattern. Midcentury ranch-style homes share streets with turn-of-the-20th-century Cape Cods and bungalows. Green, tree-filled lots typically hover around a quarter-acre, though some can reach over half an acre. Homes tend to range from $40,000 to $270,000, depending on condition. 21st-century construction can be found on the far sides of Centralia in subdivisions like Country Club Estates or Cobblestone Lake. These homes often have above-average square footage and modern amenities like covered patios and lakefront views. Prices here range from about $220,000 to $640,000, depending on size and features. The median price for a home in Centralia is around $220,000, lower than Boone County’s median price in the $310,000s. “My experience has been that the value brings people out here,” says Greg Harmon, a Realtor with the Shy Team who’s worked in the region since 1992. “It tends to be more affordable than the surrounding area.”
Centralia High excels in sports and supports local spirit
Students in the area start at Chance Elementary, which teaches prekindergarten through second grade. From there, they’ll attend Centralia Intermediate School, which has third to fifth grade. Both schools have a B-minus from Niche. Next, they’ll head to Chester Boren Middle School, which has a B, before enrolling in B-minus-rated Centralia High School. In 2024, the high school’s boys’ cross country team won the state championships, while the girls’ softball team took runner-up at the state playoffs. In 2025, the wrestling team was named the Class 1 State Champions. “The school’s a big driver for the community,” says Martin. “It’s competitive and they’re basically good at every sport.”
Community centers and parks blend sports, nature and events
The City Recreation Park is a hub for outdoor activity, with athletic courts, a playground, a disc golf course and the local pool. Anglers are fond of its stocked fishing pond, and the baseball field is supported by bleachers and a concession stand. The Centralia Recreation Center offers indoor facilities for basketball, a fitness area and locker rooms. The Centralia Community Golf Course is a public 9-hole range that hosts league play and regular events like glow golf and the Par 3 Tournament. Filled with sculptures, stone accents and carefully landscaped gardens, Chance Gardens is a popular site for relaxing, photography and weddings.
Local shops and quirky eateries line downtown's streets
Locally owned stores and boutiques cluster around Allen Street, while Prenger Foods grocery is just off North Jefferson Street. Fast food and franchise restaurants line State Route 22, while family-owned eateries are deeper downtown. The Bluebird Bistro serves unique sandwiches like the jalapeno popper grilled cheese in a colorful, quirky atmosphere. Opened in 2015, The Hometown Shoppe has an eclectic variety of ice creams, smoothies, coffee drinks, protein shakes and loaded teas.
Rides and car shows light up the town square at the Anchor Festival
Held during the first weekend of June, the Centralia Anchor Festival has turned the town square into a block party since 1987. In addition to carnival rides and fried food, locals can expect a parade, live performances, car shows and a fun run.
Locals have quick access to Columbia’s hospital and major highways
Centralia is intersected by State Routes 22, 124 and 151, creating convenient routes to cities like Columbia, about 20 miles away. Boone Health Primary Care has a campus in the city that provides general medicine and lab work. The nearest emergency room is at the Boone Hospital Center in Columbia.
