$222,007Average Value$159Average Price per Sq Ft17Homes For Sale
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.”
A bungalow in Centralia, MO, has a newly built front porch.
Double‑garage designs add convenience to this Centralia home.
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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.”
Chance Elementary School is home to 306 students in grades PK-5.
Chester Boren Middle School is conveniently located in downtown Centralia.
Centralia High School is home to 409 students in grades 9-12.
Centralia Intermediate School prepares their students for their journey to High School.
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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.
Centralia City Recreation Center is the location for residents to stay fit.
Nathan A. Toalson Bicentennial Park is located next to the community recreation center.
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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.
Hiding Place Flea Market provides a niche location for some unique items.
The Hometown Shoppe is a regular stop for Centralia residents who enjoy their sweets.
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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.
Written By
Phil Keeling
Photography Contributed By
Lucas Dyke
Video By
EB Fox
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Betty Jo Sydenstricker,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Centralia, MO sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Centralia, MO over the last 12 months is $211,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Brand New & Move In Ready! Experience modern living in this pristine 2026 built ranch by Central MO Homes. Spanning 1,224 sq. ft., this 2 bed, 2 bath gem features a bright open concept layout with durable luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout. The kitchen shines with modern cabinetry, soft-close hinges, and ample counter space. With 2 spacious bedrooms, the primary offers a walk in closet, with
Love modern living? This newer home delivers with tall ceilings, an airy open-concept layout, and a kitchen that connects effortlessly to the dining and living areas. You'll appreciate the dedicated laundry room that also works beautifully as a pantry right off the kitchen. The split-bedroom floorplan offers privacy with the primary suite tucked away, while bedrooms 2 and 3 sit across from the
Move to the country! Tucked away just 2 miles north of Centralia, this 3 bed, 2 bath home offers the perfect blend of modern living and rural serenity. With a spacious split-bedroom layout, 2 separate living areas, and an oversized 2 car detached garage complete with a room for an office, craft room or ''man cave''. Oversized deck off the back of the house is the perfect spot for entertaining.
GREAT LOCATION! All-brick 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home sitting on 1 acre m/l inside the city limits of Centralia! Spacious unfinished basement offers additional living space and abundance of storage. Also includes a storm shelter. Oversized 2 car garage plus a detached 30x40 insulated shop with electric.
HOLE IN ONE! Check out this beautiful 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom home with a 3-car garage in the sought-after Country Club Estates. Filled with natural light, this warm and welcoming home features a formal dining room and a spacious living room with a cozy gas fireplace. The kitchen includes an eating area for everyday convenience. The private master suite offers two closets and a large bathroom. A
Only 15 minutes from Columbia!One-of-a-kind custom home designed for strength, efficiency, timeless craftsmanship and tornado proof safety. This home features superior 2x6 construction with blown cellulose insulation and a ground-source geothermal HVAC system for exceptional efficiency and year-round comfort.The chef's kitchen showcases Amish-built 1⁄4 sawn oak cabinetry, high-end Café
Welcome to Mid-Missouri paradise! This thoughtfully updated 3-bed, 2-bath ranch sits on 3.4 picturesque acres located just 5 miles from Centralia and a stone's throw from Columbia. This estate offers exceptional privacy, mature trees, and landscaping that falls second to none. Built in 2001, the home boasts countless recent upgrades, including vinyl siding, a new garage door, and a beautiful back
This beautiful 3 bedroom (with a 4th non-conforming), 2 bathroom home is full of timeless character and warmth. You will love the inviting covered, wraparound front porch that is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the neighborhood. Inside, the home is filled with gorgeous natural light, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. With two living areas, a formal dining room, and a spacious kitchen,
Charming and fully renovated 2 bed 1 bath home offers modern living inside and is situated on a double lot for all of your outdoor needs. This home has been taken down to the studs and thoughtfully remodeled. Every detail has been refreshed for comfort, style and peace of mind. Everything is new, including the roof, windows, HVAC, plumbing, electrical and new finishes throughout. Appliances will
Iconic two-story home set on 2.5 picturesque acres. This property features three spacious bedrooms, a formal dining room, a den with dedicated workspace, and a family room in the partially finished basement. Recent kitchen and bathroom updates complement fresh interior paint throughout. Additional highlights include a two-car garage, a barn, and raised garden beds—perfect for enjoying country
Affordable country home just 3 miles from Centralia!!! Vacant and ready for your family!! 3.5 acres, 2 bedrooms (could easily be 3 bedrooms) with lots of updates. Oversized detached 2-car garage. Country living at its best with only large farms as neighbors!!
Ever imagine having a beautiful home with your own private access lake in the back yard? Well this is it! This picturesque three bedroom, three bath walk-out ranch includes two gazebos, two decks, a two car garage/shop combo with an efficiency apartment/office area, a two car covered carport, a two open-bay barn, and a fishing shed for the amazing backyard lake that sits on this beautifully
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