Big things happen in the small town of Chillicothe
No one ever asks what the best thing before sliced bread was, and that’s thanks to a small-town bakery in Chillicothe, Missouri, 90 miles from Kansas City. Yes, Chillicothe is the home of sliced bread. In 1928, the Chillicothe Baking Company — facing bankruptcy — implemented a new bread slicer invented by Otto Rohwedder to sell pre-sliced loaves, saving the business and setting the benchmark for modern inventions. Today, Chillicothe is still a small town where things are always happening. “It’s small-town living with everything you need,” says Kristy Lauhoff, the managing broker and Realtor of Century 21 Farm and Home and longtime Chillicothe resident. “Within a 30- to 50-mile radius, Chillicothe is by far the most popular place to live because it has the most to offer,” says Lauhoff. “We’re in the middle of farm country, but we’ve got nice neighborhood streets, lots of downtown businesses and big stores that most people in rural areas would have to drive to.” Chillicothe may not be a big city, but between its good schools and thriving businesses, it offers much more than the average rural town.
Murals covering the walls of Chillicothe's downtown 1920s buildings highlight the area’s history and significance to the community.
Chillicothe may not be a big city, but between its good schools and thriving businesses, it offers much more than the average rural town.
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A range of home styles and prices around town
Because of Chillicothe’s long-standing popularity in this rural region, there are plenty of old and new homes. Most homes are around downtown, on the grid streets east and west of Washington Street — Chillicothe’s main artery. These residential streets are flush with greenery, between the spacious grassy lawns and shady trees. “Homes go fast, and prices here are higher than the surrounding area because everyone wants to live here,” says Lauhoff. “But prices range all over.” The median home price is about $160,000. This could get anything from a 1920s bungalow to a 1930s workman’s cottage or 1970s ranch-style. Some smaller homes that need a bit of touching up can start at under $100,000, while larger 1920s prairie-style homes are closer to $300,000. Newer homes and properties with acreage can cost over $700,000.
Many bungalows homes in Chillicothe were built between the 1920s and the late 1960s.
Rustic ranch-style homes may sit on corner lots covered in shade trees in Chillicothe.
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Local businesses live along Washington Street
With the town’s history, people in Chillicothe know the importance of local business. Downtown is the community’s heart, where restaurants and shops thrive along Washington Street. “The downtown square has all these mom and pop shops that are a big part of the community,” says Lauhoff. “It’s part of the culture here to support the local businesses.” Murals covering the walls of downtown’s 1920s buildings highlight the area’s history and significance to the community. Spots like Boji Stone Café and Blackwater Restaurant are staples. Country Corner Craft and Antique Mall and Beemer’s Clothing are just a couple of the many shops around downtown. Grocery stores are scattered up and down Washington Street.
Country Corner Craft and Antique Mall and Beemer’s Clothing are just a couple of the many shops around downtown.
Blackwater Restaurant is a staple in Chillicothe and is known for its steaks and other comfort foods.
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All schools are in town
The Chillicothe R-II School District serves the city and earns an A-minus rating from Niche. The district has three elementary schools, one middle and one high school. Each elementary school, including A-rated Dewey Elementary, is within walking distance of many homes downtown. All students continue to Chillicothe Middle, given a B. They finish at Chillicothe High, which gets a B-plus. Chillicothe High is home to the Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center, a community space for shows and events put on by the Chillicothe Arts Council.
A-rated Dewey Elementary, is within walking distance of many homes near downtown Chillicothe.
All students continue to Chillicothe Middle, given a B rating.
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Shady space at Simpson Park and a choice of golf courses
Simpson Park is a cornerstone of Chillicothe. This large outdoor space along Washington Street is best known for the 200-year-old walnut trees that shade its grassy lawn. Underneath the canopy, there are picnic areas, wooden sculptures by local artists, a playground and tennis courts. In December, Simpson Park transforms into the Festival of Lights. People come from all over to see the holiday displays and decorations. Chilli Bay Waterpark, on the park’s north side, is a popular summer spot with pools and slides. Chillicothe Country Club neighbors Simson Park. This 9-hole course is a private option for local golfers. Just across the road, Green Hills Golf Course is an 18-hole links-style track open to anyone.
Simpson Park is a cornerstone of Chillicothe and is known for wooden sculptures by local artists, a playground and tennis courts.
Chillicothe's Green Hills Golf Course is an 18-hole links-style track open to the public.
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Opportunity in the Chillicothe Area Industrial Park
Agriculture and downtown businesses were the only industries in Chillicothe for many years. However, commercial activity has grown over the last 20 years with the development of the Chillicothe Area Industrial Park. It’s located on the south end of town, near the intersection of U.S. Routes 65 and 36. Different distributors, manufacturers and storage facilities have found a home in the park and added to Chillicothe’s employment opportunities.
Commercial activity has grown over the last 20 years with the development of the Chillicothe Area Industrial Park.
With the town’s history, people in Chillicothe know the importance of local business and this comes to life in its downtown square.
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Healthcare in town and a 90-mile drive to Kansas City
Chillicothe is far from any big city. Still, residents don’t have to leave town for basic needs like healthcare, with Hedrick Medical Center in the north end of town on Washington Street. The medical center is also an employer for healthcare professionals in the area. Kansas City is the nearest metro area, 90 miles southwest. To get to Kansas City, drivers head west on U.S. Route 36 to Interstate 35, which leads south toward the city.
Hedrick Medical Center is right in town and is a large employer for healthcare professionals in Chillicothe.
The southern part of Washington Street in Chillicothe is filled with big box stores, fast-food restaurants and local shops.
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Tornadoes in late spring and early summer
Chillicothe isn’t frequently affected, but this belt of the Midwest is prone to tornadoes — the last time Chillicothe was directly affected by a tornado was in October 2021. Peak season is between April and June, but these extreme weather events can occur at any time of year. The spontaneous nature of tornadoes makes them difficult to prepare for. Residents can take simple precautions like establishing a shelter location so they can quickly get to safety.
Written By
Ed Coombs
Photography Contributed By
Brooke Wasson
Video By
Anne Sheridan
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sterling Spicer,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Chillicothe, MO sell after 85 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Chillicothe, MO over the last 12 months is $155,000, up 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Brooklyn AndersonUnited Country Graham Agency, LLC
Charming 2-Bedroom Ranch with Updates & Great Outdoor Space – Priced to Sell! Come visit this well-maintained and move-in ready 2-bedroom, 1-bath ranch offering comfort, convenience, and value. Everything is located on one floor for easy living, featuring a spacious kitchen with ample cabinet storage, perfect for home cooking and entertaining. Built-in hallway storage adds functionality and
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