Elwood is a small city just across the river from St. Joseph
Just across the Missouri River from downtown St. Joseph, Elwood is a city of just over 1,100 people. Adjacent to the Rosecrans Memorial Airport, the community frequently hosts members of the Missouri National Guard and their families. Outside of the military, families in Elwood are often drawn to its quiet streets and location. "Most people are just looking for small-town living convenient to a larger city like St. Joseph," says Home Partners Real Estate agent Jan Seitz. "Everything around it is the country."
Homes infrequently go on sale, and sell fast when they do
Homes are typically one-story Cape Cods and ranch-style homes on lots often as large as half an acre. "Some of the lots are a little more generous than a typical city lot," says Seitz. "But I wouldn't call them large lots, either." Homes are rarely new, Seitz says, most of them falling between 75 and 100 years old. "They don't come on the market very often," she says. "And when they do, they sell fast." Amenities like driveways and garages are more frequently available in newer houses. Prices range from around $60,000 to $240,000, depending on the condition.
Locals cross the Pony Express Bridge for shopping
"People tend to head to St. Joe for shopping," says Seitz. "It's all just minutes away across the bridge." Downtown St. Joseph has a variety of locally owned businesses, including bookstores, coffee shops and antique stores. More familiar retail is further into town, with Target, Home Depot and Kohl's filling the Shoppes at North Village. El Canelo offers traditional Mexican dishes in a sports bar atmosphere. RC's Lunch Car is a family-owned diner specializing in laid-back, scratch-made meals.
Hikers, hunters and anglers take advantage of the Dupree Memorial Conservation Area
Comprised of over 230 acres, the Dupree Memorial Conservation Area aims to preserve the area's natural state alongside the Missouri River. In addition to bowhunting and trapping, the area is available for hiking, birdwatching and fishing. The Elwood Community Center is a hub for local events, from birthdays to craft fairs. History buffs can cross the bridge into St. Joseph to visit the Jesse James House and Museum or the Pony Express National Museum.
Events for the holidays include the Halloween Parade and the Easter egg hunt
Elwood hosts several holiday-related events, including the annual Halloween parade, Easter egg hunt and Christmas community dinner. St. Joseph hosts monthly events, including plays at the Missouri Theater and sporting events at the Civic Arena.
Riverside High is known for its basketball teams
Students can begin at Riverside Primary School before heading to Riverside Junior High School, both of which get a B from Niche. From there, they'll enroll at Riverside High School, which has a B-minus and is well known in the region for its varsity basketball teams.
Cars are needed for most trips around the city
U.S. Route 36 is the main thoroughfare in the city, crossing the Pony Express Bridge into St. Joseph, about a mile east. There are few sidewalks and no public transportation is available, so most outings will require a car.
