$185,717Average Value$96Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
Fayette is a college town with Victorian homes and natural beauty
Settled in central Missouri's farmlands and green spaces, Fayette is the seat of Howard County. With a population of about 2,800, this smaller city is a convenient distance from some of the area's busiest communities. "We're a stone's throw away from Columbia," says Lori Strodtman of Strodtman Real Estate. "We're halfway between Saint Louis and Kansas City —that’s a pretty nice pull for the area." Opportunities for higher education and an appreciation for natural beauty are also major factors for potential homeowners. "Central Methodist University is probably the number one reason people come out here," says Mayor Greg Stidham. "After that, it's the city park and the lakes. You can go fishing or boating – there's also camping sites, a gun range and ATV trails."
Game days and events bring the community together at Central Methodist University.
Fayette sits amid central Missouri farmland and green space.
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Housing includes renovated colonials and rural ranch-style homes
Many of Fayette's homes are centered around its historic district, with its preserved Victorian homes, brick rowhouses and the Classical Revival courthouse. Lots here are generally a quarter-acre or less with minimal front yards and backyards with alley access for trash, garages or sheds. Turn-of-the-century bungalows and colonials are typical of the area, usually selling between $110,000 and $390,000 depending on upkeep and renovations. Narrow sidewalks connect homes to downtown shopping and restaurants. Farther away, lots expand, often reaching a half-acre or more. Midcentury ranch-style homes pop up on the outskirts, priced between $30,000 and $170,000 based on size and condition. The median price for a single-family home in Fayette is in the $180,000s, well below the median of neighboring counties like Boone and Cooper. But that isn't the only factor in area real estate prices. "The property taxes in Howard County are much lower than the surrounding counties," says Ryan Martin, a Realtor with Real Broker. "So it's prettier than the big city and it's cheaper."
Brick ranch‑style homes appear on tree‑lined blocks in Fayette.
Two‑story homes line several streets near historic downtown Fayette.
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Local restaurants draw visitors from nearby cities
A few boutique and locally owned stores cluster around Cleveland and Church streets, and C&R Market is available for groceries. "There's not a ton of shopping to be had," Martin says. "People are usually going to Boonville for that." Despite this, Fayette's restaurant scene is well established, drawing visitors from all over Missouri. "People will travel all the way from Columbia to eat here," Stidham says. Established in 2025, LaFayette on the Square was opened by the former owners of Emmet's Kitchen and Tap, a local institution that closed in 2024. Influenced by Creole and French cuisine, the menu includes jambalaya, Cajun-fried okra and etouffee. Fireside Bakes and Brews offers a thorough selection of coffee, espresso and tea drinks. Customers can also enjoy smoothies, wraps and sandwiches on patio seating.
Fireside Bakes & Brews serves coffee, tea and light bites with patio seating.
LaFayette on the Square serves Creole‑ and French‑inspired dishes.
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Central Methodist shapes the city's social life
Students in the area may start at Laurence J. Daly Elementary, which has a C from Niche. From there, students attend William N. Clark Middle School, which has a C-minus. C-plus-ranked Fayette High School has seen track and field success, with state finishes for the boys and girls teams in 2021 and 2025, respectively. In addition to enrolling over 5,000 students annually, Central Methodist University plays a significant role in the local culture. Football, basketball and volleyball games draw crowds throughout the year, and schoolwide celebrations are attended by students and locals alike. "Homecoming is always a big time in Fayette," Strodtman says.
Central Methodist University enrolls over 5,000 students annually.
Laurence J. Daly Elementary serves PK–5 and holds a C on Niche.
William N. Clark Middle School has a students to teacher ratio of 15:1.
Fayette High School holds a C‑plus and saw state track finishes in 2021 and 2025.
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City Park and D.C. Rogers Lake anchor outdoor life
Fayette's City Park is a recreational hub where locals gather to play disc golf, try tricks at the skate park or take a dip in the community pool. D.C. Rogers Lake attracts anglers eager to lure bass, catfish and crappie. The surrounding grounds have RV and tent camping sites, hiking trails and a shooting range. The Besgrove-Hodge Wildlife Sanctuary offers several trails through over 80 acres of protected woodlands filled with local flora and fauna.
Fayette City Park offers a community pool, splash pad, skate park, and disc golf.
Trails loop D.C. Rogers Lake beside RV and tent camping.
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Highway access makes commuting to Columbia or Boonville convenient
State Routes 5 and 240 converge near central Fayette, providing convenient highway access to several nearby metro areas. "It's a reasonable distance for people who drive to work in Columbia or Boonville," Martin says. St. Louis is about 150 miles east, while Kansas City is about 120 miles west. University Hospital in Columbia features a trauma center, helicopter transport and 390 beds.
Fayette Festival of the Arts features music, exhibits and more
Held on the first Saturday of August, Fayette Festival of the Arts is considered by many to be the city's signature event. Visual artists of all skill levels are encouraged to apply for display and competition. Live music is performed throughout the day, and activities include a car show, quilt exhibition and cake contest.
Written By
Phil Keeling
Photography Contributed By
Benjamin Rose
Video By
Joshua Kassabian
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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On average, homes in Fayette, MO sell after 83 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Fayette, MO over the last 12 months is $157,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Investment Opportunity: 18 Unit Townhome Community. Pkg includes 3 buildings- 304 Knaus, 404 Southpark and 504 Oaklawn. This newly built to rent (2024-25) 18 unit townhome property offers a mix of nine 3BR/1.5BA units and nine 2BR/1.5BA units, all fully leased with a strong rental income. Designed for durability and efficiency, each unit features custom cabinets and trim, tankless water heaters,
Trophy whitetail country. This property is surrounded on 2 sides by a large holding of over a 1000 acres that is managed for trophy whitetails. A very private country setting with long views. The home seems well maintained and in very good condition. It is slightly dated but nothing serious, it could use some paint and flooring updates. The land as a whole is very nice with a big pasture
If you're looking for a beautiful building site in the country, this is it. 13 acres with a great building site overlooking the small lake. There's water and electricity in place, and the site is ready to build. The acreage has tons of potential for recreation and enjoying a quiet country living experience, including pasture for horses or food plots for wildlife. Gravel drive and only 300 ft off
David WestmorelandWhitetail Properties Real Estate
Charming and historical property within walking distance to Central Methodist University and all public schools Detached building with storage/shop and garage space. Contact Sara or John for more details. Property is being sold as-is.
Beautiful, wooded site for your dream home! nly stick-built (site-built) homes ar e permitted. Manufactured homes, including single-wides, double-wides, modular homes, mobile homes, and homes on wheels, are strictly prohibited. No campers, RVs, tents, tiny homes on wheels, or other temporary structures may be used as residences or placed on the property.m Buyer to verify all data and measurements.
2240 Hwy 240 in Fayette offers a beautifully crafted 3-bed, 2-bath home on 7.41 gently sloping acres backing to Park Lake, giving you space to fish, swim, or unwind right from your backyard. Main-level living includes a split-bedroom layout, 12' living room ceilings, gas fireplace, and quartz kitchen countertops with a gas convection range. The finished bonus room above the garage adds flexible
There's nothing cookie-cutter about this 20-acre gem just outside Fayette. Designed for those who value simplicity, sustainability, and connection to the land, the property includes three ponds, fenced areas for small livestock, a fertilized garden plot, and a growing orchard. The straw bale home is both whimsical and functional—featuring a fully equipped kitchen, bath with composting toilet, and
Charming 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home featuring beautiful original hardwood floors and trim throughout. This property offers a spacious 2-car detached garage/shop—perfect for vehicles, hobbies, or extra storage. Enjoy the efficiency of a gas stove, gas water heater, and a newer gas furnace, along with newer central air for year-round comfort. A great blend of classic character and modern upgrades,
Welcome to 1455 State Route BB - an exceptional opportunity to enjoy modern living with a rural backdrop. Priced below appraisal!! Situated on 32 gently rolling acres just 15 min to Fayette, 30 to Boonville and 45 minutes from Columbia. This 3100 sq ft, 4 bedroom , 2 bath custom home - built in 2021 - offers a thoughtful blend of comfort , function, and country charm. The open-concept floor plan
Investor's dream in a prime Fayette location—just minutes from Central Methodist University! This income-producing triplex offers immediate cash flow with two units currently rented at $1,160/month and one unit completely vacant, making it perfect for an owner-occupant or an investor ready to place tenants on their own. The studio apartment comes fully furnished with all furnishings conveying at
Dara WilliamsWeichert, Realtors - House of Brokers
Escape to tranquility with this charming 1,200 sq. ft. country home nestled on 7.5 wooded acres, perfectly situated between Fayette and Glasgow, Missouri. This property offers the best of rural living with easy access to the Moberly and Columbia, MO metro areas. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, the home boasts a spacious family room with a cozy fireplace. The kitchen and bathrooms are
Samantha EckenrodUnited Country Missouri River Realty
Located just two blocks off Main Street, this 1 bed / 1 bath home offers 864 sf of living area with a 1-car attached garage & partial basement. Featuring original hardwood floors, large bedroom, open kitchen & newer gas furnace. Could easily be converted into a 2 bedroom home. Its manageable size & central location make it a great opportunity for a starter home or rental investment!
Property Id: 1694531Double story house newly painted with brand new blinds. Located in the central location and walking distance to grocery store and downtown. Comes with brand new stove and oven. Enjoy the outdoors with the front and back porch during warm days. Has central heat and AC. Master bedroom spans through the whole upstairs of the house with your own half bath. The house comes
Property Id: 1527049The property is a two story house suitable for both family or student. It’s 4 bedroom 2.5 bath with a formal dining to entertain guests. Property has a fenced in backyard for little animals and a build in little tub for cleaning your pet in the mudroom. It is equipped with all stainless steel appliances; a pull out two drawer style dishwasher, refrigerator with the
Property Id: 1748445A cute little house, 3 bed 2 bath with both enclosed front porch and back porch/mudroom that you could sit and observe and enjoy outside during summer and winter without worrying about mosquitoes and the cold. Property is newly painted and has brand new flooring and partial remodeled bathrooms. Property comes with French door refrigerator and gas stove and microwave.
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