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."
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
