$178,246Average Value$126Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes 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?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Fayette, MO sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Fayette, MO over the last 12 months is $178,500, down 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover 175 acres of prime Missouri countryside in Northern Howard County just 14 miles from Fayette, with easy access to dining, shopping, and Central Methodist University. This diverse property offers a perfect blend of mature hardwoods and productive creek-bottom tillable ground, providing annual income and excellent habitat. County water and electric run along the road, offering an ideal
David WestmorelandWhitetail Properties Real Estate
If quality hunting and privacy is waht you want his property has it. Great spot located at the end of the lane and bordered on 2 sides by a large land holder that manages for quality whitetails. 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
Newer Manufactured homes are allowed on this parcel. Build you dream home on this 10.0 acres on black top road; partially wooded;Located in Howard County, No County Zoning; New Franklin Schools. Located just minutes from Columbia, Fayette, and New Franklin.
Nice 10 acre tract. 50/50 Timber and open field mix. Great spot to build your forever home, raise livestock, garden or even a weekend getaway. Electric available. Fayette Schools.
Come see one of Fayette's most beautifully constructed two-story buildings. This turnkey and fully occupied all brick building is located on the main square in Fayette, MO. Offering an exceptional opportunity for investors or owner-operators. Built in 1900 and thoughtfully restored in recent years, this asset known to its current owner as "Fayette Square" combines historic character with modern
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,
HOOT OWL COUNTRY! Looking for a country getaway or the perfect site for your dream home? This beautiful 19.51-acre tract near Fayette offers a scenic mix of mature timber, open pasture, pond, and creek frontage, an ideal blend of privacy, recreation, and buildability. Located on a quiet dead-end county road with minimal traffic, it offers peaceful rural living while remaining convenient to
Space, Location, & Opportunity--All in One! This spacious 5-bed, 2-bath home offers the flexibility today's buyers want--perfect for owner-occupants or investors alike. Ideally located just steps from Central Methodist University and a short walk to Fayette's shops and restaurants, the home combines small-town charm with unbeatable convenience. Inside, you'll find two large main-level living
**Turnkey Investment Opportunity!** Start generating income from day one with this well-maintained triplex featuring three 1-bedroom, 1-bath units. Each unit is individually metered, allowing tenants to pay their own utilities, helping maximize your return on investment and minimize owner expenses. The property also offers ample off-street parking, an attractive amenity for tenants. Whether
Step back in time without sacrificing comfort in this beautiful 1890s residence, a 2-bedroom, 2-story home nestled in the heart of Fayette. Offering 1,508 square feet of sun-drenched livable space, the home's interior is bathed in natural light, showcasing classic 19th-century architecture. The absolute centerpiece of this home is the magnificent curved staircase. In late-Victorian design, such
Property Id: 2777846 3 Bed / 1 Bath Home on Large Lot. Well-maintained home on an oversized lot featuring a fenced backyard, 2-car garage, large parking pad suitable for additional vehicles or RV, and both a deck and patio for outdoor living. The covered front porch adds charm and year-round usability. Up to 3 dogs allowed. Located close to CMU, local parks, and downtown.
Property Id: 2455298 Rental home with 3 bedrooms 1.5 baths. Two-story home on an unfinished basement with two bedrooms on main floor, one upstairs. Basement is for laundry station only. Pets only with approval and additional payment/deposit required per pet.
This 3rd Level 2 Bedroom/1 Bath Apartment includes stove, fridge, and dishwasher. Building offers on site laundry room and off-street parking and is located 3 blocks from the college, 1 block from downtown. Rent $850/ Deposit $850 plus $100 one-time move-in fee for approved applicant. Pet deposit non-refundable $300 + $25 monthly pet rent per pet, limit two pets. Rent includes trash and
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