Marthasville has small-town pride with ties to Washington
About 8 miles from Washington on the southern edge of Warren County, Marthasville is a city of 1,100. Known for their quiet country living, locals take great pride in their community, despite working closely with Washington for education and amenities. "They call it 'across the river' culture," says Elisha Hoerstkamp, a Re/Max Today broker. "They say, 'Oh yeah – I went to Washington High School, but I'm from across the river.'" Supported by local businesses, restaurants and recreation, the city is largely self-sufficient, though its proximity to larger cities gives the locals other options. Marthasville's CAP Index Crime Score is a 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4 out of 10.
Homes were typically built in the 2000s
Homes are set into gently rolling hills dotted with mature pine and oak trees that give shade to driveways and front porches. Lots are generally about a quarter of an acre. With a median construction date of 2000, most homes in Marthasville are in 21st-century styles, including New Traditional and contemporary ranch-style houses. Depending on location and amenities, these homes are typically priced between $200,000 and $350,000. The median price for a single-family home is about $290,000, lower than nearby Washington and Villa Ridge by tens of thousands of dollars.
Students are served by the Washington School District
Students in Marthasville will generally begin at Marthasville Elementary, which has a B grade from Niche, which lists it as the best elementary school in Warren County. From there, students will attend Washington Middle School, which has a B-plus. Finally, they'll enroll at Washington High School, which has a B. The high school's girls' golf team made it to the state playoffs in 2024, while the softball team won the state championship in 2023. "Washington has a much larger school district than most of the others around there," says Hoerstkamp, who's lived in the area her entire life. "So if you want that, you can get it without paying as much for housing."
Nature, sports and museums are in and around town
Set along a former railroad route, the Katy Trail State Park runs from Clinton to Machens with a trailhead in Marthasville. At 240 miles, it's the longest continuous State Park in the country, and a popular spot for nature lovers, hikers and bicyclists. "You'll be looking at the rivers, old bridges and hills on the way to Jefferson City Jefferson City," says Hoerstkamp. "It's just beautiful." The Marthasville Ball Park offers two baseball fields with dugouts and public seating. Constructed in the 1820s, the Grabs House Museum and Library allows visitors to learn more about 19th-century life with preserved antiques and living spaces.
Local stores provide essentials with bigger options nearby
Most shopping is on State Route 47, including auto shops, locally owned retail stores and the K&R Market for groceries. "You've got everything you need," says Hoerstkamp. But if you need a bigger selection, you head to Washington." Cori's Twin Gables serves breakfast through dinner, with a fully stocked bar and live music on the weekends. Philly's Pizza offers specialty pies like the Cryin Hawaiian and Backyard BBQ for delivery or carryout.
State routes connect Marthasville to Washington and Jefferson City
State Route 47 leads to Washington, about 8 miles away. Jefferson City can be reached via State Route 94, about an hour and a half drive west. Built in 1926, Mercy Hospital Washington offers emergency services, general care and obstetrics.
