Settled in the bluegrass region of Missouri, Mexico offers a relaxed lifestyle and is endearingly called the Mainstreet of the Midwest by locals. “Mexico is a smaller rural community with a more affordable way of living,” says Jessica Nilges, Broker and owner at Realty 365. “It’s desirable for the mom-and-pop shops and it’s not too far from larger establishments.” Incorporated as a city in 1874, Mexico began as a transportation hub for horses and mules along the Wabash and Alton railroads. Today, the city is home to around 11,500 residents and serves as the county seat of Audrain County. Spartan Light Metal Products and SSM Health Medical Group are the city’s top employers, fueling the economy through manufacturing and healthcare. “We are known for the Missouri Military Academy and Miss Missouri pageants that attract many of the out-of-towner,” adds Nilges. Mainstays like the family-owned 581 restaurant and the Hardin Park summer concert series play a role in the know-your-neighbor feel and larger sense of community. With low-cost housing and nearby urban amenities, Mexico is on the rise in central Missouri, all just 40 miles northwest of Columbia.
The Audrain County Courthouse block is the central hub of Mexico.
The Alton and Wabash railroads helped grow Mexico in the 19th and 20th centuries.
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Ranch-styles, expansive lots and ongoing new development
Affordable housing options and expansive lot sizes attract buyers into Mexico. The market is competitive because, “We have extremely low inventory,” says Nilges, a native resident with over 7 years of real estate experience in Mexico. “It’s a seller's market, but we’re expecting a pick-up of inventory in the spring.” Most of the stock is single-family ranch-styles, but options range from multi-family townhouses to bungalows, split-levels and newly constructed taditionals. Townhouses are available in the southwest corner, while new development continues to move into subdivisions like Lakeside at The Oaks on the outskirts of the city. With a median sales price of $165,000, homes cost around $230,000 less than the national median. Prices range from as low as $20,000 for a vacant plot of land and $120,000 for a two-bedroom townhouse to upwards of $300,000 for a four-bedroom ranch-style with expansive acreage.
Modern Ranchers are a common style of home in the outlying neighborhoods of Mexico.
Many residents in the older parts of Mexico live in iconic Split Level homes.
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City parks and gatherings at Hardin Park
The city maintains 13 parks and 450 acres of green space for residents to enjoy. Hardin Park is centrally located, offering a train-themed playground and a gazebo that hosts summer concerts on select Tuesdays in June and July. Plunkett Park is another option on the north side of the city. It spans 84 acres with a skatepark and fishing lake that allows canoes and kayaks for days spent on the water. Lakeview Park is to the south, featuring a jungle gym, picnic pavilion and waterfront views of Lakeview Park Lake. The private Oaks Country Club is on the east side. It has a full-service restaurant, an indoor swimming pool and a nine-hole course layout for golfers of all skill levels.
Kids love the train themed playground at Hardin Park in Mexico.
Students from nearby Mexico High School head to Plunkett Park to ride the half pipe.
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The annual Miss Missouri Pageant
In June, more than 12,000 contestants attend the annual Miss Missouri Pageant at Missouri Military Academy. Locals can purchase tickets for viewing while qualifying Missourians compete for their chance to win the title of Miss Missouri and represent the Show Me state at the Miss America competition.
Education at Mexico School District
Families in Mexico are zoned for the Mexico School District, which earns a C from the review site Niche. It serves around 2,500 students and is ranked 86 out of 458 for the most diverse districts in Missouri. There are two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Most students attend Mexico High School, which earns a C-plus and offers a career readiness program in partnership with the Davis H. Hart Career Center. Students can earn college credit or trade certificates in various fields, from health sciences and computer science to cosmetology and welding. Private options like Southside Christian Academy and Missouri Military Academy are also available. Those interested in pursuing higher education can look to Moberly Area Community College, which awards associate degrees in 40 subjects.
Missouri Military Academy in Mexico has grown young men into leaders since 1889.
Residents of Mexico can attend the Moberly Area Community College for higher learning.
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Local grocers, boutiques and eateries in downtown Mexico
Groceries and everyday essentials are available on the west side. There’s a mix of retailers, such as Moser's Grocery, Dollar General and Walgreens Pharmacy along Monroe Street. Local boutiques like Jim Stubblefield Furniture, which offers a curated selection of home goods, and Melody's Quality Jewelry, which offers custom jewelry designs, are mainstays within the community. When dining in the area, folks can choose between fast-food chains and family-owned eateries in downtown Mexico. Notable restaurants include The 581, which serves pub fare, grilled steaks and a broad menu of specialty cocktails.
Monroe Street in downtown Mexico is the go to stop for local shopping and dining.
Stop by Melody's Quality Jewelry in Mexico for jewelry, tux rentals, fine china, and more.
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Nearby healthcare and trips into Columbia on U.S. Route 54
Highway 15 runs vertically through the city, connecting to U.S. Route 54 and U.S. Interstate 70 for trips into Columbia or St. Louis. The OATS transit bus provides public rides throughout Audrain County. When traveling farther, the Columbia Regional Airport offers commercial airline flights 40 miles away. For healthcare, Boone Hospital is 36 miles away in Columbia. Alternative options like Boone Health Primary Care, SSM Health Medical Group and UM Family Medicine treat less serious and minor afflictions within the city boundaries.
Crime
According to FBI data, the Mexico Police Department’s violent and property crime rates remain well below national figures. Violent crime decreased by 80% in 2023, while property crime fell by 85%.
Written By
Christian Slater
Photography Contributed By
Ethan Babor
Video By
Conar McDaniel
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Eric Hollenberg,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Mexico, MO sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Mexico, MO over the last 12 months is $166,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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