Palmyra offers a quiet lifestyle near larger cities
Palmyra is a city of about 3,500 with a small-town atmosphere and access to a well-performing school system and recreation areas. Palmyra’s downtown and Highway 61 corridor provide many shopping, dining, employment and transportation options. The community is also close to Hannibal and Quincy, making it a sought-after bedroom community for those who commute. “Palmyra is about 20 minutes away from Quincy, which is a much bigger city,” says Debbie Kendrick, managing broker at See Real Estate with over 35 years of experience. “Its proximity to Quincy and the highway corridor of 61 is a big deal because it brings a stronger economy with more businesses, and it’s also the county seat of Marion County.”
Renovated historic homes and postwar properties shape Palmyra's market
Palmyra is set among rolling hills and the open countryside, and has a diverse mix of housing. Properties close to downtown are perched along tree-lined country roads, and many have lawns and small decks in backyards. Homes out in the country are more widely spaced, and many sit on active farmland. The style of architecture ranges from 1800s cottages, Colonial Revivals and farmhouses to 20th-century ranch styles and Cape Cods. Modest-sized homes and fixer-uppers can sell from $100,000 to $150,000, while remodeled dwellings and homes built post-1950s range from $150,000 to $360,000. Those over 3,500 square feet or built in the current century can sell from $460,000 to about $750,000. “Palmyra’s got lots of historic homes, and many have been renovated and in great condition,” Kendrick says, adding that the median price for a traditional three-bedroom is about $300,000.
Palmyra has a well-performing school district
Palmyra R-I School District serves the city. Palmyra Elementary School earns a B-plus grade from Niche. Palmyra Middle School and Palmyra High are both rated B-minus. The local high school has varsity sports teams for basketball, football and softball.
Outdoor spaces support swimming, soccer and golf
Considered the community’s recreation hub, the 300-acre Flower City Park features two disc golf courses, a swimming pool, a fishing lake, fields for baseball and soccer and tennis courts. Gram’s Playground is adjacent to the city park, and the nine-hole golf course at Jackson Park is open to the public.
Shopping and dining options along highways 168 and 61
Businesses and restaurants are concentrated along the highway corridors. The Rebel Pig is a family-owned barbecue joint popular for its buffet and premium burgers. El Nopal serves casual Mexican food and margaritas in a colorful setting. County Market and Dollar General stock groceries and daily essentials. Local stores such as Maggie's Boutique line Main Street, providing a variety of shopping options.
Distance to Quincy and Hannibal
U.S. Route 61 and Missouri Route 168 pass through Palmyra. Quincy, Illinois, is about 15 miles north of the community, and Hannibal is also the same distance. Canton is roughly 25 miles north, and Quincy Regional-Airport is about 30 miles east, offering direct connections to and from Chicago and St. Louis. Hannibal Regional Hospital is 10 miles away.
Events in Palmyra and Marion County
The annual Marion County Fair takes place in Palmyra, featuring fun rides for children, livestock exhibits, contests, races and classic fair food. Taste of Palmyra is a food fair in October, with local cuisine, live entertainment, a car show, and trick-or-treating. Other events include an easter egg hunt, a flay day celebration and a golf tournament organized by the city’s chamber of commerce.
