Located just northwest of the regional hub of Farmington, Park Hills is much more than an exurb of the St. Francois County seat. In fact, Park Hills derives its unique character from its merger of four smaller cities, each with their own histories and traditions, in 1994. This former mining settlement is now home to a developing downtown retail scene, an enduring manufacturing sector and Farmington-area suburbanization. Just over 8,500 people live in this city, many of them in refurbished homes built during the early 20th century. With Farmington just 15 minutes away and St. Louis just over an hour’s drive to the north, semi-rural Park Hills is never far from the action of bigger cities.
Park Hills keeps close to nature with vast parkland nearby.
Explore downtown St. Louis, only an hour drive from Park Hills.
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Older homes fetch competitive prices
Though Park Hills brought together the cities of Elvins, Esther, Rivermines and Flat River in a 1994 merger, the city is still divided into distinct communities, occasionally with a mile of main road between them. Most of Park Hills’ houses were built in the first three decades of the 1900s, with new waves of homebuilding occurring from the 1960s to 1970s and from the 1990s to 2000s. Park Hills’ ranch-style, bungalow and Cape Cod-style residences tend to sit along quiet streets with generous yard sizes and occasional sideway access. Because of Park Hills’ semi-remote location within Missouri, a state with relatively low costs of living, home values in Park Hills are highly competitive. Park Hills’ median home value of $153,000 is less than half that of the Farmington median of $310,557 and the St. Louis average of $320,000.
Neat porches and gables recall early-1900s craftsmanship.
Bungalow charm and tidy lawns show the city’s small-town feel.
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Industry is still strong in Park Hills
Park Hills’ economy, once reliant on mining, continues to be powered by light industry whilst also diversifying through the services industry. Among Park Hills’ largest employers are MOCAP, which produces pharmaceutical plastics, as well as the trailer refurbishing company Bulk Tank, Lee Mechanical and the electrical power supplier Ameren Missouri. Healthcare, education and retail provide additional job opportunities.
Park Hills blends four historic towns into one close-knit community.
Daily rhythms feel familiar across each historic district.
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Dirt-biking past a former mine
The decline of mining in Park Hills may have had an adverse impact on the city’s economy, but nature has since reclaimed the lands where lead and zinc were extracted until the 1970s. The Missouri Mines State Historic Site invites visitors to tour the rusty ruins of Federal Mill No. 3, which was built in 1907 and retired in 1972 after the local ore dried up. A trail connects this open-air museum to the larger St. Joe State Park, established in 1976 to preserve over 8,000 acres of nature and former mill country. Warrens of off-road trails are open to dirt-biking and quadding, while the park also offers camping facilities and both pedestrian and equestrian trails. Closer to home, Columbia Park includes a public pool, a playground and a disc golf course in addition to spacious fields utilized for picnics and parties.
St. Joe is home to an Off-Road Vehicle track where residents can ride their bikes.
Columbia Park is home to a wooded disc golf course.
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Smalltown shopping, brewing and eating
Main Street serves as Park Hills’ main retail thoroughfare, along which both chain and local restaurants share sidewalks with pawn shops, boutique stores and small businesses. Harps Food Stores sits along Main Street, while the Parkland Hope Center on St. Joe Drive offers discounted groceries. The Four Towns Brewing Company, which takes its name from Park Hills’ four predecessors, is as much a venue for live music and comfort food as it is for local brews. The creatively named General Custard’s Re-Treat has served up frozen yogurt since 1987, inviting families to enjoy sweet treats within a Western-themed edifice.
Park Hills’ retail scene continues to evolve downtown.
Four Towns Brewing pours local craft alongside comfort fare.
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B-rated education at Central R-III schools
Park Hills’ students attend the Central R-III School District, which receives a B rating from Niche. After attending Central High School, which receives a B rating, students may opt to attend the local Mineral Area College for two-year industrial training programs. This community college has on-campus partnerships with Central Methodist University and Missouri Baptist University to offer fully accredited degree completion programs.
Central Elementary School is home to 566 students in grades PK-5.
Central High School is home to 641 students in grades 9-12.
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Keeping safe in Park Hills
According to a 2023 FBI report, Park Hills has a crime rate mostly in line with the national average and below the Missouri rate. This city also contends with the ever-present risk of flash floods, tornadoes and earthquakes, and it utilizes the MessageSpring notification system to keep residents updated about natural disasters.
Highway access to St. Louis and Farmington
As Park Hills does not have a public transit system, Farmington-bound commuters drive 20 minutes down Highway 67 to access that city’s employment opportunities. St. Louis sits just over an hour to the north up that same highway, while St. Louis International Airport is less than an hour and a half away.
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On average, homes in Park Hills, MO sell after 12 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Park Hills, MO over the last 12 months is $272,000.
Charming 1 bed 1 bath home in Park Hills. Located on a level corner lot this home offers all that you need if your just starting out or looking to downsize. Well cared for and updated home features a well thought out floor plan and upgrades. Plenty of counter space in the kitchen with a new low profile above range microwave, double sink, refrigerator nook and eating area. A large metal shed is
3 lots waiting for your innovative ideas! Location! Location! Location! Close to West County Schools. This home has tons of character and would be a great fixer upper! It was once lived in off grid! The barrel outside collects rainwater. Sheds stay. Do you love rummage sales? Most of the other items will stay also at no extra charge. Look at you already saving! Envision the possibilities as you
Step back in time with this beautifully preserved 1910 historic home, nestled in a private, close-knit neighborhood rich with charm and character. Situated on a spacious one-acre lot surrounded by mature trees, this property offers both privacy and timeless appeal. Inside, you’ll find original hardwood floors, crown molding, and a working pocket door that showcases the home’s craftsmanship. The
Discover Missouri living with this stunning 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 3,200+ . log cabin situated on 123 m/l acres of wooded land. This impressive two-story home blends rustic charm with expansive space, offering a warm lodge-style atmosphere and plenty of room for family, guests, or entertaining. Step outside and enjoy the incredible recreation opportunities this property provides. This property
Discover Missouri living with this stunning 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 3,200+ sq.ft. log cabin situated on 53 m/l acres of wooded land. This impressive two-story home blends rustic charm with expansive space, offering a warm lodge-style atmosphere and plenty of room for family, guests, or entertaining. Step outside and enjoy the incredible recreation opportunities this property provides. This property
Charming 3-bedroom home featuring updated luxury vinyl flooring and a beautifully remodeled kitchen with newer stainless-steel appliances. The spacious layout is warm and inviting, while the large, level backyard is perfect for entertaining, gardening, or watching the kids play. Move-in ready and waiting for its new owners!
Calling all investors, flippers, or DIY dreamers! This 2 bedroom, 1 bath rehab home is a blank canvas ready for transformation. With the right touch, you can bring this property back to life and create the perfect cozy home or a smart rental opportunity. This is property is also zoned as a C-1 Commercial property! Don’t miss out on this chance to design, renovate, and add value!
70 m/l acres of wooded land in St. Francois County Missouri. This property would make a great spot for a hunter's retreat or a potential build site for anyone wanting quiet living. Approximately 5 miles to the highway and 11 minutes from the nearest town for amenities. Property is located approximately 5 miles from St. Joe State Park and just over an hour from St. Louis.
PRICE DROPPED!!! Here's 25 acres of norther Ozarks with a great ridge top view. Build a house, or use it as a camp or cabin location. Or make it a bugout location when the SHTF in the city and you need to get out of the crosshairs of mayhem quickly! Here's your chance to own 25 acres of wooded property ... plenty of room to hunt and explore, camp part-time or live full-time all while still being
Discover the perfect blend of privacy and recreation on this 0.36-acre wooded lot with private access to the Flat River. Perfect for a weekend retreat, recreational use, or the ideal spot to build. Enjoy fishing, swimming, or simply relaxing by the water on your own riverbank. Utilities are accessible, making future development convenient and stress-free. Don’t miss the chance to escape the
OPPORTUNITY!!!! What an amazing investment opportunity into the currently developing west side of Farmington! Buy and hold, build and invest, grow and expand; the options are near endless! HIGH traffic visibility along Hwy 67 South as you enter Farmington! This property presents a unique possibility for the savvy business investor! Act QUICK! Location: High Traffic, Hwy/Interstate Frntg
Welcome to Crimson Landing, Farmington's newest apartment community! Nestled next to St. Joe State Park, we offer convenient amenities such as fiber internet, washer/dryer hookups, and easy access to US 67 for seamless commuting. With online rent payment and a maintenance portal, managing your living space has never been easier. Experience the comfort and convenience of Crimson Landing today!
Conveniently tucked away in a peaceful neighborhood in Park Hills, Missouri, are Columbia Park Apartments. Experience beautiful landscaping, spacious parking, and more amenities for comfortable living. Even better, Columbia Park acts as an enormous backyard to our apartments. Just a few steps away are the park’s playgrounds, pavilions, outside amphitheater, walking paths and public pool.
Settle into your new home without compromising luxury and location with Arbor Ridge Apartments. Placed in the heart of Park Hills, Missouri, experience stunning grounds, spacious parking, a wide range of amenities in your own unit, and walk to Columbia Park just down the road. Enjoy the park’s public playgrounds, pavilions, outside amphitheater, walking paths and public pool.
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