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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Enjoy convenient living in this 2-bedroom, 1-bath ranch located near downtown Park Hills, with easy access to local restaurants, shopping, bars, a grocery store, barber shops and more. Inside, the home features an open-concept kitchen, dining and living area, along with a dedicated laundry room for added convenience. Situated on a double corner lot, the property offers a spacious side yard with
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. Home is still being cleaned up. Envision the possibilities as you clear and personalize each space to suit your style. The large yard offers ample
Excellent commercial opportunity on Main Street in Park Hills! This level vacant commercial lot offers outstanding visibility, easy access, and development potential in a high-traffic location in the heart of town. The adjacent commercial building at 120 W. Main St. is also available for purchase separately, providing additional opportunities for expansion. Great investment in a prime commercial
Nice corner lot located in Park Hills! This spacious 148 x 75 ft property offers a fantastic opportunity to build your dream home or place a mobile home. Conveniently situated in a great location, the lot features access to public water, sewer, and electricity. Improvements include a storage shed and an existing concrete pad, adding extra value and flexibility. Don’t miss this great investment
Positioned along a high-traffic corridor, this 1.3± acre commercial property presents an outstanding development opportunity with prime West Main Street frontage. Offering exceptional visibility and steady traffic exposure, the site is well-suited for a wide range of commercial ventures. The front portion of the property features direct access and prominent frontage along W. Main Street, ideal
Freshly Remodeled & Move-In Ready! This beautifully updated home features brand-new flooring, stylish lighting, and tasteful renovations throughout. Located in the sought-after Central School District, it offers 2 full bathrooms, nice entry to lower level, a relaxing deck, and a charming covered front porch overlooking a nice lot. Packed with value and priced to sell—this one won't last long!
Just the right size! Cute 2 bedroom, with dining room, and utility room. Has vinyl siding and replacement windows, newer water heater, and up-to-date heat and air. Carport, shed, cellar, and fencing. Some hardwood, oven/range, refrigerator, washer/dryer are part of the package. This has been a happy home for the family for many years, but it's time to move on. Call today to see.
Warning: You might just fall in love with this one. From the welcoming front porch to the spacious living area, this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home is full of warmth and ready for its next owners. Whip up your favorite meals in the functional kitchen, kick back on the back deck, and let the full basement handle all your storage, hobbies, or future project dreams. Conveniently located near
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.
Fixer-upper! This 3 bed, 1 bath home offers a great investment opportunity with plenty of potential to restore and add value. Bring your vision and make it your own—schedule a showing today!
Great corner lot located within the city limits of Park Hills. This property previously had a trailer on site and has been mostly cleared, leaving only a few mature trees. An excellent opportunity to build your new home with utilities potentially available from prior use (buyer to verify). Conveniently located near Central Elementary School. Don't miss this ready-to-build lot in an established
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
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.
Property Id: 1835352 Welcome to this stunning 3 bed, 2.5 bath townhouse in Park Hills, MO! Newly built in 2025, this modern unit includes water, sewer, and trash service, and is pet-friendly for cats and small dogs. Enjoy amenities such as ALL appliances being furnished and off-street parking. Don't miss out on this prime location that provides easy access to Highway 67 in 2 minutes or less.
Property Id: 2300407 Recently Updated 2Br 1 Ba house 1/2 block from the Park. Conveniently located off Hwy 32 in Park Hills. Large Master with huge Walkin Closet. Updated Kitchen with New Farm Sink. New Toilet in bathroom. Deck for sitting and large from porch. Ready for a new family home. $925 Rent, $925 Deposit, 12 month Lease, $250 Per Pet Fee, $25/mo Pet Rent. $2700 Combined
Property Id: 2594880 Welcome to your new home at 401 Douglas Apt 8 in Park Hills, MO! This spacious 4 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom townhouse offers modern amenities including a dishwasher, microwave, and washer/dryer hookups. Enjoy the convenience of a garage, driveway, and central air. Pets are welcome (cats only) and smoking is allowed outside. Don't miss out on this fantastic rental opportunity
Property Id: 1373024 Welcome home! We're thrilled to offer this remodeled 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom townhome located on a semi- private street in Park Hills. This spacious home comes with a convenient covered carport, and modern amenities. Here are the details you'll want to know: Property Features: Type: Townhome Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1.5 Bonus: Covered Parking
Property Id: 1113486 Welcome to your new home at 305 Douglas Apt 5 in Park Hills! This charming 4 bedroom townhouse features 1.5 bathrooms, a garage, washer/dryer hookups, and a beautiful lawn. Enjoy the convenience of being near parks and having off-street parking. Pets are welcome, and utilities are not included. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity for $1395/month!
Property Id: 1113480 This home won't last! 4 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom townhome in Park Hills. Minutes away from parks and the NEW water park. Here are the details you'll want to know: Property Features: Type: townhome Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 1.5 Bonus: garage Lease Info: Term: One-year lease Rent: $1395 Deposit: $1395 All electric
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