$253,306Average Value$139Average Price per Sq Ft65Homes For Sale
STEM learning and convenient living in a rural college town
Combining the charms of a college town and the convenience of a city within a rural landscape, Rolla is a distinctive city of about 20,000 in central Missouri. Its biggest claim to fame is Missouri University of Science and Technology, an acclaimed scientific institution at the heart of the city. But beyond student living and its accompanying traditions like a rollicking St. Patrick’s Day festival each year, the community has convenient shopping, straightforward connections to other cities such as St. Louis, and a robust park system that contribute to its appeal beyond the young adult years. “I mean, it really is small town living at its best. You don't know everybody, but you're not overwhelmed, and it doesn't take 15 minutes to get across town, which I love. I lived in Tacoma for two years, but I ended up right back here afterward,” says Jan Parsons, a Realtor with Century 21 First Choice. Parsons has lived in Rolla for more than 80 years and sold homes locally for more than 35 of those.
Explore the charm of Rolla, where history and nature meet.
Explore cutting-edge research and campus life at Missouri S&T in Rolla, MO.
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Single-family homes popular with investors and renters
Rolla’s earliest homes date back to the 1890s, but properties established from the 1950s to the present make up most of the local home market. Buyers can find ranch-style homes here, alongside split-levels, minimal traditional homes and selected colonial revival properties. Four- and five-bedroom custom homes built on large plots of land are also present, mostly near the outer reaches of town. The city’s connection to the Missouri S&T campus is a natural draw for investors. “Our brokerage does a lot of rentals, and there are people who come in town just to rent before they buy, too. Lots of folks turn from renters to buyers,” Parsons says. One factor that keeps residents in town is the price range; Rolla’s median home value of $225,500 sits below the state median of $263,000 and the national median home value of about $405,000.
Explore Rolla's charming ranch homes with spacious yards and cozy designs.
Find comfort and style in Rolla's charming split-level homes.
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Engineering and computer science at Missouri University of Science and Technology
Grade schoolers in town are served by Rolla Public Schools, which earns a B-plus overall on Niche. Kids start at any of three elementary schools in the district, which each hold B-plus or B grades; students continue to learn from fourth through sixth grade at the B-ranked Rolla Middle School. Rolla Junior High School earns a B-minus and serves kids from seventh to eighth grade. Rolla High School offers 15 athletic teams and clubs and also earns a B grade on Niche.
The Missouri University of Science and Technology campus is located in the city center. Best known for its engineering and computer science programs, this STEM-focused research university offers 36 bachelor's degree options across three different colleges. Missouri S&T holds an A-minus grade on Niche.
Missouri S&T in Rolla is shaping future engineers and scientists with hands-on learning.
Students at Rolla High School enjoy art, and music as part of their well-rounded education.
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Locals escape the heat at Fugitive Beach
“There are lots of lakes and rivers for people who like to fish,” Parsons says. Toward the center of town, Schuman Park and Frisco Lake fit the bill; another standout at the park is the restored Saint Louis and San Francisco Railway Company steam train, which has been settled in the park for more than five decades but received a fresh coat of paint in 2020. Ber Juan Park on 14th and Holliday also offers fishing on the grounds, alongside picnic shelters, playgrounds, ball fields and the city’s only public outdoor pool and skate park. For folks ready to cool off in the summertime, Fugitive Beach, about 9 miles southeast of town, is a waterpark with platform jumps, slides and a large pool converted from a former quarry.
Rolla’s weather is classically Midwestern in character, with warm summers and chilly winters. “There’s snow on the ground right now, and I love snow,” Parsons says.
Schuman Park is a great place for fishing it’s waterways.
Schuman Park is a favorite destination for the residents of the area.
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Science and seafood at NaCl + H2O
Rolla’s businesses include a mix of familiar brands and local options. Big box stores such as Walmart, Kroger, Lowe’s and Kohl’s each sit along Old Route 66. Price Chopper and Dollar General offer additional stops for everyday goods on the east side of town near Forum Drive and 10th Street. Along the city blocks of Downtown Rolla, Pine Street is a hub for specialty shops and boutiques, including Forgotten Finds for antiques, Red Door Boutique for ladies’ fashions and Eclipse Books and Comics.
Also situated on Pine Street, NaCl + H2O lives up to the formula in its name – Salt + Water – with a menu of seafood, steak and cocktails. One of Parsons’ personal recommendations, Di Trapani’s on the Square, is about five blocks east, specializing in Italian fare. Familiar chain restaurants such as Waffle House, Longhorn Steakhouse and Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken are each situated along Bishop Avenue.
Step into Red Door Boutique for one-of-a-kind fashion pieces in Rolla, MO.
Stock up on essentials at Walmart in Rolla, MO for your everyday needs.
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St. Pat's Parade in central Missouri
Like many cities, holidays like Christmas are common celebrations in Rolla, but MST and the city go all out for St. Patrick’s Day each year. The flagship event of the season is the annual Rolla St. Pat’s Parade, which dates back more than 115 years and typically includes floats, performances and merriment with a new theme each year. Other parts of the festivities include events during the week at local bars like Prairie Barn Winery in neighboring St. James, a 5K and beer run preceding the parade and concerts organized by the student-run St. Pat’s Board featuring well-known indie, pop and rock artists.
Parsons also points to the Fourth of July celebrations at the Rolla Lions Club Park as a highlight. Citizens can visit the carnival for midway games, funnel cakes and rides; the annual tradition is celebrating 90 years in town in 2025.
106 miles to St. Louis
Major thoroughfares in Rolla include Interstate 44, Bishop Avenue/Old Route 66 and Missouri Highway 72. The city is about 106 miles southwest of St. Louis; with normal traffic, locals can generally get from town to the Gateway City within two hours. Rolla National Airport and Rolla Downtown Airport are primarily used by private flights and aircraft owners; generally, residents flying to other parts of the country can depart from St. Louis Lambert International Airport, 109 miles northeast of town.
For medical emergencies, Phelps Health Hospital is on the west side of town on 10th Street. The Missouri University of Science and Technology and Phelps Health are the city’s two largest employers; other organizations with large local workforces include Brewer Science, Rolla High School and Phelps County Bank.
Crime in Rolla
According to data sourced from the FBI, reported property crime in Rolla increased in 2020 before decreasing by more than 200 cases in 2021, with similar rates in the years since. Violent crime decreased in the city between 2022 and 2023.
Written By
Tre Lyerly
Photography Contributed By
Matt Ponstingl
Video By
Houston Knight
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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.
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On average, homes in Rolla, MO sell after 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Rolla, MO over the last 12 months is $235,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Step into this completely remodeled home that offers a truly unique and thoughtfully designed floorplan you won’t find in a typical cookie-cutter property. Recent updates include new carpet throughout, a beautifully refreshed kitchen featuring durable LVP flooring, and a fully updated bathroom with modern finishes. The spacious living room is filled with natural light and provides direct access
Nestled at the end of a cul-de-sac in Phase II of the highly sought-after Quarry Subdivision, this stunning custom home built in 2021 is loaded with upgrades and sits on a private 1.6 acre lot! Offering 5 spacious bedrooms and 3.5 baths, the home features a 3-car oversized garage, bonus John Deere garage, outdoor fire pit, covered front patio, concrete circle drive, new roof, and more. Inside,
Welcome to this beautiful home on 5+/- acres. This stunning 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath home offers the perfect blend of space, comfort, and luxury. Step inside and be impressed by the custom designed kitchen, featuring a massive island, wood beams, quartz countertops, and stainless appliances. Perfect for entertaining or everyday living. The main level master suite is a true escape with a soaking tub,
Discover the perfect blend of privacy, comfort, and country living in this stunning 4 bed + 3 bath ranch home! Tucked away at the end of a long, winding, secluded driveway, this beautiful property sits on just under 20+/- acres and offers everything you’ve been searching for.Step inside to find vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, and an inviting open floorplan. The impressive, fully updated
This cleared 1.85 ± acre lot offers exceptional frontage and HWY 63 exposure for your next venture. It borders the new Dollar General, and is ready for development with a well already in place, and convenient access to nearby utilities.This versatile tract offers unlimited potential with absolutely NO restrictions.Affordable opportunities like this don’t come along often, call today and
Horse/hobby farm on 20 +acres just off O highway and close to Rolla city limits. Property features a riding arena, fully fenced pasture, and ample space for livestock or recreational use. The home has strong exterior appeal and solid bones, but the interior requires a full remodel- an excellent opportunity to customize this 3 bed 2 bath home to your vision. Ideal for horse enthusiasts or buyers
This beautiful custom home in the Quarry Subdivision is about to hit the market!! Home features hardwood flooring, stonework, massive backyard, and so much more!! You don't want to miss this call today.
Incredible Opportunity – This expansive 3,000+ Sq Ft Metal Shop sits on 15+/- Acres! Boasting an impressive 45’ x 70’ metal building, offering versatile space, ideal for a variety of uses—a workshop, storage, business, or even finish as a Shouse! The structure includes a partially finished 1,600 sq ft loft with electricity and water, Two oversized 13-ft garage doors, plus three 7’x9’ garage
This stunning 5 bed + 4.5 bath home is a showstopper! The manicured grounds include a stocked pond with its own well, inground pool, hot tub, koi pond, & playhouse—perfect for outdoor entertaining! Inside, the two-story foyer leads to an architectural staircase, private office, & den.The brand-new kitchen is a chef’s dream with soft-close cabinetry, a double wall oven, gas range, quartz
Beautifully Remodeled 4 Bed - 2.5 Bath Split-level home in the Heart of Rolla. Welcome home to this stunning, updated residence. Offering modern comfort and style throughout. Step inside to discover brand-new luxury vinyl plank flooring, a completely updated kitchen w/new cabinetry, countertops, and new stainless appliances. Fully renovated bathrooms, featuring contemporary finishes. This
Welcome home to this stunning 4-bedroom, 2-bath Craftsman-style beauty offering over 1,950 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, all on one level. Built in 2023, this home blends modern comfort with timeless farmhouse charm. Step inside to find vaulted ceilings and an open floorplan, the heart of the home features custom Amish-built cabinetry, gorgeous granite countertops, stainless
A charming home full of original character and thoughtful updates will soon be hitting the market near Ber Juan Park and The Centre. Step inside and you’ll immediately notice the 9-foot ceilings, tall moldings, glass doorknobs, and beautiful hardwood floors that give this home the warmth and character that’s increasingly hard to find. Large windows throughout the living spaces bring in abundant
If you’re looking for an affordable home with space and privacy, this could be the perfect fit!This 2 bed + 1 bath home sits on 5?±?acres and offers everything you need to enjoy country living...including a pond, barn, 24x24 detached garage/shop, covered parking, fenced yard for pets, and even your own pool.With a little TLC, this place could truly shine! Conveniently located in the Rolla
Located approximately 3 blocks from S&T campus in Rolla, Missouri. Be the first to occupy one of these new units! NEWLY REMODELED 2 bed/1 bath & 2 bed/ 1.5 bath units available soon. Each unit rents with a stove, microwave, refrigerator and dishwasher. All units have washer and dryer hook-ups. Each unit has hardwood flooring and ceiling fans in the living room and hardwood flooring also in
$1,750 per month
2 Beds
2 Baths
Fully furnished short term rentals with all utilities paid! Just a few of the amenities included are wi-fi, cable TV, washer/dryer, dishes, linens and so much more. We offer nightly, weekly and monthly rates. With so much to see and do in our area this is a perfect place to call home for an extended stay or just a short getaway.
Looking for affordable housing near Missouri S&T and downtown Rolla? Look no further than The Lodges at Rolla! Our four-bedroom apartments are the perfect opportunity for college students, professionals, retirees, and families alike.Our apartments come with stainless steel electric appliances such as:-Microwave-Refrigerator-Dishwasher-Ceramic top StoveAs well as our
Welcome to Rolla Senior ApartmentsActive Senior Living for 62+ in Rolla, MissouriDiscover a vibrant 62+ senior living community where comfort, convenience, and connection come together. Nestled in the scenic beauty of Rolla, Missouri, Rolla Senior Apartments is thoughtfully designed for active adults seeking an independent, maintenance-free lifestyle.Enjoy easy access to local
The advertised rate of $2,184/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of September 27, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
