St. James’ winemaking roots and slower pace have tourist appeal
Along the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, St. James was built on agriculture. Italian immigrants from Chicago started the area's winemaking industry in the late 1800s, and agricultural pursuits grew only stronger after the city's early industries closed. Today, the community's outdoor destinations and celebrated wineries attract many to the area, and the rise of short-term rentals has lengthened the tourist season. "We used to be a one-day destination, and now people can stay for much longer," says Kelly Money, director of the St. James Chamber of Commerce. The city's laid-back lifestyle, spacious lots and proximity to major employers often convince tourists to become longtime residents.
Trout season and natural parks attract many to outdoor destinations
St. James is nicknamed The Forest City of the Ozarks, as the community has vast swaths of farmland and forests. Meramec Spring Park is known for its expansive natural spring and flowing river. Visitors enjoy months of camping, hiking and fishing. "Our tourist season really picks up around March because that's open trout season," Money says. "Then April and May through the summer are big for winery visits and glamping." Woodson K. Woods Memorial Conservation Area supports hunting, fishing, trapping and boat launching. Inside city limits, St. James Park offers play areas and Tiger Shark Waterpark, which is open from May to September. Hart Park hosts Little League games and annual city festivals. Cyclists explore 11 miles of flow track on the Forest City Mountain Bike Trail.
According to First Street, St. James has a major risk of wildfire over the next 30 years. The city's moderate risk from heat contributes to the dry conditions that spark wildfires, and the Ozarks have experienced an uptick in wildfires in recent years.
Farmhouses, Airbnbs and multi-acre lots shape housing options
Neighborhoods are mainly within St. James' city limits. Lots fluctuate between a quarter and a half acre, maintaining some space between neighbors. Ranch-style houses and bungalows are common, but New Traditional homes are also available. In the rural parts of St. James are multi-acre lots with farmhouses, ranches and custom homes. Move-in-ready home prices can range from $80,000 to $740,000 based on condition, square footage and attached acreage. Still, the city's median price falls around $195,000.
Since the city has a strong tourist season, several properties have been converted into Airbnbs to accommodate visitors. Regarding owner-occupied property, Money says the city's core is experiencing a housing shortage. Many people have relocated to St. James for spacious lots near Rolla employers, the local school district and the slower pace of life. "We're almost a mini retirement area for St. Louis," Money says. However, city limits have run out of room to build, and annexation of rural lots can be a slow process, so development has lessened.
The city has popular wineries, a busy downtown and farm stands
The community is known for its award-winning wineries. Some, like Spencer Manor Winery, are close to the city limits, while others are in the countryside. St. James also offers a variety of shops and restaurants. Downtown has a medley of businesses, from coffee houses and salons to Muttley's bar and Rich's Famous Burgers. Country Mart and DG Market are the primary grocery stores, but people can buy local produce from the seasonal Sunday Farmers Market and 4M Vineyards & Farms Grape Stand.
Annual festivals honor the city’s Italian grape-growing heritage
Every year, the community comes together to celebrate Sip' n Savor. Residents sample craft beer and wine as food trucks and bands fill the air with scents and sounds. September brings the St. James Grape & Fall Festival, a tradition celebrated for over 90 years. "Back in the 1930s, we had a lot of Italian grape growers here that produced the grapes for Welch's juice," Money says. "One year, they decided to have a celebration after the grape harvest, and now it's a huge, three-day event." The event features everything from pageants and a grand parade to carnival rides, street markets and outdoor flea and FFA livestock exhibits.
B-rated St. James schools offer flexible learning options
Students start at Lucy Wortham James Elementary and St. James Middle, both of which have a B-plus rating from Niche. The B-rated St. James High has an alternative school, which offers job skills courses and a flex program that allows students to split their time between school and a career-related job.
Interstate 44 connects commuters to Rolla employers
Residents are car-dependent, relying on Interstate 44 and state Route 68 to get around. While the city's Walmart distribution center and school district employ some locals, Money says many commute. "A lot of people like to live and play here and drive to Rolla for work," she says. Phelps Health hospital has a staff of nearly 2,000, and the Missouri University of Science and Technology is another big employer. Residents are about 40 miles from Waynesville-St. Robert Regional Airport and 99 miles from St. Louis Lambert International Airport.
