As the Missouri River winds southward, so too does Interstate 229, both converging at the Missouri-Kansas border and the city of St. Joseph. Eateries, manufacturers and parks cling to this metropolitan artery, with more suburban trappings about 10 blocks away. The city is home to some 70,000 residents, whose most prevalent employers are Mosaic Life Care health system, Triumph Foods and the St. Joseph School District. When they’re not at work, locals can play outdoors at one of the many parks or stop into the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. “St. Joe’ is just a friendly community, and a great place to raise your family,” says Realtor Robin Rickerson of ReeceNichols Ide Capital Realty, LLC. Eateries abound near downtown, the commute to which is direct and, provided there’s little traffic, short.
As the Missouri River winds southward, so too does Interstate 229, both converging at the Missouri-Kansas border and the city of St Joseph.
St Joseph's Mosaic Life Care offers a wide range of acute care and patient services.
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Classic split-level and ranch-style homes
St. Joseph’s residential blocks form a crescent, which follows the bend of the Missouri River just to the west. Lot sizes in and around downtown typically are between a tenth- and quarter-acre. The city has plenty of fixer-uppers from the early 20th century that sell around the $60,000 to $70,000 mark. Classic ranch-style and split-level homes are common, both here and across the Midwest. A standard three-bedroom home in these styles will sell for upwards of $220,000, though the median for the region is about $170,000, less than half the national norm, according to the National Association of Realtors.
Early 20th century Victorian homes in St Joseph live near the downtown area and may occupy corner lots.
Ranch homes in St Joseph typically sit on lot sizes between a tenth and quarter-acre.
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A day at Krug Park or the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art
St. Joseph has no shortage of parks, many of which are close to the Missouri River. At Huston Wyeth Park, great views, hiking and nature take center stage. “There’re definitely great things to go and do, it’s just not set up like an actual riverfront town area,” says Rickerson. “There is talk about developing the riverfront.” The city submitted a St. Joseph Riverfront Master Plan in 2021 to expand and improve areas around the Missouri River. Krug Park is easily recognizable for the fountain that occupies this bend of the river. This park is also known as one of the so-called “holiday parks,” decorated with lights in December. Hikers make their way to River Bluff Trails Park for one clear reason: the winding wooded trails. Mountain bikers are also welcome to test their skills on the dirt trails. Breaks in the tree line along the way provide an unobstructed view of the county.
Residents have access to one of the best collections of American art spanning four centuries: the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. In addition to the regular exhibitions, the museum hosts annual events for the public, such as kids media mix-ups. Professionals conduct workshops on painting, drawing, pastels and other topics.
In addition to the regular exhibitions at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum in St Joseph, they also host events like kids media mix-ups.
Hikers and bikers make their way to Riverfront Bluff Trails Park in St Joseph, to fly down the winding wooded trails.
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Catching an event at the Civic Arena
The city presents events year-round across a variety of interests. Older residents can check out a strength-building class or attend a stamp club meeting at the Joyce Raye Patterson Activity Center. In warmer months, the Civic Arena hosts a children’s fair, a Kennel Club Dog Show and the Midland Empire Farm, Home & Rural Lifestyle Show.
St. Joseph's Civic Arena hosts many different festivals and trade shows.
St Joseph residents can attend strength-building classes at the Joyce Raye Patterson Activity Center.
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Lots of restaurants near the Missouri River
When St. Joseph residents go out to eat, they have their choice of pretty much anything. Frederick Avenue, the thoroughfare running perpendicular to the river, features a locally owned spot every few blocks. These range from Italian places to tiny cafes to seafood restaurants. One favorite is Boudreaux’s Louisiana Seafood and Steaks, both for its enticing menu and because it’s a four-block walk from the river. Grocery chains like Aldi and Hy-Vee are 3 miles east along Route 29.
A local favorite restaurant in St Joseph is Boudreaux's Louisiana Seafood and Steaks, offering an enticing menu.
Residents in St Joseph shop for groceries at chains like Aldi and Hy-Vee.
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Attending class in the St Joseph School District
Students can attend class within the St. Joseph School District, rated an overall B-minus by Niche. 22 schools serve the area, enrolling some 10,000 students between them.
Central High School is empowering students to be productive citizens and lifelong learners in St Joseph.
Truman Middle School is a diverse community of learners, positively empowering each other in St Joseph, Missouri.
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A short and direct commute to Downtown St Joseph
Downtown commuters living within city limits have a maximum distance of 6 miles to travel. Driving the length of the city from east to west takes about 11 minutes. St. Joseph Transit offers bus services as well, but the same commute by bus would last about 30 minutes. Residents living on the outermost edge of city limits might have a crosstown bus ride lasting closer to one hour. St Joseph has a children’s hospital, an emergency room and an ENT specialists’ clinic about 4 miles east of downtown.
Crime and lead exposure in St Joseph
The rate of violent crime in greater Buchanan County is low when compared to state averages. Conversely, property crimes are consistently near or higher than the state and country’s average rates.
St Joseph’s residents aren’t at risk from major fires or floods. Instead, the main point of concern for families is lead exposure. This applies mostly to children. In 2016, Reuters reported an estimated 15 percent of children in the greater St. Joseph area had elevated levels of lead in their blood. Lead paint hasn’t been used since the 1970s, but for old walls and doors with chipping paint, the risk remains. The EPA met with city officials in 2018 to better educate parents about the dangers of lead, how to recognize warning signs, and the like.
Written By
Malcolm Longerbeam
Photography Contributed By
Brooke Wasson
Video By
Tony Simonetti
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Taiasha Nichols,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Saint Joseph, MO sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Saint Joseph, MO over the last 12 months is $186,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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