Route 66 charm with military ties in Saint Robert
Saint Robert has a classic Americana feel. Historic Route 66 runs through town. And the city's American flag-painted water tower nods to the military families and veterans drawn here for proximity to Fort Leonard Wood, around 10 miles away. People are also move here for a slower pace where family ties and social relationships are at the forefront. "It is very community oriented. They always have something going on for the families," says Jennifer Hong of eXp Realty, who specializes in central Missouri. The town itself was established in 1951 around St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, which still hosts a congregation. While a relatively new city, Saint Robert has grown vastly over time, both residentially and commercially. "It's a little bit bigger than the smaller towns around it, so if someone were to go grocery shopping a lot of times, they'd go to this town."
Suburban and acreage homes in traditional styles
Neighborhood roads wind through Saint Robert's broad, wooded landscape. Trees cast shade on suburban streets and country areas, where homes are on their own parcel of land. Lot sizes vary widely, with many starting at around a quarter-acre and some reaching over 30 acres. Ranch styles, split levels, and new traditionals from the late 1990s to the 2010s have a foothold here. Basements are relatively common for a key reason, according to Hong. "We're prone to tornadoes. Not this area specifically, but the state," she says. "There was a small one here where a lot of people had to get their roofs repaired, but it wasn't huge." Most homes are priced between $140,000 and $330,000. Smaller starter homes start from $60,000, while nicely updated, larger homes cost up to $490,000.
Schools with solid ratings and a career path center
Students attend the Waynesville R-VI School District. Freedom Elementary School is local and earns an A minus on Niche. Waynesville Middle School and Waynesville Senior High School are in Waynesville, within a 7-mile drive. Both earn B plus ratings. Waynesville Career Center offers 20 different programs for high school students, allowing them to earn college credits and certification in a range of fields, including nursing, computer information technology and marketing.
Chains and local spots offering retro charm and variety
Shops and restaurants cluster around intersecting highways in the town center. Chains like Culvers and Starbucks mix with local spots like Midway Coffee Co. and the soul-food spot Honey Chile' Please. Dining options are diverse, from Korean to German, Chinese, Mexican and Greek Cuisine. Route 66 Diner serves timeless comfort food in a retro atmosphere, featuring a jukebox, checkerboard flooring and red booths. Aldi and Walmart Supercenter are in town for groceries. Other retailers include Lowe's Home Improvement, The Matalorians Comic and Toy Store, Rustic Treasures gift shop and Uranus Fudge Factory.
Military and Route 66 history at local parks
Route 66 Neon Park stands as Saint Robert’s newest attraction, where a dozen restored neon signs and storyboards share the highway's history. The new park is situated along the iconic route, within George M. Reed Roadside Park, known for its military tank exhibit. Saint Robert Municipal Park has playgrounds for all ages in the heart of the city. Skaters carve out their lines at the skate park and golfers meet on the municipal course. Saint Robert also has a dog park, fishing pond and a popular aquatic center with robust amenities, including a lazy river and lap lane.
Barbecue contests and pictures with Santa
Saint Robert Parks and Recreation department hosts and sponsors a variety of events throughout the year. Holiday in the Park, held in December, brings kids out for pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Adults enjoy the small business vendors. Kickin' It Route 66 Barbecue Challenge occurs in March. Both are held at the local community center.
Solid highway access in town
Interstate 44, a major east-west corridor in Missouri, runs through Saint Robert. Springfield in less than 90 miles away. While no longer an offical highway, Route 66 also serves as an arterial road, dotted with popular tourist stops along its path through town. OATS Transit provides regional transportation service throughout Pulaski County, linking Saint Robert with Waynesville and the surrounding area.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
