Sullivan offers rural charm and easy highway access
About an hour's drive from Saint Louis , Sullivan is a city of 7,000. Surrounded by farming country and conservation areas, privacy and lower-than-average real estate prices drive potential homeowners' interest. "It's far enough away from the bigger cities like St. Louis," says Sydney Lewis, the Scenic Regional Library branch manager in Sullivan. "It means you can have more space and a lower cost of living." However, the value of location goes beyond easy access to green spaces. "Sullivan's on Interstate 44," says Brian Sohn, a broker with eXp Realty. "That's the new version of the mother road: Route 66. It's probably one of the most efficient highways in the region." As a result, commuters to Washington , Union and St. Louis use Sullivan as a low-key, after-hours retreat.
Cape Cods, ranches and new builds offer a range of price points
Lots near the city center are typically a quarter-acre and smaller, with most of the space given to backyards ending in alleys with sheds and other outbuildings. Narrow sidewalks connect homes to downtown commercial zones, giving the area a better level of walkability. Early 20th-century Cape Cods are typical, usually priced to sell between $30,000 and $180,000, depending on condition. Midcentury ranch-style homes are also available, generally between $120,000 and $220,000. The newest homes are further west, with 21st-century New Traditionals selling between $290,000 and $400,000, depending on amenities.
Local parks range from neighborhood baseball fields to vast forests
At 57 acres, City Lake Park is Sullivan's largest. It features many standard amenities like playground equipment and picnic areas, but nature lovers in particular prize its fishing lake and scenic hiking trail. Named for a legendary St. Louis baseball player, Sunny Jim Bottomley City Park has four baseball fields, tennis courts and a skate park. Established on the lake that shares its name, Maramec State Park is nearly 7,000 acres in size. The wilderness has over 13 miles of hiking trails, campsites and a crystal-filled cave available for tours.
Area schools have sports, arts and private education options
Students are served by Sullivan School District, which has a B from Niche. In 2020, Sullivan High School's softball team won the state championship, while the baseball team made it to the state semifinals in 2025. "They've got really good music and theater programs," says Lewis. Those interested in a private education can consider St. Anthony Catholic School, which teaches prekindergarten through eighth grade. St. Anthony has yet to be graded by Niche.
Brewpubs and homestyle diners anchor the dining scene
Franchise retail and restaurants cluster around Interstate 44, while Main Street caters more to locally owned establishments. Aldi and Walmart Supercenter are available for grocery needs. Muddy Banks is a brewpub with a menu of dozens of Missouri-brewed wines, meads and beers. A full menu of upscale bar food is available for anyone who wants to make a night of it. Established in the 1960s, Silo Restaurant specializes in laid-back family fare with a homestyle atmosphere.
Annual events include community fairs and Christmas lights
The Meramec Community Fair has been held in Sullivan every summer since 1987. In addition to 4-H-sponsored livestock events and carnival rides, the celebration includes a parade, tractor pulls and the Meramec Community Fair Queen Pageant. The Downtown Christmas Festival is thrown the first Saturday in December, and includes vendors, music and more. "The Christmas Festival is really big," says Lewis. "They'll have a drive-through light display and a big tree lighting."
The location offers quick highway access and local hospital care
Interstate 44 runs through the town center, providing access to the surrounding metro area, including St. Louis, about 70 miles away. "You don't get the traffic on I-44 that you get on other highways," says Sohn. "You can get to St. Louis in an hour." Established in 1962, Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital offers an emergency room, lab services and general care.
