Located on the southwest edge of the St. Louis Metro, Union is a growing city of about 12,300. The population jumped by more than 2,000 from 2010 to 2020, and the city offers newcomers an inventory of homes at relatively affordable prices. That value comes with a location about 50 miles from Downtown St. Louis, access to several outdoor attractions and a robust jobs sector. “The homes seem to be more affordable in the Union area as opposed to other areas closer to St. Louis,” says Cory Davis, a Realtor with RE/MAX Platinum with more than 25 years of experience. “It has easy access to the highways and interstates that lead to the city to get them back and forth to their jobs. It’s a sizable enough town that it’s still close to schools, hospitals and jobs.”
Union's population jumped by more than 2,000 from 2010 to 2020.
Experience small-town charm and local shops in the heart of Union, MO.
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Union homes list for less than nearby cities
Buyers can find houses in various ages and environments around Union. Whether a midcentury ranch-style home in an area like Union Hills, a custom colonial on multiple acres or a recently built new traditional house in a development like Park Place. “Anywhere from manufactured homes to golf course homes and apartment complexes,” Davis says. “Plus, new construction. We have several subdivisions with new construction right now. So there’s a lot of good options.” Fixer-uppers start at around $60,000, and houses on larger lots top out at about $700,000. Union’s median list price of roughly $274,000 is lower than that of some other nearby cities, including Washington and Eureka.
Union’s mid-century ranch homes blend vintage style with modern comfort.
Discover custom-built homes on spacious lots, offering comfort and privacy in Union, MO.
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Manufacturing makes up a significant portion of local jobs
Three of Union’s top five largest employers are in manufacturing. The Children’s Factory, a maker of play equipment and furniture, is among them. The Union R-XI School District is another major employer. Also, as part of the St. Louis region, residents have proximity to 17 Fortune 1000 companies, including Energizer to Emerson Electric. “If I were to guess, I’d say the bulk of people work locally,” Davis says. “But I know that there’s also another percentage that drives to St. Louis.”
Students thrive at East Central College with strong academics and community support in Union MO.
Sligan Plastic Food Containers in Union, MO specializes in food-safe storage. solutions.
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Splash-n-Swimplex offers warm-weather fun
City Park is one of the most visited spaces, with its playground, fields, courts and a lake stocked with bass, catfish and trout. Another draw to the space is the Splash-n-Swimplex, a water park with pools and slides open from late May to late August. The facility hosts community events, including a Founder’s Day Festival in May with activities for kids and live entertainment and Boo Bash, a Halloween festival in October with a trunk-or-treat.
Robertsville State Park, 12 miles away, has more than 3 miles of trails, plus a boat launch into the Meramec River. Six Flags St. Louis is just a bit farther, a 21-mile trip to Eureka. Union weather’s seesaws through each of the four seasons. “I was looking at the forecast this week, and it was going to be 70 degrees one day, and then, in the same week’s forecast, it was supposed to snow,” Davis says. “We have hot, humid summers and freezing cold winters. And when you’re in the spring and fall transition, it can vary so much. You don’t know if you’ll be wearing shorts and sandals or a parka.” Also, as part of Tornado Alley, Missouri has averaged 55 tornadoes a year since 2010, according to data compiled by the Springfield News-Leader.
Kids soar high on the swingset, a favorite spot in Union City Park.
Discover the tranquil beauty and recreational opportunities at Robertsville State Park.
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White Rose Café is a downtown staple
Union has a small downtown featuring locally owned eateries and other businesses. White Rose Café is a staple and has been open since 1932 and is known in part for its low prices. There are multiple big-box stores and a movie theater on the east side of town.
Shop for all your essentials at Walmart, the go-to big box store in Union, MO.
Savor classic comfort food at White Rose Café in the heart of Union, MO.
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Union School District includes the modern Prairie Dell Elementary
The city’s Union R-XI School District carries a B-minus grade on Niche. One of the district's elementary schools, Prairie Dell, is relatively new — it opened in 2020 and its integrated facilities include a makerspace and an art room.
The two-year East Central College offers programs has one of its two location in Union. The community college offers associate degrees in numerous programs, including the arts and humanities, business and career and technical education.
Excellence in education drives Union R-XI School District’s commitment to students.
East Central College offers associate degrees in Union, MO.
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OATS offers on-demand public transportation
Locals can schedule rides to places like the city’s Walmart through Operating Above the Standard Transit, or OATS Transit. Rides cost $2 each way and can be reserved by phone. U.S. Highway 50 connects drivers to Interstate 44 for trips toward St. Louis. The St. Louis Lambert International Airport is just over 50 miles away on I-44 and I-270. The 187-bed Mercy Hospital Washington is an 8-mile trip on Missouri Route 47.
Crime
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Union experienced a 17% decrease in violent crime and a drop in multiple categories of property crime from 2023 to 2024.
Written By
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Photography Contributed By
Matt Ponstingl
Video By
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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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 Union, MO sell after 159 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Union, MO over the last 12 months is $287,987, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Perfect Place For Your Own Private Slice of Paradise! On 3+ acres, this fully updated Ranch Home features a private pond, multiple outdoor living spaces, finished lower level, and convenient location near Union MO. Renovated from Top to Bottom, the finishes in this home could make the cover of a magazine and ensure this is as MOVE -IN READY as new construction! The entry leads you into the open
Ranh home with great location and private back yard. Some updates but needs some creative touches. LL walk-out and great potential.Nice living room, Kirchen and dining combo, 2 bedrooms and one hall bath, 1 car garage and deck off Dining area. Come see!
Welcome to this beautiful home featuring brand new flooring throughout with 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms on main level. The Master Suite boast coffered ceiling. walk-in closet and bath with double sink vanity, soaking tub and separate shower too. Kitchen includes Maytag appliances, refrigerator, new garbage disposal and pantry. 2-car garage has 30 amp RV plug right outside and PTAC heat and
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This is a great opportunity to move your family into a nice 4 bedroom/2 full bath home in Union, MO with all kitchen appliances provided! The main floor has 3 bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, a completely redone eat-in kitchen with all appliances, and family room with cable/high speed internet access. The basement was recently finished with a large new bedroom, full bathroom, living area with walkout
Welcome to Chapel Ridge of Union: Affordable Luxury Apartment LivingDiscover the finest in affordable luxury apartment living at Chapel Ridge of Union! Located in Union, MO, just minutes from Highway 50, shopping, and dining, our community offers one, two, and three-bedroom apartment homes designed for comfort and convenience.Each apartment home at Chapel Ridge of Union features
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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