Washington’s history and future have been built along the Missouri River. About 50 miles west of St. Louis and with more than 15,000 people it’s the largest locale between St Louis County and Jefferson City. The area is flush with jobs in manufacturing and healthcare, and features a historic downtown, community events and almost 600 acres of outdoor recreation. “I think the draw for people is to have a small-town feel,” says Mike Galbally, a local Realtor with Keller Williams Realty West with more than 15 years of experience. “There’s a fair amount of buyers that are looking for a little bit of land and a little bit slower pace of life. And the affordability — compared to other areas, Washington offers a lot for what you can get with your money.”
Downtown Washington is home to many local shops like Benito's and Marquarts Landing.
The Missouri River is a huge part of Washington culture offering fishing, boating, and more.
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Washington’s housing stock melds history with future
There is a wide variety of real estate in Washington, according to Galbally. Some of the oldest homes from the 19th and 20th centuries are near the center of town in subdivisions like Henry Heinings and Tracts. Prices in the subdivisions range from $130,000 to $650,000. Many of the modern homes, built in the 21st century, are clustered on the city's outer reaches. That includes compact villa-style options in Westview Villas at Stone Crest and Villas at River Crossing, for $200,000 to $325,000. “There are a fair amount of people approaching retirement, or retirees that like to move to the area,” Galbally says. “Villas are a really good product that they buy.” The median list price is $317,000, more than the nearby city of Union but less than Wildwood and the national average.
According to Missouri State Highway Patrol data, violent and property crime dropped in Washington from 2023 to 2024.
Washington homes in subdivisions such as Henry Heinings offer classic brick cottages.
Modern Ranchers can be found in Washington in subdivisions like Stone Crest.
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Mercy Hospital is the city’s largest employer
Mercy Hospital Washington has become the largest employer. The 187-bed facility includes a cancer center, maternity wing and trauma center. Rawlings Sporting Goods is another contributor to the economy and operates a distribution center that received a $14 million expansion in 2022.
Mercy Hospital Washington is the area's largest employer and the premiere healthcare center.
Rawlings is the second largest employer in Washington and specializes in sporting goods.
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Historic downtown is a hot spot for local events
Washington’s historic downtown makes the most of its proximity to the Missouri River. Brick storefronts range from antique stores to art galleries, coffeeshops and locally owned restaurants. The district was part of the pilot for the Missouri Main Street Program in the 1990s, which helped push infrastructure improvements. Big-box stores and chain restaurants are in pockets along Highways 47 and 100. From March through December downtown is bustling with community events. Fall Festival of the Arts & Crafts each September features almost 100 artisans. Oktoberfest is celebrated over back-to-back weekends on Front Street each September.
The only thing between downtown Washington and the Missouri River is the Amtrak train line.
Washington Coffee Shop is a popular spot for residents to get some early morning work done.
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Summers on the Missouri River
James W. Rennick Riverfront Park along the Missouri River offers fishing spots and boat launches. It’s also home to the Washington Bikeway Rotary Riverfront Trail, a 3-mile paved path. Main Park has a community playground, baseball field and home to the Agnes Nolting Aquatic Complex, open from late May to early September. A membership at the nearby Four Rivers YMCA gives locals access to an indoor pool and a fitness center.
Warm summers in Washington give way to winters that average about 9 inches of snow. The Missouri River can pose a flood risk with heavy rain. Properties nearby may require additional insurance.
Use the boat ramp at James Rennick Park to access the Missouri River in Washington.
The Washington Bikeway Riverfront Trail spans 3 miles and follows the Missouri River.
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The School District of Washington is one of Missouri’s largest
The School District of Washington boasts a B-plus on Niche. The system is among the largest in Missouri and includes about 3,600 students from Washington and six other towns. The district only has one high school, Washington High.
St. Francis Borgia High is a notable private school in town with a B-plus rating. Course options range from pottery to engineering. The two-year East Central College has tracks including business and education.
Washington High School is the area's only high school and is home to over 1,300 sudents.
East Central College in Washington offers many unique programs to over 2,000 students.
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Amtrak offers service to Kansas City and St. Louis
There’s an Amtrak station in downtown Washington, where trains between St. Louis and Kansas City stop twice daily. Highways 47 and 100 are the major thoroughfares in the city. Highway 100 connects to Interstate 44 for drives west to St. Louis. Commercial flights are available at the St. Louis Lambert International Airport, a 55-mile trip.
Crime
According to Missouri State Highway Patrol data, most categories of violent and property crime dropped in Washington from 2023 to 2024.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
Photography Contributed By
Ethan Babor
Video By
Jason Jacot
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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BUILDER DISPLAY! Impressive 2 bedroom, 2 bath villa by Bridgewater Communities, your villa experts! Bridgewater Communities present their Cottage Villa Collection of homes, designed to be high functioning, on-trend and focused on convenience and smart use of space. Intentionally designed as a single cul de sac street, there is only one way in and out for privacy and safety. This completed
Kelly BoehmerBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties
MOVE IN READY! Impressive 2 bedroom, 2 bath villa by Bridgewater Communities, your villa experts! Bridgewater Communities present their Cottage Villa Collection of homes, designed to be high functioning, on-trend and focused on convenience and smart use of space. Intentionally designed as a single cul de sac street, there is only one way in and out for privacy and safety. This end unit villa
Kelly BoehmerBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties
Welcome Home! This Inviting Ranch Home features large yard, open living spaces, divided bedroom floor plan, & several accessible features. Whether entering in the front or the back door, you are welcomed into the open main area, which includes spacious living room opening to kitchen with large bar area & the dining room with sliding door leading to covered porch. The Primary Bedroom Suite
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Welcome Home!Washington Terrace is a modern New Contruction apartment community featuring 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom apartments. Conveniently located near shopping centers, grocery stores, banks, and eateries, we offer a perfect blend of comfort and accessibility. OPEN HOUSE 9/20/2025 9:00AM-12:00 PM STOP BY VIEW AND APPLY !
Prime Location for a studio! This beautiful property is located just minutes from shops, local restaurants, and scenic public parks providing both convenience and charm. It offers a full kitchen, bathroom, and two car garage. Utilities (electric, water, sewer, trash, WIFI and Roku) included in rent amount..
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
