Waynesville is a rural community with strong military ties
Waynesville, the seat of Pulaski County, is known for its location along the Route 66 corridor, well-preserved downtown and proximity to Fort Leonard Wood. Lisa Ellis, owner and broker of Nexthome Team Ellis, has been selling homes in the area since 1998, noting that nearly all of her clients have been military families and veterans. "A nickname for Fort Leonard Wood is 'Fort Lost in the Woods.' A lot of people don't look forward to [moving here] because they are coming from big towns," she says. "But when they get here, the slower pace, relaxation and more outdoor activities really turn them. A lot of people end up retiring here and making it home." Centrally located within the Ozarks, along the banks of Roubidoux Creek, Waynesville is also a gateway to outdoor recreation, from fishing to hiking and hunting.
Ranch-style homes are common, but the housing stock is diverse
Housing styles span a broad spectrum in Waynesville, suiting first-time buyers and those looking to upgrade to something bigger or purchase a brand-new home. Most new builds are single-story with farmhouse features like shiplap paneling and prominent front-facing garages. Established properties run the gamut, from Craftsman bungalows to Colonial Revivals and New Traditional. Ellis says most are ranch-style homes with basements. Depending on size and condition, most properties range from $140,000 to $380,000. However, fixer-uppers start from $115,000, and larger, newer homes may reach $760,000. The city's hilly landscape is draped in lush greenery. Lots range from a quarter of an acre or less to multiple acres. The city's CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Waynesville R-VI School District is building a new school
Students attend the Waynesville R-VI School District. Kindergarteners through fifth graders may begin at Waynesville East Elementary before filtering into Waynesville Sixth Grade Center. From there, they transition to Waynesville Middle School and then Waynesville Sr. High School. All of these schools earn B-plus ratings from Niche. "They are building a new elementary right now in Waynesville because we have such a need," Ellis says. Liberty Elementary is expected to be finished by 2027 and will feature solar panels and a state-of-the-art storm shelter.
Flooding downtown and regular tornado warnings
Missouri is known for its strong weather. "We get a lot of tornado warnings, a lot of downburst wind damage, and a lot of flooding because of the rivers," Ellis says. She adds that the downtown area and homes nearby are in a flood zone.
Craft beer, hearty German cuisine and antiques downtown
Downtown Waynesville is anchored by a historic square. Paradise Deli & Ursula's Schnitzelhaus serves traditional German dishes and sells specialty European groceries. Piney River Taproom is a go-to for craft beer, handcrafted pizzas and oversized pretzels. Sweet Sam's On Route 66 serves Missouri-made, honey-infused ice cream in over 20 flavors. Local retailers include Plants and Pages bookstore, Lost In the Woods Antiques and Collectibles and Just Because gift shop. Outside the downtown area, more restaurants and chains, including Price Cutter of Waynesville for groceries, add to the mix. St. Roberts, the town next door, has Aldi and a Walmart Supercenter, among other options.
Parks along the local trout-fishing creek
Waynesville and the surrounding natural landscape draw diverse recreation. "People enjoy fishing and hunting, hiking, kayaking and canoeing in the summers," Ellis says. Set along its namesake creek, Roubidoux Park is the town's largest and most developed green space, offering a baseball field, splash pad and a playground. The Roubidoux Walking Trail extends to Roy Laughlin Park, known for its tranquil setting and trout fishing spots. Once part of the Trail of Tears, the park details this tragic chapter of American history through historic plaques. Roubidoux Creek flows from a popular cave-diving spring in town and eventually joins the Gasconade River. Mark Twain National Forest, about 60 miles away, has a vast network of trails and paddling streams. It also allows for hunting.
Historic attractions and annual celebrations
The iconic Route 66 Shield, which people stop to take photos with, and the Old Stagecoach Stop museum are downtown. Built in the 1850s, the museum has worn many hats — including as a Civil War hospital. Each of its 10 rooms showcases historical eras. In September, Roubidoux Park comes alive during Route 66 Hogs & Frogs, which features everything from car and motorcycle shows to live music to frog races. Christmas on the Square arrives in December. "Businesses give away free food and vendors come to sell their wares," Ellis says.
Interstate 44 and a ride-share service support daily commutes
Interstate 44 and Route 66 both pass through town. OATS Transit, a ride-share service, takes passengers to Waynesville VA Clinic and other regional destinations. Fort Leonard Wood is around 12 miles away.
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Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
