Missouri is a great place to live and has something for everyone. Cities, rural areas, culture, nature, sports, great food and so much more. Obviously, EVERYONE couldn’t live here and still maintain the balance of calm, chaos, and adventure. However, visiting is another story. Here are some of the best things about living in Missouri and why the Show Me State is so awesome.

1. We have amazing cities with lots of things to do, see and eat.

Wikimedia/ By Brian Hillegas - originally posted to Flickr as Shots from the Memorial, CC BY 2.0
These are certainly some of the best things about living in Missouri. However, if city life isn’t your thing, you can live rurally and still be within driving distance.

2. It’s affordable.

Flickr/ Mark Moz
The cost of living in Missouri is lower than the national average, especially in housing costs.

3. We experience all 4 seasons.

Flickr/ Rachel Kramer
We get to enjoy the different activities that come with each season. Not to mention, fall and spring in Missouri are simply gorgeous!

4. Lakes, rivers, and streams.

Flickr/ Phil Roussin
Our waterways and lakes are abundant, with lots of opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, floating, or just enjoying the beautiful views. (Pictured: Lake of the Ozarks)

5. We are the best at beer, both classic and craft.

Flickr/ Jhong Dizon
Missouri's own, Budweiser has been around since 1876 and has become one of the highest-selling beers in the U.S. In addition, the state is sprinkled with a wide variety of craft beer sellers, and the amount of these smaller brewers is growing with the national craft beer craze.

6. We are the very best at barbecue.

Wikimedia/ By The original uploader was Gbleem at English Wikipedia - Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons by Hohum using CommonsHelper., CC BY-SA 3.0
Especially in Kansas City!

7. Parks and natural areas, including state parks.

GPA Photo Archive / Flickr
A lot of Missouri has not been urbanized. We have set aside state parks and nature conservancies, and even in the cities we have some of the most beautiful parks. (Pictured: Springfield Nature Walk)

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8. The people.

Flickr/ Wendy Harman
Is Missouri a good place to live? We think so, especially because of the people. People from Missouri are unassuming and friendly. They are ready with a smile and a hello and are there for their neighbors and friends.

9. Fairs and festivals.

Missouri State Fair / Facebook
We know how to have fun! Besides the multitude of local festivals and other similar events, the Missouri State Fair (pictured) has been a yearly staple in Sedalia since 1901. In 2009, the fair had record attendance of nearly 340,000 people, and it won numerous awards at the annual conference of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions. It was especially lauded for its promotion of agricultural exhibitors.

10. Great schools, libraries, and museums.

Wikimedia/ By Rough Tough, Real Stuff - Flickr: University of Missouri, CC BY-SA 2.0
Perhaps one of the best reasons to move to Missoruri, especially if you have kids or are thinking about starting a family. Besides great schools from kindergarten through college, our libraries are first-rate and the museums unparalleled. (Pictured: University of Missouri, Columbia)

11. Beautiful views.

Jeff Weese / Flickr
So many beautiful views throughout the state! (Pictured: Sunset at Table Rock Lake)

12. Historic sites and places.

Flickr/Onasill - Bill Badzo - 192 Million Views Thank You
All of Missouri’s 114 counties as well as the independent city of St. Louis have listings in the National Register of Historic Places. (Pictured: Historic Samuel Cupples House)

13. Vineyards and wineries.

Facebook/ Les Bourgeois Vineyards
Missouri wine country has been booming for many years and its growth is unprecedented. In 2016, Missouri's winery count was over 126! The three largest wineries in Missouri are St. James Winery, Stone Hill Winery, and Les Bourgeois Winery (pictured).

14. Farmer’s markets.

Flickr/ Natalie Maynor
The benefit of being a farm-rich state is that we have a multitude of farmer’s markets featuring fresh produce grown by local farmers. You can even find them in the cities.

What are some other benefits of living in Missouri? Are these the best things about Missouri, or do you have another item to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!

Looking for more great ways to explore the state? Check out the most romantic places in Missouri.

Show off some love for the Show Me State with some cool new duds from Wear Your Roots. Use code Missouri10 for a discount at checkout!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Best Things About Missouri

Megan McDonald | July 10, 2023

What is Missouri best known for?

  • Gateway Arch: One of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, the Gateway Arch is located in St. Louis, Missouri. It stands as a symbol of the westward expansion of the United States.
  • Mark Twain: Missouri was the birthplace of Samuel Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain. Twain is one of America's most celebrated authors, known for his novels such as "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."
  • Kansas City-style barbecue: Missouri, particularly Kansas City, is renowned for its distinctive style. Kansas City-style barbecue is known for its slow-smoked meats, tangy sauces, and various traditional side dishes.
  • Baseball: Missouri has a rich baseball tradition, with two Major League Baseball teams based in the state. The St. Louis Cardinals have a passionate fan base and a storied history, while the Kansas City Royals have had success, including winning the World Series in 1985 and 2015.
  • Lewis and Clark Expedition: Missouri played a significant role in exploring the American West. The Lewis and Clark Expedition, which sought to explore and map the newly acquired western territories of the United States, began its journey from St. Louis, Missouri.
  • The Ozarks: The Ozark Mountains, located primarily in southern Missouri, are known for their scenic beauty, forests, lakes, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The region attracts tourists for hiking, camping, fishing, and boating.
  • Anheuser-Busch: The headquarters of Anheuser-Busch, one of the largest brewing companies in the world and the producer of Budweiser beer, is located in St. Louis, Missouri. The company's brewery in St. Louis offers tours and is a popular attraction.

These are just a few notable aspects that Missouri is known for, but the state has much more to offer in terms of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Is there anything worth seeing in Missouri?

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is a must-see attraction in Missouri. Many people are drawn to see the Gateway Arch in St. Louis due to its iconic status and architectural magnificence. The arch's sleek and soaring design symbolizes the United States' westward expansion and represents a significant historical milestone. Beyond its historical significance, visitors are captivated by the opportunity to ascend to the top of the arch and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. The arch's unique form and prominent place in the city's skyline make it a captivating sight that attracts tourists and locals alike.

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