Housing and Neighborhoods
Roofs, Rooms, Relaxation, and Recreation
What looks like home to you? Downtown loft apartment? Family-friendly subdivision? Quiet country, easy condo or historic charmer? Whatever your style, St. Joseph has unlimited open doors. Locals and visitors often comment on our diverse and unique living options, all within a convenient drive to Kansas City … and within a surprisingly moderate price range. Our list of experienced realtors and rental companies can help you get into something exactly your style, from modern apartment complexes and duplexes or lofts, to quaint, established neighborhood homes and new construction must-haves.
More for Your Money:
- Housing costs in St. Joseph are 83.5% below the national average.
Average Home Costs:
- Average home price: $130,674
- Average rent: $715/ month
- 71% of St. Joseph citizens are homeowners
HISTORIC HOMES
Look up and say “wow” if you’re a fan of historic architecture. St. Joseph has long been a jewel of the Midwest, and the nation, for block after block of beautiful homes built in the mid to late 1800s and the early 1900s. Founded in 1843, our city was one of the most important sites of commerce and trade by 1870 — and it shows in our outstanding Gilded Age mansions, Victorian beauties, Italianate masterpieces and Gothic-inspired homes. Our city’s abundant Craftsman, bungalow and Colonial styles are also well-documented by old house lovers everywhere. Edmund Eckel, one of the city’s premier architects, studied his craft in Paris, France, and certainly left his mark. Residents of National Register neighborhoods including Hall Street, Museum Hill and Harris-Kemper keep the stories of these amazing homes alive with special tours and events year-round. (Interested? Your old house dreams can come true in St. Joseph at surprisingly modest prices.)
DOWNTOWN LIVING
If you like a room with a view, St. Joseph’s downtown living options won’t disappoint. Tucked alongside restaurants, coffee shops and night spots are several choices with a clever mix of charming historic elements and modern amenities. Check out the Lofts at 415, the Lofts at Landmark, Townsend & Wall Lofts or The Residences at 107 S. Sixth St., for starters. It’s an exciting time to call downtown St. Joseph home as new streetscapes, concert venues, boutiques and more continue to create a vibrant (and welcoming) culture.
SUBURBAN AREAS
Evening walks, impromptu garage gatherings and kids gathering for a bike ride around the block … that’s just a snapshot of many of St. Joseph’s suburban living areas. (We’re still one of those communities where neighbors tend to know each other.) You can have your choice of established and renovated suburban areas, such as Stonecrest or a home along historic Ashland, or new construction within walking distance of schools, such as Greystone, Wilshire and Corinth. Many suburban neighborhoods are an easy paved walk to our city’s parkway trails, including Thousand Oaks and Lovers Lane. To the north, check out the new homes with a scenic view at subdivisions like Oakmont. Get more than a house — you’re part of a neighborhood in St. Joseph.
RENTAL PROPERTIES
Headed to St. Joseph for a short-term work assignment, or just need somewhere to live while you find your perfect home? We’ve got your rental property needs covered. From upscale condos to apartments, duplexes and affordable single-family rentals, there’s a welcome mat waiting for you without the big-city hassle. For executives relocating to St. Joseph, long-standing real estate resources like Berkshire Hathaway and Coldwell Banker can assist with rental and executive needs. View the St. Joseph Rental Guide for more information.
RURAL LIVING IN THE REGION
When you want to enjoy some wide open spaces, you’ll love rural living in the St. Joseph area. You’ll find scenic two-lane drives in every direction from the city. In just 10 minutes or less, you’ll see acres of farmland and our signature rolling hills (yet you’re still conveniently close to the things you need). We’re a city surrounded by dramatic river bluffs and gentle elevations, with several inviting small towns that are part of the St. Joseph metro region. Check out rural living options in Savannah, Country Club Village, Faucett, Gower, Agency, Dearborn or even the small Kansas town of Wathena. Each is an easy, paved 15-minute drive from St. Joseph, but offers a more rural lifestyle (without being completely off the grid).
GOLF AND PRIVATE COMMUNITIES
There’s nothing like waking up and taking a short stroll from your front door to your tee time. In St. Joseph, we love golf and the lifestyle amenities that go along with it. The St. Joseph Country Club features an 18-hole Championship Course spanning 6,582 yards of challenging golf for all skill levels. Membership includes a new fitness center and pool, plus dinners and events at the beautiful Tudor-styled 35,000 foot clubhouse and ballroom. Residences around the Country Club feature a mix of stunning historic estates, renovated family homes and new construction neighborhoods. Additional communities featuring estate-style homes include Eagle Ridge and Lake of Twelve Oaks.
BEDROOM COMMUNITIES
St. Joseph has a variety of smaller towns that surround it, drawing in people who choose to live the small town life, but come to St. Joseph to work, shop and play. Enjoy Savannah’s square and high school homecoming parade (the whole town basically closes shop to partake in the fun), Easton, Agency, Cosby on the Missouri side to name a few and Elwood, Troy and Wathena on the Kansas side of the Missouri River. All towns have their own charm, economies and are worth a visit to their local eateries and shops.
URBAN AREAS
If urban living is your thing, get to know our choices in St. Joseph — an uncommon mix of style and affordability. Mitchell Park Plaza is a unique, historic multi-story building near downtown featuring loft-styled floor plans with polished concrete floors, stainless or black appliances, large windows and more. The building has controlled access, indoor pool, playground, fitness center and walking trail. For convenient access to grocery and retail stores, check out our apartment complexes and duplexes along the Belt Highway. In the central part of town, you’ll find charming urban living choices set alongside stately single-family homes. For loft and studio styles, get great style and easy living when you make the move to downtown St. Joseph.
RESOURCE LINKS:
- St. Joseph Rental Guide
- Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS
- St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce
- Convention and Visitors Bureau
- Downtown Partnership
- Harris-Kemper Neighborhood Association
- Museum Hill National Historic District
- Historic Neighborhoods