Quiz: Which St. Joseph, MO, Neighborhood is Right for You?
Everyone can find their perfect home here, no matter their taste, preferred style or stage in life.
Northwest Missouri is home to quite a gem. Approximately one hour from Kansas City, St. Joseph is a flourishing, yet laidback community where components of the past and present morph. The city boasts historic architecture as well as venues like the Pony Express National Museum, which points to the first horse-mounted rider mail service that started here in 1860, as well as things like a growing arts scene, fun annual festivals, an abundance of outdoor recreation options and dining establishments that serve oh, so delicious fare.
“We really do have something for just about everyone,” says Tama Wagner, director of the St. Joseph Community Alliance. “We have historic sites on the National Register of Historic Places. We have wonderful newer neighborhoods with lots of housing options. And there’s plenty to do here, from outdoor activities to museums and dining and more.”
If you’re drawn to this beautiful city and its wealth of positive qualities, but you’re not exactly sure where to live, not to worry! Use the following quiz to find out which St. Joseph neighborhood is right for you.
Your idea of a perfect weekend is…
- Biking, hiking, birdwatching or doing anything outdoors.
- Taking a stroll to meet friends at a nearby coffee shop.
- Catching a movie or play, followed by dinner at a new bistro you’ve been hearing about.
- Seeing the new exhibit that opened in one of the city’s museums.
Those who know you best say you’re…
- Most at home in hiking boots or running shoes.
- The one who can point them to the latest “hidden treasures” store.
- Most likely to buy tickets to every arts organization’s events.
- A lover of all things historic, especially homes and parks.
Your wardrobe is full of…
- All-weather gear.
- A little all over the place – you have pieces that would fit different decades.
- Outfits that can be transformed from work attire to dressy on the fly.
- Throwback classics that never go out of style.
Your dream home is…
- A chalet-style house just minutes from parks and trails.
- Lit at night with the bright neon lights of the city.
- Made for entertaining, be it a bridge night or dinner party.
- So full of history you’ve had to write a guidebook.
If you answered mostly A, then you’re looking for a home that’s close to outdoor activities.
Lucky for you, homes close to the great outdoors are available in any direction.
One of the city’s beloved outdoor attractions is the St. Joseph Parkway (aka The Parkway), a 26-mile loop of walkways, bike paths and drivable byways that connect venues like Phil Welch Stadium, Krug Park, Hyde Park and Remington Nature Center. Plus, it winds through the city’s neighborhoods, making it easy for residents to get out and about without a vehicle. River Bluff Trails Park, a mecca for cyclists and nature enthusiasts alike, is a favorite in the northern part of the city.
“I can get on The Parkway, go north or south to walk my dog and know that I’ll be on a beautiful, well cared for path,” Wagner says. “It’s a great, safe place to walk, run or bike. We also can easily get to the St. Joseph River Walk, which is another great place to stretch your legs.”
If you answered mostly B, then you’ll enjoy living in or near downtown.
Downtown St. Joseph is a hub of activity. Shoppers have their choice of boutiques and stores for retail therapy, plus they can hang out at a local coffee shop, craft brewery or restaurant.
As far as a place to live, downtown offers everything from historic homes to cool lofts. Wagner says, someone looking for a starter home could find just the right spot, as could a couple looking to downsize their empty nest.
If you answered mostly C, then you’ll also like downtown – and everywhere else in the city!
One great thing about St. Joseph is it offers a variety of floor plans and styles. For someone who has a wide circle of friends and loves to host gatherings, there are both old and new properties to consider. Great places to check out include the Greystone subdivision and Carriage Hills area. There are also neighborhoods around Ashland Avenue and Noyes Boulevard that feature larger houses with sizeable yards.
If you answered mostly D, then head to the city’s historic districts.
Museum Hill, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers several architectural styles that you are sure to love. Plus, check out the Old Town North Association. It features the Cathedral Hill Historic District and Hall Street Historic District, which was once referred to as “Millionaire’s Row.” The area is loaded with beautiful examples of Victorian architecture. Also worth exploring is the Harris-Kemper Historic District and Lovers Lane, made famous by the Eugene Field poem, Lover’s Lane, St. Jo.
“There’s really a little bit of something for everyone around here,” Wagner says. “Whether you’re looking for Victorian-, Greek Revival-, Craftsman-, or Arts & Crafts-style homes, we have it all.”
Things to Keep in Mind
No matter where you land in the city, you can relax, knowing that the area is affordable. St. Joseph’s average home value is less than $150,000 (Zillow, November 2023), while it is just under $260,000 in Kansas City. Plus, there are homes for every stage of life – with more on the horizon – so you can stay in the city but move to another area, if needed.
“We want to revitalize our older neighborhoods as well as create new areas, so people can find something when their needs change,” Wagner says. “I’m a good example; when we first moved here in 2002, we had three teenagers and were in a loft downtown. Now, we’re in an older house because we needed a yard for grandchildren.”
This article was sponsored by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce.