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Joplin and its surrounding metro area ranks as one of the most affordable cities to live in Missouri overall, with a cost of living that’s 19% below the national average. It also rates as one of the most diverse places to live in the state, and the majority of residents own their homes. Joplin originally began as a mining town, and today it’s considered a gem of a place to call home for families, retirees, and professionals alike.

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Saint Louis is a haven for young professionals who are interested in starting a career, but it’s not limited solely to job-seekers. The population is diverse and there’s plenty to do, whether you’re looking for a thriving nightlife scene or family-friendly attractions. The Gateway Arch is of course one of the most notable landmarks, with thousands of tourists visiting each year, but there are plenty of smaller, more out-of-the-way spots to explore.

Going through the mortgage preapproval process can give you an idea of how much home you might be able to afford.

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Kansas City is Missouri’s largest city, with a population exceeding half a million people. It’s been ranked as one of the best cities in America to buy a home and more people own here than rent. If you’re a football fan, Sundays might be dedicated to watching the Chiefs play at Arrowhead Stadium, but if not you can easily find something to do here any day of the week.

Ballwin offers easy access to shopping and dining, with Saint Louis a short drive away. Overwhelmingly, the diverse range of families who choose to live here own rather than rent their homes. One of the biggest attractors (other than its well-regarded schools) is the wide variety of parks and trails that are perfect for a weekend hike with the kids (and dogs) in tow.

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Wildwood is a larger suburban city that’s nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Saint Louis offers a relatively short commute for working professionals while closer to home, families enjoy beautiful outdoor spaces. (The good schools here are a draw for families as well.) The price-to-income ratio is low, though homeowners should be aware that Saint Louis County has a higher property tax rate than other Missouri locales.

Some of those planning on a move here may need to consider a jumbo mortgage loan.

Olivette rates high on the livability scale for families, with a smaller-town feel and access to the bigger-city amenities of nearby Saint Louis. It’s been recognized as one of the most diverse suburbs in Missouri. Parents appreciate that it is home to some of the best-rated schools in the state. Like other Saint Louis suburbs, home prices are a bit higher compared to more outlying areas but still affordable, based on the area’s price-to-income ratio.

Hi-Pointe is part of the Dogtown section of Saint Louis, which is a traditionally Irish section of the city. The area features a mix of young professionals and families with young children (the median age is 39), with about half of households owning their homes. The area is known for its drive-in movie theater and the many amenities in Forest Park at its northern border.

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Maplewood, which derives its name in part from the many maple trees planted around the city, is home to a small population with a higher proportion of unmarried, child-free residents than married couples with kids. Roughly half of residents hold a college degree, and the majority of those employed work in white-collar roles. There are plenty of job offerings in Maplewood and even more employment opportunities in nearby Saint Louis.

Shaw was originally a natural prairie before being developed as a city. The area draws in young professionals who are eager to live and work in the Saint Louis area. Most residents are young and childless, with the median age coming in at 36 years old. The Missouri Botanical Gardens, one of the oldest research centers in the U.S., borders the neighborhood.

If you’re getting ready to start home shopping, visit a home loan help center to learn more about the process of obtaining a mortgage.

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Kennett is the largest city in the Bootheel area of Missouri, and it’s remained mostly agricultural since its founding in 1846. The small town may appeal to retirees who aren’t interested in spending their golden years living in the big city and prefer a slower pace. Housing is quite inexpensive whether you’re renting or buying.

Smithville is part of the Kansas City metro area and affords retirees with a quieter suburban escape. The overall cost of living is somewhat higher than other Missouri cities and towns, though incomes are higher as well. There are lots of outdoor attractions to keep retirees occupied, including parks and lakes, and the Smithville Senior Center sponsors a variety of activities for the city’s older residents.

Creve Coeur is a moderately sized suburban area that’s a 20-minute drive from downtown Saint Louis. Deriving its name from a local legend involving unrequited love, the city is home to many popular attractions that retirees might appreciate, including the Antique Mall and Millennium Park. Around a quarter of the population is 65 or older, and most people own their homes. The convenience to nearby Saint Louis may be ideal for retirees who want to be able to shop, dine out, or visit their doctor without a lengthy drive.

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Branson is an Ozark town that’s a well-known vacation spot for families. There are plenty of theme parks and museums, but Branson’s real draw lies in its natural beauty. Lake Taneycomo and Table Rock Lake are some of the best fishing spots in the country, whether you’re angling from the shore or heading out on the water. If you’re not into fishing, you can relax aboard one of the many riverboat tours that operate in the area. The price-to-income ratio is higher than some of the other cities we’ve profiled, but it’s possible to find a home to fit almost any budget.

Rolla features many attractions designed for those who love the water, including SplashZone Waterpark and Fugitive Beach. The latter is a waterpark built inside what was once a rock quarry. If you’d rather avoid the crowds that water parks draw, you can always check out some of the smaller, local creeks instead. The price-to-income ratio is higher here and in Warsaw, listed below, but that’s because incomes are lower — housing remains affordable overall.

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Warsaw offers lots to do out-of-doors, starting with boating, fishing, and strolling along the waterfront at Drake Harbor. The Warsaw Riverfront trail system takes you along the Osage arm of the Lake of the Ozarks and the Harry S. Truman Dam offers amazing views of the water. If you’re into watersports, you can head to Truman Lake for boating, waterskiing, and swimming. As in Rolla, listed above, the price-to-income ratio is higher, but home prices are still a bargain.