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Missouri's northernmost city, St. Joseph is mid-sized.
It is home to 75,000 people and serves as the county seat in Buchanan County.
St. Joseph, as with all cities, has its advantages and disadvantages. Individual preferences and priorities determine whether St. Joseph is a great place to live.
St. Joseph's cost of living is one advantage.
St. Joseph's cost of living is lower than many other US cities.
Particularly, the housing prices are reasonable, making it a desirable option for individuals and families on a tight budget.
St. Joseph's average house price is about $120,000. This difference is significant compared to the national average.
Rent prices are also affordable with a 1 bedroom apartment costing on the average around $600 per monthly.
St. Joseph's economy is not only affordable but also diverse with many large employers.
Triumph Foods, a meat processing plant, is one the largest employers in the city. It also provides jobs in the agricultural industry.
Mosaic Life Care and Nestle Purina are two other major employers.
Missouri Western State University is a major employer in the city.
St. Joseph also boasts a rich past, which is celebrated in several museums and historical sites.
St. Joseph's Pony Express National Museum commemorates the Pony Express mail service which operated in the mid-1800s.
Robert Ford was also at the Jesse James Home Museum. This is where the outlaw is buried.
A number of cultural events are held throughout the year in the city, including the Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival as well as Trails West!
Festival.
St. Joseph's proximity to the Missouri River provides another benefit, such as the possibility of outdoor activities such fishing, boating and hiking.
Many parks and trails are available for residents, including the Krug Park.
There are many state parks nearby, including Weston Bend State Park, and Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge. These areas offer additional outdoor recreation opportunities.
St. Joseph, however, has its flaws just like any other city.
One of the most concerning issues for residents is the high rate of crime.
Recent statistics show that St. Joseph's crime rate is significantly higher than the national average. This includes property crime.
Residents who seek safety and security can find this a problem.
Living in St. Joseph has one downside: the lack of entertainment options.
Although there are many festivals and cultural events in the area, the city may not offer as many choices as larger cities.
Residents looking for vibrant nightlife options or entertainment options should be concerned.
The weather in St. Joseph can be another concern.
It experiences both hot summers as well as cold winters. The temperatures range from the mid 90s in summer to below zero in winter.
It can be challenging for those who have sensitive skin or prefer milder weather.
It all depends on your personal preferences and priorities.
There are many benefits to this city including affordable housing, job possibilities, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
For some, however, there are concerns about high crime rates, limited entertainment options, extreme weather, and other issues.
When deciding whether St. Joseph is your home, it is crucial to take into consideration these factors.
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