Missouri 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Missouri Climate & Geography

The majority of Northern and Central Missouri is situated on lower and hilly land, as the Osage Plains are located in the western part of the state. The southern part of the state sees an increase in elevation, as it is home to the St. Francois Mountains and the Ozark Plateau. The highest point in the state is the Taum Sauk Mountain, part of the St. Francois Mountain Range. Missouri River and Osage River are two main rivers that run through Missouri, and the Mississippi River runs along the state’s eastern border.

Missouri's climate means the state generally receives more rain than the national average. Snowfall in Missouri is lower than average, with more snowfall in the northern part of the state and less in the southern part of the state. Missouri residents can expect around 200 sunny days per year.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment in Missouri

State Parks are scattered throughout Missouri, providing residents with plenty of outdoor sites to explore. Mark Twain State Park and Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site are located in the north, Table Rock State Park in the south, and perhaps the most famous, Lake of the Ozarks State Park is in the central part of the state. The parks offer activities like swimming, fishing, hiking, and boating available to visitors.

Missouri has plenty to do in terms of history and culture. Saint Louis is home to architectural wonders like the famous Gateway Arch and the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, as well as the Missouri Botanical Garden. Kansas City offers the National World War I Museum and Memorial, and Independence has the Bingham-Waggoner Estate a house that held an important place in the state’s history.

Missouri Cost of Living & Taxes

The overall cost of living in Missouri is lower than the national average. Grocery, housing, utility and transportation costs are all below the national average, while health costs are just slightly above the national average.

Social Security in Missouri is only taxed if single taxpayers have an adjusted gross income of $85,000 or higher, or for married couples, if it is above $100,000. Income tax can range from 1.50 percent to 5.90 percent, and cities may add earnings tax.

Health Care in Missouri

Barnes-Jewish Hospital, located in Saint Louis, is rated No. 1 in the state by U.S. News. The hospital is nationally ranked in t10 specialties and high performing in three specialties and nine procedures. Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City, rated No. 2 in the state, is located in Kansas City. The hospital is nationally ranked in two specialties and high performing in two specialties and six procedures. Missouri Baptist Medical Center, located in Saint Louis, is rated No. 3 in the state. The hospital is high performing in two specialties and eight procedures.