Ashlar Blog
Moving to Missouri: The Ultimate New Resident Guide
Thinking about moving to Missouri? You’re in the right place. At Ashlar Homes, we build quality homes and help people settle into communities with confidence.
With years of local experience, we make relocating simple. Whether you’re moving for work, family, or a fresh start.
We’re here to guide you through every step.
Welcome to Missouri – Why It’s the Perfect Place to Call Home
Missouri’s appeal is no secret. With its affordable cost of living, vibrant job market, strong schools, and that unmistakable Midwest community spirit, it’s easy to see why so many people are choosing to call Missouri home.
As Shawn Woods, President & CEO of Ashlar Homes, puts it:
“We spend a lot of time researching where we can build homes most economically, while still creating neighborhoods where people truly want to live.”
At Ashlar Homes, we’re not just builders. We’re your neighbors, your guides, and your biggest cheerleaders as you settle in. Ready to see what Missouri has to offer?
Start your Missouri journey with Ashlar Homes.
Explore our communities or connect with a specialist today.
Missouri at a Glance – Fast Facts for Newcomers
Ashlar Homes selects communities that balance convenience, quality, and connection.
- Affordability: Missouri’s cost of living is lower than the national average, giving families and professionals more value for their money.
- Climate: Experience all four seasons in Missouri, from mild springs and colorful autumns to warm summers and snowy winters.
- Major Industries: Missouri’s job market is robust with opportunities in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and technology, especially for early- and mid-career professionals moving to the Kansas City metro area.
- Population Trends: Family-friendly suburbs continue to grow as more people seek excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a true sense of community.
Did You Know?
- Missouri’s homeownership rate is consistently above the national average, around 67%, making it one of the most accessible states for first-time buyers and families.
- Missouri ranks among the top 15 states for affordable healthcare access, according to U.S. News & World Report.
- The state’s cost of living is typically 10–15% lower than the national average, allowing your budget to stretch further.
- Missouri is home to more than 90 state parks and historic sites, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
- Kansas City and St. Louis have both been recognized for their vibrant food scenes and cultural attractions.
The Missouri Lifestyle – What Makes Life Here Special?
Family-Friendly Communities & Quality of Life
Missouri’s suburbs, particularly in the Kansas City area, are known for safe neighborhoods, strong schools, and plenty of family-focused amenities, making it easy to put down roots.
- Lee’s Summit: Vibrant parks and a full calendar of family events.
- Raymore: Green spaces, playgrounds, and a community-focused atmosphere.
Pleasant Hill: Small-town charm with easy access to Kansas City, community parades, and safe streets.
Settling into an Ashlar community can be smooth, with neighborhoods designed for convenience, access to amenities, and a welcoming environment for families.
Outdoor Recreation & Culture
If you love getting outside, you’ll feel right at home here. Missouri offers lakes, scenic trails, and parks for hiking, biking, fishing, and family picnics. The state’s four distinct seasons mean you can enjoy spring wildflowers, summer lake days, colorful autumn festivals, and even a little winter sledding.
Ashlar’s team is always happy to share local tips like the best hidden trails for a weekend hike or which seasonal festivals are can’t-miss events. There’s truly something for everyone, year-round.
Affordability & Everyday Living
Missouri stands out for its affordability. Ashlar homes often start in the $280,000–$320,000 range, and many options are under $400,000, making homeownership accessible for first-time buyers and growing families.
Utilities and healthcare are also more affordable here, and short commutes are the norm thanks to well-planned communities near major employers.
Local Tip:
Ashlar Homes helps you stretch your budget with energy-efficient features, move-in-ready options, and transparent pricing; so you get more home for your money and no surprises at closing.
Your Step-by-Step Missouri Relocation Checklist
Moving to Missouri is easier with a plan and support from Ashlar Homes. Use this checklist to simplify your move:
- Register Your Vehicle
Head to your local Missouri Department of Revenue office to register your vehicle and get new plates.
Missouri Vehicle Registration - Get a Missouri Driver’s License
Schedule a visit to transfer your license. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and required documents.
Missouri Driver License Info - Set Up Utilities
Arrange for water, electricity, gas, and internet. Not sure where to start? Ashlar’s team provides a handy list of trusted local providers to make setup a breeze. - Register to Vote
Don’t miss your chance to have a say in your new community. Register online or at your county clerk’s office.
Register to Vote in Missouri - Enroll Kids in School
Contact your local school district for enrollment details and required paperwork. Need help? Ashlar can connect you with district contacts and provide tips for a smooth start. - Find Healthcare Providers
Research nearby doctors, dentists, and pharmacies. Many of our buyers appreciate recommendations from Ashlar’s relocation specialists or new neighbors. - Explore Your Neighborhood
Get to know your new community! Check out local parks, attend events, and discover favorite spots. Our team loves sharing insider tips to help you feel at home fast.
From your first tour to move-in, Ashlar Homes provides transparent, flexible, and personalized service. We answer your questions and guide you through every step, so you can focus on enjoying your new home.
Exploring Ashlar Homes Communities in Missouri
Lee’s Summit
Lee’s Summit is a vibrant city with top-rated schools, plenty of parks, and convenient shopping, offering a comfortable lifestyle for families and professionals.
- Top-Rated Schools: Strong academics and a wide range of extracurriculars help students succeed.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Parks, sports facilities, shopping, and festivals provide plenty to do year-round.
- Welcoming Community: Safe neighborhoods and a strong sense of connection make the city feel inviting.
- Modern Home Designs: Ashlar homes offer open layouts, energy-efficient features, and flexible spaces for everyday living.
- Walkable Neighborhoods: Trails and green spaces are close by, blending convenience with outdoor enjoyment.
Raymore
Raymore is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with parks, trails, and a strong sense of community. Ashlar neighborhoods are built to encourage connection and everyday convenience.
- Family-Focused Living: A supportive community where it’s easy to build lasting relationships.
- Parks & Trails: Playgrounds, walking paths, and plenty of green space for outdoor time.
- Active Local Life: Farmers markets, seasonal events, and community gatherings bring residents together.
- Versatile Home Options: From ranch plans to spacious two-stories, Ashlar offers layouts for a range of needs.
- Neighbor-Friendly Design: Thoughtful street layouts and inviting porches make meeting neighbors feel natural.
Pleasant Hill
For those who want small-town living with quick access to Kansas City, Pleasant Hill offers quiet neighborhoods, a historic downtown, and a friendly community.
- Small-Town Charm: Historic streets, friendly neighbors, and year-round local events.
- Easy Metro Access: A calm, suburban feel with a short commute to Kansas City’s jobs, dining, and entertainment.
- Classic Meets Modern: Ashlar homes blend timeless design with modern features for comfortable daily living.
- Relaxed Living: Safe, quiet streets that support a slower, more peaceful pace.
- Supportive Experience: Ashlar guides you from your first conversation through move-in, ensuring a smooth process.
Community Comparison Table
| Community | School Quality | Commute to KC Metro | Community Features | Home Features |
| Lee’s Summit | Top-rated | 20–30 min | Parks, shopping, festivals, vibrant lifestyle | Spacious, modern, energy-efficient |
| Raymore | Highly rated | 25–35 min | Parks, trails, community events, neighborly | Ranch & 2-story, versatile layouts |
| Pleasant Hill | Close-knit | 30–40 min | Small-town charm, parades, peaceful streets | Classic style, modern comfort |
Still deciding?
Every Ashlar community offers something special. Reach out to us, we’d love to help you find the perfect fit and share our favorite local spots to get you started on your Missouri adventure!
Why Out-of-State Buyers Choose Ashlar Homes
Relocating to a new state takes planning, Ashlar Homes makes the transition smoother from day one. Our team understands the challenges of starting fresh in Missouri and are dedicated to making the process smooth, transparent, and stress-free.
From the moment you start planning your move through settling into your new home, Ashlar guides every step so you always feel confident and informed. You’ll know what’s happening, what comes next, and how to plan ahead. Flexible timelines, regular updates, and clear communication mean fewer surprises and more peace of mind.
Ashlar also offers the flexibility to choose from a range of floor plans and personalize your home to fit your lifestyle. Quality finishes and energy-efficient features come included without hidden upgrade costs. And with one-on-one customer care and local expertise, relocating becomes easier and more enjoyable.
As Shawn Woods, President & CEO of Ashlar Homes, puts it:
“We make the process as easy as possible for our clients.”
What to Expect: Your Out-of-State Relocation Timeline
- Virtual Connection:
Start with a video call or virtual tour to explore homes and neighborhoods. - Personalized Planning:
Choose a floor plan, discuss design options, and set a timeline that fits your needs. - Transparent Updates:
Receive regular progress reports, photos, and video walkthroughs as your home takes shape. - Seamless Closing:
We coordinate closing details remotely and walk you through every step. - Welcome Home:
On move-in day, our team greets you and helps you settle in quickly.
Ready to move? If you have questions or want to see sample timelines, just reach out. We’re here to help every step of the way.
Relocation Success Stories – Real Clients, Real Journeys
Every move has its own story. Here are just a few journeys from Ashlar buyers who made Missouri their new home and found more than just a house along the way.
Sunny Pointe, Blue Springs, MO
“We chose Sunny Pointe because of the great schools, but what truly won us over were the friendships we built once we arrived. It’s a neighborhood where kids thrive and neighbors genuinely care about one another. It’s exactly the kind of community we hoped to find.”
— The Patels, Sunny Pointe Residents
Woodhaven Estates, Kansas City, MO
“What we appreciate most about Woodhaven Estates is the balance it gives us—quiet, private living with an easy drive to everything Kansas City offers. Our home has the space we wanted, and the location feels peaceful without ever feeling isolated. It really is the best of both worlds.”
— Alex & Jordan, Woodhaven Estates Homeowners
Woodlawn Estates, Lake Lotawana, MO
“Living so close to the lake makes every day feel special. We can fish, enjoy the water, or just take in the sunsets from our yard. Beyond the scenery, the sense of community here is something we value every single day. It truly feels like a year-round getaway.”
— The Harris Family, Woodlawn Estates Homeowners
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Missouri
Is Missouri affordable?
Yes! Missouri’s cost of living and housing are well below the national average.
What’s the weather like?
You’ll experience all four seasons with warm summers, crisp falls, mild springs, and some snowy winters.
Are Ashlar communities safe?
Safety and community spirit are top priorities in every Ashlar neighborhood.
How’s the job market?
Missouri offers strong opportunities in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and tech.
Are the schools good?
Yes! Many Ashlar communities are located in top-rated or highly regarded school districts. We know strong schools are a top priority for families, so we choose our neighborhoods accordingly.
Can I tour homes remotely?
Definitely! We offer virtual tours and video walkthroughs for out-of-state buyers.
How does Ashlar help with relocation?
You get flexible timelines, regular updates, and step-by-step support from our relocation team.
Want more info?
Contact us for personalized help!
Ready to Make Missouri Home? Let’s Get Started!
At Ashlar Homes, we’re here to make that transition easier. Our team supports you through the details, answers your questions, and helps you find a home that truly fits, no matter where you’re moving from.
Start your move with confidence:
When you’re ready, we’ll help you settle into a home and community you’ll love. Welcome to Ashlar, your next chapter starts here.