COMMUNITY GUIDE

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING, WORKING, AND THRIVING IN THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE.

Boonville

LIVING IN BOONVILLE HISTORIC CHARM, RIVER, VIEWS, AND A TIGHT-KNIT COMMUNITY CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE BOONVILLE PROPERTIES About Boonville Located halfway between Kansas City and St. Louis, Boonville offers the perfect balance of small-town security and big-city accessibility. We aren't just a dot on the map; we are a river city rich in history and bursting with community pride. Residents here enjoy a lower cost of living compared to Columbia, without sacrificing amenities. Whether you’re walking the historic streets of downtown, fishing on the river, or cheering on the Pirates on Friday night, Boonville is a community where neighbors actually know your name. It's not just a place to buy a house, it's a place to put down roots. Helpful Community Resources Everything you need to settle into life in the Boonslick region. COMPLIMENTS OF 1st CHOICE REALTY Local Government & Services City of Boonville Offical Site Water/sewer setup, trash schedules, ordinances. Cooper County Government Assessor, collector, and commission details. Chamber of Commerce Business directory and networking events. Boonslick Development Corp Economic resources of the region. Schools & Education Boonville R-1 School District Enrollment info, calenders, sports schedules. New Student Enrollment Registration forms and requirements. Hannah Cole Primary Grades PreK-2 David Barton Elementary Grades 3-5 LSE Middle School Grades 6-8 Boonville High Grades 9-12 Utilities City Water, Sewer & Trash 1200 Locust St. Ameren Missouri Electric & Gas Services. Socket Telecom Local Internet/Fiber Provider. Lifestyle & Recreation Go Boonville (Tourism) Events, dining, and festivials guide. Katy Trail State Park Trail status and local maps. Warm Springs Ranch Budweiser Clydesdales tours. Isle of Capri Casino Hotel, dining, and entertainment. Do You Work In Columbia? Why pay city prices when you can have the quiet life just ~25 minutes away? Boonville is the smartest choice for commuters working in Columbia. With easy access to I-70 (Exit 101, 103 & 106), you can enjoy the salary of the city with the affordable square footage and yard space of the country. Come see how far your dollar goes in Boonville. Contact Us Today! The real estate market in Boonville moves fast. Whether you are looking for a starter home, a historic renovation project, or farmland, the team at 1st Choice Realty has the local expertise to get you moving.
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New Franklin

LIVING IN NEW FRANKLIN WHERE FOUR HISTORIC TRAILS MEET, JUST ACROSS THE RIVER CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE NEW FRANKLIN PROPERTIES About New Franklin Perched on the bluffs just north of the Missouri River, New Franklin is known as the town where four trails meet — the end of the Boonslick Road, the beginning of the Santa Fe Trail, and a stop along both the Lewis & Clark and Katy Trails. Founded in 1828 after floods claimed the original town of Franklin, this Howard County community of roughly 1,000 residents carries nearly two centuries of history in every direction. Today, New Franklin offers the kind of quiet, affordable small-town living that's getting harder to find. You're two minutes from Boonville across the river, about half an hour from Columbia, and steps from the Katy Trail. With a strong hometown school district and a walkable historic downtown listed on the National Register of Historic Places, New Franklin isn't just a place to buy a house — it's a place to put down roots. Helpful Community Resources Everything you need to settle into life in New Franklin and Howard County. COMPLIMENTS OF 1st CHOICE REALTY Local Government & Services City of New Franklin Official SiteWater/sewer setup, trash reminders, text alerts, and online bill pay. City Hall: 130 E. Broadway, (660) 848-2288. Howard County Government DirectoryAssessor, collector, and courthouse contacts (1 Courthouse Square, Fayette). Howard County Clerk & ElectionsVoter registration and election information. Howard County Public Health DepartmentImmunizations, birth & death certificates, WIC, and health screenings. Schools & Education New Franklin R-1 School DistrictEnrollment info, calendars, and district news. New Franklin ElementaryGrades PreK–5 • 412 W. Broadway New Franklin Middle & High SchoolGrades 6–12 • 412 W. Broadway Utilities City Water, Sewer & TrashSet up through City Hall — 130 E. Broadway, (660) 848-2288. Ameren MissouriElectric & gas services. Howard Electric CooperativeElectric service for rural Howard County properties. Socket TelecomLocal fiber internet provider. Lifestyle & Recreation Katy Trail State ParkAmerica's longest rail-trail runs right through town — 240 miles of biking and hiking. New Franklin Visitors GuideCity Park, Katy Roundhouse Campground, South Howard County Historical Museum, and annual festivals. Santa Fe Trail MonumentHistoric markers honoring the birthplace of the Santa Fe Trail. Fayette NewspapersLocal news and events across Howard County. Do You Work in Columbia or Boonville? New Franklin puts you about 30 minutes from Columbia and only minutes from downtown Boonville — without the city price tag. Enjoy bigger lots, lower costs, and a true small-town pace while keeping your commute short. Come see how far your dollar goes on the north side of the river. Contact Us Today! Homes in New Franklin don't stay on the market long. Whether you're looking for a historic home downtown, acreage in the countryside, or a starter home near the school, the team at 1st Choice Realty has the local expertise to get you moving.
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Pilot Grove

LIVING IN PILOT GROVE A QUIET, CLOSE-KNIT COMMUNITY IN COOPER COUNTY CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE PILOT GROVE PROPERTIES About Pilot Grove Located in the heart of Cooper County, surrounded by rich agricultural land. Offers direct access to the Katy Trail for hiking and biking. Features a strong, community-focused school district. Provides affordable, rural living just 15 minutes southwest of Boonville. Helpful Community Resources COMPLIMENTS OF 1st CHOICE REALTY Local Government & Services City of Pilot GroveWater, sewer, and local administration. City Hall: (660) 834-3151. Cooper County CourthouseLocated in Boonville for property assessments, deeds, and tax collection. Schools & Education Pilot Grove C-4 School DistrictHome of the Tigers. K-12 campus located at 107 School St. Utilities Co-Mo ConnectHigh-speed fiber internet and electric cooperative services. Ameren MissouriLocal gas and electric services. City Water & SewerManaged directly through the City of Pilot Grove. Lifestyle & Recreation Katy Trail State ParkTrailhead located in town for walking, running, and cycling. Local Agriculture & EventsDeep farming roots with local community fairs and school sporting events. Commuting to Boonville or Sedalia? 15-minute drive to Boonville via MO-135. 35-minute commute to Sedalia via US-50. 45-minute drive to Columbia. Enjoy lower property taxes and larger lots while staying connected to major Mid-Missouri hubs. Contact Us Today! Homes in Pilot Grove offer exceptional value and a tight-knit community feel. Whether you need a property with acreage or a home near the C-4 campus, the 1st Choice Realty team has the Cooper County expertise to find your perfect fit.
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Prairie Home

LIVING IN PRAIRIE HOME A PEACEFUL RURAL RETREAT IN COOPER COUNTY CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE PRAIRIE HOME PROPERTIES About Prairie Home Located in southeastern Cooper County among rolling hills and vast farmland. Offers a quiet, slow-paced lifestyle away from city noise. Anchored by a deeply connected, generational community. Provides highly affordable acreage and single-family homes. Helpful Community Resources COMPLIMENTS OF 1st CHOICE REALTY Local Government & Services City of Prairie HomeLocal administration, water, and sewer services. Cooper County CourthouseLocated in Boonville for property assessments, deeds, and tax collection. Schools & Education Prairie Home R-V School DistrictHome of the Panthers. A K-12 campus known for small class sizes and personalized education. Utilities Co-Mo ConnectHigh-speed fiber internet and electric cooperative services. City Water & SewerManaged directly through the City of Prairie Home. Lifestyle & Recreation Prairie Home FairAnnual summer community gathering and agricultural showcase. Local AgricultureDeeply rooted in farming, hunting, and outdoor recreation. Commuting from Prairie Home? 20-minute drive to Boonville via MO-87. 25-minute drive to California, MO via MO-87 South. 40-minute drive to Columbia. Ideal for those seeking a true rural retreat while maintaining access to regional employment hubs. Contact Us Today! Prairie Home is perfect for buyers looking for wide-open spaces and genuine small-town charm. Whether you are searching for a historic farmhouse, hunting land, or a quiet place to raise a family, the 1st Choice Realty team knows the Cooper County market inside and out.
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Fayette

LIVING IN FAYETTE HISTORIC CHARM AND COLLEGE TOWN ENERGY IN HOWARD COUNTY CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE FAYETTE PROPERTIES About Fayette Serves as the county seat of Howard County with a historic downtown courthouse square. Home to Central Methodist University, bringing collegiate energy and arts to the community. Features diverse architecture, ranging from historic Victorian homes to new constructions. Offers a blend of quiet, rural living with robust local amenities and businesses. Helpful Community Resources COMPLIMENTS OF 1st CHOICE REALTY Local Government & Services City of FayetteCity Hall: 117 S. Main St. (660) 248-5246. Howard County CourthouseLocated right on the downtown square for county services, deeds, and assessments. Schools & Education Fayette R-III School DistrictHome of the Falcons. Includes Daly Elementary, Clark Middle, and Fayette High. Central Methodist University (CMU)Private liberal arts university located in the heart of town. Utilities City UtilitiesWater, sewer, trash, and electric services managed by the City of Fayette. Howard Electric CooperativeElectric service for rural Howard County properties outside city limits. Socket TelecomLocal high-speed internet provider. Lifestyle & Recreation Historic Fayette SquareFeatures local dining, antique shops, and community events. CMU Events & AthleticsEnjoy collegiate sports, theater productions, and music performances. Katy Trail AccessNearby access in New Franklin or Boonville for biking and hiking. Commuting from Fayette? 20-minute drive south to Boonville via MO-5. 35-minute drive southeast to Columbia via MO-240 and US-40. 40-minute drive north to Moberly. Offers a traditional hometown feel while remaining closely connected to larger Mid-Missouri employment centers. Contact Us Today! Fayette offers unique opportunities, whether you are looking for a historic home near the square, a property near the university, or sprawling acreage in Howard County. The 1st Choice Realty team is here to help you find your perfect Mid-Missouri property.
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Blackwater

LIVING IN BLACKWATER A HISTORIC RURAL GEM IN COOPER COUNTY CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE BLACKWATER PROPERTIES About Blackwater Located in northwestern Cooper County, known for its rich railroad history and beautifully preserved downtown. Features iconic local landmarks like the historic Iron Horse Hotel and the Blackwater Train Depot. Maintains multiple areas listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Offers a unique blend of quiet, small-town living and heritage tourism. Helpful Community Resources COMPLIMENTS OF 1st CHOICE REALTY Local Government & Services City of BlackwaterLocal administration, city hall, and community services. Cooper County CourthouseLocated in Boonville for property assessments, deeds, and tax collection. Schools & Education Blackwater R-II School DistrictDedicated local campus serving the Blackwater community. Utilities Co-Mo ConnectHigh-speed fiber internet and electric cooperative services. Cooper County PWSD 1Regional rural water supply management. Ameren MissouriLocal gas and electric services. Lifestyle & Recreation Historic Main StreetExplore local shops, the Mid-Missouri Museum of Independent Telephone Pioneers, and local eateries. Blackwater Preservation SocietyHosts community gatherings, heritage festivals, and local tourism events. Commuting from Blackwater? 20-minute drive east to Boonville via I-70 or MO-41. 35-minute drive southwest to Sedalia. 45-minute drive east to Columbia. Provides a peaceful, historic retreat with immediate access to the I-70 corridor for regional commuting. Contact Us Today! Blackwater is perfect for buyers looking for a historic home with character, rural acreage, or a quiet retreat off the beaten path. Whether you are searching for a property in town or farmland in Cooper County, the 1st Choice Realty team has the local expertise to find your perfect fit.
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Wooldridge

LIVING IN WOOLDRIDGE A QUIET COUNTRY LIFESTYLE ON THE MISSOURI RIVER CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE WOOLDRIDGE PROPERTIES About Wooldridge Nestled in the northeast corner of Cooper County along the scenic Missouri River floodplain. Offers a deeply peaceful, rural lifestyle with sweeping agricultural and river valley views. Platted in 1901, this small, tight-knit village is perfect for those looking to escape the noise of the city. Provides highly affordable acreage, riverfront access, and sprawling country estates. Helpful Community Resources COMPLIMENTS OF 1st CHOICE REALTY Local Government & Services Village of WooldridgeLocal municipal administration serving the village proper. Cooper County CourthouseLocated in nearby Boonville for property assessments, deeds, and tax collection. Schools & Education Boonville R-1 School DistrictMost students attend Boonville schools, including David Barton Elementary, Laura Speed Elliott Middle, and Boonville High. Utilities Co-Mo ConnectHigh-speed fiber internet and electric cooperative services available in rural areas. Cooper County Public WaterRural water districts supply properties outside the immediate village. Septic & PropaneCommonly utilized for rural Wooldridge properties and estates. Lifestyle & Recreation Missouri River AccessUnmatched opportunities for hunting, fishing, and boating near the river bottoms. Overton Bottoms Conservation AreaNearby access for extensive outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing. Commuting from Wooldridge? 20-minute scenic drive east on MO-179 into Columbia (Boone County). 15-minute drive northwest to downtown Boonville. Enjoy beautiful blacktop drives to town without the high property taxes or city crowds. Ideal location for buyers who work in Columbia but want true country living. Contact Us Today! Wooldridge is a hidden gem for buyers looking to put down roots on unrestricted acreage or a peaceful rural subdivision. Whether you are looking for farmland, a hunting cabin, or a modern country home, the 1st Choice Realty team knows this Cooper County market.
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Bunceton

LIVING IN BUNCETON A HISTORIC FARMING COMMUNITY IN COOPER COUNTY CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE BUNCETON PROPERTIES About Bunceton Located south of Boonville in the heart of Cooper County's rich agricultural land. Home to a deeply rooted, tight-knit community with a long farming history. Features quiet, rural living with nearby historical landmarks like the Ravenswood Mansion. Provides highly affordable properties, from historic homes in town to sprawling acreage. Helpful Community Resources COMPLIMENTS OF 1st CHOICE REALTY Local Government & Services City of BuncetonLocal administration, city utilities, and community services. Cooper County CourthouseLocated in Boonville for property assessments, deeds, and tax collection. Schools & Education Bunceton R-IV School DistrictHome of the Dragons. A K-12 campus offering small class sizes and personalized education. Utilities Co-Mo ConnectHigh-speed fiber internet and electric cooperative services. Ameren MissouriLocal gas and electric services for the surrounding area. City Water & SewerManaged directly through the City of Bunceton. Lifestyle & Recreation Historic RavenswoodNearby historic estate built in 1880, preserving Cooper County's 19th-century history. Local AgricultureDeeply rooted in farming, hunting, and outdoor rural recreation. Commuting from Bunceton? 20-minute drive north to Boonville via MO-5. 15-minute drive southwest to Tipton. 45-minute commute to Sedalia or Columbia. Offers a true rural lifestyle away from city crowds, with easy access to major Mid-Missouri routes. Contact Us Today! Bunceton is perfect for buyers looking for wide-open spaces, affordable homes, and genuine small-town charm. Whether you are searching for a quiet place in town or sprawling farmland, the 1st Choice Realty team has the Cooper County expertise to help you find your fit.
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