Located on the Mississippi River in southeast Missouri, Cape Girardeau is a welcoming city, where Midwestern friendliness meets Southern hospitality. Don’t be surprised if you get a wave from folks crossing the street or a cheerful “How’s it going?” from the person in line with you at the grocery store. Cape is where most car horn beeps are meant as a “hello,” friendships are easy to come by, and strangers aren’t strangers for long.

The Center of Activity

Cape has a long history of serving as a hub of activity going back to its early days as a river port, and it’s no different today. While the resident population is nearly 40,000, the daytime population surges to over 100,000 due to Cape’s status as a regional center for healthcare, shopping, professional services, education and entertainment. Cape is home to two healthcare systems, a State University with Division 1 athletics, many major retailers, a healthy manufacturing industry and new business innovations.

Growing Tech and Innovation

The Marquette Tech District downtown is evidence of the growing tech industry in Cape. The Tech District brings together startups, creatives, and digital agencies under one roof in newly renovated and high-tech office spaces. Anchored by Codefi, Cape’s first co-working space, the Marquette serves as a gathering place for up-and-coming ideas.

Nature is Nearby

Solitude in nature is only a few minutes away from city life. Enjoy scenic drives through the countryside, pick apples and pumpkins at local farms, hike or camp in Trail of Tears State Park, kayak the mighty Mississippi, or bike the LaCroix Trail. There are also plenty of opportunities for hunting, fishing and more. Right on the cusp of the Ozark Mountains, Southeast Missouri landscapes are rich with rolling hills, lush greenery, and a variety of trees, plants, and wildlife. You can enjoy the beautiful outdoors year-round with four distinct seasons in Cape Girardeau.

Housing Costs & Lifestyle

Housing costs in Cape Girardeau are approximately 27% lower than the national average, so you’ll find a housing option that fits your budget and lifestyle. With an affordable cost of living, you’ll be able to cross more items off your wishlist. Choose from options like riverfront apartments or condos in the heart of downtown, homes within walking distance of university campus activities, property with acreage just outside the city limits, luxury golf course living, subdivisions, in-city neighborhoods and more.

Commute and Transportation

Commuting in Cape will cut your travel times and traffic frustration significantly. With growing transportation infrastructure and continuing road improvements, getting around in Cape is easy. The Cape Transit Authority runs bus routes throughout town and also offers a public taxi. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft also provide additional transportation and delivery services. Cape also has more than 10 miles of hiking/biking trails and a growing number of bike lanes on our city streets.

Close to Big City Life

Cape conveniently sits on I-55 and has access to Southern Illinois via the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge. For longer trips, the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport offers direct flights to Chicago with connections all over the world. With our centralized location, you can be at a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game in under two hours or eating BBQ on Beale Street in Memphis in less than three. However, many of our residents find they don’t often need to leave the comfort of home for what they need.