33. Maryland Heights, Mo.
| AT A GLANCE | |
| Population | 28,542 |
| Median Income | $57,397 |
| Job Growth | 5.6% |
| Median Home Price | $115,355 |
| Property Tax | $2,257 |
Located 30 minutes outside of St. Louis, Maryland Heights takes first place among our top 50 towns for affordable housing, giving locals the most home for their buck relative to income. Almost as valuable: residents don't need to leave their neighborhood to find a decent job. Several large companies, including Bunge Ltd,, Boeing, and Monsanto, all have offices within town.
When it comes to recreation, Maryland Heights is home to Creve Coeur County Memorial Park, a former summer resort that features a 320-acre lake and the "Dripping Springs" waterfall. Locals can canoe, kayak, or paddleboard on a 6-mile water trail across the lake and adjoining creek. Another outdoor favorite is the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater, a 20,000-person venue that draws a wide array of big-name acts, including Toby Keith, the Foo Fighters, and Def Leppard.—Kerri Anne Renzulli