FRANKLIN COUNTY
County Offices
300 East Main Street
Union 636-583-6358
www.franklinmo.org
Chamber of Commerce
One Metropolitan Square
St. Louis 314-231-5555
www.unionmochamber.org
Major Highways
Interstate 44; U.S. Highway 50; State Highways 47 and 100
The St. Louis Business Journal and Progressive Farmer magazine have both ranked Franklin County among the 100 best places to live in rural America. The fourth largest county in the state in land area, Franklin lies just west of St. Louis County. This growing region offers the appeal of a serene country atmosphere near the world-class attractions of Metropolitan St. Louis. This area once claimed a rich manufacturing tradition that focused on the production of shoes. As the footwear industry became less heavily represented, the county’s industrial base began to diversify and strengthen. The historic and quaint towns that dot Franklin County such as Washington, Union, and Sullivan combine with the area’s natural beauty to attract many people to the county as tourists but also as new residents.
Services
Excellent schools provide a quality education from kindergarten through 12th grade, while the opportunities for higher education range from vocational and technical training in highly specialized institutes and two-year community college campuses to regional public and private universities. East Central Community College is located in Union, providing a wealth of degree and certification programs as well as opportunities for lifelong learning. Students who are interested in utilizing distance learning programs will find public computer access. The Franklin County library system offers branches in St. Clair, Pacific, Union, and Washington.
Two quality hospitals provide medical and surgical specialties to area residents. Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan offers a 75-bed acute-care facility that serves routine and advanced care needs of in Crawford, Franklin, and Washington Counties. St. John’s Mercy Medical Center in Washington is another regional leader in patient care, medical education, and research.
Lifestyle
Nearly half of Franklin County remains farmland, creating a picturesque backdrop for residential communities. This proud region with agrarian and ranching roots features many equestrian properties that are ideal for breeding or keeping horses. Quality homebuilders are meeting the escalating housing demand with beautiful new custom communities. The majority of new homes are thoughtfully designed to preserve and reflect the pastoral, rustic setting of the region’s early days. From well-kept older homes shaded by mature greenery to magnificent custom country estates, Franklin County has the ideal neighborhood.
The historic and quaint towns of Franklin County — which include St. Clair, Washington, Union, and Sullivan — combine with the area’s considerable natural beauty to attract many people to the countryside as tourists and new residents. The variety of enjoyable attractions includes the spectacular Meramec Caverns, cozy bed and breakfast inns, and several award-winning golf courses. Historic Route 66 traverses the county, adding to the charm of the region’s vintage structures and proud heritage. While many families in this area have made Franklin County their home for generations, newcomers will find progressive communities that are actively promoting development that protects the outstanding quality of life.
Among the regional attractions are Six Flags Amusement Park, Purina Farms, Shaw Nature Center, Missouri Wine Country, Robertsville State Park, and scenic tours on the Missouri and Bourbeuse Rivers. Newcomers to Franklin County will discover a peaceful environment that delivers all the conveniences of urban living while it excels in the personalized attention, warmth, community spirit, and friendliness associated with small-town living.
St. Clair
City Hall
636-629-0333
www.stclairmo.com
Chamber of Commerce
636-629-1889
www.stclairmo.com
Characterized as a growing and progressive community, St. Clair invites newcomers to enjoy a blend of small-town friendliness in a scenic, countryside setting. Established in 1843 as a railroad community, St. Clair also served as a Route 66 getaway destination for the elite of St. Louis. Several families have made their home in this beautiful area for generations, and the city as well as the surrounding area is rich in history.
Many newcomers are drawn to St. Clair for the hometown feeling and relaxed atmosphere that has become so rare in a fast-paced metropolitan environment. Neighbors greet each other on the streets and gather at local events in this family-oriented community. Nearby Union offers a community college campus close to home, complementing the quality public school system from kindergarten through 12th grade. Regional attractions include nature centers, amusement parks, state parks, riverfront developments, and performing arts.
Sullivan
City Hall
573-468-4612
www.sullivan.mo.us
Chamber of Commerce
573-468-3314
http://www.sullivanmochamber.com
Touting itself as the “Gateway to the Ozarks,” the panoramic City of Sullivan claims a proud past and a promising future. This growing community enjoys the leadership of active residents and progressive planners who are dedicated to quality development that preserves the area’s rural flavor. Sullivan is ideally located along “America’s Main Street,” the Interstate 44 corridor. The bright lights of downtown St. Louis, along with its world-class cultural and recreational attractions, are approximately 70 miles from home.
Closer to home in Franklin County, residents can access state-of-the-art healthcare in regional hospitals as well as performing arts and higher education at East Central College in Union. Newcomers can choose from an array of housing options, from tree-shaded family residences in the heart of town to country manors and horse properties. Sullivan balances all the business, cultural, and recreational amenities of a major city with the lifestyle and aesthetic qualities of rural living to offer the best of all worlds.
Union
City Hall
636-583-3600
www.ci.union.mo.us
Chamber of Commerce
636-583-8979
www.unionmochamber.org
Proud of is ranking as one of “America’s Ten Best Small Towns,” Union is located less than 30 minutes away from the suburban sprawl of West St. Louis County. This quiet community is nestled in the heart of rural Franklin county near the Interstate 44 corridor. Established in 1825 as the county seat, Union enjoys a diverse landscape that has welcomed new commercial development and growing subdivisions that blend with rolling hills, picturesque fields, and forest groves.
Over the past two decades, this once sleepy agricultural town in has experienced a remarkable yet controlled and steady transformation into a popular bedroom community and an industrial hub for the region. More than 300 businesses now call Union home. East Central College adds the intellectual and cultural stimulation of a college town to Union’s small-town appeal. Recreational opportunities are diverse, including the Union Splash ‘N Swimplex, 122 acres of parkland, and organized programs for every age and interest. Consciously directed toward a bright future that is just beginning to unfold, Union definitely offers “Small town Charm with Big City Opportunities.”
Washington
City Hall
636-390-1000
www.ci.washington.mo.us
Chamber of Commerce
636-239-2715
www.washmo.org
From its breathtaking position upon the bluffs above the Missouri River, the welcoming community of Washington claims a distinctive and colorful German heritage. The city’s charming downtown riverfront area is defined by the many quaint shops, small bistros, cozy hotels, and one-of-a-kind art galleries that line the streets. Many vintage neighborhoods feature elegant, carefully maintained or beautifully restored historic homes that represent architectural wonders. Today, these residences lend character and distinction to the city’s already warm and engaging atmosphere.
An increasingly diverse community, Washington is a city where residents take great pride in their varied industries, churches, clubs, and social groups. Because the city is located in close proximity to Missouri’s wine producers, many residents enjoy taking weekend excursions to the region’s agrarian wineries where they enjoy events and festivals, bed and breakfast inns, and fine dining. Many newcomers are drawn to Washington for its wonderful ambiance, riverfront culture, attractive housing, and recreational amenities that include beautiful golf courses.
