Known for its historic riverfront and impressive flood wall murals, Cape Girardeau stands as Southeast Missouri's economic hub along the Mississippi River. This river city, positioned 100 miles southeast of St. Louis, features major employers like Saint Francis Medical Center and SoutheastHEALTH, alongside Southeast Missouri State University.

The rental housing market in Cape Girardeau spans several established neighborhoods. The Marquette area offers houses near the medical district, while the Henderson area provides residential options near Broadway's commercial corridor. The West End district includes historic homes near the university campus. With rental rates below the state median and a manageable cost of living, Cape Girardeau's housing market remains accessible. The city's location offers convenient travel options via Interstate 55 and the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, while the local transit system and bike lanes provide alternative transportation choices. The downtown historic district, with its brick-paved streets and preserved 19th-century architecture, features local shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues along Water Street and Main Street, creating a walkable neighborhood rich in local history.