Farmington is a compact, friendly city that’s ideal for multi-week stays if you like easy access to outdoor adventure and a relaxed local scene—surrounded by hiking and scenic state parks, award-winning wineries, golf and natural attractions like Taum Sauk Mountain and the swimming/hiking at Johnson’s Shut-Ins, so weekends can feel like mini-vacations rather than being stuck in a dead spot.
When you want big-city nightlife, dining, museums or an airport, St. Louis is an easy ~70–80 mile (~1–1.5 hr) drive, so you can enjoy quiet, affordable living without sacrificing occasional city outings.