Union, Missouri (population ~12,500) offers a relaxed, family‑friendly small‑city base with a suburban feel, solid schools and a manageable downtown—perfect for multi‑week assignments when you want quieter evenings and easy local routines.
If you want more to do on weekends, St. Louis is an easy drive (about 51 miles) and nearby St. Charles and Washington put restaurants, shopping and day‑trip options within reach, so you can enjoy small‑town living during the week with bigger‑city choices close by.