yw
High Hill would be about the most equidistant, but don't know that much about that particular area, or if that would even be suitable for your needs - rather live in smallish town, rural/country/farm, outskirts, school situation, shopping, etc.?
Please keep in mind that traveling into the city [StL], depending upon time and weather and road conditions can be substantially greater than the ~60 minutes that google/mapquest etc. will give you.
Going towards JC, I haven't traveled on US54 that much, sorry can't help you on that section.
BTW, along route 94 is very scenic areas - wineries, KATY trail, etc.