Photograph by Dilip Vishwanat
Like most cities, the Lou offers more than the sum of its parts—though the sum alone is staggering. The figures boggle the mind: 79 city neighborhoods, 91 county municipalities, 21 cities in St. Charles County, and 80 towns in Metro East make a grand total of 271 places to live in the St. Louis region—and that’s not even counting unincorporated areas. With so many options and so much fluctuation in the market as of late, how is anyone supposed to make heads or tails of it?
It boils down to priorities. With unlimited choices but limited time, lifestyle often dictates locale. Foodies—well, the ambitious ones—may want to look for places where they can burn off a heavy meal when walking home from favorite restaurants. Young professionals, sometimes wide-eyed and new to the city, may seek out peers and a place that’s close to the action. Families want the necessities: a good school, a safe street, and a steady home value. With this in mind, we scanned the local landscape to find the best neighborhoods for all types.
In each case, for both predictable and under-the-radar ’hoods, we talked to residents and realtors to find out exactly what—whether the corner coffee shop or 3-acre lots—makes these places ideal. We also compiled a rundown of other notable neighborhoods, laid out the new rules of real estate, got the skinny on condo living, and created a handy chart of communities. The result? A package we hope hits home.
The Foodie
Usual Suspects
The Hill, Clayton, Central West End, Downtown
And Don’t Forget
The Grove, Lafayette Square, Maplewood
Some neighborhoods pack in the provisions, laying out a menu of options within walking distance. Nowhere is this more the case than The Hill, dubbed one of the country’s top Italian neighborhoods by celeb chef Mario Batali. The tight-knit neighborhood—with historic single-family homes around $140,000—includes many authentic Italian eateries alongside progressive staples like Modesto. There are also Italian markets for the at-home cook, like DiGregorio Food Products, Inc., which are family-owned and operated like many of The Hill’s businesses. In Clayton, sample from more than 80 restaurants running the gamut from seafood at Oceano Bistro to Southern European at Araka. And in the Central West End, savor seared duck at Moxy Bistro, or relish natural ingredients on Terrene’s patio. Burgeoning neighborhoods like The Grove, Lafayette Square, and Maplewood also boast their share of mouth-watering fare, including Five, Eleven Eleven Mississippi, and Monarch, respectively.
The Trendy
Usual Suspects
Central West End, Clayton, Downtown
And Don’t Forget
Frontenac, Ladue
Certain areas stand at the vanguard of vogue. In recent years, empty-nesters and young professionals have flocked to these areas, where high-end condos rose before the recession. In the CWE, modern 4545 Lindell towers over turn-of-the-century mansions, and Maryland Plaza’s high-end shopping is down the street from the Chess Club and Scholastic Center. Farther east, history meets new housing in the Gaslight Square development and brand-new 3949 Lindell moves toward connecting the Central West End with midtown. Clayton’s also seen noticeable additions, including DeMun Pointe and The Crescent, with other large-scale projects like Trianon in the works. Washington Avenue in downtown, of course, has undergone a 180—though the recession looms large. “People are obviously being cautious, but interest in downtown living is still there,” says The Partnership for Downtown St. Louis’ Kevin Farrell. And homes in Frontenac and Ladue, where the average price hovers above $650,000, boast a string of high-end stores at nearby Plaza Frontenac.
The Indie Spirit
Usual Suspects
The Loop, South Grand
And Don’t Forget
Cherokee-Lemp
St. Louis offers its share of hipster havens. Inside the Loop, ponytailed developer Joe Edwards’ entertainment district stretches eastward with the addition of the Moonrise Hotel and Wash. U.’s green-friendly building at the corner of Delmar and Skinker (see pages 22 and 24). Besides the Tivoli and The Pageant, the Loop has plenty of other draws: punk and rockabilly fashion at Fifi’s, hookah and conversation at Layal Café, and affordable apartments nearby. Walk along South Grand, in Tower Grove South and East, and you can catch a rock band at CBGB or browse antique hardbacks at Dunaway Books. Along rehabbed Morgan Ford Road in Tower Grove South, eateries like Tin Can Tavern and Three Monkeys have made the once-abandoned street a destination again. Another advantage? Many of the Victorian homes are affordable. Along Cherokee, Boots Contemporary Art Space sits just down the street from the Firecracker Press and Apop Records. And the cooperatively run Black Bear Bakery, a self-described “anti-authoritarian, anti-ideological collective,” is a beacon for urban sustainability and organic food.
The Outdoorsman
Usual Suspects
Eureka, Wildwood
And Don’t Forget
Ellisville, Town & Country
Living with nature typically equates to isolation, right? Not so in some westward areas. Ellisville—given the Arbor Day Foundation’s “Tree City USA” designation since 1981—has 11 parks and an extensive trail system and is only a short jaunt from August A. Busch Conservation Nature Center and Weldon Spring Wildlife Area, where you can go hiking, fly-fishing, or hunting. Farther south, Eureka and Wildwood are near some of the area’s best hiking and biking, with Castlewood State Park, Route 66 State Park, and Babler Memorial State Park next door. You can even see bison, wolves, and birds at nearby Lone Elk Park, the Wild Canid Survival & Research Center, and the World Bird Sanctuary. Nature sometimes finds the unsuspecting in Town & Country, where a 10-point buck strolled into a Home Depot last November. The city recently approved plans to shoot some deer while capturing and sterilizing others.
The Melting-Pot Seeker
Usual Suspects
South Grand, Soulard, The Loop
And Don’t Forget
Bevo, Benton Park West, Fox Park
With some of the most far-flung international cuisine around—Vietnamese, Ethiopian, Afghan, and Japanese, to name a few—it’s no surprise the blocks near South Grand are St. Louis’ most ethnically diverse. “I can say most of the new refugee populations we resettle live within 5 miles of our agency,” says Kate Howell at the International Institute St. Louis, located on South Grand. The largest Bosnian population outside Europe resides in Bevo, though many of its citizens are now moving to nearby neighborhoods and South County, says Howell, and being replaced by other immigrants. A sign outside Carniceria Latino Americana, a corner store in Benton Park West, reads “Mexico Vive Aquí”—fitting for a neighborhood full of authentic taquerías and a large Latino population. And you can always find a patchwork of ages, races, incomes—even building styles—in historic Soulard and Fox Park.
The Fine-Arts Fanatic
Usual Suspects
Grand Center, Clayton
And Don’t Forget
Skinker-DeBaliviere, Belleville, Ill.
Art is more than a hobby for many St. Louisans. This is especially clear at Grand Center. In only 10 blocks are more than 20 galleries, museums, and theaters. Much of the nearby housing stock has yet to fulfill its potential, but programs like Hometown SLU (featuring $5,000 forgivable home loans for Saint Louis University staff) and planned developments like the über-modern ArtHouse provide hope for the area. Skinker-DeBaliviere boasts a fine-art triple threat. Within biking distance are SLAM, The Muny, Wash. U., COCA, RAC, and the Loop’s Craft Alliance. The historic buildings there house a mix of renters and homeowners, families and singles. Clayton doesn’t have as many big-name venues, but it’s never short on art. Public works like Ernest Trova’s shiny FM/6 Walking Jackman provide a fitting backdrop for art galleries, as well as lively festivals like the Saint Louis Art Fair in September. One other artsy event not to be missed: Belleville’s summertime Art on the Square, ranked the No. 1 fine-arts show in the nation by The Art Fair SourceBook several years ago.
The Lake Lover
Usual Suspects
Lake Saint Louis
And Don’t Forget
Maryland Heights, Collinsville, Ill.
Lake life isn’t the first thing that comes to mind in St. Louis. If you know where to look, though, you can still find a small piece of paradise. Lake Saint Louis is an obvious choice; its two lakes are open to residents and serve as the neighborhood’s hub, offering water sports and a place for the Lake Saint Louis Sailing Club and its annual Pirate Party. For those who can’t afford the city’s median home price of $200,000, Creve Coeur Lakehouse is St. Louis County’s answer to Forest Park’s Boathouse. Located in Maryland Heights, the facility hosts live music and serves up affordable food. Its 320-acre namesake is ideal for sailing, with a cove and beach on the northeast shore, but note that the state’s largest natural lake doesn’t allow powerboats or swimming. In Illinois, Collinsville—known for its giant ketchup bottle and Cahokia Mounds—is 5 miles from Horseshoe Lake (ideal for fishing and bird-watching) and an hour west of Carlyle Lake, Illinois’ largest man-made pond. Carlyle, in particular, provides some of the best sailing this side of Lake Michigan.
The First-Time Homebuyer
Usual Suspects
Lindenwood Park, Affton, Belleville, Ill.
And Don’t Forget
Southampton, Shrewsbury
So you’re looking to take advantage of low interest rates and stay fairly close to the city, but any talk of kids is on hold for at least a few years. In finding the right neighborhood, it’s important to look at three factors beyond the attached garage: 1) affordability, 2) location, and 3) stability. Many South City neighborhoods are chock-full of affordable one- and two-bedroom bungalows and midcentury homes. Areas like Lindenwood Park and Southampton, as well as nearby Shrewsbury in the county, have relatively low crime rates and affordable homes. Though farther from the city, unincorporated parts of South County like Affton are worth a look. In Illinois, historic homes in Belleville boast reasonable prices, and revitalized Main Street is quite attractive. For more options, scroll down and check out The Young Professional.
The Senior
Usual Suspects
Ladue, Ballwin, St. Charles, Town & Country
And Don’t Forget
Florissant, Grantwood Village, Shiloh, Ill.
Senior housing might not cause the same stir as downtown lofts. But luxury senior living has meant big business in recent years. Some of these developments offer “continuum-of-care” facilities—that is, a single complex with housing for seniors with a range of needs. This is the case in Ladue, where retirees can settle into The Gatesworth, a large senior-living center with personal assistants, a limo service, and a dog-walking service. Many places in the county also cater to seniors: Ballwin’s Meramec Bluffs, Creve Coeur’s Parc Provence, Town & Country’s Mari de Villa, and St. Charles’ Fairwinds-River’s Edge. To the north, Florissant offers Garden Villas North and Delmar Gardens North. And Grant’s Farm Manor near tiny Grantwood Village will soon boast on-campus classes, dining, and a fitness center. In Shiloh, Ill., an age-restricted apartment complex known as Wingate Manor inside The Villages at Wingate is in the works. And for seniors and family members looking for more options, see our caregivers guide in this issue for a rundown of local resources.
The Eclectic Shopper
Usual Suspects
Cherokee-Lemp, The Loop
And Don’t Forget
St. Charles, Kirkwood
It’s often the unexpected find—the antique armoire or the R. Crumb comic—that turns a retail outing into an adventure. This is often the case along Cherokee. Duck into Retro 101/Cherry Bomb Vintage or The Antique Armory, and you find shelves of vintage treasures. As with the antiques, much of the nearby housing stock is just waiting for someone to come and see it anew (see The Rehabber). The Loop is also jam-packed with independent boutiques that supply something for everyone, whether toddlers at City Sprouts, cyclists at Big Shark, or fashion mavens at Ziezo. A stroll down Old Town St. Charles’ cobblestone Main Street reveals more than 125 quaint shops, from The Amish Peddler to Nick Strupp and Amanda Lauber’s The Tintypery, where you can get old-time prints of the entire family in period costumes. (Historic homes in St. Charles are quite affordable, with a small two-bedroom fixer-upper near Main Street recently priced at $108,900 on realtor.com.) And downtown Kirkwood is full of small shops like Checkered Cottage and Down by the Station.
The Athlete
Usual Suspects
St. Peters, Central West End
And Don’t Forget
O’Fallon, Mo., Ballwin, Dardenne Prairie
For athletes who like options, some neighborhoods offer as many places to work up a sweat as there are dumbbell choices. St. Peters has 20 parks, but that’s just a warm-up compared to its gem of all gyms: the Rec-Plex. The 236,000-square-foot rec center draws athletes from miles away—sometimes from as far as Edwardsville, Ill. Among its features: a world-class natatorium and diving tank, three NHL-sized hockey rinks, a day-care center, and the HIT Center—a training facility with cutting-edge equipment for athletes who want to take their game to the next level. In O’Fallon, you can lift at the Renaud Spirit Center, swim at Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center, or skate at Westhoff Park. (As of press time, there was reportedly talk of yet another O’Fallon park to spring up near Highways 40 and DD.) Also not to be forgotten: the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex and T.R. Hughes Ballpark, home to the River City Rascals and the St. Charles County Amateur Sports Hall of Fame. At nearby Dardenne Prairie’s Youth Activity Park, teens can ollie at the state’s largest skate park, go rock climbing inside or outside, and play sand volleyball. Ballwin boasts its share of workout facilities as well, with The Pointe at Ballwin Commons and North Pointe Family Aquatic Center. Vlasis Park, the municipality’s largest park, is where citizens gather for ballgames, horseshoes, and Ballwin Days. Among the area’s most lively contests, the city’s annual Conquer Castlewood competition challenges teams of two to race across the nearby state park via bike, by boat, and on foot. For those who prefer to stay closer to the city, the CWE is ideal for a jog in Forest Park or a round at The Boxing Gym.
The Luxe Life
Usual Suspects
Ladue, Clayton, Central West End
And Don’t Forget
Huntleigh, Country Life Acres
In Ladue, luxury comes in the form of beautiful homes with a French country feel—and an average price approaching $700,000. Four golf courses, Tilles Park, and a convenient location between Frontenac and Clayton solidify it among St. Louis’ most desirable upscale neighborhoods. If you want even more room to roam, Huntleigh’s 750 acres might be the place for you—especially considering that scarcely more than 100 families live here, many going back generations. “It’s like living in the country in the middle of the city,” says longtime resident and attorney Peter von Gontard, adding that the neighborhood is exclusively 2- and 3-acre residential zoning. If it’s exclusivity you’re looking for, the 29 homes in Country Life Acres are nestled at the heart of Town & Country and pack plenty of extravagance into their median price of $1.17 million, according to Yahoo! Real Estate.
The Commuter
Usual Suspects
Bridgeton, Downtown
And Don’t Forget
Town & Country, Belleville, Ill.
Metro has seen its share of hurdles—with a significant deficit, county voters nixing Prop. M, and recent fare increases—but we’re still licking our wounds from $4-per-gallon gas prices. If you’re looking to bridge the gap from county to city, Bridgeton lives up to its name. It takes the transit title, with 35 bus stops and the county’s two westernmost MetroLink stations (as of press time; see p. 54)—not to mention Lambert–St. Louis International Airport. Gone is the former Amshack downtown; in its place is the $28 million Gateway Transportation Center, just south of Scottrade Center. The 24-hour hub is the nexus of all things mass transit (well, maybe not boats or blimps): Amtrak, Greyhound, MetroLink, and MetroBus. Town & Country is another perfect area for those who like options in all directions. It’s bisected by Highway 141 and has one of the biggest intersections in St. Louis County: Highways 270 and 40.
The Park Lover
Usual Suspects
Forest Park Southeast, St. Peters, St. Charles
And Don’t Forget
Sunset Hills, Webster Groves, Hazelwood
Forest Park Southeast is the ideal spot for city dwellers seeking a central spot close to lots of greenery. With access to Forest Park and Tower Grove Park, as well as the Missouri Botanical Garden, the essential trifecta is all within a five- to 10-minute walk. St. Charles and St. Peters alone have a combined 41 parks. “As you move throughout these communities in St. Charles County, you can find these little pockets of green space all over,” says Charlene Waggoner, president of Greenway Network, Inc., a grass-roots group dedicated to preserving natural resources. Webster Groves boasts 17 parks packed into 5.9 square miles; most every one has a playground, but some include trails, pools, and even an ice arena. Sunset Hills has eight parks with every basic amenity, plus sand volleyball, hiking trails, a public pool, and a nine-hole Frisbee-golf course, as well as Laumeier Sculpture Park. On the other side of the county, Hazelwood has 16 parks that include outdoor swimming, fishing, and an 18-hole Frisbee-golf course.
The Up-and-Comer
Usual Suspects
The Grove, Benton Park, The Loft District
And Don’t Forget
Tower Grove, St. Peters, Wentzville, O’Fallon, Mo.
St. Louis is no exception to real estate’s cardinal rule: location, location, location. Our usual suspects fit the bill, being no more than 10 minutes from downtown or Forest Park. The Grove and Benton Park have sprouted upscale eateries like Mia Rosa and Niche, respectively, and downtown’s Loft District is home to some of the region’s most desirable loft living. Lesser-known areas are also spurring a return to the city. Tower Grove is attracting new faces beside popular favorites like Vietnamese restaurant Pho Grand and MoKaBe’s Coffee House. Locavores will enjoy Local Harvest and Tower Grove Farmers’ Market. Of course, no up-and-coming area would be complete without a burgeoning arts scene; enter The Luminary, which showcases local art in various media. And for all-out rapid growth, St. Peters, O’Fallon, and Wentzville are among some of Missouri’s fastest-growing cities.
The Blogger
Usual Suspects
Downtown, Tower Grove, Downtown West
And Don’t Forget
Shaw, JeffVanderLou, The Gate District
Ten years have done a lot for the blogger. Previously labeled “geeky,” bloggers are now “informed”—and in St. Louis, the wired play watchdog to the city’s developers. Dana Loesch, founder of the St. Louis Bloggers Guild, says Shaw and Tower Grove have the highest concentration of bloggers in the city. “Urban Review STL and blogs of that ilk, they really watch a lot of the community development,” Loesch says, adding that there’s a lot of focus on the downtown area: “[They] keep people on the straight and narrow with regard to how they’re building up certain neighborhoods and making sure it’s not just cheap gentrification.” Mark Josephson, CEO of news and blog aggregation site Outside.in, says STL bloggers—often writing on areas such as JeffVanderLou (site of many historic homes) and the Gate District (another time-tested area)—are a forward-thinking bunch with an eye for culture, development, and history. “There is an overwhelming sense of positivity and hope in the blogs in St. Louis,” he says.
The Shopper
Usual Suspects
Clayton, Frontenac/Ladue, Richmond Heights, Central West End
And Don’t Forget
Lake Saint Louis, Hazelwood, Maryland Heights
Inside Clayton’s The Crescent, you can shop a number of high-end boutiques: Valerie Mills and Elements of Denim for yourself, Lusso for your home, and Baby Petunia for the kids. The same goes for Frontenac and Ladue, where you’ll find shopping beyond Saks and Neiman Marcus; boutiques like The Little Black Dress, Wish Shoes & Accessories, and Mister Guy in Ladue Marketplace are top stops for the fashion-savvy. The CWE’s Maryland Plaza offers trendy shops, and independent boutiques are just down Euclid. Lake Saint Louis’ open-air shopping district, The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis, has stores like CJ Banks, men’s clothier Bachrach, Banana Republic, and Ann Taylor Loft. Next up? Von Maur is slated to open within the next two years. And there’s no shortage of mall madness at Hazelwood’s St. Louis Mills, Richmond Heights’
Galleria and The Boulevard–St. Louis, and Maryland Heights’ Westport Plaza.
The Rehabber
Usual Suspects
Cherokee-Lemp, The Grove
And Don’t Forget
Old North, Gravois Park, Shaw
After years of neglect, the city has seen an upswing in rehabbing efforts, rising from 1,807 rehab permits in 2002 to 2,591 five years later, according to the Home Builders Association. One particularly bright spot is Old North, where the long-abandoned 14th Street Mall is experiencing new life through the transformation of 27 buildings. “We haven’t been hit [by the recession] as hard as other areas,” says Sean Thomas, executive director of Old North St. Louis Restoration Group. Other parts of the city are also seeing gradual transformation, including neighborhoods near Cherokee; many of these buildings qualify for historic tax credits. At the same time, buildings in and around The Grove are undergoing renovation. Newstead Tower Public House and The Gramophone are just two budding businesses inside renovated buildings. Shaw’s rows of brick Victorian homes have seen encouraging development of late, too, causing the neighborhood to be dubbed one of the “Best Places in the Midwest to Buy an Old House” by This Old House Online. While the commercial element is a bit behind, newly opened Sasha’s on Shaw brings hope. “It’s a tough time to be developing, but there are a lot of opportunities out there,” says Saint Louis Rehabbers Club president Claralyn Bollinger.
The Historian
Usual Suspects
St. Charles, Downtown, Soulard
And Don’t Forget
Skinker-DeBaliviere, Lafayette Square, St. Louis Place
Skinker-DeBaliviere is an area rife with history, dating back to the 18th century. Besides the nearby Missouri History Museum and Grace Methodist Church, it was the original survey site for Forest Park. Another Missouri original, Old Town St. Charles was, as the highway exit signs recall, Missouri’s First Capital, albeit temporarily. Its riverfront area is the largest historic district in the state, with many shops and buildings dating back to the early 1800s. St. Louis Place also has its place in the city’s history; while many of its buildings were neglected over the years, some of its former glory remains at locations like Zion Lutheran Church. It’s also home to the Griot Museum of Black History and Culture.
The Renter
Usual Suspects
Soulard, University City
And Don’t Forget
Skinker-DeBaliviere, Brentwood
Renters make up no small part of St. Louis’ real estate. According to realtor.com, 37 percent of St. Louisans living in the city are renters—that’s just above the national average. It’s no surprise, considering the affordability in many places. (Of course, not having to replace a furnace is nice, too.) Soulard is a popular destination for a motley group of renters. Young and old alike are drawn to the area’s culture and nightlife, as well as the aged-and-regal Victorian buildings. If you’re looking farther west, University City has plenty of apartment and home-rental options—and because the area is so large, you can choose between properties with rent in the hundreds to several thousands without leaving the neighborhood. Nearby Skinker-DeBaliviere also offers a mix of historic homes and apartments along tree-lined streets. And Brentwood is a gem for rentals, mostly because of one extremely large complex: Brentwood Forest, the largest condo complex in the Midwest, with 1,425 spaces. Its central location near Highways 40 and 170 doesn’t hurt either.
The Knowledge Seeker
Usual Suspects
University City, Midtown
And Don’t Forget
Kings Oak, Webster Groves, Edwardsville, Ill.
St. Louis might top the charts in a couple of unsavory categories (e.g., STDs, crime), but it was also ranked America’s ninth most-literate city in a 2008 study by Central Connecticut State University. U. City leads the pack with 14 libraries, mostly thanks to its namesake, Washington University. It also has nine public and seven private schools. Midtown, of course, is the site of SLU—recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report for having the nation’s top health-law program. Webster Groves has plenty of brainy activities surrounding Webster University, with events like the Webster Film Series open to the public. Unlike U. City or Webster, Kings Oak has only 84 residents, but the tiny neighborhood encompasses the Science Center and St. Louis University High School. Across the river, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s senior capstone program is a model for other colleges; it’s received accolades from U.S. News & World Report four years in a row.
The Scenic-View Seeker
Usual Suspects
Central West End, Downtown, Wydown Skinker
And Don’t Forget
Carondelet, Grafton, Ill.
Some of the city’s best vistas are from high-rises in the CWE along the eastern border of Forest Park, including the 26-story Park East Tower’s condos. Across the park, Wydown Skinker’s string of high-rise condos and apartments like The Dorchester offer equally breathtaking views of treetops and the Arch in the distance. At the edge of Carondelet, Mississippi Bluffs—an aptly named town-home development—hugs a bluff overlooking the river. And because a wetland sanctuary lies on the opposite shore, residents aren’t investing in a view of a future industrial site. Across the state line, a half-hour up the River Road from Alton, is Grafton—a village of 715 at the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. For $8, a ferry will take cars and trucks across the water to St. Charles County, just 10 miles from downtown St. Chuck.
The Architecture Buff
Usual Suspects
Central West End, Downtown, Soulard
And Don’t Forget
Parkview, Lafayette Square, Compton Heights
During St. Louis’ heyday, the city produced some of the nation’s most striking architecture. Today, with urban revitalization growing, many of the city’s historic districts are as desirable as when they were first built. Bruce Lindsey, dean of Wash. U.’s School of Architecture, recommends Lafayette Square in terms of a cohesive neighborhood layout. “The Victorian housing stock there is terrific and very consistent,” says Lindsey. The Central West End—always an architect’s dream, with the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis containing the largest mosaic collection in the world—is nearly as desirable now as it was around the time of the 1904 World’s Fair, when blocks like Westminster Place and Washington Terrace first sprang up. And of course, no guide to St. Louis architecture is complete without downtown—and no, we’re not just talking about the Arch, Old Courthouse, and Union Station; organic detailing and the signature terra-cotta hue of the Wainwright Building are unmistakable, and the Old Post Office—now 125 years old—is an incredibly ornate, well-preserved example of post–Civil War architecture. To see other architectural gems, visit builtstlouis.net.
The Equestrian
Usual Suspects
Chesterfield, Wildwood
And Don’t Forget
Pacific, Huntleigh
Wildwood’s open spaces aren’t the only things that make it ideal for horse enthusiasts; Nottoway Farm and Baskin Farm offer training and boarding, and Saint Louis Equestrian Center sells and shows horses. In the far reaches of St. Louis County, horse fanatics can retreat to Pacific’s Greensfelder Park, with stables that offer lessons for beginners. Chesterfield boasts Kennedy Farms Equestrian Center, which sells horses and offers summer camps. The far reaches of St. Louis County and St. Charles County also have a number of equine-assisted therapy programs. If you don’t want to travel that far west, however, Huntleigh is home to a tight-knit equestrian community; many residents own horses and keep private stables. The St. Louis Polo Association is based there, and members play on a private practice field. Founded in Huntleigh in 1927 by August A. Busch Jr. and friends, the Bridlespur Hunt Club is a fox-hunting league now operating in rural Lincoln County.
The Locavore
Usual Suspects
Soulard, Tower Grove, Clayton
And Don’t Forget
Ferguson, Maplewood, Old North, Overland
Tower Grove boasts one of the city’s biggest farmers’ markets on Saturdays from May through October, and the grub and handmade crafts come from a 150-mile radius of St. Louis. Market organizer Patrick Horine says many visitors come for the goods but stay for the free concerts and yoga lessons. “It’s more than just getting your food and leaving,” Horine says. “It’s become more of a community gathering place.” North City Farmers’ Market in Old North’s Crown Square offers organic food from New Roots Urban Farm (based in nearby St. Louis Place), cooking classes, and even medical screenings. At Ferguson’s Citywalk on Saturdays, you can find Amish baked goods, pecans, pasta, and more. And while cutting through Maplewood during the Highway 40 construction, swing by Schlafly Bottleworks; it might be too early to down a No. 15, but you can buy produce, meats, and cheeses—OK, and perhaps a locally brewed beverage to wash it down later. As of press time, Overland plans to host a farmers’ market on Saturdays at Overland Market Center.
The Pub Crawler
Usual Suspects
Soulard, Downtown, Laclede’s Landing
And Don’t Forget
The Grove, Dogtown, Maplewood, Midtown
Soulard is a no-brainer for any pubgoer: It’s home to St. Louis classics such as John D. McGurk’s, named one of the top 10 Irish pubs in America by Esquire, and newer hotspots like Old Rock House. Maplewood is ideal if you’re actually looking to crawl from one pub to another: A 1-mile strip includes dueling pianos at The Jive & Wail, Boogaloo’s swinging jungle theme, and same-day brews at Schlafly Bottleworks. Keep going east on Manchester, and you’ll hit The Grove. Got a taste for tequila? Agave has 65 varieties. Feeling sinful? Wet your whistle amid The Church Key’s church-themed furnishings. Dogtown has laid-back faves on a first-name basis: Felix’s, Seamus’, and Nick’s. In midtown, SLU is reportedly converting a strip along Laclede Street once known as “Bar Row” into student apartments, but you can still drink at Humphrey’s (the inspiration for One Night at McCool’s) and Buffalo Brewing Company. And of course, many fine establishments in the aforementioned Foodie category also whip up killer drinks.
The Young Professional
Usual Suspects
The Loft District, Clayton, Central West End
And Don’t Forget
Dogtown, Tower Grove, Clifton Heights
Last year, Forbes ranked St. Louis No. 14 on its list of the nation’s 40 best places for young professionals. It’s no surprise that a biz hub like Clayton is a draw for this bunch. Residents between 25 and 44 make up the area’s largest demo—making the central-corridor area perfect for work and play. Chris LeBeau, president of Metropolis St. Louis, a group dedicated to retaining young people in the city, says Dogtown and Tower Grove are especially popular because of the tight-knit atmosphere and attractive home prices. “A lot of the houses there are nice but are more starter homes,” says
LeBeau. “A lot of young people are still looking for the best deal for their dollar.” And while it doesn’t offer the same level of retail, Clifton Heights—west of The Hill—is also seeing a swell of activity. “There’s been a wave of young professionals moving in and purchasing homes because it’s affordable and safe,” says Becky Hughes, president of the Clifton Heights Neighborhood Association and a young professional herself.
Married With Children
Usual Suspects
Kirkwood, Town & Country, Webster Groves,
Chesterfield, St. Louis Hills
And Don’t Forget
Warson Woods, Glendale, Southampton, Des Peres
The region has no shortage of family-friendly neighborhoods. Whittling it down depends on what you’re looking for. Kirkwood—with its picturesque houses, good schools, quaint downtown, and significantly expanded Magic House—is a standout for families. Family Circle recently named Webster Groves to its list of “10 Best Towns for Families,” noting the historic housing, student-to-teacher ratio, and recycling programs. Warson Woods, Glendale, and Des Peres share many of the same perks as Kirkwood and Webster: safe blocks and top schools. In Town & Country, students can attend Parkway or Ladue schools, and there’s a low percentage of crime—plus Queeny Park has no shortage of trails, play areas, and the Museum of the Dog. If you don’t mind the suburban lifestyle, Chesterfield’s schools and safety factor are also attractive. In South City, some close-knit neighborhoods like St. Louis Hills and Southampton have low crime rates and holiday events.
Married With Teens
Usual Suspects
Creve Coeur, St. Charles, St. Peters, O’Fallon, Mo.
And Don’t Forget
Olivette, Manchester, Ballwin, Fenton, O’Fallon, Ill.
Living with teens offers enough drama—so finding a neighborhood with solid schools and safe hangouts is a must. Olivette shares Ladue’s top-notch public school district, but the median home price is significantly less: around $265,000, according to real-estate website Zillow.com. Creve Coeur residents can send their kids to Ladue or Parkway, as well as private schools like De Smet Jesuit High School and Chaminade College Prep. Manchester and Ballwin share the Parkway School District and low crime rates, and Fenton’s Rockwood Summit Senior High—part of Rockwood School District, St. Louis County’s largest school district—is a draw. Farther west, St. Charles, St. Peters, and O’Fallon—all family-friendly suburbs—ranked among Money magazine’s list of the nation’s “Best Places to Live 2008.” And in Illinois, O’Fallon boasts a low crime rate and soon-to-expand O’Fallon Township High School, which consistently scores among the state’s best public schools.
By Dan Michel and Jarrett Medlin
