St. Louis has a lot to offer, and there’s a neighborhood to suit every lifestyle. So where exactly do successful young professionals fit in on the map? We’re talking about the millennials and Gen Xers who’ve hit their stride in their careers and want to make the most of a great city by enjoying active, social lives. There are plenty of strong contenders, but Clayton makes a great case for itself. Here are seven reasons why this demographic should consider a move to the mini-metropolis of St. Louis County.
1. CENTRAL LOCATION
Positioned near where St. Louis City and County meet, Clayton affords easy access to most of the region. Late for a flight? It only takes 15 minutes to reach St. Louis Lambert International Airport via I-170. I-64 is also close enough to whisk you to Busch Stadium for a Cardinals game or out west for a day at the winery. Plus, nearby MetroLink stations provide a convenient way to access special events downtown, such as parades, which make driving more of a hassle.
2. ANNUAL EVENTS
Clayton plays host to several events throughout the year. Two of the most notable are Parties in the Park, a series of “Happy Hour” block parties which take place the second Wednesday of each month from May through September, and the Saint Louis Art Fair, which will be held September 7–9, 2018.
3. RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Clayton’s Shaw Park features acres of lawn for activities or picnics, plus an aquatic center, ice rink, and tennis courts. The park is also the starting point for a section of the Centennial Greenway hiking and biking trail, which stretches 3 miles to Olive Boulevard. If you want to go bigger, Forest Park is less than 10 minutes away by car.
4. NEARBY JOBS
You don’t necessarily need to work in the same ZIP code you live in, but it’s easier to do so in Clayton than in most other places in St. Louis. The area is home to countless major employers such as Centene, as well as the worldwide headquarters for Caleres and Enterprise Holdings. Clayton is also the administrative center of St. Louis County.
5. OUTSTANDING DINING
Thanks in part to its status as a business district during the day, Clayton is packed with dining options, from fast-casual to white-tablecloth. The neighborhood also has one of the highest concentrations of award-winning eateries and distinguished chefs. Check out SLM’s list of restaurant recommendations.
6. NIGHT LIFE
Happy hours are easy to find with so many restaurants and business professionals around, but the fun doesn’t stop at 6 p.m. On weekends, see and be seen at Bar Napoli, or share tapas and a pitcher of sangria at BARcelona. If you’re up for it, Par Lounge offers late-night socializing just a short Uber ride down Clayton Road.
7. ABUNDANT RETAIL OPTIONS
The Saint Louis Galleria is just five minutes down Brentwood Boulevard, but Clayton has plenty of retail options of its own. The Colonial Marketplace has a mixture of shops, from jewelry store YLANG-YLANG to children’s boutique City Sprouts to stationary and gift wrap store Paper Source. Stores also line Maryland Avenue and the area surrounding The Ritz-Carlton, known as The Shoppes at The Crescent.
If you’re ready to make a move, contact The Barton, a brand-new, upscale apartment community located near Shaw Park. The Barton has many useful community amenities such as personal wine storage, a heated saltwater swimming pool, BBQ grills, a fire pit, a Fitness Center, and a pet spa and dog park.
This post was created by St. Louis Magazine Partner Studio on behalf of The Barton. Visit their website to learn how their location, in the heart of Clayton, can offer city living when you want it and a quiet retreat when you need it.
