Reed R Radcliffe
Tower Grove South is just one of the areas that have seen dramatic gains in recent years.
This snapshot of St. Louis neighborhoods provides just a glimpse at some of the hottest spots across the metro region: areas with 40 or fewer average days on market in Missouri (and relatively few days in the Metro East), average sale prices starting at about $150K, increases of at least 20 percent in the average home price over the past five years, and new developments in the works. With so many great communities across the metro region, we also highlighted additional options in the "Don't Forget" sections. But keep in mind that this is just a start. Be sure to check out our helpful charts (with even more key stats), expert tips on buying a home in a hot market, a roundup of exciting developments in other popular neighborhoods, and past issues' guides to St. Louis neighborhoods. Happy house hunting!
CRESTWOOD
Key stat: After ranking No. 8 on Realtor.com’s annual “Hottest ZIP Codes” list in 2016, the 63126 ZIP code was recently listed at a respectable No. 27 nationwide.
In a nutshell: Located in the lauded Lindbergh School District, Crestwood is ideal for young families—at a fraction of the price of nearby neighborhoods (at a median price of $212,750 district-wide last year).
On the horizon: The Crest is rising from the rubble of Crestwood Mall. Slated to open later this year, the 47-acre development will include a movie theater, rec center, senior living, shops, and more.
Don't forget: Nearby Sappington (also part of the red-hot 63126 ZIP code) and Affton (where homes were on the market an average of 29 days and sold at a median price of $147,050).
ST. PETERS
Key stat: “For the third year in a row, St. Peters saw the most homes sold in the St. Louis area,” the St. Louis Business Journal reported in January, with a median sales price of about $185K in the 63376 ZIP code, per Redfin.
In a nutshell: Last year, when Money magazine named the city the No. 15 best place to live, it touted the schools, the Cultural Arts Centre, the 25 parks, and the Rec-Plex.
On the horizon: The Shoppes of Mid Rivers, a 270,000-square-foot development with big-box stores near I-70, opened last year. And Amazon recently announced it will open a fulfillment center in St. Peters, creating 1,500 jobs.
Don't forget: Nearby St. Charles, O'Fallon, Wentzville, and Cottleville—all among the areas with the most homes sold in 2017. In fact, St. Charles County set new county records for median days on market (11) and median home price ($215K).
MAPLEWOOD
Key stat: Homes in the Maplewood–Richmond Heights School District were on the market an average of just 27 days last year. And over the long run, from 2012 to 2017, the average house price jumped 40 percent.
In a nutshell: Hip and family-friendly, with solid schools and a bustling business district boasting breweries, shops, and eateries.
On the horizon: Downtown Maplewood continues to roll out new surprises, including Elmwood, a modern restaurant that co-owner Chris Kelling says will have “an environment that looks like nothing else.”
Don't forget: Nearby Brentwood where homes were on the market an average of 26 days last year (among the fewest in the county), and Richmond Heights, where The Crossing will soon offer even more retail options.
TOWER GROVE SOUTH
Key stat: In 2017, more than 2,350 homes sold in South City (not including the 63104 and 63118 ZIP codes), with many near Tower Grove Park—and at an average of just 33 days on market. The kicker: Median home prices were up a staggering 71 percent from five years earlier.
In a nutshell: Bustling South Grand, picturesque Tower Grove Park, reasonably priced historic brick homes, and the central location are all among the neighborhood’s draws.
On the horizon: Next year, Altus Properties plans to open a 124-unit apartment building next year on the former YMCA site along South Grand. And just a short drive away, City Foundry and the new SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital are in the works.
Don't forget: Botanical Heights and Fox Park; Redfin named the latter the city’s hottest neighborhood last year. The runners-up on that list? Maplewood and Soulard, where the 131-unit 1400 Russell luxury apartments are rising next to Interstate 55 at Russell and Gravois.
The city is chock-full of great neighborhoods and myriad school options. St. Louis Public Schools’ online map is an insightful resource, and stlcityschools.org offers key stats on more than 200 schools, both public and private.
EDWARDSVILLE
Key stats: More houses sold in Madison County last year than any other county in the Metro East. In Edwardsville, homes were on the market an average of 57 days—among the Metro East’s most rapid rate—and the average price was up 14 percent from five years earlier.
In a nutshell: With Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville, the Wildey Theatre, and a strong restaurant scene, Edwardsville offers entertainment options close to home.
On the horizon: Construction is slated to begin on Pin Oak Plaza and the adjacent 78-acre Plummer Family Sports Park, with both scheduled to open next summer. And World Wide Technology recently announced plans for a significant expansion, with two new facilities at Gateway Commerce Center that will create another 300 to 500 jobs.
Don't forget: Belleville, where 1,000-plus homes sold in 2017, and O'Fallon, Illinois, where houses were on the market an average of 51 days. (To explore more Metro East options, visit get2knowthemetroeast.com.)
MANCHESTER
Key stats: The 63021 ZIP code—between Manchester Road and I-44—was among the hottest areas in the metro market last year. Homes near Parkway South High School, in particular, sold at an average clip of 25 days on market, with a median price of $237,500.
In a nutshell: The conveniences of Manchester Road and Highway 141, close-by parks, and great schools are just a few of the draws.
On the horizon: In neighboring Twin Oaks, the largest project in the village’s 80-year history is underway: the $53 million Big Bend Square, a five-story building with 219 apartments and ground-floor retail.
Don't forget: Ballwin and Fenton, the latter of which saw homes in the vicinity of Rockwood Summit Sr. High School on the market an average of 25 days in 2017.
MARYLAND HEIGHTS
Key stats: Last year, houses near Parkway North High sold at an average of 35 days for a median price of $224,750. The Pattonville district was also popular, with 32 average days on market.
In a nutshell: There’s a range of options, from affordable ranches to sprawling two-stories in Maryland Heights and nearby areas.
On the horizon: At Page and I-270, Westport Plaza is rolling out new dining options, and the Manors at Maryland Oaks offers brand-new homes starting at $260K.
Don't forget: Farther north, other municipalities have seen dramatic increases in value, after bearing the brunt of area foreclosures during the recession. Median sale prices in the Hazelwood and Ferguson–Florissant school districts increased 69 to 79 percent from 2012 to 2017. (Visit North County Inc. for a guide to events, attractions, and more.)
CHESTERFIELD
Key stats: Median home prices in the Parkway and Rockwood school districts were up 23 percent and 24 percent, respectively, in 2017 from five years earlier. (Near Parkway Central High and Marquette Senior High, homes were on the market an average of about 40 days.)
In a nutshell: The school districts have long been major draws for families, and the business and retail scenes are booming (though the fate of Chesterfield Mall remains up in the air).
On the horizon: Topgolf is slated to open later this year, and builders are planning the 223-acre Fienup Farms, with home prices from $600K to $2 million-plus.
Don't forget: To the south, in Wildwood and St. Albans, multiple contractors are building high-end communities in some of the area’s most scenic terrain.
The acclaimed Ladue and Clayton school districts encompass a long list of surrounding (and more affordable) neighborhoods.
WEBSTER GROVES
Key stat: Last year, the average home price was up 37 percent from five years earlier (to $310K), and the average days on market was just 28.
In a nutshell: Tree-lined streets, Victorian architecture, a close-knit business district, and frequent festivals.
On the horizon: Modern Brewery has big plans for the former Auto Beauty Specialists location at 216 W. Lockwood, including a sprawling brewery and brewpub, a rooftop restaurant, two retail spaces, and a mezzanine office space. “We don’t want to build out for five or 10 years,” says co-owner Beamer Eisele. “This is a lifetime move for us.”
Don't forget: Kirkwood, which saw a 34 percent jump in average price over five years and an average of 35 days on market, and Glendale, which Niche.com listed as No. 1 on its 2017 “Best Places to Buy a House in the St. Louis Area” list. (Nearby Warson Woods was No. 2.)
