The suburbs of St. Louis offer a wide range of living options, from quiet, family-friendly neighborhoods to vibrant, upscale communities. Here are some of the notable St. Louis suburbs, each with its unique characteristics and appeal:
1. Chesterfield
- Location: West of St. Louis, about 25 miles from downtown.
- Overview: Chesterfield is known for its great schools, parks, and shopping areas. It's one of the larger suburbs, with both residential and commercial development. The area offers plenty of recreational opportunities, including Faust Park and the Butterfly House.
- Key Attractions: Chesterfield Mall, Chesterfield Amphitheater, and outdoor parks like Central Park and Eberwein Dog Park.
- Vibe: Family-friendly, affluent, and well-developed.
- Location: Just west of the city, only about 10 minutes from downtown.
- Overview: Clayton is a wealthy, cosmopolitan suburb and also the seat of St. Louis County government. It's known for its upscale homes, fine dining, and proximity to major business districts. Many professionals are drawn to Clayton for its mix of modern office buildings and stately historic homes.
- Key Attractions: Shaw Park, Clayton Art Fair, and a highly regarded school district.
- Vibe: Urban-suburban mix, high-end, and walkable.
- Location: Southwest of downtown, about 20 minutes away.
- Overview: Known for its charming, historic feel, Kirkwood has a quaint downtown with local shops and eateries. It's a popular choice for families due to its excellent schools and strong sense of community. The Kirkwood Farmers' Market is a local favorite.
- Key Attractions: The Magic House (St. Louis Children's Museum), Kirkwood Park, and the historic Kirkwood Train Station.
- Vibe: Historic charm, family-oriented, tight-knit community.
- Location: About 20 miles west of St. Louis.
- Overview: Ballwin consistently ranks among the best places to live in Missouri due to its top-rated schools, low crime, and family-friendly amenities. The suburb is primarily residential, with a mix of affordable housing and more upscale developments.
- Key Attractions: Castlewood State Park, The Pointe at Ballwin Commons (community center), and numerous golf courses.
- Vibe: Family-oriented, peaceful, suburban feel.
- Location: About 10 miles southwest of downtown.
- Overview: Webster Groves is a historic and culturally rich suburb known for its beautiful old homes, tree-lined streets, and vibrant arts scene. It has a diverse range of housing and a strong community feel, with highly-rated schools and plenty of local events.
- Key Attractions: Webster University, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, and Webster Groves Recreation Complex.
- Vibe: Artistic, historic, strong community ties.
- Location: Far west of St. Louis, about 30 miles away.
- Overview: Wildwood is a more rural, scenic suburb known for its open spaces, large homes, and access to nature. It's a great option for those who want a quiet, more country-like atmosphere while still being within commuting distance of the city.
- Key Attractions: Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, Rockwoods Reservation, and extensive hiking and biking trails.
- Vibe: Rural, outdoorsy, and peaceful.
- Location: West of St. Louis, about 20 miles away.
- Overview: This is one of the wealthiest suburbs of St. Louis, known for its sprawling estates, luxury homes, and quiet, spacious living. Many affluent families and professionals live here due to its upscale environment and proximity to private schools and country clubs.
- Key Attractions: Longview Farm Park, Town and Country Crossing, and various golf courses.
- Vibe: Affluent, quiet, suburban luxury.
- Location: About 15 miles west of downtown.
- Overview: A business hub with plenty of corporate offices, Creve Coeur is also a desirable residential suburb. It offers a mix of residential neighborhoods, parks, and shopping centers. The schools are highly rated, and there are many professional opportunities nearby.
- Key Attractions: Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park, one of the largest parks in the area, and plenty of recreational areas for boating, hiking, and picnicking.
- Vibe: Professional, suburban, family-friendly.
- Location: Northwest of St. Louis, about 30 miles away.
- Overview: O'Fallon is one of the fastest-growing suburbs, offering affordable housing and a variety of amenities. It's popular with families due to its schools, safety, and ample parks. The area is also close to St. Charles, another historic city with shopping and entertainment.
- Key Attractions: Alligator's Creek Aquatic Center, Fort Zumwalt Park, and various sports complexes.
- Vibe: Growing, affordable, family-friendly.
- Location: About 20 minutes northwest of downtown.
- Overview: Maryland Heights is a great choice for those who want easy access to both the city and recreational amenities. It's home to many hotels, restaurants, and business centers, but also has a residential feel with plenty of parks and outdoor activities.
- Key Attractions: Hollywood Casino Amphitheater, Creve Coeur Lake, and Aquaport (water park).
- Vibe: Active, family-friendly, entertainment hub.
- Commute: How long are you willing to commute to downtown St. Louis or other areas? Traffic can vary, so proximity to major highways (like I-64, I-70, and I-270) is important.
- Schools: If you have children or plan to in the future, research the school districts. Suburbs like Clayton, Ladue, Kirkwood, and Chesterfield are known for top-rated schools.
- Amenities and Lifestyle: Whether you prefer more rural, nature-focused living (like Wildwood or O'Fallon), or a bustling, urban environment with walkability and amenities (like Clayton or Webster Groves), consider your lifestyle and daily needs.
- Cost of Living: Some suburbs, like Town and Country and Clayton, are known for their luxury homes and high cost of living, while others like Ballwin and O'Fallon offer more affordable housing options.