The Best Suburbs of St. Louis: Find Your Perfect Lifestyle in the Gateway City's Top Communities

St. Louis, a city replete with rich history, cultural diversity, and thriving industries, offers a plethora of suburban options that cater to various lifestyles. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly communities, vibrant spots for young professionals, or serene retreats for retirees, the St. Louis suburbs have something to offer everyone. This guide will walk you through our picks for the 10 best suburbs of St. Louis, highlighting their unique charms and amenities and why they might be the perfect place for you to call home.

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St. Louis at a Glance

• Population: 301,578
• Demographics: Diverse with significant African American, White, Asian, and Hispanic communities
• Average home value: $256,500
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,200
• What makes St. Louis great: St. Louis is renowned for its iconic Gateway Arch, vibrant arts scene, and delicious cuisine, including its famous BBQ. It's also a hub for biotech and research, with numerous job opportunities in healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The city enjoys four distinct seasons, offering a range of outdoor activities year-round.

The Best St. Louis Suburbs To Call Home

Choosing the perfect place to live in the St. Louis suburbs can be overwhelming given the variety of options available, each with its unique charm and amenities. But from the historic elegance of Kirkwood to the bustling community feel of Chesterfield, these particular suburbs stand out above the rest. Here are our top picks for the best St. Louis suburbs and what makes each one an exceptional place to call home.

1. Kirkwood, MO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,450
• Average home value: $436,500
• Great for: Families, professionals, retirees

Wondering what is the best place to live in St. Louis? Look no further than Kirkwood. Living in Kirkwood offers the perfect blend of historic charm, a vibrant community, and modern amenities. Known for its tree-lined streets and historic homes, Kirkwood exudes a small-town feel while providing all the conveniences of suburban living. And the suburb boasts a top-10 ranking in the state for its excellent public schools, making it a top choice for families. Notable institutions include Kirkwood High School and the St. Louis Community College - Meramec campus.

Kirkwood's downtown area is a hub of activity with its array of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The Kirkwood Farmers' Market is a local favorite, offering fresh produce and artisanal goods year-round. And for outdoor enthusiasts, Kirkwood Park provides beautiful green spaces, walking trails, and sports facilities. The Magic House, a renowned children's museum, is another highlight, offering educational and interactive exhibits for kids.

Kirkwood combines historical significance with modern living, offering a high quality of life and a strong sense of community. Its excellent schools, vibrant downtown, and variety of recreational options make it an ideal place for families and individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle.

2. Chesterfield, MO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,600
• Average home value: $534,100
• Great for: Families, retirees, public schools

Chesterfield is one of the nicest suburbs of St. Louis, known for its top-rated schools, spacious homes, and abundance of parks and recreational facilities. The Rockwood and Parkway school districts are highly regarded, with schools like Chesterfield Elementary School and Marquette High School receiving high marks for academic excellence.

Chesterfield Valley is a major shopping and entertainment district, featuring the St. Louis Premium Outlets and the Chesterfield Amphitheater, which hosts concerts and events throughout the year. The suburb is also home to the Butterfly House, a unique attraction showcasing thousands of butterflies in a tropical conservatory.

The area offers a safe suburban environment with plenty of amenities to keep families entertained. Its excellent schools, variety of shopping and dining options, and numerous parks make it a top choice for those seeking a family-friendly community.

3. Clayton, MO

• Average home value: $804,100
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,450
• Great for: Young professionals, families, nightlife

Clayton is a bustling suburb with a cosmopolitan vibe, making it a popular choice for young professionals. It serves as the county seat of St. Louis County and is home to numerous law firms, corporate headquarters, and upscale retail shops. The School District of Clayton is one of the best in the state, and institutions like Clayton High School and Washington University are key educational landmarks.

Downtown Clayton is known for its vibrant dining scene, with restaurants ranging from fine dining to casual eateries. Shaw Park, located in the heart of Clayton, offers swimming pools, tennis courts, and beautiful green spaces for outdoor activities. And the Saint Louis Art Fair, held annually in Clayton, is one of the top art fairs in the country, attracting artists and visitors from all over.

Clayton combines the benefits of urban living with the comforts of a suburban lifestyle. Its proximity to downtown St. Louis, excellent schools, and lively dining and arts scene make it an attractive place for young professionals and families alike.

Q: What are the largest suburbs of St. Louis?
A: According to U.S. Census data, Boone, Wentzville, Chesterfield, and Tesson Ferry are the largest suburbs of St. Louis. Clayton has a relatively high population, too, coming in ranked No. 17.

4. Webster Groves, MO

• Average home value: $415,200
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,125
• Great for: Families, retirees, arts and culture

Webster Groves is a charming suburb known for its strong sense of community, historic homes, and vibrant arts scene. The suburb is home to Webster University, which adds a youthful energy and a variety of cultural events to the area. The Webster Groves School District is highly rated, with schools like Hixson Middle School and Webster Groves High School offering excellent educational opportunities.

The Old Webster area is a popular destination, featuring boutique shops, art galleries, and a variety of dining options. The Webster Groves Arts Commission supports local artists and hosts events like the Old Webster Jazz & Blues Festival. And for outdoor enthusiasts, Blackburn Park and the nearby Deer Creek Park provide beautiful spaces for recreation.

5. Ballwin, MO

• Average home value: $392,200
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,250
• Great for: Families, retirees, public schools, safety

Ballwin is consistently ranked as one of the safest suburbs of St. Louis, making it an ideal place for families and retirees. The suburb is known for its well-maintained neighborhoods, excellent schools, and abundance of recreational facilities. The Parkway and Rockwood school districts serve the area, with schools like Ballwin Elementary and Parkway West High School receiving high marks for their academic programs.

Ballwin also offers a variety of recreational options, including the Ballwin Golf Course and Club, The Pointe at Ballwin Commons, and numerous parks and trails. Vlasis Park, the largest park in Ballwin, features playgrounds, sports fields, and a beautiful lake.

Ballwin provides a safe and welcoming environment with a strong focus on community and recreation. Its excellent schools, variety of parks and recreational facilities, and high safety ratings make it an attractive option for families and retirees seeking a secure and active lifestyle.

6. Wildwood, MO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,425
• Average home value: $542,000
• Great for: Families, retirees, outdoor enthusiasts

Wildwood offers a suburban lifestyle with a strong connection to nature, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts. The suburb is known for its beautiful landscapes, extensive parks, and excellent schools. The Rockwood School District serves the area, with schools like Lafayette High School and Wildwood Middle School being highly regarded.

Wildwood is home to numerous parks and trails, including Babler State Park, Rockwoods Reservation, and the Al Foster Memorial Trail. These parks provide ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife observation. The Wildwood Town Center is also a hub of activity, featuring shops, restaurants, and community events.

Wildwood offers the perfect blend of suburban living and outdoor adventure. Its beautiful natural surroundings, excellent schools, and variety of recreational opportunities make it an ideal place for those who love nature and want to live an active lifestyle.

7. Creve Coeur, MO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,350
• Average home value: $570,200
• Great for: Families, professionals, public schools

Creve Coeur is a suburb known for its excellent educational institutions, making it a top choice for families and professionals. The Parkway and Ladue school districts serve the area, with schools like Parkway North High School and Ladue Horton Watkins High School being highly rated. The suburb is also home to the Creve Coeur Campus of Missouri Baptist University and several other higher education institutions.

Creve Coeur offers plenty of amenities, including the Creve Coeur Golf Club, Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park, and a variety of shopping and dining options. The Olive Boulevard corridor, in particular, is a central area for commerce, featuring a mix of local businesses and national retailers.

Creve Coeur's focus on education, combined with its variety of amenities and recreational options, makes it an attractive place for families and professionals. And its convenient location and strong community spirit create a welcoming environment for all residents.

8. Town and Country, MO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,475
• Average home value: $1.04M
• Great for: Retirees, young professionals, luxury living

Town and Country is an affluent St. Louis suburb known for its luxurious homes, top-rated schools, and beautiful parks. The suburb is home to the Bellerive Country Club, one of the most prestigious golf clubs in the region. It’s also home to the No. 1 elementary school in the state, Conway Elementary.

Town and Country offers a variety of upscale amenities, including the Town and Country Crossing shopping center and the beautiful Longview Farm Park. The suburb is also known for its large, spacious properties and quiet, tree-lined streets, providing a serene and picturesque environment.

Town and Country certainly offers a high quality of life, making it a desirable place for retirees and professionals seeking an upscale and peaceful community.

Q: What is the richest suburb in St. Louis?
A: With its luxury homes and ample access to country clubs and golf courses, Town and Country is one of the wealthiest suburbs of St. Louis.

9. Maryland Heights, MO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,075
• Average home value: $251,900
• Great for: Young professionals, families, entertainment

Maryland Heights is a vibrant suburb known for its entertainment options and recreational facilities. The suburb is home to the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, a major outdoor concert venue, and the Westport Plaza, a bustling entertainment district featuring restaurants, bars, and shops. The Pattonville School District serves the area, with schools like Pattonville High School offering strong academic programs.

Vago Park is a popular destination for outdoor activities, offering boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities. And the Maryland Heights Community Center provides a variety of recreational programs and facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, and sports courts.

10. Fenton, MO

• Average home value: $330,000
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,250
• Great for: Families, retirees, affordability

Fenton is a suburb known for its affordability, making it an ideal choice for families and retirees seeking a budget-friendly community. The Rockwood and Lindbergh school districts serve the area, with schools like Rockwood Summit High School and Uthoff Valley Elementary School being highly rated.

Fenton offers a variety of parks and recreational facilities, including Fenton City Park and the RiverChase Recreation Center. The suburb is also home to Gravois Bluffs, a major shopping center featuring a wide range of retail stores and dining options.

Because the area provides a high quality of life at an affordable price, with strong community spirit and convenient amenities, it’s an especially great option for families and retirees.

Making the Move With PODS

No matter which one of the St. Louis suburbs you choose, PODS is here to help make your transition as smooth as possible with flexible, convenient solutions for your moving and storage needs. You can pack at your own pace, and they’ll handle the transport. Need help with the packing and loading? PODS can refer you to local experts to make your transition even easier as well.

For more expert moving tips and resources, check out the PODS Blog. Whether you're organizing your home, planning a long-distance move, or looking for storage solutions, we've got you covered. Happy moving!

This content was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence. It was then fact-checked, proofread, and edited by the real-life intelligence of the PODS Blog team.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.