Exploring the Best St. Louis Neighborhoods: From Bustling Urban Center to Quiet Enclaves

If you’re on the hunt for affordability, a diverse job market, and a strong community, living in St. Louis might be the answer. The best St. Louis neighborhoods all offer their own unique charm — complete with an average home price almost $177,500 below the national average and unrivaled access to the Mississippi River. Ready to decide on where to settle down? Here are 12 of the best neighborhoods to set your sights on.

St. Louis at a Glance

• St. Louis has a population of around 279,700.
• Young professionals and families make up a large part of the city’s demographics, who are attracted to the city’s job scene and family-friendly neighborhoods.
• The average home value in St. Louis is $177,500, compared to $254,000 in Missouri and $357,300 nationally.
• The average rent for a one-bedroom in St. Louis is $1,325, compared to $1,175 in Missouri and $1,750 nationally.
• Overall, St. Louis stands out for its affordable homes, world-class cultural institutions, unique family attractions, and major sporting events.

Sneak Peek: Best Neighborhoods in St. Louis

With distinct identities that vary from cosmopolitan urban centers to quiet and historic gems, here is a sneak peek at the best St. Louis neighborhoods. The following list will cover each community in more detail.

1. Shaw

2. Hi-Pointe

3. Lafayette Square

4. Benton Park

5. Downtown

6. Central West End

7. Southampton

8. Skinker Debaliviere

9. Soulard

10. Ellendale

11. Forest Park Southeast

12. Clifton Heights

1. Shaw — Best Overall

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,125
• Average home value: $344,800
• Great for: Families, local events & activities
• Commute to Downtown: 10 minutes

Ranked No. 1 by Niche, Shaw is undoubtedly one of the best St. Louis neighborhoods, and offers the perfect blend of historic charm with vibrant modernity. With a variety of large multi-family housing options, Shaw has a tight-knit community atmosphere.

The Shaw Neighborhood Improvement Association (SNIA) keeps the community going strong and helps bring residents together with events such as the Historic Shaw Art Fair, an annual arts and crafts showcase featuring the works of over 100 artists. The SNIA also holds bimonthly meetings to allow residents to voice their concerns and interact with local officials.

Located on Shaw Boulevard, the Missouri Botanical Garden provides nearly 80 acres of beautifully themed gardens and annual events like the Japanese Festival.

2. Hi-Pointe — Best for Families

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,125
• Average home value: $209,500
• Great for: Families, young professionals, safety, housing variety, entertainment
• Commute to Downtown: 12 minutes

Deriving its name from its status as one of the city’s highest elevation points, Hi-Pointe is one of the safest neighborhoods in St. Louis (Ranked No. 2 in the city by AreaVibes!) and comes with a long-standing farming culture. From brick-built single-family homes and duplexes to apartments and condos in historic buildings, the housing variety in Hi-Pointe makes it one of the best St. Louis neighborhoods.

The Hi-Pointe Theatre might be the oldest movie theater in the city, but you’ll find newer mainstream flicks and independent films. Grab a burger and fries with friends and family at Hi-Pointe Drive In — and don’t forget a shake to dip your fries in, if you’re brave. Or enjoy an evening at Sasha’s Wine Bar and relax with some live music and impressive cheese plates.

Lafayette Square shines as one of the most charming St. Louis neighborhoods with well-preserved Victorian homes.
(Source: Explore St. Louis via Facebook)

3. Lafayette Square — Lively & Elegant

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,675
• Average home value: $317,100
• Great for: Families, beautiful Victorian homes, outdoor activities, local events
• Commute to Downtown: 8 minutes

As one of the nicest St. Louis neighborhoods, Lafayette Square is family-friendly and historic urban — characterized by its well-preserved Victorian homes, charming green spaces, and lively community atmosphere.

Here you’ll find Lafayette Park, the city’s oldest public park. Take a leisurely walk along the public paths, relax by the lake, or enjoy a picnic on one of the lawns. The park is a hotspot for local events hosted by the Arts Council of Lafayette Square, including a summer concert series and vintage baseball games played using rules from the 1860s.

4. Benton Park — Charming & Historic

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,000
• Average home value: $269,700
• Great for: Families, young professionals, exploring local history, dining
• Commute to Downtown: 8 minutes

The charming and welcoming Benton Park is one of the best neighborhoods in St. Louis for those looking for a balance between urban amenities and a slower pace away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Benton Park is the home of two historic mansions: Lemp Mansion and Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion. Lemp Mansion was once the home of the Lemp Brewery founder, which now serves as a restaurant and inn. The Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion, on the other hand, is an elegant Greek Revival home where guests can take tours.

Foodies rejoice around Benton Park’s top-notch dining scene — where you’ll find everything from Po’ Boy sandwiches at Blues City Deli to lobster rolls at Peacemaker Lobster & Crab.

5. Downtown — Access to the City’s Best Attractions

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,325
• Average home value: $166,800
• Great for: Young professionals, retirees, walkability, housing variety, cultural activities, sports games
• Commute to Downtown: You’re there!

Living in Downtown St. Louis offers a vibrant and walkable urban lifestyle surrounded by the city’s best attractions — not to mention historic lofts and modern high-rise apartment options to choose from.

Surrounded by historic buildings and beautiful cobblestone streets, residents have easy access to world-class museums, including the Museum under the Gateway Arch and Soldiers Memorial Military Museum. Blues music lovers can drop by the National Blues Museum, a must-visit attraction with immersive and interactive exhibits to explore.

St. Louis is home to passionate, die-hard sports fans who root for local teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Offering stunning sights of the skyline and the Arch, the stadium’s electrifying atmosphere is one to experience firsthand. Hockey fans can also catch the St. Louis Blues in action at Enterprise Center.

6. Central West End — Upscale & Vibrant

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,475
• Average home value: $332,600
• Great for: Young professionals, shopping, cultural activities
• Commute to Downtown: 12 minutes

The upscale and lively neighborhood of Central West End is most attractive to young working professionals looking for luxury, as the Washington University Medical Campus is located directly within the community’s limits, making for an easy commute.

Central West End offers walkability, with diverse shopping and cultural attractions. You can find locally-owned shops and stylish boutiques like Provisions St. Louis and Rushmore Boutique around Maryland Plaza, Euclid Avenue, and McPherson Avenue.

The cultural scene in Central West End is best represented by art galleries like Phillip Slein Gallery, along with the World Chess Hall of Fame, which celebrates the game of chess with engaging exhibitions.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Art in the Park at Francis Park, one of the area’s favorite spots for community events.
(Source: Art in the Park via Facebook)

7. Southampton — Walkable & Balanced

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,275
• Average home value: $252,900
• Great for: Families, retirees, outdoor recreation, local events, dining
• Commute to Downtown: 18 minutes

With a walk score of 89 and an ideal balance between urban and suburban amenities, the Southampton neighborhood is a great option for families and retirees. With plenty of green spaces and local businesses, life in Southampton is calm and convenient.

Francis Park, just five minutes from the neighborhood, offers residents the chance to get out and stay active along its walking paths, tennis courts, and playgrounds. The park is also home to a variety of community events, including Art in the Park, which features the work of local artists, live music, and food.

Local favorite dining spots include Russell’s on Macklind, with farm-to-table dinner and brunches filled with homestyle dishes, like bacon-wrapped meatloaf. And don’t forget about La Catrina, a lively Mexican restaurant known for its fresh salsa and quality seafood options.

8. Skinker-DeBaliviere — Convenience of the Loop

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,300
• Average home value: $310,200
• Great for: Families, young professionals, housing variety, local entertainment, shopping, local events
• Commute to Downtown: 16 minutes

With a convenient location between Forest Park and Delmar Loop, Skinker-DeBaliviere is one of the best St. Louis neighborhoods for both families and young professionals. It’s known for its historic charm and walkability, and you’ll find housing options from apartments to multi-family homes.

Also known as “the Loop,” the Delmar Loop is an eclectic entertainment and retail hub. Catch a show at The Pageant, or discover unique shops like Vintage Vinyl and The Attic of Magick.

Delmar Loop is also home to several festivals and local events, including the Loop Ice Carnival, a winter event known for its ice carving demonstrations, and the Loop Mural Festival, which celebrates art by local and national artists.

9. Soulard — Historic Charm Meets a Lively Environment

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,275
• Average home value: $305,700
• Great for: Families, young professionals, unique architecture, fresh produce, local events
• Commute to Downtown: 7 minutes

A historic community filled with French influence, Soulard offers a high-energy and lively atmosphere with endless entertainment.

Open year-round from Wednesday to Saturday, the Soulard Farmers Market is the heart of the community, offering residents local fresh produce, meats, and even handmade soaps. Soulard is home to some of the best local events that take place in St. Louis, including the Mardi Gras celebration, which is one of the largest in the U.S. and features parties and parades.

10. Ellendale — Affordable Hotspot

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: $174,900
• Great for: Families, retirees, affordable housing, outdoor recreation, dining
• Commute to Downtown: 12 minutes

Looking to live in one of the best small towns in Missouri, but don’t want to move hours outside the city? Ellendale has you covered. This is a tranquil community ideal for those seeking a small town vibe — plus, it’s safer than 95 percent of cities in Missouri, according to AreaVibes. Affordable Dutch Colonials from the 20th century are the neighborhood’s most common housing style and usually include street parking.

Francis R. Slay Park is one of the main highlights of this neighborhood, offering amenities like a playground, sports fields, and a tennis court. The River Des Peres Greenway is located in the park, which is popular among hikers and bikers. The local dining scene in Ellendale is also strong. Residents can sip on beer at Nick’s Pub or enjoy New Mexican cuisine classics at Southwest Diner.

Families and history buffs can enjoy the Missouri History Museum which isn’t far from Forest Park Southeast – one of the best St. Louis neighborhoods.
(Source: Missouri History Museum via Facebook)

11. Forest Park Southeast — Heart of “The Grove”

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,700
• Average home value: $280,800
• Great for: Young professionals, families, commuters, nightlife, local entertainment
• Commute to Downtown: 10 minutes

The growing community of Forest Park Southeast is one of the best St. Louis neighborhoods for young professionals seeking a mix of urban and suburban lifestyles. Easy access to I-64 and I-44 makes it a standout to commuters (especially those who might not want to move out to the St. Louis suburbs).

The area along Manchester Avenue, also known as “The Grove,” is the commercial heart of the neighborhood and features everything from live music venues, bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Platypus is a cozy, creative spot with rotating cocktails, while Just John Club is popular among the LGBTQ+ community and a staple of the city’s social scene.

The adjacent Forest Park features other entertainment options like the Saint Louis Zoo and Missouri History Museum — leaving plenty for families to enjoy as well.

12. Clifton Heights — Safe Overall

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: $207,100
• Great for: Families, retirees, safety, outdoor recreation, local events
• Commute to Downtown: 11 minutes

Unlike other St. Louis neighborhoods, the unique topography of Clifton Heights is characterized by rolling hills and winding streets. Clifton Heights maintains a quiet atmosphere and is also noted for being among the safest neighborhoods in St. Louis.

Residents of Clifton Heights can get some fresh air at the local Clifton Heights Park, a serene hotspot with nice lake views and a relaxing atmosphere. The active Clifton Heights Neighborhood Association hosts several popular annual events at the park, including an Easter Egg Hunt, Watermelon Social, and Fall Festival.

St. Louis Neighborhoods — FAQs

Q: What is the nicest area of St. Louis?
A: Lafayette Square is one of the nicest areas of St. Louis because of its elegance and historic charm.

Q: What is the safest part of St. Louis, MO?
A:  Some of the city’s traditionally safer neighborhoods, including Hi-Pointe and Clifton Heights, are located in the western and southwestern parts of St. Louis, MO.

Q: What are the different neighborhoods in St. Louis?
A: St. Louis is made up of 79 official neighborhoods, with popular areas including Shaw, Forest Park Southeast, and Central West End.

Q: What is the most exclusive neighborhood in St. Louis?
A: Central West End is often regarded as the most exclusive neighborhood in St. Louis due to its variety of historic mansions and luxury high-rises.

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Move to One of the Best St. Louis Neighborhoods With PODS

You’ve found the perfect neighborhood. Now it’s time to figure out how you’re going to get there. Make your move to St. Louis a flexible one by having a PODS portable moving and storage container delivered to your driveway. Need help with the heavy lifting? PODS can refer you to local packing and loading assistance. Once you’re ready, have your container picked up and taken to your new home whenever you’re ready. With one month’s storage built into the cost of every move, you can load and unload on your own schedule without feeling rushed.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe; and average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}