Are you considering living in St. Louis? The Gateway to The West is one of the best U.S. cities for remote work and has plenty to offer young adults—from affordable housing to bars, breweries, and parks. Here are the five best neighborhoods to live in St. Louis for singles and young professionals!
| Neighborhood | Central West End | Downtown | Lafayette Square | Soulard | Tower Grove South |
| Median Home Price | $374,067 | $208,067 | $228,500 | $202,367 | $157,429 |
| Median Rent Price | $896 | $1,067 | $974 | $1,086 | $848 |
| Safer than % of the City | 57% | 0% | 66% | 0% | 64% |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.7% | 2.0% | 5.2% | 3.4% | 2.7% |
| Median Age | 38.4 | 29.9 | 36.2 | 34.4 | 34.5 |
Central West End
If any St. Louis neighborhood checks all the boxes for singles and young professionals, it’s Central West End. Located between Forest Park and St. Louis University, this vibrant locale has it all. Its collection of restaurants makes it a foodie haven, and the business district along Euclid Ave is a walkable shopping destination with boutiques, bookstores, live music venues, and more. CWE also has several pubs and nightclubs, so there are plenty of places to meet up with friends for happy hour or a fun night out. Be sure to set your calendar for neighborhood events like St. Louis Greek Festival and The Legendary CWE Halloween. Of course, it’s not all play in Central West End! The neighborhood is also home to Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, and BJC HealthCare, so it’s a great spot for students and healthcare professionals. On top of all that, it’s just off I-64, so it takes just minutes to get to Downtown St. Louis!
Things to Do in Central West End
Discuss your favorite literary works in a book club, meet your favorite authors, or find used books at Left Bank Books. Visit the Saint Louis Zoo, tour Saint Louis Art Museum, or take your dog for a walk at Forest Park. Sample international and craft beers from breweries like Great Divide Brewing Co, Switchgrass Spirits, and Good News Brewing Company at St. Louis Microfest. Match wits with the locals during a game of chess, visit exhibitions like Paws and Pawns, or see the World’s Largest Chess Piece at the World Chess Hall of Fame. Listen to live music, enjoy Spinach & Orange Cinnamon Salad and Bob’s Bloody Mary Bar during Sunday Swing Jazz Brunch at Evangeline’s Bistro and Music House. Feast on a Reuben Sandwich, Lamb Burger, or Grilled Fish Tacos at Dressel’s Public House. Savor Steak Tartare and Pan Roasted Trout at one of St. Louis’ best restaurants, Brasserie by Niche. Wind down the day with friends, a plate of Candied Bacon, and a Cornerstone Cider at Retreat Gastropub. Get a taste of Cuba with dishes like Ropa Vieja, Havana’s Picadillo, and Arroz Con Pollo at Havana’s Cuisine Cuban Restaurant.
Downtown
Want to live in the lively center of the city? Downtown might be the best neighborhood in St. Louis for you! There’s no shortage of things to do here, and while tourists will flock to the Gateway Arch and events at The Dome at America’s Center, local residents can find all kinds of off-the-beaten-path attractions, restaurants, and nightlife to explore. Living in Downtown St. Louis means you can choose from all kinds of apartments, lofts, and condos in refurbished buildings with tons of character—and many of those options come at very affordable prices. Downtown is also a great place to find a job, as Nestle Purina PetCare and Ameren are headquartered here, and the Anheuser-Busch Brewery is just a short drive away!
Things to Do in Downtown St. Louis
Cheer on the St. Louis Cardinals (MLB), go on a guided tour, or visit the Hall of Fame Museum at Busch Stadium. Show your support for the St. Louis Blues (NHL), attend a concert, or see your favorite comedian live at the Enterprise Center. Enjoy the interactive art, sculptures, and rain gardens while strolling through Citygarden. Go on a tram ride, stroll through Explorer’s Garden, or learn about the famous Dred Scott case in the Old Courthouse at Gateway Arch National Park. Meet your pals for a hearty brunch with a B.E.L.T. Sandwich, Farmer’s Platter, or Goat Cheese & Tomato Jam Crepe from Rooster. Try Blue Point Oysters, Gulf Oysters, or Char-Grilled Oysters at Broadway Oyster Bar. Enjoy a glass of Pinot Grigio while feasting on Scallops, Lobster Carbonara, or a Charcuterie Board at Bridge Tap House & Wine Bar. Or overlook the city while enjoying Falafel, Halibut, Margherita Pizza, and more on the rooftop at Three Sixty.
Lafayette Square
Though it’s just a few blocks south of Downtown, life in Lafayette Square moves at a slower pace. Replacing the stadiums and giant businesses are quiet streets of colorful Victorian homes and cozy townhomes. Everything centers around Lafayette Park, a 30-acre green space that’s perfect for daily hobbies like walking the dog and for supporting neighborhood events like movie nights, food festivals, and a summer concert series. In addition to a strong sense of community, this St. Louis neighborhood provides easy access to I-44 and historic U.S. Route 66, so commuting to other areas of the city is a breeze. If you want to enjoy all of the Downtown attractions while maintaining a quiet lifestyle, Lafayette Square is one of the best places to live in St. Louis!
Things to Do in Lafayette Square
Switch up your workout routine by climbing the walls, taking a yoga class, or a group fitness class at Climb So iLL. Check out exhibits like Legally Bound, Growing Together, and The Wonderful World of Collecting at the Field House Museum. Visit Lafayette Park House, walk around the lake, or play sports with friends at the historic Lafayette Park. Cool off from the warm St. Louis summer weather with a cone of Midnight Pleasures Ice Cream, Raspberry Push Pop, or alcohol-infused treats like Pink Champagne Sorbet at Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery. Feast on Beef Brisket, Lentil Bolognese, or Greek Salad at SqWires Restaurant & Annex. Get a taste of Italy by ordering an Antipasta Board, Wild Boar Ravioli, or Grilled Cheese Panini at Eleven Eleven Mississippi. Enjoy beers and spirits like the Maple Stout, Urban Bourbon, and Starry Night Absinthe at Square One Brewery & Distillery. Or throw back specialty cocktails like the Imagination Library, Hot Buttered Rum, and Grapefruit Moon at Planter’s House.
Soulard
If it’s the St. Louis nightlife you crave, Soulard might be the perfect neighborhood for you! Pubs and bars pepper the diverse neighborhood—which showcases its festive personality in the annual Soulard Mardi Gras celebration, one of the largest Mardi Gras events in the U.S. Parties aren’t all you’ll find in Soulard, however. Located just south of Downtown, Soulard has quick access to lots of St. Louis jobs and offers various housing styles. You’ll find brick rowhouses, Victorians, and alley houses at varying price points, as well as apartments and lofts for rent. In addition, Soulard is right off I-55, so you can get anywhere in the city pretty quickly. There’s so much to experience here that most residents don’t find many reasons to leave!
Things to Do in Soulard
Peruse the goods of 140 local food, clothing, and craft vendors at the Soulard Farmers Market, which has been in operation since 1779. Enjoy a drink in the Biergarten, go on a tour, or see the world-renowned Clydesdales at the historic Anheuser-Busch Brewery. Brave the 3D Haunted House, 5 Minute Escape Room, or go on a behind-the-scenes tour at The Darkness Haunted House. Challenge a friend to games like 20 Questions, Candyland, or Exploding Kittens at Pieces Board Game Bar & Cafe. Devour some of the nation’s best barbecue with a Slab of Ribs, Tri Tip Sandwich, or a Burnt Ends Sandwich from Bogart’s Smokehouse. Finish off a feast of Bangers and Mash, Corned Beef and Cabbage, or a slice of Bailey’s Cheesecake in the outdoor garden at John D. McGurk’s, one of America’s best Irish pubs. Chow down on Hot Fried Chicken Tacos, the Brah-rito Burrito, or Grilled Mahi-Mahi at Session Taco. Check out the drag shows, explore the game room, or join in for Karaoke Night at Bastille. Or order a stiff beer, bourbon, or cocktail at friendly neighborhood dive bar Cat’s Meow.
Tower Grove South
If you’re looking for a quaint neighborhood with easy access to Downtown St. Louis, look no further than Tower Grove South! Located west of Downtown, this neighborhood is walkable, making it attractive to commuters. Residents of Tower Grove South can enjoy access to countless amenities—including local markets, bars, museums, coffee shops, and bodegas like the Gustine Market. The neighborhood is known for Tower Grove Park, perfect for relaxing, going on a walk, or playing a game of basketball with friends. With a wide range of affordable housing styles—like Victorian, Craftsman, and Queen Anne—singles and young professionals can enjoy easy living in Tower Grove South!
Things to Do in Tower Grove South
Experience the flora and fauna of the Climatron, Japanese Garden, and Shoenberg Arid House at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Play a round of pickleball with friends, have a picnic, or go on a carriage ride at Tower Grove Park. Go on a private tour with friends, schedule a wine-tasting, or have a cocktail party at the historic Magic Chef Mansion. Play board games with friends, have a date night, or enjoy a drink at Tick Tock Tavern. Have a slice of Supreme Pizza, Veggie Lovers Pizza, or Meat Lovers Pizza at Blackthorn Pub & Pizza. Try authentic Vietnamese dishes like Banh Mi, Bun Bo Hue, and Pho Tai Chin at Truc Lam Restaurant. Enjoy drinks like Rye Pale, Czech Pils, and Cream Ale at Civil Life Brewing Co. Or try handcrafted spirits like Flying Squirrel Wheat Whiskey, Sail Fox Rye Whiskey, or Pedal Bear Single Barrel Bourbon at Alpha Brewing Company.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
