Considering living in St. Louis? The second largest city in Missouri and one of the best places for remote work, Gateway City has plenty to offer. These best neighborhoods in St. Louis for safety and budget-friendliness were chosen due to their overall cost of living, housing affordability, crime ratings, and more. Here are five affordable, safe neighborhoods in St. Louis!
Is St. Louis a Safe Place to Live in 2026?
Though the safety ratings in St. Louis are not the most ideal, it is still a safer city than others of a similar size, such as Memphis, TN. Additionally, crime has decreased by 10% year over year, and there are plenty of safe St. Louis neighborhoods all over the city, so choosing one with good ratings is important.
Boulevard Heights
- Home Price: $134,244 median purchase price; $1,037 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 83% of St. Louis neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
If you’re looking for a safe STL neighborhood to call home, check out Boulevard Heights! Here, residents can find affordable real estate options ranging from cozy brick bungalows to quaint stone cottages. Not only does this affordable St. Louis neighborhood have safe streets and a suburban feel, but it also has convenient proximity to different areas in St. Louis. Boulevard Heights residents have quick access to Gravois Ave to the northwest and I-55 to the south, making this STL neighborhood commuter friendly.
Things to Do in Boulevard Heights
Play horseshoes or tennis, let the kids have fun on the playground, or stroll around the lake while admiring the boathouse at Carondelet Park, the third largest park in St. Louis. See tiny doll houses and other small items when you visit the Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis. Pick up a graphic novel or drop the kids off for events and activities like Video Gaming and Hands-On STEM at Carondelet Library. Check out Apollonia, where you can order Saganaki Flaming Cheese, Loin Lamb Chops, or Shrimp Shish-Kebab—and don’t forget to save room for Baklava! Try savory burgers like The Herbivore, Sweet-Ziki, or En Fuego at Stacked STL. Grab Mostaccioli or Spaghetti as an individual entree, or split specialty pizzas like the Johnny “B” Good or The Sandy at Monte Bello Pizzeria. Sample unique craft beers like the Hazy Lite IPA or Saison de Lis at local brewery Perennial Artisan Ales. Or enjoy casual American dining with menu items like Southwest Chicken Salad, Tuna Melt, or Fried Pickle Burger at The Haven Pub.
Q: Why is St. Louis dangerous?
A: One reason the safety ratings in St. Louis appear low is that it has a relatively small population for a major city, which inflates crime rates when compared to other areas of the country. Some areas of St. Louis have much higher crime rates than others, which can make it seem like the entire city is unsafe, when in reality, there are still a host of safe neighborhoods in St. Louis to live in.
Downtown
- Home Price: $208,067 median purchase price; $1,067 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 0% of St. Louis neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals
As the heart of the city, Downtown St. Louis is the perfect neighborhood for young professionals living in Saint Lou! Plus, with the city building new apartments, as well as converting old industrial buildings into lofts, St. Louis residents can find more budget-friendly housing options in the downtown area. The neighborhood offers amazing walkability and access to the St. Louis Metro transit system, making it a breeze to get around. Additionally, this urban STL neighborhood is home to some of the best things to do in St. Louis, including visiting the Gateway Arch, attending concerts, conventions, and trade shows at The Dome at America’s Center, and much more!
Things to Do in Downtown St. Louis
Go on a walk and be sure to admire the “Olympic Runner” statue at Kiener Plaza, named after St. Louis-born Olympian, Harry J. Kiener. See 24 public sculptures, rain gardens, and a children’s spray plaza at Citygarden Sculpture Park. Watch the St. Louis Cardinals (MLB) hit a home run while eating some fan-favorite ballpark food at Busch Stadium. Learn about the history of the blues genre and its impact on modern music at the National Blues Museum. Start the day with breakfast dishes like Breakfast Sammy, Cheddar-Jalapeno Biscuits n’ Gravy, or Steak n’ Egg Tacos at BLT’s (Breakfast, Lunch, and Tacos). Eat unique burger creations like the PB&J or Szechuan Burger at Bailey’s Range. Enjoy classic Cajun dishes and seafood like Louisiana Fried Alligator, Char-Grilled Oysters, and Uncle Charlie’s Creole Jambalaya at Broadway Oyster Bar. Grab some friends for Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4-11 p.m., and weekends from 3-11 p.m. for half-off all drafts, $15 AB buckets, gameday specials, and more at The Wheelhouse.
Q: What is the safest area in St. Louis?
A: The safest areas of St. Louis are the far southern and northern parts of the city. Some of the best neighborhoods in St. Louis for safety are Princeton Heights, Lindenwood Park, White House, and Oakville Southwest!
Lindenwood Park
- Home Price: $166,750 median purchase price; $967 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 86% of St. Louis neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
As one of the best neighborhoods in St. Louis for families, Lindenwood Park is a quieter neighborhood in STL that’s great for those looking to settle down with kids. Here, you’ll find many opportunities to get involved in the community through the Lindenwood Park Neighborhood Association, which organizes local events in St. Louis like the LinFest, Flea Market, Holiday Lighting Contest, and more. Families are also close to some top St. Louis schools like Mason Elementary School, Mallinckrodt Academy of Gifted Instruction, and Gateway Science Academy St. Louis – Smiley Campus. Plus, Lindenwood Park has charming and affordable bungalows for those looking to rent or buy a home in St. Louis!
Things to Do in Lindenwood Park
Join a bowling league or have a night out with friends for open bowling at Epiphany Lanes. Play a game of tennis or walk along the paved walking trails at the neighborhood’s namesake, Lindenwood Park. Learn coffee brewing basics, advanced espresso recipes, latte art, and more in classes at Blueprint Coffee! Grab an assortment of a dozen donuts and other pastries like a Buttercream Tart at Donut Drive-In. Try authentic Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine like Piyaz, Manti, and Musakka at Aya Sofia. Grab a slice of some of the best St. Louis-Style pizza at local chain Cecil Whitaker’s Pizzeria. Or make reservations at a top-rated, fine dining restaurant in St. Louis and enjoy the Ziti Con Vodka, Butternut Ravioli, or Filet Gorgonzola at LoRusso’s Cucina.
Q: Is St. Louis expensive?
A: No, St. Louis is very affordable—the cost of living is 10% lower than the national average and housing is 19% lower! Compared to the national average, you’ll save money on crucial expenses like health care, housing, and goods and services by living in St. Louis. Gateway City is especially affordable compared to other big cities in the Midwest, such as Chicago, IL and Columbus, OH!
North Hampton
- Home Price: $165,910 median purchase price; $907 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of St. Louis neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Located in southwest St. Louis, the neighborhood of North Hampton—also referred to as Northampton—is another affordable place to live in St. Louis. This safe area offers residents lush green spaces, tons of local restaurants, affordable real estate and more. Along with that suburban feel, great public and private schools like South City Catholic Academy, Betty Wheeler Classical Junior Academy, and Gateway Science Academy St. Louis – Fyler Campus draw St. Louis families to North Hampton. Meanwhile, the neighborhood’s central location is within 20 minutes of Central West End, Midtown, and Downtown St. Louis, making it an attractive option for commuting young professionals, too!
Things to Do in North Hampton
Host a picnic, play a game of roller hockey, try your hand at volleyball, or test out the exercise station at Tilles Park. Admire the glass artwork of Dale Chihuly as you enter the Missouri Botanical Garden, where you can explore 79 acres of crafted gardens. Pair your morning coffee with a Peaches + Cream Donut, indulge in a Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie, or take a Rustic Loaf of Sourdough to go at Knead Bakehouse. Wake up right with French Toast, Country Fried Steak, or a Breakfast Skillet from Uncle Bill’s Pancake House. Visit local chicken chain Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken for a filling BBQ Chicken Sandwich or 3-Piece Breast, Leg, or Thigh Meal. Get Vegetable Lo Mein, Beef Mei Fun, or Moo Shu Roast Pork for takeout at Panda Pavilion. Order delicious Indian dishes like Veggie Samosa, Shrimp Vindaloo, and Butter Chicken at Himalayan Yeti. Or head to one of North Hampton’s neighborhood bars on gameday to cheer for your favorite team and sip cocktails like the Blueberry Martini at The Famous Bar.
Q: What are the cheapest places to live in St. Louis?
A: Some of the most affordable neighborhoods in St. Louis are Boulevard Heights, Princeton Heights, Franz Park, and Soulard. With that said, you should base where to live in St. Louis off of more than affordability—make sure to also consider factors like safety ratings, amenities, and your desired lifestyle to find the best St. Louis neighborhood for you.
Princeton Heights
- Home Price: $145,062 median purchase price; $848 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 93% of St. Louis neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
If you’re looking to settle down away from the hustle and bustle of Central St. Louis but don’t want to sacrifice the convenience, Princeton Heights may be the perfect STL neighborhood for you. This area offers family-friendly outdoor recreation at Christy Park, along with unique boutiques, specialty eateries, fun nightlife spots, and more. Princeton Heights also has affordable real estate full of historical American Foursquare homes and cozy brick bungalows. Plus, you can find great St. Louis schools like Gateway Science Academy St. Louis – South Campus, Our Lady of Sorrows School,
Things to Do in Princeton Heights
Pick up a new bike, get your old one repaired, or sign up for local cycling events at South Side Cyclery. Enroll the kiddos or yourself in pottery classes and learn how to throw clay at Colorbridge Art. Shop for collectibles, vintage toys, and other hard-to-find memorabilia at Retro TV Toys and Collectibles. Sample a variety of wine by the bottle, including unique cabernets, malbecs, chardonnays, and more, or indulge in Tiramisu and other desserts on the courtyard patio at Novella Wine Bar. See why some consider St. Louis barbecue to be the best in the country when you order Beef Brisket, Pulled Pork, and Rib Tips at Smoking Barrels BBQ. Find delicious meatless meals like the Double Trouble Burger, Illy Cheesesteak, or Loaded Salad at CC’s Vegan Spot SoulVeganlicious. Enjoy a Veggie Deluxe St. Louis Style Pizza, Meatball Sub, or Build Your Own Original Stromboli at Salvage Yard Bar and Grill. Or experience delectable Mediterranean cuisine—including dishes like the Nova Gyro, Seafood Tiropita, or the Grilled Chicken Plate—at Cafe Nova.
Q: What is the best neighborhood in St. Louis?
A: The best area to live in St. Louis depends on who you are and what you need. For instance, some of the best neighborhoods in St. Louis for families are Lindenwood Park and Hi-Pointe for their safety ratings and superb schools. Yet Shaw and Downtown are some of the best neighborhoods in St. Louis for young professionals due to their proximity to employment opportunities and entertainment options.
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The Extra Space Storage team is committed to helping people find the perfect place to call home no matter what stage of life they’re at. Our “Best Places to Live” picks, are designed to make moving easier by providing accurate and comprehensive information on various metro areas across the country. We consider factors like cost of living, job opportunities, local attractions, education, and more to help those looking to move make an informed decision. Discover more about our methodology today
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
