Top 10 Best Suburbs of St. Louis

Direct Answer

The Best Overall St. Louis suburb is Clayton, the affluent St. Louis County seat whose top-rated schools, walkable business-district downtown, and short commute to both the city and the county's biggest job centers make it the most complete place to live in the metro.

The Best Value pick is Ballwin, a large, family-friendly West County town where a median home around $360,000 buys safe streets, the well-regarded Rockwood and Parkway school districts, abundant parks, and an easy Highway 141 commute for far less than Clayton or Ladue.

This list is built for families and professionals who want strong public schools, low crime, short commutes, and real community — whether the budget sits near $350,000 or stretches past $1 million. Every pick uses real, publicly reported data from the Census, Zillow, Niche, and Missouri school sources.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each suburb against what St. Louis families and professionals consistently say they value, drawing on published figures from the U.S. Census, Zillow, Niche, GreatSchools, BestPlaces, and St. Louis County sources. The weighting:

• Affordability and home value — 25%
• Schools — 20%
• Safety — 20%
• Jobs and commute — 15%
• Amenities and lifestyle — 10%
• Community feel — 10%

A suburb that aces schools but prices out most buyers, or offers cheap homes but weak safety, slides down the order. The winners balance all six.

1. Clayton 🏆 BEST OVERALL

County: St. Louis | Median home: $725,000 | Best for: Professionals and families who want walkability plus top schools

Clayton is the metro's gold standard, combining a real downtown business district with one of Missouri's best public school systems. Home to about 17,000 residents and the seat of St. Louis County government, Clayton packs corporate headquarters, fine dining, and the School District of Clayton, which ranks among the state's top performers.

The walkable downtown sits beside Shaw Park, the area's largest municipal park, with an aquatic center, ice rink, and tennis courts. The commute to downtown St. Louis runs about 15–20 minutes via I-64, and Clayton itself is a major job center, so many residents barely commute at all.

Cost of living is high, but residents get safety, walkability, and education in one package.

Pros:

• Top-ranked School District of Clayton
• Walkable downtown with dining and corporate jobs
• Shaw Park amenities and short city commute
• Low crime and a central metro location

Cons:

• Median home price near $725,000 prices out many buyers
• Limited single-family inventory drives competition

Verdict: Clayton wins on balance — elite schools, true walkability, and a central job-rich location with no real weak spot.

2. Webster Groves

County: St. Louis | Median home: $400,000 | Best for: Families who want a historic, walkable hometown feel

Webster Groves is the metro's quintessential walkable hometown, a leafy community of about 23,000 known for historic homes, Webster University, and a strong sense of tradition. The Webster Groves School District is well regarded, and the city's famous Thanksgiving Day Turkey Day football game embodies its tight community.

The Old Orchard and Old Webster commercial districts offer walkable shops and restaurants, and the commute to downtown St. Louis runs about 15–20 minutes via I-44 or MetroLink. Tree-lined streets, century-old housing, and a genuine downtown make Webster Groves a perennial favorite for families who prize character.

Pros:

• Charming, walkable Old Webster and Old Orchard districts
• Solid Webster Groves School District
• Historic homes and tree-lined streets
• Short commute to downtown St. Louis

Cons:

• Older homes require more maintenance
• Limited inventory keeps prices firm

Verdict: The hometown favorite — walkable, historic, and community-rich for families who value character.

3. Kirkwood

County: St. Louis | Median home: $450,000 | Best for: Families who want a vibrant downtown and strong schools

Kirkwood pairs one of the metro's best small downtowns with a respected school district. Home to roughly 30,000 residents, Kirkwood centers on a lively downtown around the historic Kirkwood train station, the bustling Kirkwood Farmers' Market, and a calendar packed with festivals.

The Kirkwood School District earns strong ratings, and the community is known for its tight-knit, family-first culture. The commute to downtown St. Louis runs about 20 minutes via I-44, and the West County job centers are close.

Walkable blocks, abundant parks, and a genuine sense of place make Kirkwood a consistent top pick.

Pros:

• Vibrant downtown and historic train station
• Strong Kirkwood School District
• Year-round farmers' market and festivals
• Easy I-44 commute to the city

Cons:

• Popular blocks see firm pricing and tight inventory
• Older housing stock means more upkeep

Verdict: A family favorite — a lively downtown and strong schools make Kirkwood one of the metro's most complete suburbs.

4. Chesterfield

County: St. Louis | Median home: $475,000 | Best for: Families who want newer homes and a major West County job base

Chesterfield is West County's commercial anchor, a sprawling, prosperous suburb of about 50,000 with abundant newer housing. The area is served by the strong Parkway and Rockwood school districts, and the Chesterfield Valley retail and office corridor — one of the largest strip developments in the country — means many residents enjoy short local commutes.

Downtown St. Louis runs about 30 minutes via I-64. Extensive parks, the Chesterfield Amphitheater, and a wealth of dining and shopping give the suburb broad family appeal, especially for buyers relocating into the metro who want modern construction.

Pros:

• Newer homes and modern subdivisions
• Served by strong Parkway and Rockwood districts
• Major West County job base in Chesterfield Valley
• Extensive parks, shopping, and dining

Cons:

• Car-dependent with limited walkability
• 30-minute commute to downtown St. Louis

Verdict: The modern West County pick — newer homes, strong schools, and a robust local job base for relocating families.

5. Ladue

County: St. Louis | Median home: $1,200,000 | Best for: Buyers seeking estate living and elite schools

Ladue is the metro's most prestigious address, a low-density city of about 8,600 known for large estate lots and the top-performing Ladue School District. Homes routinely span private, wooded parcels, and the median price sits well above $1 million. The central county location keeps the commute to downtown St.

Louis around 20 minutes via I-64, with the Clayton job center just minutes away. Ladue offers quiet, leafy exclusivity rather than a walkable downtown, making it the choice for buyers who prioritize space, privacy, and education above all else.

Pros:

• Among the top public school districts in Missouri
• Large, private estate lots and wooded privacy
• Central location near Clayton and the city
• Consistently very low crime

Cons:

• Median home price over $1.2 million is the metro's highest
• Low-density layout offers little walkability

Verdict: The luxury pick — buy here for estate space, privacy, and elite schools if budget is no object.

6. Wildwood

County: St. Louis | Median home: $500,000 | Best for: Families who want space, nature, and top Rockwood schools

Wildwood is the metro's green frontier, a large, semi-rural West County suburb of about 35,000 known for rolling acreage, trails, and abundant open space. The top-rated Rockwood School District serves the area, and families come for the room to spread out and the access to Babler State Park and the Al Foster Trail.

The Town Center district adds a walkable hub of shops and restaurants. The tradeoff is distance: the commute to downtown St. Louis runs about 40 minutes via I-44 or Highway 109.

For buyers who want larger lots, nature, and strong schools over a short city commute, Wildwood delivers.

Pros:

• Top-rated Rockwood School District
• Large lots and abundant open space
• Access to Babler State Park and area trails
• Walkable Town Center hub and very low crime

Cons:

• 40-minute commute to downtown St. Louis
• Spread-out, car-dependent layout

Verdict: The nature pick — space, trails, and top schools for families who don't need a short city commute.

7. Ballwin 💎 BEST VALUE

County: St. Louis | Median home: $360,000 | Best for: Families who want top schools and affordability in West County

Ballwin is the smart-money play in West County, a family-friendly city of about 30,000 that delivers safe streets, strong schools, and abundant parks for a median home price near $360,000 — well below pricier neighbors like Chesterfield or Clayton. The area is served by the highly rated Rockwood and Parkway districts, and the city's own The Pointe recreation complex and Vlasis Park anchor an active community.

The Highway 141 and I-64 access keeps West County job centers within 15–20 minutes, with downtown St. Louis about 35 minutes away. For buyers who want West County school quality without West County luxury pricing, Ballwin is the value champion.

Pros:

• Lowest median home price among top picks at ~$360,000
• Served by top Rockwood and Parkway districts
• Strong parks and recreation, including The Pointe
• Quick Highway 141 access to West County jobs

Cons:

• Car-dependent with limited walkability
• Longer commute to downtown St. Louis

Verdict: The value champion — West County school quality, safety, and parks at a price families can actually reach.

8. Town and Country

County: St. Louis | Median home: $950,000 | Best for: Buyers who want large lots and top Parkway schools

Town and Country is one of the metro's wealthiest residential suburbs, a quiet, low-density community of about 11,000 known for large, wooded lots and the top-performing Parkway School District. There is little commercial development by design, giving the suburb a private, estate-like character.

The central-west location keeps the commute to downtown St. Louis around 25–30 minutes via I-64, and major hospitals and the Clayton job center are close. Town and Country trades walkable downtowns for space, privacy, and education, appealing to buyers who want acreage within easy reach of the metro's biggest employers.

Pros:

• Top-rated Parkway School District
• Large, wooded estate lots and privacy
• Central-west location near hospitals and jobs
• Very low crime and quiet streets

Cons:

• Median home price near $950,000 is steep
• Almost no walkable commercial core

Verdict: The estate pick — large lots and top Parkway schools for buyers who prize space and privacy.

9. University City

County: St. Louis | Median home: $300,000 | Best for: Young professionals who want walkable culture near the city

University City is the metro's most culturally vibrant inner-ring suburb, home to about 34,000 residents and the famous Delmar Loop, one of the most celebrated entertainment districts in the country. The Loop's music venues, restaurants, the Tivoli Theatre, and the St.

Louis Walk of Fame draw people from across the region. U City borders Washington University and offers a diverse mix of historic homes at relatively accessible prices, with a median near $300,000. The commute to downtown St.

Louis is one of the shortest of any quality suburb at about 15 minutes via MetroLink or I-64. Schools vary by area, but the walkability and culture are unmatched.

Pros:

• Walkable Delmar Loop entertainment district
• Short 15-minute commute to downtown St. Louis
• Diverse, historic, relatively affordable homes
• Adjacent to Washington University

Cons:

• School quality varies across the district
• Inner-ring location means some older infrastructure

Verdict: The culture pick — unbeatable walkability and entertainment for young professionals who want energy near the city.

10. Des Peres

County: St. Louis | Median home: $600,000 | Best for: Families who want top schools and central West County convenience

Des Peres is a small, prosperous West County suburb of about 8,500 that consistently ranks among the metro's most desirable places to live. The top-rated Kirkwood and Parkway districts serve the area, and the city's central location off I-270 and Manchester Road puts shopping at the West County Center, dining, and major job hubs within minutes.

The commute to downtown St. Louis runs about 25 minutes via I-64. Des Peres Park and a well-run city recreation program anchor a tight community.

With low crime, strong schools, and unbeatable convenience, Des Peres rounds out the list as a quietly excellent family pick.

Pros:

• Served by top Kirkwood and Parkway districts
• Central West County location off I-270
• Excellent shopping and dining nearby
• Very low crime and strong city recreation

Cons:

• Median home price near $600,000 is on the higher side
• Limited walkability outside the park areas

Verdict: The convenience pick — top schools, low crime, and central West County access for families who value location.

Which Town Is Right for You?

What to Look For When Choosing a Town in Metro St. Louis

• School district boundaries — Strong districts like Clayton, Ladue, Kirkwood, Parkway, and Rockwood drive both quality of life and resale value. Confirm the exact attendance zone before buying, since West County lines can split neighborhoods.
• Commute corridor — Match your suburb to your workplace: I-64 and MetroLink serve downtown and Clayton, while I-270 and Highway 141 feed the West County job centers.
• City vs county taxes and services — St. Louis County municipalities vary in services and tax rates; factor annual property taxes into your affordability math.
• Walkability vs space — Inner-ring towns like University City, Webster Groves, and Kirkwood offer walkable cores, while Chesterfield, Wildwood, and Town and Country trade that for larger lots.
• Home age and maintenance — Webster Groves and University City charm with historic stock that needs upkeep; Chesterfield and Wildwood offer newer, lower-maintenance builds.
• Flood and weather readiness — Proximity to the Missouri and Meramec rivers makes drainage, elevation, and flood-zone status genuinely matter in parts of the metro.

What matters less than marketing implies: glossy new retail corridors and headline mall names. Resale value tracks school quality, safety, and commute far more than the nearest shopping center.

FAQ

What is the best St. Louis suburb overall? Clayton earns the top spot for combining the top-ranked School District of Clayton, a walkable downtown business district, low crime, and a short commute to downtown St. Louis, with a median home near $725,000.

What is the best-value St. Louis suburb? Ballwin is the value leader, offering top Rockwood and Parkway schools, safe streets, and abundant parks for a median home around $360,000 — well below pricier West County neighbors.

Which St. Louis suburbs have the best schools? Clayton, Ladue, Kirkwood, and the Parkway and Rockwood districts serving Chesterfield, Wildwood, Town and Country, and Ballwin all rank among Missouri's top performers.

Which suburb has the shortest commute to downtown St. Louis? University City, Clayton, and Webster Groves are closest, all around 15–20 minutes to downtown via MetroLink, I-64, or I-44.

Which St. Louis suburbs are the safest? Ladue, Town and Country, Des Peres, Clayton, and Wildwood all report consistently very low crime among the metro's suburbs.

Where should young professionals live near St. Louis? University City is the top pick for young professionals thanks to the walkable Delmar Loop, its culture and nightlife, relative affordability, and a short 15-minute commute to downtown.

Bottom Line

For metro St. Louis, Clayton is our Best Overall suburb — its top-ranked schools, walkable downtown, low crime, and central job-rich location make it the most complete place to live, with homes near $725,000. Ballwin is our Best Value, delivering top West County school quality, safety, and parks for a median near $360,000.

If your priorities lean toward walkable culture, estate-level luxury, or newer West County construction, use the decision tree above to route yourself to University City, Ladue, Town and Country, or Chesterfield instead.

Sources

• Niche — Best Suburbs in the St. Louis Area
• U.S. Census Bureau — data.census.gov
• Zillow — St. Louis metro home values
• Realtor.com — St. Louis area housing market
• BestPlaces — St. Louis suburbs cost of living and crime
• GreatSchools — Missouri school ratings
• Money — Best Places to Live
• Livability — Best Places to Live rankings
• St. Louis County, Missouri official site

*Best towns to live in metro St. Louis review — where to live, rankings, home prices, schools, and a review of the best places to live near St. Louis, including review 2027 ratings.*