Considering a Move to the St. Louis Metro Area? Here’s What You Should Know (2025)
Living in the St. Louis Metro
The St. Louis Metro Area spans Missouri and Illinois, anchored by the Gateway City on the Mississippi River. Home to about 2.8 million people, it is filled with historic neighborhoods and a strong cultural scene that frankly shocks newcomers. St. Louis is known for its iconic Gateway Arch, but it’s also a hub for health care, financial services, biosciences, education, and manufacturing.
The region offers a wide range of living options, from urban lofts downtown to leafy suburbs, small river towns, and rural communities on the metro fringe. The cost of living here is notably lower than the national average, especially when compared to coastal cities. Winters can be cold with occasional snow, while summers are hot and humid, but residents enjoy four distinct seasons and year-round festivals, sports/cultural events.
How the St. Louis Metro Is Structured
The St. Louis Metro is divided into several subregions that differ in housing costs, commute options, and lifestyle. We’ll cover:
- City of St. Louis – The historic and cultural heart of the metro.
- Central Corridor (Mid-County) – Established, walkable suburbs west of the city.
- West St. Louis County – Affluent suburbs and newer developments.
- North St. Louis County – Affordable communities with long-time residents.
- South St. Louis County – Stable neighborhoods and family-friendly appeal.
- Metro East (Illinois) – Smaller cities and towns across the river.
- Outer Counties & Exurban Areas – Rural and small-town living within metro reach.
Dive into each subregion below to see what fits, or take the LookyLOO quiz to get matched.
St. Louis Metro Subregions
City of St. Louis
General Vibe: An independent city not part of any county, St. Louis proper blends historic architecture with a growing arts and food scene. Each neighborhood has its own feel: Soulard’s 19th-century row houses and farmers market, Central West End’s lively restaurants and shops, and The Hill’s Italian heritage and dining.
Why It Works:
- Affordable historic housing
- Rich cultural and sports scene (Cardinals, Blues, City SC)
- Distinct neighborhoods with strong local identity
What to Watch Out For:
- Some areas have higher crime rates
- School quality varies widely
- Older housing may need renovation
Good Fit For:
Young professionals, creatives, long-time residents, and families who value city life.
Housing Snapshot:
Median home price: ~$210,000
Median rent (2BR): ~$1,250/month
Deep Dive into St Louis Proper
St Louis Central Corridor
Includes: Mid-County: Clayton, University City, Maplewood
The Vibe: Just west of the city, this area offers walkable neighborhoods, top schools, and proximity to major employers. Clayton serves as the business hub, University City has a mix of historic homes and cultural diversity, and Maplewood offers a growing foodie scene.
Why It Works:
- Top-rated school districts (Clayton, Ladue)
- Central location for easy commutes
- Mix of urban and suburban amenities
What to Watch Out For:
- Higher home prices than much of the metro
- Limited new construction
- Traffic congestion during rush hour
Good Fit For: Families, professionals, and academics from nearby Washington University.
Housing Snapshot:
Median home price: ~$550,000
Median rent (2BR): ~$1,900/month
Deep Dive into Central Corridor
West St. Louis County
Includes: Chesterfield, Wildwood, Ballwin, Town and Country
The Vibe: Affluent and suburban, West County offers large homes, master-planned neighborhoods, and top schools. Chesterfield and Ballwin are retail and dining hubs, while Wildwood and Town and Country provide more space and green surroundings.
Why It Works:
- High-performing school districts
- Newer housing and master-planned communities
- Parks, trails, and golf courses
What to Watch Out For:
- Higher cost of living
- Car-dependent lifestyle
- Longer commutes to downtown St. Louis
Good Fit For:
Families, executives, and professionals who prefer suburban amenities.
Housing Snapshot:
Median home price: ~$500,000
Median rent (2BR): ~$2,100/month
Deep Dive into West St. Louis County
North St. Louis County
Includes: Florissant, Ferguson, Hazelwood
The Vibe: More affordable than most of the metro, with established neighborhoods and easy highway access. Many homes date from the mid-20th century, and the area has a strong community feel.
Why It Works:
- Affordable housing options
- Quick highway access to downtown and airport
- Established neighborhoods
What to Watch Out For:
- School performance varies
- Some areas face economic challenges
- Limited nightlife and retail hubs
Good Fit For:
Long-time residents, first-time homebuyers, and retirees.
Housing Snapshot:
Median home price: ~$180,000
Median rent (2BR): ~$1,100/month
Deep Dive into North St. Louis County
South St. Louis County
Includes: Mehlville, Oakville, Affton
The Vibe: Family-oriented suburbs with stable housing markets, good schools, and easy access to both city and countryside.
Why It Works:
- Affordable to mid-range housing
- Good schools and parks
- Convenient location near I-55
What to Watch Out For:
- Car-dependent communities
- Less nightlife compared to urban core
Good Fit For: Families, retirees, and long-time residents.
Housing Snapshot:
Median home price: ~$275,000
Median rent (2BR): ~$1,300/month
Deep Dive into South St. Louis County
Metro East
Including: Illinois: Edwardsville, Belleville, O’Fallon
The Vibe: Across the Mississippi, Metro East offers small-city living, university towns, and rural outskirts. Edwardsville stands out for its historic downtown and Southern Illinois University campus.
Why It Works:
- Lower housing costs than Missouri side
- Easy access to downtown St. Louis via bridges
- Mix of urban, suburban, and rural settings
What to Watch Out For:
- Property taxes can be higher in Illinois
- Commute depends on bridge traffic
Good Fit For:
- Families, students, and commuters.
Housing Snapshot:
Median home price: ~$220,000
Median rent (2BR): ~$1,150/month
Outer Counties & Exurban Areas
The Vibe: Beyond the core metro, these areas offer rural settings, small towns, and larger properties. Popular for those wanting more space while staying within a commutable distance.
Why It Works:
- Larger lots and open space
- Lower housing costs
- Quieter lifestyle
What to Watch Out For:
- Longer commutes
- Limited public services and amenities
Who Lives Here:
Remote workers, retirees, and those seeking country living.
Housing Snapshot:
Median home price: ~$300,000
Median rent (2BR): ~$1,200/month
Deep Dive into Outer Counties & Exurban Areas
TL;DR: St. Louis Metro at a Glance
Subregion----------General Vibe---------------Good Fit For
City of St. Louis------Urban, historic, cultural------Young pros, creatives
Central Corridor------Walkable, top schools-------Families, professionals
West County---------Affluent, suburban----------Executives, families
North County--------Affordable, established------First-time buyers
South County-------Stable, family-oriented-------Families, retirees
Metro East----------Affordable, small-city feel----Commuters, students
Outer Counties------Rural, small-town------------Space seekers
Dive into the sub-areas linked to each section or take the LookyLOO quiz to get matched with the city that fits you best.
FAQs About Moving to the St. Louis Metro
Q: Is St. Louis affordable?
Yes—housing costs are well below the national average, especially compared to major coastal metros.
Q: How’s the job market?
Strong in healthcare, education, financial services, manufacturing, and biotech.
Q: Does the metro have public transit?
Yes—MetroLink light rail and bus service, but many areas are car-dependent.
Q: Is St. Louis safe?
Safety varies by neighborhood. Research specific areas before deciding.
Q: What’s the weather like?
Four seasons with hot, humid summers and cold winters.
Ready to Explore the St. Louis Metro?
Use LookyLOO’s Movebook tool to save your favorite St. Louis-area cities and neighborhoods, compare housing prices, and connect with a local LookyLOO Scout who can answer questions and share insider insights.
Still searching?
Take the LookyLOO quiz to see which areas match your lifestyle best.