Top 10 St. Louis Neighborhoods for First-Time Home Buyers (Your Easy Guide!)

Hey future St. Louis homeowner! Ready to ditch renting and snag your first place? Awesome! The St. Louis metro area is packed with cool neighborhoods, but knowing where to start can be tough. That's why we've put together a super simple guide to ten awesome spots that are perfect for first-time buyers like you. We're talking about places that are friendly on the wallet, have a good chance of your investment growing, are fun to walk around, and will hold their value. Let's find your perfect fit!

Why St. Louis is a Smart Move for New Homeowners

Seriously, the St. Louis area is a fantastic place to buy your first home. It's way more affordable than a lot of other big cities, which is a huge win! Plus, there's a good mix of city and suburban living, so you can find a neighborhood that totally matches your style.

Our Top 10 Neighborhood Picks (Just for You!)

Here are ten neighborhoods we think you should definitely check out:

1. Maplewood: This St. Louis County suburb has a super charming, walkable downtown with tons of local shops and restaurants. Plus, the schools are top-notch, making it great for families. Home prices are generally in the mid-to-high $200s, and they're appreciating nicely. Fun Fact: Maplewood was St. Louis’ first designated Green Dining District!
   
2. Dutchtown: Over in South St. Louis City, Dutchtown is a historic spot with beautiful old architecture and a real community feel. It's one of the more affordable options, with median prices in the low $100s, and it's definitely on the upswing. You can stroll to local eateries and shops. Fun Fact: Dutchtown is St. Louis City's most populous neighborhood!
   
   
3. Bevo Mill: Named after that iconic windmill, Bevo Mill in South City has a unique, welcoming vibe with a strong Bosnian and Croatian influence. It's pretty affordable, with median prices in the mid-$100s, and home values are looking good. You'll find lots of family-run businesses and restaurants. Fun Fact: The Bevo Mill landmark was built by August Busch Sr. of Anheuser-Busch!
   
   
4. Benton Park: Just west of Soulard in St. Louis City, Benton Park is full of charming Victorian homes and a tight-knit community. Prices can vary, but you can find options in the mid-to-high $200s. It's super walkable to Cherokee Street's cool shops and restaurants. Fun Fact: Benton Park was originally a city cemetery!
   
   BENTON PARK HOMES FOR SALE →
   
   
5. Fox Park: Another gem in South City, Fox Park is known for its historic houses and a growing number of great places to eat. It's not far from downtown and has a median home value in the mid-$200s. Home prices are appreciating quickly here, and it's very walkable. Fun Fact: Fox Park is named after the small park in the neighborhood, which was established in 1917!
   
   
6. Maryland Heights: Out in St. Louis County, Maryland Heights offers a more suburban feel with tons of parks and recreation. It's got good highway access and a solid community. Median home prices are in the mid-$200s, and the schools are excellent. Fun Fact: Maryland Heights is home to the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater!
   
   
7. Creve Coeur: This more established St. Louis County suburb is known for its great schools and beautiful parks. It's a bit pricier, with median home prices in the high $300s to mid-$400s, but it's a really desirable area with a solid business district. Fun Fact: Creve Coeur is a major hub for technology and life sciences companies!
   
   
8. University City: Right next to Washington University, "U City" is a vibrant, diverse area with a mix of urban and suburban living. The Delmar Loop is a major draw with its shops and entertainment. Median home prices range from the low to high $200s, and the schools are well-regarded. Fun Fact: The Delmar Loop was named one of the "10 Great Streets in America" by the American Planning Association!
   
   
9. DeBaliviere Place: Just north of Forest Park in St. Louis City, DeBaliviere Place is a beautiful, convenient neighborhood with stunning architecture. It's close to tons of attractions and has a mix of historic homes and modern apartments. Median prices range from the mid-$100s to high $300s, and it's seeing strong appreciation. Fun Fact: DeBaliviere Place is right next to Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the US!
   
   
10. Lindenwood Park: This quieter, family-friendly neighborhood in southwest St. Louis City has a small-town feel. It's known for its community vibe and the lovely Lindenwood Park. Median home prices range from the low to mid-$200s, and it has good schools. Fun Fact: Lindenwood Park hosts a popular annual flea market!

Why Homeownership is a Win

Buying a home isn't just about having a place to crash; it's a smart move for your future. You build equity over time, which is like a savings account just for you. Plus, there can be tax benefits, and your monthly payments are often more stable than rent. And let's not forget the freedom to make your place truly yours!

Resources for First-Time Homebuyers in the St. Louis Metro Area

For individuals and families looking to purchase their first home in the St. Louis Metro area, several valuable resources are available to guide them through the process.   

The HomeSTL Homebuyer Assistance Program, offered by the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC), aims to make homeownership affordable for eligible first-time homebuyers in the City of St. Louis. While the program is currently on pause due to fully allocated funds, it provides valuable information and resources, including a consumer fact sheet, a list of approved mortgage lenders, and homebuyer readiness webinars. https://www.developstlouis.org/homestl

The Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) offers various homebuyer programs, including the First Place Program, which provides down payment assistance and lower interest rates for qualified first-time homebuyers and veterans.https://mhdc.com/services/homebuyer-programs/  

The Community Action Agency of St. Louis County Inc. (CAASTLC) offers housing assistance programs, including down payment assistance for eligible first-time homebuyers in St. Louis County and specific cities within the metro area.https://www.caastlc.org/housing-assistance/  

Ready to Find Your St. Louis Dream Home?

We hope this guide gives you a great starting point for your first home search in the St. Louis metro area. Each of these neighborhoods has something special to offer, so start exploring and see which one feels like the perfect fit for you. Happy house hunting!

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