Des Peres, Missouri, is a small city located 15 miles west of downtown St. Louis at the intersection of Interstate 270 and Manchester Road. Known for its highly-rated schools, Des Peres is served by the Kirkwood and Parkway School Districts. Kirkwood School District includes Westchester Elementary, North Kirkwood Middle School, and Kirkwood Senior High School, while Parkway School District encompasses Barretts Elementary, Parkway South Middle, and Parkway South High School. The city features a variety of home styles, including older Cape Cods and Colonial Revivals, modern Traditional-style homes, and custom builds. Despite a housing shortage, many residents maintain and renovate their homes. Des Peres is popular among retirees, who make up 22 percent of the population, and offers several retirement communities with varying costs.
Des Peres boasts four parks and two conservation areas, including Des Peres Park, Pioneer Park, Harwood Park, Sugar Creek Park, and the Phantom Forest and Bittersweet Woods conservation areas. Des Peres Park features ball fields, biking and jogging trails, tennis and pickleball courts, a nature area, and shuffleboard courts. Shopping is convenient with Manchester Road running through the city, connecting residents to various shops and restaurants. The West County Center, a large shopping mall, offers over 150 stores and dining options. Grocery shopping is available at Schnucks Des Peres, Trader Joe’s, and Dierbergs Markets. For dining, Three Kings Public House in the Des Peres Center Shopping Mall is a popular spot. Des Peres is safer than the national average, making it a practical choice for families.