Crestwood

Named for the famous Civil War general and 18th president of the United States, Grantwood Village has 345 homes, as well as the 19th-century home of Ulysses S. Grant. Residents can enjoy community events at Grant’s Farm, now owned by the Anheuser-Busch family. With only 900 residents, this Crestwood suburb only 15 miles from downtown St. Louis remains desirable. “People will watch and wait for a home in the neighborhood to go on the market; they don't take long to sell. And when people move in, they stay until they grow old,” says Rose Hefele, a Grantwood Village local and Realtor at Coldwell Banker Gundaker with 22 years of experience. “Crestwood has been named as one of the best cities to live in the country.” Maple and elm trees shade the winding—and often narrow—residential streets, providing quiet seclusion from neighbors. “Although homes are spaced out and set back from the road in our little enclave, neighbors still know one another,” Hefele says. The architecture in Grantwood Village speaks to the area’s history, as red brick exteriors and terracotta-tiled roofs are inspired by the flourishing clay mining, brick and tile firing industry of old St. Louis. Driveways lead to 2,500- to 4,000-square-foot ranch houses, Colonial Revivals and Tudor-inspired homes, many with attached garages. When available, these properties are typically priced between $400,000 to $800,000. Lindbergh Schools serve students living in Grantwood Village. “Our schools are in a top-rated district in the St. Louis area, and many families are starting to move in because of this,” says Hefele. Younger learners can begin at Sappington Elementary School, graded an A-minus and ranked in the top 20% of best public elementary schools in the state, according to Niche. Students can progress to a 15-1 student-teacher ratio at Truman Middle School, which receives a B-plus Niche grade. High schoolers can graduate from Lindbergh High School, which Niche grades an A and ranks in the top 4% of best public high schools in Missouri. Also in the area are Cor Jesu Academy—a Catholic girl’s high school—and Holy Cross Academy—a private school for kindergarten through eighth grade. “One of the best and most unique advantages of living here is being adjacent to Grant’s Farm, which is now owned and operated by the Anheuser-Busch family,” says Hefele. Much of the architecture on this farm has been transformed into a German-inspired venue for both private and public events. Visitors can enjoy the animal refuge in Deer Park and Tier Garten, tour the site’s historic buildings and indulge in beer and food in the Bauernhof Courtyard. On the west side of town, locals get fresh air at Whitecliff Park. This park provides a playground, trails circling a quarry, as well as outdoor basketball and tennis courts. Also on site is the Crestwood Community Center, which offers an outdoor pool, a fitness room and a gym. Cyclists frequent Grant’s Trail, which conveniently runs through the neighborhood. The feeling of seclusion in Grantwood Village doesn’t equate to a long drive for necessities. “Watson Road and Gravois Road are less than a mile away, where there’s a ton of restaurants and shopping,” Hefele says. “Sam’s Steakhouse is a local favorite, very close to the neighborhood.” Also along Gravois Road is the Grasso Plaza, where residents can grab essentials at Walgreens and groceries at Schnucks. There’s also a Schnucks to the north on Watson Road. Nearby, San Jose Mexican Restaurant serves Mexican favorites and Joe Boccardi’s offers traditional Italian cuisine. “Our location is really central, with a few major interstates just a couple of miles away,” says Hefele. Interstate 44 is to the north, and Interstates 270 and 55 run along the south side, the latter leading to downtown St. Louis is less than 15 miles. “Being only 12 minutes from city limits and about 20 minutes from downtown, we can benefit from city life, too—like Cardinals and Blues games,” Hefele adds.