Gray Summit offers quiet and convenience
Named after Daniel Gray, who built a hotel in a wooded part of Franklin County in 1845, Gray Summit began its slow growth following the addition of the Missouri Pacific Railroad a few years later. Today, the unincorporated community is a rural suburb with new residential developments on the horizon. Its location along Interstate 44 means residents can enjoy a calm landscape with easy access to Pacific's local restaurants and Washington's shopping opportunities. Enjoying wildlife is also convenient, as Shaw Nature Reserve and Prairie Palisades Conservation are within 5 miles of home.
Ranch and new traditional-style homes fill this community
Forests frame residential pockets of homes built from the mid-to-late 20th century through the 2000s. Ranch-style homes, many raised to accommodate the area’s somewhat hilly terrain, and New Traditional styles make up most of the housing stock. In the neighborhood’s rural portions, roads are narrower, driveways are longer and plots tend to reach above an acre. Prices here range from $120,000 to $350,000, depending on size and condition. Homebuyers will also find mobile homes in Terrace Hill Estates and can also expect new homes to pop up in the coming years. In August 2024, McBride Builders received initial approval for their proposed 188-lot subdivision next to Interstate 44.
Nearby nature preserves and Civil War history at Blackburn Park
Many locals spend time outdoors just south at Shaw Nature Preserve. “It does cost to get in, but it’s a huge park,” says Sarah Hudson, a local realtor with Realty Executives Premier, who has five years of selling experience in greater Pacific. “You can walk the trails down to the river, and there’s a woodland-themed playground. My daughter loves it there because it’s different from most playgrounds.” Prairie Palisades Conservation Area is 5 miles from the community and tends to be less busy. “If you want to go and walk off the beaten path a little bit, see deer and other wildlife, it’s a good place to go,” Hudson says. Blackburn Park on Osage Road features the Battle of Pacific Historic Site and an overlook of the city below.
Residents run errands in Washington and dine locally in Pacific
Aside from making quick stops at Dollar General for essentials, residents head out of the neighborhood to shop. Hudson notes that Washington is the hub for big-box shopping. Walmart Supercenter, JCPenney and several other retailers sit within the city's commercial developments on Highway 100. Save A Lot and B&H Market are available in central Pacific for grocery hauls, alongside a handful of chain and locally owned restaurants. “They are all good,” Hudson says. “Pacific Brew Haus is pretty popular," she says. She also says that Off the Rails Burger Bar is a local favorite and sources their beef locally.
Meramec Valley R-III School District supports postgraduates through the A+ Program
Coleman Elementary School serves most of the neighborhood and earns an A-minus on Niche. The school’s Warrior Weekly newsletter keeps parents and guardians updated with student activities and other relevant information. Riverbend Middle School receives a C-plus, and Pacific High School has a C. The high school offers various student clubs, from DECA and art to jazz and marching bands. High school students can also take advantage of the district’s A+ Program, which offers tuition reimbursement for individuals with high attendance and qualifying performance records who choose to attend a Missouri public community college.
Purina Farms plans to rebuild after a spring 2025 tornado
Federal Emergency Management Agency data shows Gray Summit is within a moderate risk zone for tornadoes. In mid-March 2025, a tornado passed through the community, damaging power lines and a handful of properties and vehicles. Purina Farms on the neighborhood’s west side experienced severe damage, losing its visitor center, dog arena and other facilities. “It’s the biggest attraction in Gray’s Summit,” Hudson says. The popular venue has already started reconstruction, but a completion date remains unknown.
Getting around on Interstate 44 and Highway 100
The area does not have public transportation options, making it a car-dependent community. Drivers can access major thoroughfares from within the neighborhood. Those commuting into St. Louis can reach the city via a 40-mile trip along Interstate 44. Highway 100 connects the area to townships toward the northeast and Washington, 13 miles northwest.
