Suburban, with room to grow
High Ridge can accommodate lots of different lifestyles, from those looking for wide-open spaces to families who want their children to walk to school. According to Scott Stieven, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Alliance, High Ridge has a little bit of everything: coffee shops, big box stores, modern subdivisions, secluded acreage and more. “High Ridge can be suburban or rural, depending on your neighborhood,” he said, adding the drive to St. Louis, 28 miles to the northeast, adds even more possibilities.
Varied lifestyles
Ranch homes and split-level houses surround High Ridge’s commercial district, centered on High Ridge Boulevard. On the outskirts are modern new construction homes set on multi-acre properties. “There are planned developments with new construction homes, plus older houses within walking distance of the elementary school,” says Stieven. “Farther from town are rural properties with a selection of house styles and plenty of space to grow. There’s lots to choose from.” While subdivisions near town aren't as wooded, developments on the outskirts have an established tree canopy.
According to RE/MAX Best Choice Realtor Dee Pesek, High Ridge is popular enough to see typical properties go to contract in about a month. Most homes sell for between $200,000 and $400,000.
Classes, sports and golf
High Ridge’s green spaces offer indoor and outdoor fun year-round. High Ridge Civic Center, in the middle of town, is a popular spot for picnics and sports. Its outdoor court can accommodate basketball, pickleball and roller hockey, while indoors, the center offers Zumba and jiu-jitsu classes. While the park is always free to visit, its outdoor pavilion can be rented in advance to host large parties or exclusive events. Golfers can warm up at Sugar Creek Golf Course's practice range, then take on the par 70 course. After the last putt, golfers can relax in the bar and restaurant within the clubhouse. For a wilder outdoor adventure, head 2 miles west to hike the 40-acre Pleasant Valley Nature Preserve.
Northwest R-I School District
High Ridge is part of the Northwest R-I School District, which was graded B by Niche and enrolls nearly 6,000. Students may attend High Ridge Elementary School, graded C+, Woodridge Middle School and Northwest High School, both graded B- by Niche. Families looking for a nearby private school may choose to enroll their children in Heritage Classical Christian Academy, graded A- by Niche, for middle and high school.
Dining on the boulevard
High Ridge Boulevard runs through the heart of town, a two-lane road popular for local businesses. Pesek, who lives in High Ridge, says that locals can stay busy without leaving the boulevard. “You can go from grabbing a coffee at breakfast to getting lunch and then dinner and then on down to the local watering hole,” Pesek says. Start at Toasted Coffee House for a specialty of the house, espresso made with half and half instead of milk. Continue down the road to Pupillo’s Wicked Chicken Cafe to explore their menu, with options ranging from cannoli pancakes to chicken quesadillas spiced up with mango habanero sauce. Head farther south on High Ridge Boulevard at sunset to visit Johnny’s Hideout for drinks and outdoor live music. For grocery hauls, head to Route 30 to shop at big box retailers, including Aldi and Walmart.
Transportation
St. Louis is 28 miles northeast of High Ridge, and the drive typically takes between 35 and 45 minutes. According to Stieven, many High Ridge residents commute to the city for work. “It’s an efficient place to live to get downtown,” says Stieven, “since it’s a straight shot along Route 30. It has a 60 mph speed limit, so most of the trip has little traffic.”
Written By
Caitlyn Tierney
Photography Contributed By
Dana Dieckmann
