New Baden's community looks out for each other
Less than half an hour from the major job markets in St. Louis and Scott Air Force Base, many locals value New Baden for its quiet atmosphere and sense of neighborliness. “It’s a close-knit community,” says Reverend Stephen Stark of the Zion United Church of Christ. “We had some flooding recently, and everyone stepped up to help the families affected.” Though heavy rains caused flooding in 2024, First Street designates New Baden as an area at minor risk of flooding in the future. The village is also tied together through a shared passion for high school sports and regular local events centered around baking and good-natured competition.
New Traditional homes are on the village's outskirts
Homes near the village center are arranged in grids with lots rarely reaching a quarter of an acre. Backyards often end in alleyways lined with sheds, dumpsters and single-car garages. Sidewalks frequently connect residential zones to the commercial areas downtown. Bungalows, split-levels and ranch-style homes are typical of the region, usually selling between $130,000 and $320,000, depending on their condition. Lots on the village outskirts are typically more spread out in winding subdivisions. These areas are flush with 21st-century New Traditional homes, selling between $300,000 and $440,000.
High school sports are a popular pastime
Students in New Baden are served by Wesclin Community Unit School District Number 3, which has a B-plus from Niche. Wesclin Senior High School has an A-minus and is well-loved by the community for its athletics programs. “There’s a lot of connection to the high school football and basketball teams,” says Stark. In 2025, the boys and girls basketball teams at Wesclin Senior High reached the playoffs, and the baseball team advanced to the regional quarterfinals.
An all-inclusive playground opened in 2025
Open from May through August, the Legion Memorial Swimming Pool has waterslides and offers swim lessons and private party options. The city's main park area has baseball fields, a soccer field, tennis courts and a full-size basketball court, but it doesn't have a name. Locals refer to it simply as "the community park." The fully inclusive Village Playground opened in June 2025.
Shopping and restaurants center around Hanover Street
Most shopping is on Hanover Street, including familiar franchises, fast food and grocery stores like Market Center. Good Ol’ Days Family Restaurant promises “food so good, you’ll think we stole your grandma!” The menu offers everything from pancakes to baby back ribs, and pies are made fresh daily. Taqueria Matilde takes pride in making authentic Mexican dishes like burritos, parrillada and carnitas in a laid-back atmosphere.
Local bakers and chefs compete every year
The Annual Chili/Soup Cook-off and Cupcake Wars pit the village’s best bakers and chefs against each other in the spirit of snacks and friendly competition. Held rain or shine on the Saturday before Halloween, these culinary face-offs have prizes for community favorites, best decorations and more.
New Baden is 30 miles from St. Louis and near Scott Air Force Base
The main thoroughfares in New Baden are Interstate 64 and state Routes 160 and 161. The latter leads to Scott Air Force Base, some 11 miles away. St. Louis is 30 miles away via I-64. The closest hospital is HSHS St. Joseph’s in Breese .
