The Gateway Arch rises 63 stories in downtown St. Louis, symbolizing the city's historical role as the "Gateway to the West." It also signals the entrance to the beating heart of St. Louis's dining, recreation and entertainment district. The city center for a metro area of 2.8 million residents, Downtown West encompasses a dense mix of high-rise units and street-level businesses to explore. "The neighborhood is the very best part of downtown," says Lance Merrick, a Realtor with Keller Williams Chesterfield with nearly 20 years of experience. "It's where everything is going on." Entertainment, shopping and dining are at the residents' fingertips and are a short walk from home. Commuters fill the sidewalks at rush hour, and the city comes alive daily with an electric buzzing. The neighborhood is not just a corporate corner: it's busy with action and activity every day and night of the week. Despite being above the city's busiest streets, "Each condo building has grown its own sense of community," Merrick says. "None of the condo buildings allow Airbnb or short-term rentals, so the residents get to know each other."
Downtown West is located in the bustling heart of St. Louis.
Downtown West offers convenient access to the city's nightlife.
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Sports fans flourish at nearby stadiums and arenas
Bringing St. Louisans in for sports games, concerts and conventions is the Enterprise Center. In the heart of downtown, tourists flood the area for shows at the Stifel Theater and games at CITYPARK. Built in 2022, the Major League soccer stadium seats over 22,000 fans. Although St. Louis Union Station stopped transporting passengers in 1978, it has remained a highlight and local gathering spot for the city. "Union Station is the treasure of St. Louis," Merrick says. "And it's right in the most up-and-coming part of the city." Home to an aquarium, the St. Louis Ferris Wheel, a mirror maze and an indoor ropes course, it's popular among tourists and young families. Those visiting the city can stay in a hotel room right at the station or in one of the many high-rise hotels around Downtown West. The most prominent destination in the city, however, is nearby Busch Stadium, home to the St. Louis Cardinals. Fans can watch a game of America's pastime with panoramic sights of the downtown skyline and Gateway Arch on the horizon. Arriving at the game early allows people to stroll around Ballpark Village, a mixed-use entertainment complex with plenty of pre-game activities, shopping and dining options.
Downtown West is a short walk from Busch Stadium, home of the Cardinals.
Watch the St. Louis Blues hockey team play a game at the Enterprise Center in Downtown West.
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Highly regarded dining a stone’s throw from home
Since 1991, The Schlafly Tap Room has served locally brewed beers and classic pub grub. Receiving 4.5 stars in reviews by Google, the microbrewery has expanded to multiple locations and offers 25 beers on tap. Another highly-rated establishment is the 4.8-star Anchor Room Coffeehouse. The popular hub for getting a daily caffeine fix is a non-profit shop that connects with the community through donations, drives and live events. Their mission is to provide clean and safe water to those without access to it in developing countries. Next door in Downtown, The Midwestern is where hungry tourists and locals head to taste the famed St. Louis barbecue. Metal trays piled high give an authentic Southern experience, and folks can enjoy their meal in the spacious hall with rock and blues band performances. Small markets like STL Market and Salama Supermarket are around Downtown West, and a large GreenLeaf Market is a short 1-mile drive or bus ride north of the neighborhood for residents to stock up on groceries.
Downtown West has an active restaurant scene.
Downtown West is just down the street from the popular Ballpark Village.
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Converted warehouses with antique charm and sizes to choose from
Squared-off buildings with brick facades, sometimes with ornate cornices and arched entryways, make up the available housing in Downtown West. Buyers can find condos in high-rises or converted warehouses with walls of antique windows built in the early 1900s. Studios and one-bedroom units sell between $70,000 and $150,000. Larger, recently renovated condos usually sell between $200,000 and $400,000, although a few penthouse lofts reach upwards of $625,000. Suzanne Hunn, the owner of HSG Realty, who has over 25 years of real estate experience, says homebuyers relocating to Downtown West enjoy the ease of the "lock and leave" lifestyle. "They lock one door, and they don't have to worry about a yard, a back door, a window," she says. An elevator ride takes owners down to the happening streets of downtown, where everything is within reach, usually by a short walk. The number of amenities, size of the condo building, and view can all affect the prices. "Still, the accessibility remains the same," Hunn says.
Condos and apartments make up the majority of living options in Downtown West.
Downtown West features a number of condos built within renovated industrial buildings.
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Gateway Arch National Park is more than a photo spot
Clusters of small parks line Downtown West, each taking up a block and etched with walking trails under trees. Kaufman Park, Eternal Flame Park and Poelker Park make up a few. People jog and walk their dogs in Memorial Plaza on any given day. But it's the central viewing spot for all the city parades down Market Street. Celebrating major holidays like Christmas, Independence Day and Memorial Day, the city also comes together for Pride events and 5-K runs. Loretta Hall Park is where athletes head to expel some energy on the baseball diamond and basketball court while children play on the playground and swing set. The iconic Gateway Arch is popular with tourists, but the 91-acre national park where the landmark stands offers plenty to keep locals coming back. Natives can explore the polished grounds around the monument, picnic on the turf grass, wander the forest or stroll along seasonal flowers in the Explorers' Garden.
Gateway Arch National Park's lakes and trails bring nature to the Downtown West area.
Downtown West is an urban center, but its parks and green spaces make it spacious.
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Crime
The neighborhood's overall CAP Index crime score is a 10 out of 10, while the national average is a 4. Nonviolent crimes all rate a 10, while violent crimes rate a 9.
Walk, drive or take a bus around Downtown West
Despite many things being within a short walk of the condos in Downtown West, residents choose to keep cars. "It's still very much a car city. Fortunately, most condos include a parking spot in a secure and gated lot," Merrick says. Being one of the most active parts of the city, Downtown West has a substantial amount of noise pollution. Interstate 60 and U.S. Route 40 go through the neighborhood, passing over many parking lots and a large industrial train yard. The city's MetroBus system transports residents throughout the 2-mile-long area, and "We're seeing more and more dedicated bike lanes," Hunn says. "City transportation is evolving in a good way." A few hospitals are around the greater St. Louis area, the most prominent being Barnes-Jewish General Hospital. Serving as the hub for many airlines, St. Louis Lambert International Airport is 15 miles northwest.
The St. Louis Downtown West Metro Bus line is an efficient way to get around the city.
Downtown West offers its residents access to MetroLink, a public train in St. Louis.
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Schools with a low student-teacher ratio
Gateway Elementary School has a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1 and receives a grade of C-minus by Niche. Located just north of the neighborhood, the elementary school shares a campus with Gateway Middle School. The middle school, as well as Vashon High School, receives a Niche grade of D-plus. Students who choose the charter route can attend C-minus Confluence Preparatory Academy for culinary arts, business or science-focused curriculum.
Gateway Middle School is a great school for your child to attend.
Vashon High School holds an overall D+ from Niche.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Step into urban sophistication at 1619 Washington Ave, Unit 302, in the iconic Railway Lofts. Freshly painted throughout and outfitted with new custom light fixtures, automatic blinds, and upgraded closet systems—including a spacious walk-in pantry—this light-filled haven combines modern comfort with industrial charm. Soaring ceilings, exposed ductwork, and expansive windows frame vibrant
Experience the best of Downtown living in Unit 207 at Packard Lofts! This stylish urban condo showcases classic industrial charm with exposed brick, ductwork, and polished concrete floors. Expansive windows fill the space with natural light and offer stunning city views—perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation under the skyline. The modern kitchen is equipped with granite countertops,
Stylish and sun-filled 1BR/1BA loft in the highly desirable Lofts at 2020 Washington! This stunning unit combines historic charm with modern finishes—featuring beautiful hardwood floors, soaring 10-foot ceilings, exposed brick, concrete columns, and a wall of windows that flood the space with natural light. The open-concept layout is ideal for entertaining, with spacious living and dining areas
Bogen Lofts is where heritage meets style in the heart of Wash Ave’s historic Garment District. Once home to iconic shoemakers and textile pioneers, today it’s a refined take on downtown living designed for those who want character with a curated edge. At 1209 Washington, you’ll find loft-style 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments with soaring ceilings, original architectural details, and condo-grade
Live large in this oversized downtown loft at the sought-after Edison Building—where modern convenience meets urban energy. This 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers an open, airy layout with skyline views that remind you daily why city living is unbeatable. The spacious living room, anchored by a cozy gas fireplace, flows effortlessly into a kitchen made for entertaining—featuring cabinet and counter
Kate ThompsonColdwell Banker Realty - Gundaker West Regional
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
4,682
Median Age
37
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
13.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$56,055
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$71,980
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.7%
College Graduates
58.7%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
27.5%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
25°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
11''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
60/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
88/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
67/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
