$109,687Average Value$371Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes For Sale
A community ready for a change
Jeff-Vander-Lou is an urban residential community under two miles from downtown St. Louis, which draws its name from three major streets nearby: Jefferson, Vandeventer and St. Louis avenues. In the early 1900s, JVL was among the city's first neighborhoods in which property ownership was legal for Black residents, allowing it to thrive until the mid-20th century, when major industrial employers began leaving the city. With few employment alternatives, residents struggled or left, leaving behind empty homes alongside crumbling and vacant industrial sites.
Today, this historic neighborhood is writing its second act through the support of nonprofits and other grass-roots organizations.
A neighborhood pharmacy recently closed against residents' wishes, but the fight goes on by the JVL Neighborhood Association to move the Grace Baptist Church before its demolition. Another local group, The Tabernacle Community Development Corporation (TCDC), in 2021 converted an unused building on East Prairie Avenue into a community resource center called The Hub. It operates as a one-stop location for medical care, financial services and legal assistance.
Although Jeff-Vander-Lou has been a neighborhood for more than 100 years, its best days are ahead, says TCDC Program Manager Alisha Hill. “The neighborhood is up and coming with a lot of development going on,” says Hill. “People are seeing how precious and historical it is.”
The Jeff-Vander-Lou neighborhood is located about 10 minutes from downtown St. Louis.
"Bloom where you are planted" is the motto in the Jeff-Vander-Lou neighborhood.
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A changing housing market
Gateway Realty Group Realtor Jacob Peistrup says there is a mix of livable homes, dilapidated buildings and empty lots in Jeff-Vander-Lou. Nonprofits are building new houses to supplement the existing stock of late 19th and early 20th-century brick duplexes and townhouses, most of which require substantial renovations. Fixer-uppers with price tags ranging from $35,000 to $86,000 are available, and empty lots are selling between $15,000 and $25,000. Tabernacle Community Development Corp. is revamping the housing stock to offer residents safe and affordable options. In 2023, TCDC broke ground on a 26-home development in the JVL area, including modern multi-story condos and townhouses that can accommodate a variety of family sizes.
Another group working in the area, Habitat for Humanity St. Louis, completed a new development of 65 affordable homes for neighborhood families in 2011. All were built to modern energy-certification standards, reducing homeowners’ energy bills by an average of $435 annually. These houses are Craftsman-style with front porches and small, neat back yards.
Top down aerial view of Jeff-Vander-Lou homes.
A development of 26 new homes has been recently added to Jeff-Vander-Lou.
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Parks, gardens and museums
Parks are scattered throughout the neighborhood. Chambers Park on the southern side has a swimming pool, basketball court, baseball field, playground and tennis court. Norman Seay Park shares a lot with the Gamble Recreation Center and offers a basketball court, playground and paved walking path. The Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis provides tennis courts, baseball and football fields and an indoor activity center for local children and young adults along Grand Boulevard. Just north of JVL is Fairground Park, a 131-acre space with a 2-mile walking trail, a playground and a pond that’s perfect for picnicking.
Gardeners in JVL are in luck, as the Fresh Start Community Garden offers locals a place to grow their own herbs and produce. Another local attraction is The Griot Museum of Black History on St. Louis Avenue. This museum opened in 1997 as the Black World History Wax Museum and was renamed in 2009. The word “griot” comes from West Africa and refers to a person who serves as a storyteller and oral historian in the community. Today, the Griot Museum includes life-size wax figures, artifacts and memorabilia to educate visitors about the history of Black people in America.
Feel like a kid again at Fairground Park.
The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis is a vibrant hub for experiencing art in all its forms.
The Fresh Start Community Garden is popular amongst Jeff-Vander-Lou residents.
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St. Louis public schools
Students may attend Columbia Elementary School, rated C+ by Niche, for preschool through sixth grade, then Gateway Middle School, rated D+, through eighth grade. Once students reach ninth grade, they may attend Vashon High School, rated D+ by Niche. Located on Cass Avenue, VHS has 13 computer labs, a 25-meter indoor pool, multiple early childhood rooms, a modern library and a media center. There’s a strong sense of community pride for the Vashon Wolverines. In 2023, the boys' and girls' basketball teams took home the state championship as their friends and neighbors cheered from the stands.
After high school, students can continue their education without leaving the neighborhood at St. Louis Community College. The college’s William J. Harrison Center provides credit, non-credit and contractual training courses in its 31,000-square-foot facility. Academic advisors at the college offer one-on-one sessions to help students identify and reach their career goals.
Gateway Middle School offers various activities for students.
Vashon High School holds an overall D+ from Niche.
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Fried catfish at the “Diamond in the Rough”
Jeff-Vander-Lou has several local restaurants to which residents can walk. DSquared Bistro, with a sign proclaiming it “A True Diamond in the Rough,” is known for its fried okra and catfish dinners. Locals also enjoy burgers served on Texas toast at St. Louis Fatburger, and the Midtown Bar & Grill is a popular spot.
Home cooks can get groceries at ALDI on the neighborhood's north side or make a quick stop at Family Dollar for non-perishables. Retail options are scarce in JVL, although there is a Rainbow Shops women’s clothing store located on Dr. Martin Luther King Drive.
Jeff-Vander-Lou head to D Squared Bistro for a bite to eat.
Residents can head to Aldi for their daily shopping and grocery needs.
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Crime
According to the St. Louis City Police Department’s crime by neighborhood data report, Jeff-Vander-Lou reported 227 personal crime incidents, 590 property crime incidents and 177 societal crime incidents in 2023. (For this data, "personal" crime includes violent crimes including murder, assault and rape. “Societal” crime is defined as both violent crimes and non-violent crimes including gambling, loitering, public intoxication and possession of narcotics.) The CAP Index, a predictive algorithm used to estimate the relative crime rates in different areas, gave JVL the maximum score of 10. Neighborhood efforts to clean up overgrowth and board up vacant buildings have taken place throughout recent years; all designed to improve visibility and restrict indoor access.
Metro St. Louis public transit
Public transit is popular in Jeff-Vander-Lou. Buses heading downtown run every 15 minutes and pick up along Olive Street, Market Street, Jefferson Avenue and Grand Boulevard. Depending on traffic, getting to the city center takes around 20 to 30 minutes. Driving from JVL to downtown St. Louis is under 3 miles along Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, and the trip takes around 10 minutes during non-peak traffic hours.
Lambert airport provides air transportation for the Jeff-Vander-Lou neighborhood.
Covered bus stops with sitting can be found in Jeff-Vander-Lou neighborhood.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Robert Brown,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Fairground Park
Compton Heights Playground
Desoto Park
Soccer
St Louis Place Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Transit
Airport
St Louis Lambert International
21 min drive
Bus
St. Louis & Glasgow Eb
Bus
Jefferson & Howard Sb
Bus
Cass & Webster Eb
Bus
Jefferson & Carr Nb
Bus
Jefferson & Cass Nb
Bus
Jefferson & Howard Nb
Bus
Cass & Jefferson Wb
Jeff-Vander-Lou Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Jeff-Vander-Lou, Saint Louis sell after 113 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Jeff-Vander-Lou, Saint Louis over the last 12 months is $299,000, down 50% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Are you just beginning or looking to add to your investment portfolio? This is an exceptional opportunity for an income producing investment property you have been waiting for. This 2 family is priced to move! 1 unit is vacant for an owner occupant scenario or lease it. Unit currently leased for $600/month Serious, pre-qualified buyers only please. Property is being sold AS IS.This is 1
"Welcome to 3624 N. Market Street!" This beautifully renovated frame home isn’t just a place to live; it’s a place to thrive! With 4 spacious bedrooms, including a main-floor master suite (because who wants to climb stairs every day?), this home has everything you need. The open layout features a separate dining room and kitchen—perfect for both family dinners and entertaining, or just eating
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Welcome Home to Metropolitan Village Apartments!Discover affordable living for 55+ at Metropolitan Village Apartments. Our professional leasing team is here to help you find the perfect fit. Choose from our spacious 1 and 2-bedroom floor plans, designed to meet your lifestyle needs.Metropolitan Village is currently undergoing thoughtful renovations to enhance your living
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Robert Brown,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,702
Median Age
39
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$21,504
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$33,562
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
73.8%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
13%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.9%
% Population in Labor Force
53.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
25°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
11''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
48/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
60/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
47/ 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.
