John Saunders knows what Penrose can be. The executive director of the nonprofit Wesley House Association grew up in the north St. Louis neighborhood on a block of well-kept, owner-occupied homes surrounded by shoe shops and grocery stores. More than 30 years later, that same block has nine vacant homes and few local businesses, according to Saunders. Many of Penrose’s houses remain in great shape, but others have become dilapidated and unkempt as an increasing number of homes have turned into rental properties or become vacant. “The major difference between those days and now is residents back then owned their homes,” says Saunders. “There was a lot of pride and commitment to keeping their homes nice and their lawns cut.” Despite challenges, the Penrose community is working steadily to return their 130-year-old neighborhood to its former glory.
Penrose offers suburban amenities and a mixture of home styles.
Penrose is about 7 miles away from downtown St. Louis.
1/2
Brick cottages and Craftsman homes
All-brick Craftsman homes are common across St. Louis’ northside, but Saunders says the consistency of home styles varies. That’s why prices range widely in Penrose, from less than $20,000 for a gutted duplex to a four-bedroom turnkey house in the mid-$100,000s. Brick homes are popular with many homebuyers due to their durability, and Saunders says bricks are so valuable that when vacant homes are demolished in Penrose, the bricks are shipped to other cities for future use.
And it’s not just Penrose that’s changing. “Houses across the Northside are undergoing renovations,” says Walls Real Estate Co. agent Paula Brown. “Locals are putting a lot of work into improving their community.”
New Traditional brick homes are found in Penrose.
Tudor-inspired homes in Penrose have wrought-iron adornments.
1/2
Biking in Penrose Park
Cyclists should race, not walk, to Penrose Park to visit the velodrome, a banked arena designed for track cycling. One of only 27 velodromes in the U.S., it’s been the place for St. Louis cyclists to train since the ‘60s. In addition to cycling, Penrose Park offers a handball court, jogging path and playground with a miniature rock wall.
A community garden is coming soon to Penrose. According to Saunders, Wesley House Association plans to join with locals to pick up trash, pull weeds and prepare space for the garden. Once productive, the fresh fruits and vegetables harvested in the garden will be given to the local food pantry.
Bring the kids to the playground and green space at Penrose Park.
Penrose is home to Missouri's only velodrome, which was opened in 1962 and reborn in 2019.
1/2
Historic schools that excel in sports
One thing that has remained the same in Penrose is the presence of Ashland Elementary School, which has been standing since 1911. Students may attend Ashland Elementary School, Yeatman-Liddell Preparatory Middle School and Vashon High School. Niche graded these schools D plus.
Both Yeatman-Liddell and Ashland host Shop and Grow Markets, where students and families can pick up fresh, frozen and canned groceries for free. Vashon High received a Niche grade of A-minus specifically for its sports program, where both the boy's and girls' basketball teams reign as state champions.
Students in Penrose begin their education at Ashland Elementary School.
Penrose students continue their education at Yeatman-Liddell Middle School.
Vashon High School offers plenty of athletic programs for its students.
1/3
Local businesses and big box grocers
There are still a few locally run businesses in Penrose, including Yummy Sweetcakes cheesecakery, a popular spot for a decadent snack. Although best known for its specialty peach cobbler cheesecake, Yummy’s is also the local bakery used for wedding and birthday cakes. For dinner, grab a bite at Newstead Chop Suey, a hole-in-the-wall grill serving fried catfish with sides of pickles and onions. Corner stores are scattered throughout the community, so houses are rarely outside of walking range from a spot to pick up snacks and drinks. For a full grocery haul, head to the neighborhood Save A Lot.
Penrose residents can head over to Save A Lot for their grocery needs.
Grab takeout from Newstead Chop Suey in Penrose.
1/2
Public transit to downtown
Since the neighborhood is on the city’s bus routes, getting to the city center takes under a half hour. Just five miles north of downtown St. Louis, Penrose is building on its strong foundation to form a revitalized community.
Looking forward
Though Penrose has changed from the time Saunders grew up in the neighborhood, he says he stays because he’s inspired by the challenge of restoring the community, an ongoing effort Saunders says will require input from nonprofits, banks and local government. “I want people to know that this was a thriving, strong African American middle-class community,” he says. “It can be that again.”
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
It is what you make of it. There's basic jobs for people who just trying to get by. Then there are also jobs with great potential but only for those willing to put forth the effort and strive for it.
1.0Current Resident
7/12/2023Niche Review
Its evident that crime, violence, and predatory behaviors are contained to certain areas. How can we ignore who keeps this area unsafe? These are not safe areas for women and children but without them, there would be no nesting for protected criminals.
Are you familiar with the Penrose neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Penrose
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
8
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
10
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Penrose Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Penrose, Saint Louis sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Penrose, Saint Louis over the last 12 months is $60,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover the potential waiting in this brick property full of promise and opportunity. A 2-car garage is accessible through the alley and the adjoining vacant lot is to be included in the sale. Bring your vision and plans! Submit offers on Special Sale Contract.
Auction The seller does not represent or guarantee occupancy status. No viewings of this property. Please DO NOT DISTURB the occupant. Drive by only Duplex with detached garage, plus 2 bedrooms and 1 bath each unit AS IS, cash only sales with no contingencies or inspections. Buyer will be responsible for obtaining possession of the property upon closing
This 3 bed 2 bath all brick home ready for your finishing touches in the heart of the city. It is 90% complete with just a few more touches to make it move-in ready. The home was nicely remodeled with 2 totally updated baths, luxury plank flooring newer plumbing, updated kitchen and a new roof. This wont last long! Home to be sold as-is, seller will not provide for any inspections. Make your
Welcome to a great opportunity in the heart of the Penrose neighborhood: this stately 2-story, three-bedroom, 1½-bath home at 4534 Margaretta Ave presents solid potential for both investors and owner-occupants alike. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by generous living space (approx. 1,918 sq ft) with character details — from original woodwork and classic architectural touches to a layout
Don’t miss this great investment opportunity! This classic brick single-family home is full of potential and located on a solid block in North St. Louis City. Featuring 3 spacious bedrooms and a large, inviting living room, this home offers a comfortable layout that's ideal for personal use or as a rental property.With timeless charm and strong bones, this fixer-upper is being sold AS
Discover timeless appeal in this solid brick 2-bedroom home, perfectly situated on a generous lot with off-street parking. Classic details like original trim and historic features add character throughout, while modern comforts make it move-in ready. Enjoy your morning coffee or unwind in the evening on the sunny enclosed porch, offering a cozy retreat year-round. The full basement provides
THIS HOME IS LOCATED AT 4246 N TAYLOR AVE. SAINT LOUIS MO 63115 ITS AN INVESTORS DREAM THIS CHARMING 4 BEDROOM 2 BATHROOM HOME LOCATED IN ST LOUIS CITY WITH AN ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGE. BEAUTIFUL FIREPLACE AND DID I ADD THAT THIS ALL BRICK FENCED IN HOME COULD BE USED TO BUILD YOUR PORTFOLIO. ARE AS A BEAUTIFUL FIXER UPPER THAT YOU COULD LATER CALL HOME. THIS BEAUTIFUL HOME IS WAITING FOR ITS NEW
Investor opportunity! Income-producing 2-bedroom, 1-bath rental currently leased at $600 per month. Sold AS-IS and extremely investor friendly, making this a straightforward addition to your portfolio. Functional layout with strong rental potential. Property will be viewable within 3 days of an accepted contract. Solid cash-flow opportunity.
**4 Single Family Apartments with Commercial Space on Main Level**Almost 6000 Sq Ft*Property Needs Work/Rehab-Sold As Is*There are 2 Retail Storefront/Office/Mixed Use Spaces on the Main Level that could be converted to residential units, Plus 4 Single Family Apartments/ Units on the Upper Level*Retail Space is Divided with separate Entrances*4 Parking Spaces in rear*The Commercial Spaces each
A WHOLE LOT OF HOME FOR THIS KINDA MONEY !!! * All Brick Home in need of putting your special touch on it ! Good bones & well built * Newer Thermal Windows all around * Old World Charm * Lots of square feet for the money ! * Newer type Furnace, A/C, & Architectural Roof * Check Comps for the neighborhood * 4727 Bessie Ct closed @ $147,000 - Sept 2024 * There is room to INCREASE VALUE while making
This two-bedroom, one-bath home offers a large dinning area ideal for everyday living, along with a one-car detached garage for added convenience. A practical floor plan makes great use of the space, creating a comfortable and functional home. Property is sold as-is. Seller will not assume responsibility for any required repairs to the home to qualify for financing. Seller Addendum is required
Property Id: 2326527This charming raised single-family home features a classic bungalow design with a covered front porch, central staircase entry, and clean, symmetrical facade. The property offers a solid exterior with traditional siding, a pitched roof, and basement-level windows indicating additional usable space below grade. Situated on a gently sloped lot with mature trees, the home
Welcome Home! This beautifully updated first floor unit apartment has everything you’ve been searching for. From the moment you walk in, you’ll be greeted by gleaming hardwood floors that bring warmth and charm to the entire space. The updated kitchen and bathroom are true standouts, featuring sleek finishes and updated appliances designed to make cooking, entertaining, and everyday living a
Nicely maintained 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom 2nd floor unit available for rent. Beautiful hardwood floors, eat-in kitchen, separate dining room, bonus/sunroom, plenty of closet space, and additional storage in the basement. Minimum 1 year lease, must pass background check, minimum 1 year employment history, NO previous evictions, NO pets. Rent: $860, Deposit $900. All adults 18+ need to apply. Must
2 bedroom, 1.0 bathroom at 4829 Margaretta Ave. 1st floor for $650/month.2 Bedroom 1 bath two-family flat. Located in North City St. Louis. This is an open space plan that includes living room, dinning room, hallway, Kitchen, bathroom, and sun porch. Washer/Dryer hook-up (no basement storage), electric Stove, Fridge, rolling island, and microwave cart. Hardwood floors and linoleum in
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.
