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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Penrose, Saint Louis over the last 12 months is $55,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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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
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This brick two-story home offers 2 bedrooms with the potential for a 3rd bedroom or flex space, 1.5 bathrooms, and over 1,200 square feet of living space. The property features a walk-out basement, off-street parking, and a fenced yard. Major updates include a newer roof, plumbing, and HVAC system. A great opportunity for an investor looking to add to their rental portfolio. Please do not disturb
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This home is being sold AS IS. The seller will not provide any warranties, inspections or passed municipal inspection. All inspections will be for the purpose of the buyer. This home is an investors dream. The options are limitless with this amazing four family unit. The current owner was in the process of converting this four family unit into a townhome style. With the unfinished renovations the
Calling all investors and buyers alike! Check out this 2 bedroom brick bungalow in the heart of the city, near Kingshighway. Includes finished basement with a bar, ceiling fans and kitchen cabinets, rear sunporch, just to name a few special features. Get your hand in the strong rental market of St. Louis City, or purchase your first home. RECENTLY COMPLETED AND FULLY READY FOR RENTAL! Home to be
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Available early March. This newly renovated rental is now avaible. Occupancy passed. This 3 bedroom 1 bath is a great house for a small family. There is no basement. There is a storage shed in the back yard which is fenced. AC, water heater and roof are new. The add on is a large master bedroom. All bedrooms share the bathroom. Parking is in the driveway and off street. There is no garage.
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