$66,234Average Value$336Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes For Sale
Investing in improvements
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.
A new gas station is under construction in Penrose.
The Urban League is a pillar in the Penrose community.
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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.”
Intricate brick patterns adorn this craftsman style home in Penrose.
Penrose has many tudor inspired homes with wrought iron adornments.
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Penrose offers Missouri's only Velodrome born in 1962 and reborn in 2019.
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.
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.
5% of students at Vashon High School are at least proficient in math.
Yeatman Middle School.
Ashland Elementary offers various activities for 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 take out from Newstead Chop Suey in Penrose.
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Many Penrose residents rely on the Public Transportation available.
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.
Penrose has typical city living with grid pattern streets.
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.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mary Vann,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Fairground Park
W.C. Handy Park
O'Fallon Park
Penrose Park
Transit
Airport
St Louis Lambert International
15 min drive
Bus
Kingshighway & Margaretta Nb
Bus
Newstead & Sacramento Sb
Bus
Natural Bridge & Shreve Wb
Bus
Lee & Euclid Eb
Bus
Pope & Rosalie Sb
Bus
Natural Bridge & Taylor Wb
Bus
Kingshighway & Penrose Nb
Reviews
Niche Reviews
2.67 Reviews
2.0Niche User
3/11/2015Niche Review
It's not the safest place to be. Trouble isn't hard to find but usually only comes to those who are either looking for it or doing something their not supposed to. The community typically stays to themselves and out of the way but will report any real signs of trouble if they see it. Police circulate to make sure everything's at peace.
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.
2 family brick home with hardwood floors, some newer cabinets in both kitchens, some 6 panel doors. It's a good building to finish getting ready to add to your rental portfolio or live in one unit and rent out the other. It provides fairly quick and convenient access to I-70 if you're headed west, downtown or catching one of the bridges across the river. Makes commuting a breeze. Such
Elegance with a unique touch of sophistication! This Beautiful 2story Brick home features 4bedroom/3bathrooms, beautiful hardwood flooring throughout with many updates. As you enter you are greeted with gleaming hardwood floors lots of lighting a center focal point with an electric fireplace. Modern kitchen w/GE Kitchen Tablet for easy access of all your favorite cooking recipes, undercabinet
Welcome to your new home — a stylish and updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath unit tucked away on a quiet, tree-lined street in the heart of Tower Grove South. This bright and inviting home offers hardwood floors, a spacious living room, and a large eat-in kitchen with plenty of cabinet space and an oversized walk-in closet. Both bedrooms are generously sized, and the rear bedroom opens to a private outdoor
Beautifully updated 1BR/1BA apartment in the heart of Tower Grove South! This bright and spacious unit features hardwood floors, a large living area, a large dining room, and an eat-in kitchen with cabinet space. Generously sized bedroom with great natural light. Private rear entry with access to a shared backyard. Located on a quiet, tree-lined street just minutes from Tower Grove Park, South
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mary Vann,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
5,495
Median Age
44
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$33,698
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$46,777
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
80.8%
College Graduates
16%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6%
% Population in Labor Force
51.6%
Below the national average
65.1%
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®
44/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
52/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
40/ 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.
