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.”
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
A lot of which are maintained but outdated because out budget issues.
4.0Niche User
3/11/2015Niche Review
A lot of local business are family owned so their budget is pretty tight but they manage. The customer service is good because their typically friendly people.
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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 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Penrose, Saint Louis over the last 12 months is $49,000, down 18% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Welcome to 4700 Lee! This duplex presents an excellent opportunity for investors or owner-occupants seeking additional income. Each unit offers 2 spacious bedrooms, 1 full bath, and a bright sunroom perfect for relaxing, working from home, or enjoying extra living space. The property features a full basement providing ample storage and utility space, along with a spacious backyard ideal for
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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
This multi-unit property gives an opportunity with this classic, all-brick 4-family property in Saint Louis. Spanning approximately 3,264 square feet of total living space on a 4,680-square-foot lot, this multi-family building features four distinct rental units, offering incredible potential for consistent portfolio growth. The structure is complemented by a full basement ideal for shared
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Investor special with substantial upside potential! Additional work is needed to complete the renovation, making this an excellent opportunity for an experienced investor, rehabber, or buy-and-hold investor looking to add value and build equity. The property features a full basement and a generous lot with room for future improvements. Property is being sold as-is. Bring your vision and finish
Welcome to a great opportunity in the heart of the Penrose neighborhood: this stately 2-story, 3-bedroom, 2-baths home at 4534 Margaretta Ave presents solid potential for both owner-occupants and investors alike. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by generous living space 1,918 sq ft with character details — from original woodwork and classic architectural touches to a layout that flows across two
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Property Id: 1356933 1bed,1bath apartment unit located in North St. Louis neighborhood on Bircher Blvd. This apartment boasts newly refinished hardwood floors throughout unit, along with fresh luxury vinyl tile in bathroom/kitchen, new ceiling fans, appliances, and more. This shared 4 family building also includes off street parking in the rear. Landlord to pay water, trash, and sewer bills.
Don’t miss this beautifully maintained all-brick 2-story duplex located in the Penrose neighborhood of St. Louis. This unit features 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom with charming character and thoughtful updates throughout.Inside you’ll find beautifully refinished hardwood floors, updated kitchens with modern glass mosaic backsplashes, and custom bathrooms with ceramic tile tub surrounds. It
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