Saint Paul has a rural pace of life and large yards
Saint Paul is on the northwest edge of St. Charles County, where St. Louis suburbs turn into farmland. “We are a very small agricultural city,” says city clerk Dorothy Wilber. “Our sweet little town has no commercialism, and everyone tends to have a pretty large lawn.”
Although there’s not much activity out here, the average home price is higher than in busier cities like O’Fallon or Wentzville. That’s because houses are often custom-built with modern amenities and several acres of land, resulting in a private, country feel. However, modern subdivisions are popping up around the city's outskirts, adding tightly spaced living at lower price points. Most neighborhoods, even in rural areas, have homeowners' associations.
Land is split between private estates and tight-knit subdivisions
Large lawns separate the homes in Saint Paul, thanks to a city ordinance that requires every property to have at least 3 acres. “I always joke that if you live here, you have to like cutting the grass,” Wilber says. Built from the 1960s to today, houses range in style from modest ranches to custom New Traditional designs with backyard pools. Older properties can start at around $450,000, but most cost between $650,000 and $900,000. Some luxury estates with personal ponds, guest houses and private roads go for $1 million to $3 million. “There’s almost nothing for sale here because people don’t leave,” Wilber says. “I live on three acres that my grandfather owned.” Because of large yard sizes, most properties use well water.
Newer subdivisions surrounding Saint Paul are not held to the 3-acre ordinance and have more available inventory of tightly spaced homes. Built after 2015, these neighborhoods feel suburban, with sidewalks, streetlamps and access to municipal water. Prices start at around $400,000 and go up to $600,000. Open land is also available, with prices ranging from $150,000 for smaller subdivision lots to $300,000 for 3 acres or more.
Highly rated public schools and Catholic education opportunities
Mount Hope Elementary School and Fort Zumwalt North Middle School both receive an A grade from Niche. Fort Zumwalt North High School gets an A-minus. North High School’s football team has won several conference and district titles in recent years. The district offers Career and Technical Education courses in industrial technology, business and healthcare.
For a private, faith-based alternative, St. Paul Catholic School is located in the heart of the city and serves kindergarten through eighth grade. Those looking to continue a Catholic education could move on to the A-rated St. Dominic High School, 5 miles south.
Saint Paul Church holds a popular annual picnic
The small city center is anchored by St. Paul Catholic Church, a late-1800s structure built in the American Gothic Revival style. “The church is a large part of our community,” Wilber says. “They host a very popular annual picnic with bingo and all the old-timey comfort food — fried chicken, kettle roast beef, mashed potatoes. A lot of the newer people moving into the north side ask how they can get involved.” The city also has a fire station, the St. Paul Catholic school and a park that hosts an annual tree lighting. The only other attraction in the area is Cherokee Lakes Campground on the north side, which has tent sites and RV lots around a central lake.
The Dog Prairie Tavern is a community centerpiece
The only restaurant in the city, Dog Prairie Tavern, is a community gathering space, especially in the warmer months when its patio and a sandlot volleyball court open up. “Dog Prairie is the place to go for anything, from informal birthday parties to anniversaries,” Wilber says. “And they have live music every weekend.” The tavern serves pub food and beer all year round and gets especially busy for its Lent fish fry.
Saint Paul is 20 minutes from shopping and dining
St. Paul is about 10 miles, or 20 minutes, from the suburbs of Wentzville, O’Fallon and Lake St. Louis. All three communities have shopping centers with large grocery stores, restaurants, public parks and libraries. Lake St. Louis is known for its major hospital, and Wentzville is home to a large industrial hub that contains a General Motors plant.
No major roads run through Saint Paul, but it’s just over 5 miles from Interstate 70. By hopping on the interstate, residents can travel 40 miles to downtown St. Louis in about 40 minutes. The St. Louis Lambert International Airport is 25 miles away via I-70.
Relatively low flooding risk for St. Charles County
St. Charles County has faced significant flooding in the past, but Saint Paul is more inland, just beyond the major flood risk areas. However, properties along the city’s creeks may require additional flood insurance.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
