Twin Oaks blends retail access with quiet residential life
Just north of Valley Park and the Meramec River, Twin Oaks is a fourth-class city in St. Louis County. With around 600 residents, a significant chunk of the area is dedicated to retail, restaurants and worship centers. "We've got a little bit of everything," says April Milne, city clerk for Twin Oaks. "All the shopping and services you'd need." Demographically, Milne says that the community is a good mix: "We've got younger families moving in and a lot of older folks who are well-established here." Proximity to Saint Louis is also a big draw, particularly regarding value and cost of living. "Residents don't pay any taxes to the city directly," she says. "So they get a lot of free services like trash pickup and leaf collection."
Single-family homes can be difficult to come by
Residential zones are tucked between State Route 141 and Ohlendorf West Park. Long and rectangular, emphasizing larger backyards, lots are typically a quarter-acre or less for single-family homes. Hilly streets are lined with thick clusters of trees, particularly surrounding Autumn Leaf and Woodland Oaks drives. Condos make up about half of the area's real estate property, and typically sell between $100,000 and $260,000, depending on size and amenities. Single-family homes rarely go on sale, with only two selling in the past three years. The average home value for property in Twin Oaks is about $310,000, comparable to the St. Louis Metro Area average in the $320,000s.
One-stop shopping and dining is in the northeast corner
The northeastern corner of Twin Oaks is dominated by a sizeable retail and service zone. In addition to fast food and grocery stores like Aldi, visitors can do their banking, pick up prescriptions, visit the hair salon, and more within the same shopping center. The 1356 Public House has laid-back bar food with a variety of craft beers and specials for game days. Bartolino's offers authentic Italian food in a modern, casual atmosphere. A brunch buffet is served on the weekends, which includes everything from breakfast pizza to shrimp and grits.
Valley Park Schools serve students, with private education nearby
Students generally begin at Valley Park Elementary before heading to Valley Park Middle School. Valley Park High School's baseball team made it to the state quarterfinals in 2025, while its boys' basketball team made it to the semifinals in 2024. All three schools have a B-plus from Niche. Those interested in a private Christian education can attend Twin Oaks Christian School, which serves pre-kindergarten through eighth grade and hasn't been rated by Niche.
Parks offer fishing, trails and wooded recreation areas
With playground equipment and picnic pavilions, Twin Oaks Park sets itself apart from typical public spaces. The park also features a lake and a gently flowing waterfall. The lake is fully stocked, and catch-and-release fishing is permitted. Composed mainly of carefully maintained woods, Ohlendorf West Park features a gaga ball pit and a nature trail.
Monthly events include concerts, fireworks and family fun
Community events are essential to the area, says Milne. "We try to have at least one event a month," she says. "Everything from fireworks during the Fourth of July to Family Fun Day." One such event is a summer concert in the park, which invites residents to a free live performance from a lineup of regional musicians.
Highways provide easy access to St. Louis
State Route 141 passes through Twin Oaks, providing straightforward access to nearby communities like Manchester and Valley Park. St. Louis is about 20 miles away and can be reached via Interstate 44. SSM Health St. Clare in Fenton is the nearest hospital, about 4 miles south.
Twin Oaks Presbyterian is active in the community
In the city's center, Twin Oaks Presbyterian takes a major role in the community, organizing luncheons, classes and activities throughout the year.
