Central West End is a bustling and lively neighborhood located in western St. Louis. Central West End is known for its amazing real estate, walkable streets, and cozy shops and cafes. The neighborhood is just outside of Downtown St. Louis, making it the perfect place for young professionals and small families. Central West End is home to some of St. Louis’s top attractions, making it a great place to live.
If you are thinking about moving to Central West End, St. Louis, you’ll want to explore the neighborhood’s history, real estate, things to do, and more!
Where Is Central West End, St. Louis?
Central West End is in western St. Louis and is about 4.1 miles (9 minutes) from the heart of Downtown St. Louis. You can quickly get from Central West End to Downtown St. Louis by taking Interstate 64. The neighborhood is 1.89 square miles and borders the St. Louis neighborhoods of Vandeventer, Grand Center, Forest Park, Debaliviere Place, and Academy/Sherman Park. Central West End is just 5 miles west of the Mississippi River and the Illinois border.
The Central West End zip code is 63108 but also spans into parts of the 63110 zip code. The western edge of Central West End borders Forest Park, which is one of the most popular and lively parks in all of St. Louis. The best way to get around the area is by car, but you definitely do not need one when living in Central West End! St. Louis is very walkable, so a car is not necessary if you are traveling within the city. The St. Louis MetroLink system has been called one of the best mass transit systems in the country and has a stop in Central West End. The MetroLink system can take you throughout the entire city of St. Louis. The St. Louis MetroBus system also directly serves the Central West End neighborhood.
Map of Central West End, St. Louis
Central West End History & Overview
The Central West End’s development began in the late 1800s as St. Louis prepared for its 1904 World Fair. Many of the wealthiest citizens in the city gravitated toward this area to build single-family homes. Business owners soon followed to set up shops in the area. The city has worked hard to preserve the architecture from this time, and many of the elegant homes and businesses are still standing today.
Central West End Demographics:
- Population: 16,670
- Household income: $62,737 (compared to the Missouri average of $61,043)
- Educational attainment: 16.7% high school degree (or higher), 31.9 bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Median age: 34
- Foreign-born population: 9.9%
- Racial & ethnic composition: 56.9% White, 21.0% Black or African American, 13.7% Asian, 6.4% two or more races, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino
There are 7,694 households in Central West End, and the average number of people per household is two. Central West End is popular among singles and young couples, as 90.62% of households do not have children.
Many notable people have called Central West End home, including playwright Tennessee Williams, poet T.S. Elliot, and sculptor George Julian Zolnay.
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What’s It Like Living in Central West End?
Residents living in Central West End enjoy a high quality of life due to the area’s incredible amenities and attractions. Because the area is so close to downtown, this neighborhood is popular among people who want to be close to the city, but far enough away to feel somewhat secluded.
Although the neighborhood is a few miles away from downtown, there are plenty of things to do in Central West End, St. Louis. There are cafes and coffee shops to check out during the day and eclectic cocktail bars to stop by in the evening. The neighborhood has a lovely night scene, but it does not get too rowdy like it does in the center of the city.
Although there is a nightlife presence, the area is still incredibly family friendly. The Central West End is near many of St. Louis’s most popular family attractions such as Forest Park, The St. Louis Zoo, and the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Central West End is also known for its incredible art scene. The neighborhood is not only home to some of the best architecture in St. Louis, but also many exciting art shows, festivals, concerts, and more. When living in Central West End, there is no shortage of things to do.
Things to Do in Central West End – Best Restaurants, Attractions & Shopping
After moving to Central West End, you will have access to some of the best restaurants in the city. If you are looking for traditional Southern comfort food, then stop by Juniper for their delicious weekend brunch. If seafood is more your style, then have a seat at the premier boutique restaurant, Bait. When heading out on date night, you can’t go wrong with Yellowbelly, which serves up some of the best cocktails in St. Louis.
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Other Central West End restaurants that are worth checking out include Brasserie by Niche, Cocina Latina, and Bar Italia. If you want to stop for a morning cup of coffee, then Northwest Coffee Roasting and Kaldi’s Coffee are favorites among the locals.
Looking to complete some shopping in Central West End? You can get your grocery shopping done at stores such as Aldi and Whole Foods Market. Central West End is also home to many unique boutiques such as Provisions St. Louis, Holliday, and East/West.
When you aren’t shopping or enjoying the food and drinks, there are many other fun things to do in Central West End. Stop by the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis and admire the incredible architecture. If you are a chess lover, then you’ll enjoy the World Chess Hall of Fame as well as the St. Louis Chess Club. If you are moving to Central West End with kids, then make sure to take them to the Magic House.
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Here’s where to find these top-rated Central West End attractions and activities:
- Juniper, 4101 Laclede Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108, (314) 329-7696
- Bait, 4239 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108, (314) 405-2797
- Yellowbelly, 4659 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108, (314) 499-1509
- Brasserie by Niche, 4580 Laclede Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108, (314) 454-0600
- Cocina Latina, 508 N Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108, (314) 696-2294
- Bar Italia, 13 Maryland Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63108, (314) 361-7010
- Northwest Coffee Roasting, 4251 Laclede Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108, (314) 371-4600
- Kaldi’s Coffee, 52 N Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108, (314) 312-2060
- Aldi, 702 Kingshighway Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108, (855) 955-2534
- Whole Foods Market, 4577 W Pine Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108, (314) 474-7300
- Provisions St. Louis, 228 N Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108, (314) 282-0030
- Holliday, 4600 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63108, (314) 454-5858
- East/West, 387 N Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108, (314) 553-9288
- Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, 4431 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108, (314) 373-8200
- World Chess Hall of Fame, 4652 Maryland Ave #1, St. Louis, MO 63108, (314) 367-9243
- Magic House, 5127 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108, (314) 328-0561
Schools in Central West End
If you are moving to Central West End, St. Louis, with children, then you need to know about the schools in and around the neighborhood. Citizens living in Central West End are included in the St. Louis Public Schools System. The SLPS serves over 23,000 students across 68 different schools. The closest schools to the Central West End area include Stix ECC Elementary School, Compton/Drew ILC Middle School, and Gateway STEM High School.
There are also many private schools near Central West End, including New City School, MAP St. Louis, and Rosati-Kain High School. Central West End is also home to the Washington University School of Medicine, which is located inside of the Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
Students and residents living in Central West End will enjoy access to the St. Louis Public Library system.
Is Central West End Safe?
The crime rate in Central West End is high. The overall crime rate is 7,217 per 100,000 people. This is 208% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is 1,266 per 100,000 people and the property crime rate is 5,951 per 100,000 people.
Although the crime rate is high, it is important to remember that St. Louis is a city with a population of nearly 300,000. Just like any major city, the crime rate is naturally going to be higher. Also, the crime rate in St. Louis is on the decline, with the homicide rate in the city falling over 31% in the past 4 years and the overall crime in St. Louis declining nearly 50% in the past decade. Overall, Central West End is a safe place to live as long as you are aware of your surroundings and protective of your belongings.
When living in Central West End, St. Louis, you will be served by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department District 5, which has over 900 officers on the force.
Central West End, St. Louis Real Estate
Looking for Central West End, St. Louis homes for sale? The average home price in Central West End is $309,750, which is less than the national average of $386,721. Housing prices are down 8.8% from last year, so now is a great time to buy a home in Central West End!
Thinking about renting an apartment in Central West End? Central West End is home to some of the most luxurious apartment complexes in St. Louis such as One Hundred Above the Park and The Orion Apartments. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Central West End is $1,152 per month.
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If living in Central West End sounds like a good idea to you, then give St Louis movers a call today at (800) 747-4100 to discuss your move and get a free quote!
