Last Updated on: 23rd September 2024, 01:55 am
Living in Des Peres means access to great parks, tasty restaurants, and unique housing options. Families with kids love the city for its walkability and proximity to St. Louis, making it one of the top St. Louis suburbs. The city has a rich history rooted in Native American history, is part of the largest county in the St. Louis area (St. Louis County), and is affordable when compared to other notable suburbs with similar attributes.
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History
The city’s first inhabitants were the Cahokia, Kaskaskia, Michigamea, Moingona, Otoe, Missouria, Osage, and Tamaroa peoples. It’s also thought to be the first white settlement in Missouri, founded in 1700. Its founders, a group of Kaskaskia Native Americans and French men, named the area Des Peres, which is French for “The Fathers,” after Jesuit missionaries who later settled there.
Is Des Peres a Good Place to Live?
Des Peres, Missouri, is a great place to live for countless reasons, such as a low crime rate and vast amenities. Federal Companies has handled thousands of relocations in our 110 years in business, so we know a thing or two about what makes a city great. We serve other cities near the community, such as Oakland, Twin Oaks, Manchester, and Webster Grove.
Where Is Des Peres Missouri?
Des Peres, MO, is part of St. Louis County. The county is so large (994,020 population) that it’s divided into four parts: North, West, Mid, and South. Des Peres is located in West St. Louis County, alongside Chesterfield, Clarkson Valley, Eureka, Town and Country, Creve Coeur, Ballwin, and Manchester.
One of the major plus-sides of living in Des Peres is its proximity to St. Louis; It’s 14.7 miles from Des Peres, MO, to St. Louis, MO.
Public Transit
When living in Des Peres, you have access to a few public transportation options provided by Metro. The Metro Bus has one stop, the West County Mall Loop WB; this route has various stops in the St. Louis area. If you’d like to travel using the Metro Link (train transit), the nearest station is in Kirkwood. Metro Call-A-Ride is available to those with disabilities; call (314) 982 – 1505 to schedule your ride.
Des Peres Population & Demographics
Per the 2020 census, Des Peres has a population of 9,193, which contributes to the St. Louis metropolitan population of 2,809,299. The median household income in Des Peres is $214,810, which is $139,661 above the US median—this city is a very affluent place to live.
The median age is 42.8, and many people own their own homes; only 4% of people living in Des Peres are renters.
Additional demographics:
- Sex ratio: 51 females to 49 males
- Person below poverty: 1.5% (US 11.5%)
- Average income per capita: $105,354 (US $41,261)
- Mean commute to work: 19.6 minutes
- Moved since the previous year: 11.2%
- Educational attainment: 97.3% have high school diplomas or higher, and 78.1% have bachelor’s degrees or higher
- Foreign-born population: 4.3%
While the city of St. Louis has diverse demographics, you may find this is lacking when living in Des Peres, as the racial and ethnic makeup is 93.3% White (93.1% non-Hispanic or Latino). Other demographics include 3.7% two or more races, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Asian, and 0.7% Black or African American.
Is Living in Des Peres Safe?
To determine whether this city is right for you, you should consider its crime rate. According to the FBI, the crime rate in Des Peres per 100k people is 3,940, which is 28.2% higher than the state and 67.9% higher than the country.
- Missouri crime rate per 100k people: 3,074
- US crime rate per 100k people: 2,346
- Des Peres violent crime rate per 100k people: 126
- Missouri violent crime rate per 100k people: 543
- US violent crime rate per 100k people: 388
The violent crime rate is Des Peres is 76.8% lower than the state and 67.5% lower than the country.
- Des Peres property crime rate per 100k people: 3,814
- Missouri property crime rate per 100k people: 2,531
- US property crime rate per 100k people: 1,958
Although the city has a high crime rate and property crime rate, Des Peres experiences 76.8% less violent crime than the state. It’s not uncommon for suburbs near larger cities to have high crime rates as they’re close to overly congested areas, which is likely the case for this city. There are still many safe neighborhoods to call home after moving to Des Peres, MO.
If you ever need assistance after moving to Des Peres, MO, the Des Peres Police Department is dedicated to protecting the city’s residents.
Cost of Living in Des Peres
According to PayScale, Des Peres has a Cost of Living Index (COLI) of 119, making it 19% more expensive than the average US city. The Economic Policy Institute says a family of four would need a household income of $100,072 to live comfortably in the St. Louis metro area.
Typical *Des Peres living expenses:
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: $25.00
- Gallon of milk: $3.51
- Loaf of white bread: $2.29
- Pound of white rice: $2.38
- Dozen eggs: $2.48
- Pound of local cheese: $5.66
- Average *Des Peres utilities per month: $282 (per Doxo)
Source: Numbeo
*The above figures are for St. Louis; prices may differ when living in Des Peres.
Homes For Sale Des Peres Mo
Before you can experience living in Des Peres, you’ll have to buy (or rent) a new home.
Des Peres has a highly competitive and expensive real estate market. The median home price in Des Peres is $610,000, and homes typically sell within six days of being listed. 45.5% of homes for sale in Des Peres, MO, sell above the listing price. Home buyers can expect steep prices and few options when house hunting here. It may take time to find your dream home, but it will be worth it.
The average rent in Des Peres is $1,605 for a 1,006-square-foot unit, which is affordable compared to St. Louis’s $1,194 per month for a smaller rental (839 square feet).
Des Peres Neighborhoods
Living in Des Peres provides access to quaint neighborhoods and tight-knit communities. Below, you will find the best places to live in Des Peres, St. Louis.
Harwood Hills – Family-Friendly Neighborhood
Hardwood Hills has homes starting at $525,000, but some are selling for as high as $1.7 million. This neighborhood is ideal for those seeking a safe, family-friendly place to raise children while having easy access to Mound City. Harwood Park is within walking distance of the neighborhood, and Old Route 66 provides ideal convenience.
Berkley Manor – Affluent Community
Berkley Manor is an affluent neighborhood located in Des Peres Park. This area offers walkable streets, proximity to the city’s lovely amenities, and beautiful homes. Houses aren’t for sale often, and you will likely pay around $900,000 to $1 million for your Berkley Manor home.
Royal Acres – Historic Neighborhood
Royal Acres is a historic neighborhood founded in 1972. The community has over 10 acres of common grounds and 215 houses. It’s a perfect place for kids and young professionals, as the I270 and Manchester interchange are easily accessible, and the streets are walkable.
Living in Des Peres is always great, but residing in your dream neighborhood makes it that much better!
Des Peres Weather & Climate
Similar to the climate in St. Louis, Des Peres boasts a Koppen climate of humid subtropical climate (Cfa.) The summers are hot and humid, whereas the winters are cold and very snowy. The rainiest month of the year is May, with an average rainfall of 4.1 inches. January has the most snow, with an average of 3.7 inches.
The hot season lasts from late May to mid-September, and the average daily high is 79 degrees. The cold season is short, lasting only about four months (November to February), and the average daily low is 25 degrees Fahrenheit. According to BestPlaces, the city of Des Peres experiences about 14 inches of snow per year and 43 inches of rain. There are 199 sunny days per year, which is slightly below the US average of 205.
If you want to experience warmer weather, the best time of year to visit Des Peres is mid-July to mid-September. However, you’ll experience all types of temperatures when living in Des Peres long term.
Things to Do in Des Peres
This city has grocery stores and coffee shops galore, and you’ll also find plenty of other attractions and things to do in Des Peres, MO. Shopping malls in the city are the West County Center and the West County Mall. We’ll discuss its parks and attractions below.
Des Peres Park
Des Peres Park, MO, has a rich history dating back to 1973. Before it was the most notable park in the city and host of the community’s city hall, it was a Lutheran orphanage. The park has numerous recreational facilities, including walking paths, tennis courts, ponds, picnic tables, and playgrounds.
12325 Manchester Rd, Des Peres, MO 63131, (314) 835-6100
Pioneer Park
When living in Des Peres, you’ll have plenty of parks to explore.
Pioneer Park is one of the top places in the city for outdoor fun. You can hoop at the basketball courts or practice your shot on the soccer fields. There is also an expansive, shaded walking path ideal for any age.
970 Tallie Dr, Des Peres, MO 63131, (314) 835-6150
Marcus Des Peres Cinema
The Marcus Des Peres Cinema, or the Des Peres Theater, is one of the best activities in the city. It has a full bar, stocked concessions, and delicious dining options. Whether you’re looking to bring the whole family or your significant other, this theater is an excellent choice.
12701 Manchester Rd, Des Peres, MO 63131, (314) 471-2239
Additional Attractions Nearby
- The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum – 3.2 miles away
- National Museum of Transportation – 3.3 miles away
- Grant’s Farm – 7.3 miles away
- Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site – 7.5 miles away
As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Des Peres, Missouri, as well as its surrounding cities. If you’re interested in attending any events in your new city, look at the Des Peres Parks and Recreation Department’s special events calendar.
Des Peres Restaurants
Thanks to the St. Louis metro area’s diverse demographics, there are countless restaurants in varying cultures to choose from; here are the top three restaurants in Des Peres, MO.
Rosalita’s Cantina
You will find delicious dining options after moving to Des Peres, MO, and Rosalita’s is one of them! As one of the top Tex-Mex restaurants in Des Peres, visitors rave about its terrific ambiance and delectable dishes. Popular menu items are stuffed nachos and Mexican bacon wraps. They also offer family dinners, which are ideal for a busy weeknight.
12796 Manchester Rd, Des Peres, MO 63131, (314) 441-7060
J. Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood St. Louis
Gilbert’s is an upscale steakhouse with an extensive food and cocktail menu. Their most beloved items are the maple plank roasted salmon, wood-grilled ribs—and, of course, the filet mignon steak.
17A W County Center Suite A102, Des Peres, MO 63131, (314) 965-4600
Village Bar
Thanks to its robust menu, Village Bar is one of the best restaurants in Des Peres. While burgers are their specialty, other delicious options include wings, chicken tenders, and fried onions.
Village Bar is a must-try when living in Des Peres!
12247 Manchester Rd, Des Peres, MO 63131, (314) 821-4532
Des Peres Jobs
If living in Des Peres sounds good so far, you should begin your job-hunting process!
Thanks to its proximity to one of the largest cities in Missouri, St. Louis, Des Pere’s economy is robust and diverse. The city has leading industries in professional, scientific, and technical services and employs 4,420 people; around half of its population commutes to nearby towns for work. The city has a 4.5% unemployment rate (6% US) and is projected to have a future job growth of 26.8% by 2034.
There are many jobs in Des Peres, MO, to choose from, and the county’s major employers are some of the biggest companies in the US. According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, the largest employers of St. Louis County residents are Washington University, Boeing, Barnes Jewish Hospital, General Motors, and St. Louis University; Anheuser-Busch, Monsanto, Express Scripts, and Enterprise headquarters in St. Louis; city of Des Peres jobs are ideal if you work in the public sector.
According to Zippia, the average hourly rate in Des Peres is $29.81, and the average salary is $62,000. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics says the median hourly rate in St. Louis, MO-IL, is $22.83, and the mean hourly rate is $29.76.
Des Peres Schools
The Kirkwood School District serves most of Des Peres; there are nine schools and 6,147 students in the district. Schools serving the city are Parkway North High School, Kirkwood High School (public schools), St. Paul’s Lutheran, St. Clements of Rome, St. Gerard Majella, and Al Manara Academy (private schools.)
According to U.S. News, the district is predicted to spend around $11,590 per K-12 public school student living in Des Peres; this covers expenses like books, pencils, laptops, curriculum, etc. Each teacher is certified, with many boasting three or more years of experience.
Colleges Nearby
No colleges are located in the city limits, but Missouri Baptist University and Washington University in St. Louis are less than 30 miles away.
Additional Resources
Whether you’re a college student, attend a private school in the city, or utilize the area’s free public school system, you may need additional resources. Living in Des Peres means the nearest library is Kirkwood Public Library, which gives you access to thousands of books, Ebooks, and research databases. There are services for people of all ages, including group storytimes and book clubs.
Des Peres Statistics & Information
- County: St. Louis County
- Des Peres area: 4.32 square miles
- Des Peres zip code: 63122, 63131
- Des Peres area code: 314
- Des Peres elevation: 617 feet
- Des Peres time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC-6, and -7)
- Closest airport to Des Peres: St. Louis Lambert International Airport (SLT) is 15 miles from Des Peres
Des Peres MO Map
Explore more here with this map of Des Peres, MO!
Relocation Tips
- If you’re purchasing your first home, check out Missouri first time home buyer programs.
- If you’re relocating from out of state, we explain how to become a Missouri resident.
- When you buy a home, you’ll have to go through the Missouri change of address process; get a head start by learning the process now.
Moving to Des Peres With Federal Companies
Living in Des Peres is amazing! This city is an affluent St. Louis suburb to call home, boasting a reasonable cost of living, great schools, and proximity to any big-city amenities necessary. If you’re relocating here soon, contact Federal Companies at (800) 747-4100 for a free estimate; we have the best Des Peres movers ready to serve you.
