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University City Missouri

Moving to University City? | 🏅 What It’s Like Living in University City MO

Last Updated on: 1st February 2025, 05:05 am

Thinking about moving to University City? Named after Washington University, University City Missouri, also known as U City, is an upbeat inner-ring suburb of St. Louis. The gorgeously green University City is a family-friendly community known for its pristine gardens, great public schools, nice public pools, and proximity to nearby cities.

In 1903, University City was founded by Edward Gardner Lewis and was considered a streetcar suburb until the early 20th century. Today, the city is home to many notable places like the Center Of Creative Arts (COCA) and the Delmar Loop, which features entertainment events, cultural restaurants, and the St. Louis Walk of Fame. The southern side of University City maintains a laid-back and quaint atmosphere with captivating historic architecture, whereas the northern side provides a unique, suburban setting filled with several shopping centers and great restaurants.

Here’s why you’ll enjoy living in University City MO, and what you can look forward to.

Is University City, Missouri a Good Place to Live?

University City, Missouri, affectionately known as “U City,” is a vibrant urban community that offers a unique blend of urban energy and suburban charm. Located just west of St. Louis, it’s best known for its historic neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and the iconic Delmar Loop – a lively district packed with restaurants, boutiques, music venues, and cultural attractions. U City is a hub for families, young professionals, and students thanks to its convenient location and proximity to Washington University and top-rated public schools.

While living in University City MO, residents enjoy a welcoming and tight-knit community with plenty of parks, walking trails, and local events that foster a sense of connection.

Where Is University City?

University City is in St. Louis County, Missouri, just west of St. Louis. This inner-ring suburb is connected to the surrounding Metro area by I-170. The city is bordered by:

  • Pagedale and Vinita Park to the north
  • Wellston to the northeast
  • Overland to the northwest
  • Olivette to the west
  • Ladue to the southwest
  • Clayton to the south
  • St. Louis to the east

University City was one of the first cities near St. Louis to be connected to the Metrolink light rail system. The city is just seven miles away from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.

If you’re moving to University City or the surrounding area, the University City movers at Federal Companies are here to help. We serve the Metro area from our nearby St. Louis location.

University City Population & Demographics

According to the 2020 Census, the population of University City is 35,065. The city has a population density of 5,961 people per square mile.

University City is a diverse community that’s 48.1% White, 36.4% Black or African American, 6.4% Asian, 3.9% Hispanic, 0.9% other races, and 4.2% two or more races. The city is home to a large Jewish community with many Jewish cemeteries, schools, and religious centers.

Demographics of people living in University City MO:

  • Median age: 38.1 years
  • Sex ratio: 55% female to 45% male
  • Median household income: $76,466
  • Homeownership rate: 55%
  • Educational attainment: 64% bachelor’s degree or higher (metro: 37.6%)
  • Foreign-born population: 10.3% (metro: 5%)
  • Veteran population: 5.4%

Some notable people from University City are American playwright and screenwriter Tennessee Williams and former baseball player Ken Holtzman.

Is University City MO Safe?

The University City crime rate is about 2% above the national average, but most crime in the city is property crime. The violent crime rate is 41% below the national average! In 2022, the crime rate was 2,380 crimes per 100,000 people, with 218 violent crimes per 100,000.

While living in University City MO, you will be served by the 68 sworn officers of the University City Police Department. You can explore University City crime statistics by neighborhood and region on the UCPD website.

What Is the Cost of Living in University City MO?

University City has a very affordable cost of living about 7% lower than the national average. Groceries are close to average, but you’ll find transportation, utilities, and healthcare are cheaper than average.

The median house price of $336,000 or $167 per square foot, up 35.6% year-over-year. If you’re planning to rent while living in University City MO, the average rent is $1,276, according to Rentcafe, well below the U.S. average and about the same as Saint Louis.

University City MO Everyday Expenses

Below is an idea of everyday expenses in St. Louis, the large city east of University City.

  • Basic apartment utilities: $240
  • Internet: $62
  • Gallon of milk: $3.58
  • One dozen eggs: $2.58
  • One pound of rice: $2.38
  • One pound of chicken fillets: $4.70

Best Neighborhoods in University City Missouri

The outgoing University City offers many safe and attractive neighborhoods. That’s just one of the perks of living in University City MO! One example is the neighborhood of Delmar Blvd. Here, you’ll never get bored with the area’s shops and special community events like the Ice Carnival, Tivoli Theater, Farmer’s Market, and numerous specialty stores and art galleries. If you go about 2 miles west, you’ll end up in Olive Blvd. On top of being next to the vibrant Heman Park, this is the ideal neighborhood in University City and is known for its abundant diversity.

Planning to buy a home? Visit Redfin to explore homes for sale in University City MO.

University City MO Weather and Climate

While living in University City MO, you’ll enjoy a humid subtropical climate with all four seasons. The winters in University City are rather snowy and cold with a low of 23 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas the summers can be hot and humid with a high of 89 degrees Fahrenheit. In this kind of weather, you’ll often find many residents cooling off in the city’s public swimming pools!

You won’t need a tanning booth for the 200 days of sunshine in University City, but you may want to dust off your umbrella for the 43 inches of annual rainfall. You can relax knowing you don’t need to worry about shoveling snow from your driveway for 2 hours every week with only 14 inches of snow a year.

The best time to visit University City is May or September to October.

Things to Do in University City MO

While living in University City MO, you’ll enjoy tons of fun activities, excellent parks and city amenities, and convenient shopping and entertainment at your fingertips. Check out the University City events calendar for upcoming community events and festivals like the annual Northern Lights Ice Carnival! Below are just some of the best things to do in University City.

Heman Park

The largest park in University City, Heman Park, covers more than 85 miles with baseball and softball diamonds, soccer and football fields, basketball and tennis courts, a large playground, picnic areas, and a 1.5-mile paved jogging path. It’s also home to the Centennial Commons Recreation Facility, the Heman Park Community Center, and the Heman Park public swimming pool.

All 21 parks, 9 picnic shelters, 10 sports fields, and 8 miles of trails are managed by the University City Department of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry.

Heman Park, 7200 Olive Blvd, University City, MO 63130 (314) 505-8560

Ruth Park Golf Course

As an amenity in Ruth Park, this astounding public golf course features a 9-hole facility for guests to play all 12 months of the year! You’ll also get close access to the beautiful surrounding nature trails!

8211 Groby Rd, St. Louis, MO 63132 (314) 727-4800

St. Louis Walk of Fame

This excellent Walk of Fame honors numerous past and present outstanding celebrities that were either born in or resided in the Greater St. Louis area. Some notable people include the American Trumpeter Miles Davis and the American Singer/Songwriter Chuck Berry!

6504 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63130 (314) 727-7827

Additional Attractions in University City MO

Top University City MO Restaurants

While living in University City MO, you’ll enjoy tons of top-rated restaurants in town. Here are just some of the best restaurants in U City!

Dewey’s Pizza

This yummy casual restaurant features specialty, gourmet pizzas, and creative craft beers! You can enjoy your creative pizza and salad combinations along with an amazing Rockbot music experience while you eat!

559 North and South Rd, University City, MO 63130 (314) 726-3434

Winslow’s Table

This excellent American-style restaurant in University City offers guests farm-fresh meals for breakfast and lunch! You can also enjoy their gourmet bakery with delicious pastries and a market with locally-made gifts!

7213 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63130 (314) 725-7559

Jobs in University City MO

Ready to explore career opportunities before moving to University City? You’ll find many job opportunities in healthcare, social services, retail, manufacturing, education, professional services, and government.

Major employers in University City and the surrounding area include:

  • Washington University
  • BJC HealthCare with two nationally recognized academic hospitals affiliated with Washington University
  • Washington University Physicians
  • SSM Health with eight hospitals in the region, including the nearby SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital
  • Boeing
  • Special School District of St. Louis County
  • School District of University City

The average annual salary in the Saint Louis region is $63,201, with a per capita income of $69,375. In St. Louis County, the per capita income is $101,151.

You can explore jobs in University City on Indeed and find City of University City jobs online. Many people living in University City MO commute to St. Louis.

University City MO Schools

Families living in University City MO are served by the School District of University City. The district serves about 2,500 students in seven schools, including Brittany Woods Middle School and University City High School. The school district offers a great athletics program. Students can participate in 17 different sports, such as the University City Lions.

Families can also pursue private school education in the city. There are two Catholic grade schools and one Jewish high school in U City.

If you’re interested in pursuing higher education, Washington University in St. Louis is just minutes away. This private research university was founded in 1853. Washington University is ranked as one of the best research and development institutions in the country with alumni and faculty that has included 26 Nobel laureates, 30 Rhodes Scholars, 21 members of Congress, 11 Pulitzer Prize winners, 4 U.S. Poet Laureates, and 6 MacArthur Fellows.

Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri on a clear spring day

University City Missouri Information

  • University City county: St. Louis
  • Area: 5.88 square miles
  • University City MO zip codes: 63105, 63124, 63130, and 63132
  • University City area code: 314
  • Elevation: 531 feet
  • Time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC -5 and -6)
  • Closest airport to University City: Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), 7 miles away

University City, MO Map

Check out even more things to do and places to eat while living in University City MO!

Moving to University City? Get Started With a Free, Personalized Moving Quote!

Ready for living in University City MO and enjoying everything this suburb has to offer? Federal Companies is here to give you a stress-free move. Call our University City movers at (800) 747-4100 to discuss your moving needs and get started with a free moving estimate!

 

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