Thinking about moving in St. Louis in 2027? Good news: you have options, and they’re very different from one another. After years of helping families buy and sell across Missouri and Illinois, I have strong opinions about which St. Louis suburbs deserve a spot on your shortlist.
This isn’t a ranking. The “best suburb” depends on your budget, commute, and the life you want on a Tuesday evening. So here are the five I’d look at first, and who each one fits best.
1. Kirkwood, MO: The Classic Choice 🚂
If someone asks me for the St. Louis suburb that does it all, I say Kirkwood. You get a historic downtown, a Saturday farmers’ market, a train station that still anchors the community, and the well-regarded Kirkwood School District.
Best for: families who want small-town charm without giving up a quick drive downtown.
The numbers: Kirkwood’s typical home value was about $476,000 in mid-2026, up 3.6% over the year. Expect older character homes, plus plenty of renovated and rebuilt options. stacker
Local flavor: Kirkwood Park, the Kirkwood Station area, and local favorites like Fox’s Finest Meats.
2. Webster Groves, MO: Walkable and Full of Character 🌳
Webster Groves is for people who love tree-lined streets, historic homes, and a neighborhood that feels like a neighborhood. Old Orchard and Lockwood Avenue have the local shops and restaurants, and Webster has a strong community calendar all year.
Best for: buyers who value walkability, architecture, and a close-knit feel.
Good to know: Inventory moves quickly when well-kept homes hit the market, so be ready before you tour.
3. Wildwood, MO: Space, Trails, and Room to Breathe 🌲
Out west, Wildwood trades density for acreage and green space. Babler State Park and Rockwoods Reservation are practically in your backyard, and the Rockwood School District draws many families.
Best for: buyers who want more land, newer construction, and outdoor access.
The numbers: Wildwood’s average home value was about $577,000 as of September 2026, and homes typically went pending in around 9 days. It’s a higher price point, but you get space and setting for it. zillow
4. O’Fallon, MO: Growth, Newer Homes, and Value 🏡
Across the Missouri River in St. Charles County, O’Fallon keeps drawing buyers who want newer homes and more square footage for the money. Highway access makes it a workable commute to many parts of the metro, and the Fort Zumwalt School District is a big draw for families.
Best for: buyers who want newer construction, community parks and sports facilities, and strong value per square foot.
Good to know: Growth means new subdivisions, new shopping, and busier roads at rush hour. Test your actual commute before you commit.
5. Edwardsville, IL: The Illinois Side Worth a Look 🌉
Don’t skip the Metro East. Edwardsville offers a lively downtown, a strong school district, trails, and the energy of a college town thanks to SIUE, all roughly a half hour from downtown St. Louis.
Best for: buyers who want a polished small-city feel and are open to Illinois.
Good to know: Illinois property taxes generally run higher than Missouri’s, so compare your total monthly cost, not just the list price.
How I’d Choose Between Them
Ask yourself three questions:
- What’s my real commute? Drive it at 8 a.m., not on a Sunday.
- What do I want my weekends to look like? Walkable downtown, trails, or newer-build neighborhoods with parks.
- What’s my all-in monthly budget? Include taxes and insurance, not just the mortgage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best suburb of St. Louis for families?
Kirkwood, Wildwood, and O’Fallon are all popular with families for their schools, parks, and community events. The best fit depends on your budget and commute.
What are the most affordable St. Louis suburbs?
Generally, newer-build areas in St. Charles County and parts of the Metro East offer more space for the price than inner-ring St. Louis County suburbs.
Is 2027 a good time to move to St. Louis?
St. Louis remains more affordable than many large metros, and demand in the best suburbs stays steady. A local agent can help you time your search and move quickly when the right home appears.
Ready to Find Your Fit?
Every move is personal, and the best way to find your suburb is to see them in person. We serve Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois, and we’d love to help you plan your move. Contact us to start your search, or follow along on Instagram and Facebook for weekly local spotlights.
