St. Charles, Missouri, is located on the Missouri River, just a 30-minute drive from Downtown Saint Louis.
It’s a charming and historic suburb of St. Louis. This ultimate guide covers everything you need to know before moving to St. Charles.
It’s also the county seat of St. Charles County, which includes the neighboring towns of St. Peters, O’Fallon, Wentzville, and Lake St. Louis.
St. Charles is known for its historic downtown area, charming boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops.
It’s a great place to spend a Saturday afternoon, especially when there’s a community festival going on!
The Rich History of St. Charles
St. Charles is one of the county’s most historic parts. The town has been welcoming visitors since 1769. Due to its strategic location on the Missouri River, it was considered an important trading post.
Founded by French Canadian fur trader Louis Blanchette, it was a hub for explorers, traders, and settlers.
St. Charles was also the starting point of the famous Lewis and Clark expedition.
If you’re a history buff, there are a lot of historic sites to explore:
- You can visit the Lewis and Clark Boathouse and Museum
- See the statue of Lewis and Clark at Frontier Park
- Check out the Seaman Dog statues celebrating their Newfoundland dog, Seaman.
- Visit the Expedition start marker on Main Street St. Charles, which marks where the expedition began.
There’s history around every corner when you’re on Main Street. The buildings feature 19th-century architecture, and every building has a story.
Homes and Neighborhoods in St. Charles, MO
St. Charles offers a place for everyone, including young professionals, families, and retirees.
Numerous parks, top-notch school districts, shopping centers, reputable healthcare, cultural attractions, and new waterfront developments are nearby.
More and more people are starting to see the St. Charles area as the perfect place to live.
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WORK WITH USNew Town St. Charles
New Town is a unique new urban community with a small-town atmosphere.
It has beautiful architectural styles such as colonial, craftsman, and coastal-inspired homes.
Some say looks like a scene out of a Hollywood movie, and they’re not wrong!
This community has a little bit of everything, from townhomes to large single-family houses. The design is pedestrian-friendly, with a picturesque setting where you can live, work, and play.
There is a wide range of prices in New Town. Homes listed range between $250,000 and $1 million.
There are green spaces, dining, entertainment, a church, salons, a local market for groceries and more.
Charlestowne Landing
Charlestowne Landing is a new development situated near the lake near New Town. Homes start in the $400s and feature vaulted ceilings, a patio, and a 3-4 car garage.
Although Charlestowne Landing is right next to New Town, it has a totally different look and is not considered part of New Town.
While New Town is a very one-of-a-kind neighborhood, Charlestowne Landing looks like most new developments around St. Charles and O’Fallon.
Spring Mill Estates
This gated community is highly sought-after and lives up to having “estates” in the name.
These large single-family homes sell between $850,000 and $1,300,000 and have beautifully cared-for outdoor spaces, brick exteriors, and everything you would expect from a luxury home.
Sandfort Farms
Sandfort Farms is a new home community located on the north side of Highway 70 in unincorporated St. Charles.
Homes here range from the $440s to the $870s. Houses are traditional ranch and 1.5-story homes with vinyl siding and brick facades.
There are numerous floor plans to choose from, too.
The community is easy to access for dining, shopping, and recreation, and it’s not too far from historic Main Street.
Fox Hill & Mamelles Hills
Fox Hill & Mamelles Hills is located in North St. Charles, just south of New Town.
This area features a mix of housing options, from medium-sized single-family homes (3-4 bedrooms) to smaller homes (one to two bedrooms) and high-rise apartments.
Many of the homes were built between 1970 and 1999, with some dating back to 1940-1969.
St. Andrews
St. Andrews has a mix of established single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments.
It is conveniently located off of I-70, and the area features a golf course, country club, and movie theater. Single-family homes start in the $300s.
Talbridge
Talbridge is a newer neighborhood in St. Charles with homes that range from $490s to $540s. The neighborhood features plenty of green space, walking trails, and several parks.
It’s centrally-located near several shopping areas and attractions.
Huntington Park
This is an established neighborhood with homes mostly built in the 1990s.
These homes feature beautiful brick colonial architecture.
Most of the homes in this area are in the $400s range, and some have inground pools. It’s close to McNair Park, which features athletic fields, tennis/pickleball courts, and hiking trails.
Bogey Hills
This established neighborhood is defined by its proximity to Bogey Hills Country Club.
The country club is on 120 acres of countryside and features a swimming pool and banquet facilities.
Many of the homes were built in the 1980s and currently sell between the $340s and $570s. The home styles tend to be ranch or split-level homes on larger plots of land.
New Construction Homes Near St. Charles
St. Charles has some of the oldest homes in St. Louis, and it has brand-new ones too.
Charlestowne Landing (mentioned above) is one great example.
St. Charles is next to Cottleville, where you’ll find Cottleville Trails.
This new community has been all the rage lately.
It’s close enough that you can live in Cottleville Trails and still access all the great things to do nearby since St. Charles and Cottleville are next to each other.
Related Article: Things to Do in Old Town Cottleville
Senior Living in St. Charles
St. Charles is the perfect place for retirees to enjoy their golden years.
The city is very walkable in some areas, and it is taking steps to make it even more walkable, giving pedestrians easy access to grocery stores, dining, and shopping.
Property Tax Freeze
If you own a home anywhere in St. Charles County and are above the age of 62, you’re eligible for the county’s real estate tax freeze.
This is a great program that was recently introduced. It makes it more affordable for those with a fixed income to maintain their homes.
For those who choose to move into a senior living community, there are several to choose from.
There are plenty of living options that promote independent living, assisted living, or specialized care for you or your loved one.
The Boulevard Senior Living of Saint Charles offers memory care and medication management with a classic design.
Lake St. Charles Retirement Community is ranked number one for its retirement, assisted living, and independent living communities.
Windsor Estates is a senior facility that focuses on recovery after surgery.
There are many more living and medical facilities to choose from, as well as in-home care, making St. Charles a great choice for retirement.
New Development in St. Charles
Developers in St. Charles and the St. Louis metro area are paying more attention to the waterfront along the river.
This means new construction of:
- Townhomes
- Condos
- Single-family homes
- Apartments
- Hotels
- Retail space
- Recreation
You’ll hear people reference the six boroughs of St. Charles. This is a new concept for creating six dedicated areas with unique entertainment facilities.
The Boroughs of Riverwalk
Each borough will have its own personality and be connected by a riverwalk.
Right now, the Riverpointe section is under construction.
Riverpointe: This section is already underway! Plans include a 40-acre riverside lake, which will create even more waterfront space for people to enjoy.
They’re planning 500 apartments, a hotel, and 100,000 square feet of riverfront restaurants and retail. They’re also imagining rooftop patios and 75-200 owner-occupied townhouses and condos.
Historic South Main: This area includes Historic Main Street, which residents and visitors have enjoyed for years! The surrounding new developments are predicted to breathe new life into the area while preserving its history and charm.
North Main: These plans included an entertainment district and boutique shops.
French Town: This area features trendy businesses and residential areas and is considered part of the historic district. It also has new things, including a climbing gym and wine bar!
North Town: North Town will be upscale residential and local businesses and will already include New Town, a planned live-work-play community.
South City: This area will primarily consist of businesses, residential units, and corporate headquarters.
Lifestyle and Leisure: What St. Charles is Known For
The lifestyle in St. Charles combines historic charm, plenty of green spaces for a variety of activities, and modern dining and entertainment.
Historic Main Street of St. Charles, MO
In the 19th century, St. Charles was a bustling hub for early explorers and pioneers looking for supplies.
Today, visitors and residents enjoy the brick-lined streets, shops, and fine dining of this charming historic district. A few favorite destinations include:
- The Enchanted Attic – Unique gemstone jewelry, metaphysical books, incense, and candles
- The Flower Petaler – Home decor and accessories, framed art & mirrors
- First Capitol Trading Post – Jewelry and gift shop
- Grandma’s Cookies – A local favorite- Voted #1 Dessert and #1 Specialty Shop in St. Charles
- Olde Towne Spice Shoppe – A family-run spice shop
Main Street is a treasure trove of shops for those seeking the perfect gift or a special treat for themselves.
Stay at a Historic Bed and Breakfast
Travelers, including explorers, statesmen, and steamboat captains, have been enjoying St. Charles for many years.
Visitors enjoy connecting with history and the hospitality of St. Charles’ many bed and breakfasts and inns.
Food and Drink
Main Street has a lot of dining options, with over 25 restaurants.
Whether you’re craving BBQ, tapas, or anything in between, you’ll find a restaurant to satisfy your taste buds. The dining settings vary, from quaint patios and establishments with historic charm to local pubs and coffee houses.
You can even grab take-out for a picnic on the riverfront.
Here are a few of the best spots:
- Bella Vinos – High-end wines, elaborate tapas
- Old Mill Stream Inn – Cajun and Creole bar and grill
- Tony’s on Main Street – 20-year-old Italian/American Steakhouse with a great deck overlooking Main Street
- Novellus – Italian food in a chic setting
- Salt + Smoke – Slow-smoked BBQ, fresh and flavorful sides, all homemade from scratch
- Lewis and Clark’s – American restaurant and public house
Annual Events in St. Charles
St. Charles hosts a variety of events throughout the year, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
Riverfest
The Fourth of July is celebrated in grand style with Riverfest.
This event has become synonymous with St. Charles’ 4th of July celebrations. The Missouri River serves as the backdrop for various activities, including live music, a carnival, and food vendors serving traditional and innovative fare.
Riverfest also hosts a spectacular fireworks display over the riverfront, drawing families and individuals from all over to the city’s riverbanks.
Oktoberfest
St. Charles takes on a distinctly Bavarian atmosphere each fall with its Oktoberfest celebrations, held in Frontier Park.
The event salutes the city’s German heritage, offering something for everyone:
- German Music and dancing
- 5K run
- Dachshund races
- Beer stein-holding competitions
- And, of course… lots of beer
St. Charles Christmas Traditions
Once the holiday season comes around, Main Street is transformed into a winter wonderland! There are carolers and horse-drawn carriages, and the streets are lined with Christmas colors and lights.
Familiar characters like Santa and Scrooge make an appearance, and there are a variety of events throughout the holiday season. Check out the city’s website for everything this festival has to offer.
Legends & Lanterns
In October, the Legends & Lanterns festival offers a Halloween experience.
This event takes participants on a “spirited” journey through history, featuring encounters with different characters and authors who have shaped the season’s traditions.
Main Street again provides the perfect setting, with its historical backdrop to ghostly tales and family-friendly fun!
Festival of the Little Hills
Honoring the city’s founding name, Les Petites Côtes, the Festival of the Little Hills is Saint Charles’ largest festival.
Held annually in August, it features over 300 arts-and-crafts vendors, food stalls, and live music, making it a shopper’s and foodie’s paradise.
Frontier Park and Main Street are filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of this lively festival, which also offers activities for kids.
Music on Main
From May to September, on the third Wednesday of each month, local bands turn Historic Main Street into a free concert venue.
Each event has a fun theme, adding a bit of excitement to your midweek routine. Music on Main showcases local talent and highlights the community’s love for music and the arts.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
A nod to the Irish influence in St. Charles, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a spirited event that paints the town green every March.
The parade features decorative floats, bands, and marchers dressed in green. It celebrates Irish heritage and brings a lively atmosphere to the city streets.
More Things To Do in St. Charles
Family Arena
The Family Arena is a versatile venue for concerts, sports, and shows. It draws crowds from across the region to enjoy top-notch performances and engaging spectacles.
Ride the Trolley
The trolley offers public transportation to some of the most popular stops in St. Charles.
It’s a fun way to ride up and down Main Street, seeing everything it has to offer.
Visit the Streets of St. Charles
The Streets of St. Charles is a dining, shopping, and entertainment hub.
Located just off Interstate 70, it sprawls over a million square feet and offers a unique and convenient experience unmatched in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area.
Once the site of the iconic Noah’s Ark Restaurant and Motor Inn for over four decades, the area has undergone a dramatic transformation since 2008.
Today, it is a dynamic, 27-acre mixed-use development boasting luxury apartments, a cutting-edge movie theater, nightlife, a fitness center, modern office spaces, and two prominent hotels: the Drury Plaza Hotel and Tru by Hilton.
The area is also a dining paradise, featuring some of the finest restaurants in the St. Louis region.
Here are a few of the best spots:
- Prasino’s – A contemporary American restaurant with a comfortable atmosphere that celebrates the love of good food, good conversation, and friendship.
- Napoli III – Napoli Restaurants have been an Italian staple in the St. Louis area since 1989. The St. Charles location will boast exquisite food, great service, and an upscale, yet fun, atmosphere with a casual flair.
- Bar Louie – Shareable, chef-inspired grub and craft cocktails, beers and wines.
- Narwhal’s Crafted – Frozen alcoholic beverages using hand-crafted ingredients, infusions, and purées that are made in-house.
- Mission Taco Joint – Fun and unique tacos, including duck, brisket, fried chicken, homemade chorizo, and many other unique fillings and combinations!
Ameristar Casino
The Ameristar Casino offers games, entertainment, and dining options for those seeking a lively evening. It’s the first thing you’ll see when entering St. Charles from St. Louis County and draws visitors from all around.
Hiking: The Katy Trail
Spanning an impressive 240 miles from Clinton to Machens, Missouri, the Katy Trail is the longest-developed rail-to-trail project in the nation.
And it runs right through St. Charles!
Along this extensive path, travelers find 26 trailheads and four beautifully restored railroad depots, making the journey as convenient as it is scenic.
The Katy Trail is one of the best places for people who enjoy the outdoors – from cyclists and hikers to equestrians, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts.
Moving to St. Charles, MO
St. Charles is more than just a place to live; it’s rich in history and modern amenities.
It’s a city where every path leads to discovery, every neighborhood has its charm, and life is lived with a sense of belonging.
Welcome home to St. Charles – where history and modern living blend into a life well-lived.
If you’re moving to St. Charles or looking for more information on the area, please get in touch with us.
At Gateway Realty Group, we love sharing our knowledge and expertise with new clients moving to town.
