Central West End (aka the CWE) in St. Louis, MO, is a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood on the eastern edge of Forest Park.
It’s centrally located, drawing people from surrounding areas to visit the restaurants, upscale eclectic bars, coffee shops, clothing boutiques, and more.
Central West End St. Louis has a fascinating history, from its 19th-century roots to its current status as a hub of architectural wonders and a melting pot of cultures.
This neighborhood reflects the vibrant spirit of St. Louis, Missouri, preserving its past while embracing the future.
The Central West End neighborhood began developing as the city geared up for the 1904 World’s Fair. It attracted wealthy residents who built impressive single-family homes.
This period also saw the beginnings of the business and bustling mixed-use district the CWE is known for today.
The neighborhood has been home to many famous literary figures and notable business leaders, including:
- William S. Burroughs
- Tennessee Williams
- Kate Chopin
- T.S. Eliot
- Joseph Pulitzer
Housing market
The Central West End housing market offers potential homeowners and renters everything from opulent turn-of-the-century mansions to sleek, modern condominiums, reflecting the neighborhood’s rich history and catering to a range of aesthetic preferences and lifestyle needs.
The Central West End offers single-family homes that are some of St. Louis’ most exquisite historical homes, offering timeless elegance with ornate details and spacious layouts.
For those seeking a more urban lifestyle, the neighborhood offers a variety of condominiums and apartments, ranging from luxury units in high-rise buildings to cozy apartments in renovated historic buildings. There are plenty of options for every budget and lifestyle.
Luxury Apartments
Central West End’s luxury apartments provide residents with upscale living spaces and top-tier amenities. These apartments often feature high-end finishes, spacious floor plans, and modern appliances.
Many luxury apartments also offer a range of amenities, such as fitness centers, rooftop pools, concierge services, and private parking.
- 100 Above the Park is an iconic, recently finished apartment building in Central West End.
- The Orion is a mixed-use building right in the middle of it all, giving residents easy access to groceries, coffee shops, and more.
- Marlowe has fantastic indoor and outdoor amenities. It’s still pricier but much more pocket-friendly than other luxury apartments in the area.
There’s also The Euclid, Metropolitan Flats, Citizen Park, and York House. The apartments cater to renters who want easy access to everything CWE offers.
High-end condos
High-end condos in the Central West End provide an elevated lifestyle that combines the benefits of homeownership with the conveniences of a managed property.
These condominiums often have top-notch amenities, including private gyms, rooftop terraces, and 24-hour concierge services.
There are various styles and budgets to choose from, all of which have that ” in-the-city” feel.
There are more modern buildings like Park East Tower, which features floor-to-ceiling glass, and more traditional Condos like Maryland House, which have traditional architecture.
Another highly sought-after condo building is the Chase Park Plaza. It operates as a hotel and has a tower designated for luxury condos.
Older buildings that have been converted, like 4319 Lindell Boulevard, built in 1902, are also present.
According to Redfin, Condos in Central West End are up 10.5% from the previous year and have a median price of $337,000.
Newer Townhomes and Condos
Central West End offers an exciting selection of new townhomes and condos if you’re seeking something fresh and modern.
The Artizén on West Pine St is a perfect example of chic urban living. Built in 2023, these upscale townhomes are equipped with high-end appliances and feature open floor plans.
Gaslight Townhomes is the newest addition to Central West End’s townhome market.
Located at Olive St. and Whittier St., these homes boast 9-foot ceilings on every floor and are energy-efficient.
4101 Laclede Ave is a 5-story, 54-unit condominium building built in 2018. It has all of the amenities of condo life: pool, fitness center, rooftop deck, and has an open concept living and dining room with plenty of natural light.
Single-Family Homes
If you’ve ever visited Central West End on a weekend or for one of its many street festivals, chances are, at some point, you had to park in the neighborhoods. And most people don’t mind the walk.
The beautiful historic homes tucked away on the tree-lined trees in this very walkable neighborhood make it easy to imagine how great it would be to live there.
The homes range from 7-bedroom mansions to moderately sized Federalist-style homes, modern 2-story homes, and homes with colonial or Victorian influences.
If you want to buy in this area, you’re in luck. According to Redfin, the costs for Single-family residences are down 6.5% from the previous year, with a median price of $560k.
Some CWE homes sell for $400,000, and others sell for over $4,000,000!
Historic District
The Central West End’s historic district was established to preserve the area’s aesthetic and architectural history.
Designated a historic district in 1974, the CWE has standards for building and altering the exteriors of its buildings to maintain its unique charm.
Fullerton’s Westminster Place is one of the most grand examples of preserved historic homes.
This private street features mansions from well-known St Louis architects like NW Albert and Albert B Groves, considered some of the finest homes in St. Louis, MO.
The Lifestyle of the Central West End
The Central West End is more than just a place to live; it’s a community.
The neighborhood has art galleries, historical landmarks, sidewalk cafes, and award-winning restaurants.
It is recognized as one of America’s Great Neighborhoods by the American Planning Association. It is a hub for the city’s finest dining, shopping, entertainment, and nightlife.
Residents and visitors often soak in the rich cultural atmosphere, whether attending art exhibitions, participating in community theater, or enjoying a delicious meal at a local restaurant.
The Central West End is an urban oasis offering a lifestyle of culture, community, and sophistication.
Because of its popularity, street parking can get tricky. It’s beneficial to learn about some of the side streets and public parking garages.
Dining and Culinary Delights
The neighborhood caters to all tastes and preferences, from cozy cafes to high-end restaurants.
Euclid Avenue offers dining options ranging from local delicacies to international cuisines.
There are more great restaurants than space to list them, but some highlights include:
- Shake Shack: The modern-day version of a roadside burger stand.
- Bowood By Niche: Bowood By Niche offers breakfast, lunch, and private evening events in a unique neighborhood setting- an urban garden center.
- Mainlander: The St. Louis Post Dispatch calls Mainlander the best new restaurant in the city of St. Louis. It is up for a James Beard award in the same category.
- Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: ice creams made entirely from scratch using a unique recipe honed and perfected over more than 20 years by founder Jeni Britton
The area is also known for its lively café culture, with many spots offering outdoor seating where you can enjoy a meal or coffee while soaking up the neighborhood’s vibrant energy.
Shopping and Leisure
Shopping in the Central West End is a predictably eclectic experience.
The neighborhood’s commercial districts, including the famous Maryland Plaza, boast a mix of independent boutiques, vintage stores, and well-known retail brands, offering a unique shopping experience that caters to various styles and budgets.
- Left Bank Books: the oldest and largest independently-owned full-line bookstore in St. Louis
- Third Degree Glass Factory: Discover an ever-changing array of glass bowls, art, and jewelry. New glass pieces are created daily on-site by Third Degree artists.
Provisions St. Louis: is a lifestyle-oriented store showcasing the best elevated, sustainable, and quality goods.
Green Space and Recreation
The Central West End is also conveniently located near Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States.
At 1,300 acres, it is larger than Central Park in New York City.
The park offers numerous recreational activities, including walking trails, sports facilities, and cultural institutions.
Located within Forest Park are:
- The St. Louis Art Museum: A world-renowned fine art museum known for its outstanding and comprehensive collection spanning 5000 years of cultures and genres.
- The St. Louis Zoo: Voted America’s top free attraction, the Zoo is located on 90 acres in beautiful Forest Park and is home to more than 600 species of animals, many rare and endangered. It is one of the few free zoos in the nation.
- The Missouri History Museum: Operated by the Missouri Historical Society, this museum serves as the confluence of historical perspectives and contemporary issues to inspire and engage audiences in the St. Louis region and beyond.
- The Saint Louis Science Center in Forest Park Southeast is a popular place for people with families and has an Omnimax theater and planetarium!
The neighborhood is also known for its inclusivity and welcoming spirit, making everyone feel at home, from young professionals and families to artists and students. It’s also very pet-friendly!
All Within Reach
Central West End’s centralized location makes it a breeze to visit the top neighborhoods in St. Louis:
Covenant Blu-Grand Center: An arts district marked by The Fabulous Fox Theater, the contemporary art museum, and the Angad Arts Hotel, which features a rooftop bar and multiple art galleries.
Lafayette Square: A charming neighborhood with the painted ladies, the beautiful Lafayette Park, and upscale restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Related Article: Your Guide to Lafayette Square
Downtown St. Louis: The heart of the city features historic sites and amazing architecture. Downtown STL is also home to three professional sports teams: The Cardinals at Busch Stadium, The Blues Hockey Team at Enterprise Arena, and St. Louis City SC at CityPark.
Tower Grove South: A neighborhood on the South side of Tower Grove Park featuring South Grand Boulevard, the most diverse collection of restaurants in the city. It’s also right next to Tower Grove East, another fun neighborhood next to Tower Grove Park.
Delmar Boulevard: Also known as the Delmar Loop or “The Loop” is a collection of funky clothing shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. Its close proximity to Washington University makes it a popular hang out for college students.
Soulard: If you want even more nightlife options than there are in CWE, head over to Soulard for some of the best bars & pubs in St. Louis.
Major Attractions in Central West End
Thanks to the continuous involvement of its residents, business owners, and visitors, the Central West End has maintained its feel. It remains a bustling and beloved neighborhood in St. Louis.
The Central West End has unique attractions like The World Chess Hall of Fame and The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States, lending to its ‘urban eclectic’ feel.
Euclid Avenue, the central artery of the Central West End, features over 75 diverse establishments, including shops, art galleries, restaurants, and more.
The neighborhood is also home to some world-class medical institutions:
Washington University School of Medicine is nationally recognized for its commitment to patient care, research, and education since its founding in 1891.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital: A non-profit healthcare system and one of the major healthcare providers in the area. The Children’s Hospital is nationally ranked in 8 specialties, according to US News.
Siteman Cancer Center: Ranked by US News & World Report as one of the top cancer centers in the country.
Cortex Innovation District: A collaboration between Washington University, BJC HealthCare, The University of Missouri, Saint Louis, St. Louis University, and the Missouri Botanical Garden. Cortex is a collection of facilities, developing programs, and partnerships that seek to grow inclusive economic growth in St Louis, MO.
Thinking of Moving to the Central West End of St. Louis?
As you contemplate your next move, consider the Central West End of St. Louis—a neighborhood that offers not only a place to live but also a vibrant lifestyle that’s hard to find elsewhere.
The Central West End is a rare gem that combines historical architecture with modern urban living. It’s a community where every street, every corner, and every face tells a story.
The neighborhood’s eclectic mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment, with its lush green spaces and strong community vibe, makes it ideal for those who want to experience the best urban living.
Moreover, the Central West End’s location in the heart of St. Louis, its proximity to top-notch educational and medical institutions, and its diverse housing options make it a smart choice for families, professionals, and students.
The neighborhood’s commitment to preserving its historical essence while embracing change ensures your investment here is not just in a home but in a lifestyle that will enrich and inspire.
If you’re on the brink of deciding to redefine your living experience in the Central West End, you’ll find more than a home; you’ll find a community.
