Everything You Need to Know About Living in St. Charles, MO

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.

Main Street St. Charles
Main Street 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 County is in red with St. Charles sitting at the eastern border
St. Charles County is in red, with St. Charles sitting at the eastern border

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.

Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum
Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum

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.
Lewis and Clark statue at Frontier Park, St. Charles
Lewis and Clark statue at Frontier Park, St. Charles

There’s history around every corner when you’re on Main Street. The buildings feature 19th-century architecture, and every building has a story.

A section of historic Main Street, St. Charles, MO
A section of historic Main Street, St. Charles, MO

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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New Town St. Charles

New 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!

New Town, MO

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.

Example of a home at Charlestowne Landing by T.R Hughes
Example of a home at Charlestowne Landing by T.R Hughes

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. 

Spring Mill Estates
One of our latest listings on Dorothy Ann Court in Spring Mill Estates

Sandfort Farms

Sandfort Farms is a new home community located on the north side of Highway 70 in unincorporated St. Charles.

Former display home in Sandfort Farms
Former display home in Sandfort Farms

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.

Street in Fox Hill, St. Charles
Street in Fox Hill

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.

Homes in St. Andrews
Homes in St. Andrews

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. 

Talbridge home
Talbridge home

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.

Street in Bogey Hills
Street in Bogey Hills

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.

Cottleville Trails Progress December 2023

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.  

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.

Seniors enjoying the greenery at Lake St. Charles Retirement Community
Seniors enjoying the greenery at Lake St. Charles Retirement Community

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.

The Boroughs of Riverwalk

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.

Chicken and Pickle at Riverpointe St. Charles is already open!
Chicken and Pickle at Riverpointe St. Charles is already open!

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

Main Street St. Charles
Main Street St. Charles

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
Olde Towne Spice Shoppe

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. 

Front of Boone’s Colonial Inn on Main Street St. Charles
Front of Boone’s Colonial Inn on Main Street St. Charles

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:

Old Mill Stream Inn

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 St. Charles, MO
Riverfest St. Charles, MO

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.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus entertain at St. Charles Christmas Traditions
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus entertain at St. Charles Christmas Traditions

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.

Festival of the Little Hills St. Charles
Festival of the Little Hills St. Charles

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. 

Music on Main St. Charles
Music on Main St. Charles

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.

St Louis Trolley

Visit the Streets of St. Charles

The Streets of St. Charles is a dining, shopping, and entertainment hub.

Streets of St. Charles

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. 

Storefronts at Streets of St. Charles
Storefronts at Streets of St. Charles

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.

Ameristar Casino
Ameristar Casino

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!

Moving to St. Charles, MO

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. 

Photo of author

Lana Prinster

As a St. Charles County native, Lana Prinster is very knowledgeable about the entire St. Louis market. She graduated from Fort Zumwalt North High School and attended St. Charles Community College. She then went on to work as a multi-family property manager. Lana is now a licensed real estate agent with Gateway Realty Group, working with buyers and sellers. With an extensive leasing and property management background, Lana brings a wealth of knowledge to her residential real estate clients. Her go-getter attitude and willingness to go the extra mile for clients allow her to thrive in the real estate industry.