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Living in Wentzville, MO: One of STL’s Fastest Growing Suburbs

Wentzville is one of the farthest west towns in St. Charles County.

It’s also one of the fastest-growing. 

Wentzville has been booming in recent years thanks to all the westward expansion and rise of new communities. Growth is happening everywhere out here.

Wentzville, Mo
Wentzville Parkway

If you’re thinking of moving to the western suburbs of St. Louis, Wentzville is an excellent choice. 

With its affordable housing, a growing economy, and new amenities, the Wentzville area is can be perfect for anyone. 

Wentzville is bordered by a few other major towns: Lake St. Louis, O’Fallon, and Wright City. 

And it’s close to places like Dardenne Prairie, St Peters, St Charles, New Melle, and (of course) St. Louis.

Location: The Crossroads of America

Wentzville is located at the intersection of I-64/40 and I-70, which is why it’s often called the “Crossroads of the Nation.”

Both I-64 and I-70 can take you into St. Louis City and St. Louis County.

Wentzville, Mo Map

Wentzville is about a 45-minute drive to Downtown St. Louis.

So… it’s not necessarily the most centrally located suburb of St. Louis. But having these two interstates makes it very convenient to access all parts of the Greater St. Louis area. 

The Rapid Growth of Wentzville, Missouri

Wentzville is a hotspot for growth and development right now. It offers residents and nearby communities a unique blend of small-town charm and suburban expansion.

The city of Wentzville is doing a great job keeping up with the area’s rapid growth.

New homes in Wentzville located at Huntleigh Ridge
New homes in Wentzville located at Huntleigh Ridge

The city is expanding roads, improving highways to reduce congestion, and making it easier for people to get where they need to be.

Plus, you have everything you need thanks to:

  • The influx of new companies to Wentzville
  • The growth of the Wentzville Parkway
  • The expansion of the Wentzville R-IV School District
  • Dozens of new construction communities

It Seems Like Everyone Is Moving to Wentzville These Days

As Wentzville continues to be a booming suburb, the more attractive it’s becoming to live here.

Here are the biggest reasons our clients have made the move to Wentzville:

  1. Newer homes at lower prices
  2. Top-rated schools
  3. Affordable cost of living 
  4. Easy access to highways
  5. Employment opportunities and job growth
  6. Dozens of parks

Wentzville used to be a pretty rural area outside St. Louis, and it wasn’t on the radar for many people relocating to St. Louis. 

Now, it has a total population of almost 50,000 and is one of the fastest-growing cities in Missouri.

Thousands of people move here every year.

Wentzville Population Graph

The largest demographic of people moving to Wentzville is people from St. Louis County and St. Louis City. 

The city and county are losing population slightly, and St. Charles County is gaining massively. 

This is due to Wentzville’s lower cost of living and growing economy. The area is starting to appeal to a much larger number of people. The property taxes are lower than in St. Louis County and St. Louis City, and the houses are cheaper. 

Homes in Wentzville: Suburban Living at Its Finest

Wentzville is a vibrant suburban community that prides itself on being inclusive and offering a variety of housing options.

Wentzville is a vibrant living community

If you enjoy the suburban lifestyle, Wentzville is perfect for you.

You can find a fixer-upper for as little as $75,000 near the historic part of Wentzville or a luxury estate upwards of $2,000,000 out in the country.

The real estate market offers plenty of choices:

  • Master-planned subdivisions
  • Large homes on acreage
  • Detached villas
  • Apartment complexes
  • Senior living facilities
  • Mobile home parks

Neighborhoods in Wentzville

Let’s take a look at some of the big neighborhoods you’ll find in Wentzville. These are just a few examples of the hundreds of neighborhoods there are to choose from.

Stone Meadows

Stone Meadows
Stone Meadows

Stone Meadows is one of the largest subdivisions in Wentzville. It is located next to Timberland High, Wentzville South Middle, and Stone Creek Elementary.  

This planned community, on close to 500 acres, started in the early 2000s, and new homes are still being built today. Homes here are priced from around the $300s to $500s. Amenities include a pool, clubhouse, athletic fields, walking trails, and a lake. 

Carlton Glen Estates

Homes at Carlton Glen Estates
Homes in Carlton Glen Estates

Carlton Glen Estates is a peaceful, friendly subdivision with winding sidewalks and plenty of green space. It’s close to Wentzville Parkway and Meadows shopping areas with a lot of shopping and restaurants. The average cost of homes here falls in the $350s to $500s price range.

Villages of Stonegate

Home in Villages of Stonegate community
One of our latest listings in the Villages of Stonegate community

The Villages of Stonegate is a smaller subdivision on the northern edge of Wentzville. Like many of the other subdivisions, Stonegate boasts green space and a feeling of serenity. 

It’s close to the GM Wentzville Plant and also boasts a pool and athletic fields. This subdivision was built in the early 2000s and homes are around the $300s.

Great Oaks

Great Oaks is conveniently situated near both the shopping district and the Wentzville Rec Center, offering its residents easy access to shopping and errands. Three- to five-bedroom homes here are priced from the $350s to $400s. 

Avondale Hills

Avondale Hills home
Avondale Hills home

Avondale Hills is an upscale neighborhood with larger homes on multi-acre lots. The homes here tend to be pricier than other areas, with some homes being priced between $1-$3 million. 

If you like high-end homes that are quiet, secluded, and a little bit away from the hustle and bustle, Avondale may be a good option for you. 

Bear Creek

Home at Bear Creek subdivision
Home at Bear Creek subdivision

Bear Creek is known for Bear Creek Golf Club which is conveniently located right by the crossroads of I-70 and I-64. It was the first public golf course to open in Wentzville in 1998. 

Homes here range in style from brick ranches to 2-story colonials and are priced from the $400s to $650s. Needless to say, if you like golf this is a great option. The proximity to the interstate, shopping, and restaurants adds to the appeal of this area for those seeking convenient access to amenities.

New Construction Homes in Wentzville

One of Wentzville’s main draws is the ability to find new construction homes wherever you go. 

You’ll find dozens of new neighborhoods offering luxury upgrades at lower prices.

Even compared to a growing area like Chesterfield, Wentzville has more development for cheaper.

The low barrier of entry to buying a home in this area is one of the best things our clients love when they’re moving to this area.

Don’t get me wrong, the St. Louis metro area has its pricey parts of town, but Wentzville is an area where it’s very easy to stretch your dollar further.

If you’re in the market for a new home, you’ll find them everywhere in Wentzville, from east to west.

The Boulevard at Wilmer is a new single-family home community being built with plans from $340s and $480s. It is located off Wilmer Road, just minutes from I-70 and Hwy 40/64.

The Boulevard at Wilmer: A Community in Phases
Homes being built in The Boulevard at Wilmer

Manors at Prairie Wind offers modern homes from the $280s to $400s. It’s just off Wentzville Parkway and West Meyer Road making it a convenient location for shopping and errands. Currently selling final phase homes. 

Manors at Prairie Wind homes
Manors at Prairie Wind

Westhaven offers new homes with prices from the $280s to $400s.

These homes are tucked away giving a feeling of country living. This community is located off Peine Road. The roads have been paved, foundations laid and framing has begun on the first phase of this new residential development. 

Wildflower Meadows is located conveniently off of  I-70 and Wentzville Parkway. Many lots back up to mature trees giving this area a park-like feel. Homes being built are priced from the $250s to $300s.

Model home for one of the available floor plans at Wildflower Meadows
Model home for one of the available floor plans at Wildflower Meadows

Wilmer Crossing has a few new communities being built with homes from the $280s to the $500s. Located at Wentzville Parkway and Wilmer Road, styles range from 1-story ranches to 2-story homes. 

New Commercial Development in Wentzville

From Wentzville Parkway’s huge commercial development to dozens of new neighborhoods, Wentzville has witnessed rapid development.

It’s becoming an increasingly popular place to live as more St. Louisans make the journey west to get more bang for their buck.

Wentzville rapid development.

Back in the day, Wentzville was a rural, small-town community that flew under the radar. Now? It’s one of the biggest suburbs around.

There are multiple reasons people are moving to Wentzville, and a big one is all the new amenities it offers.

Everywhere you look you’ll see new businesses and homes being built. 

Here are some highlights of what’s new in Wentzville, Missouri!

New Projects

Bear Creek Animal Hospital is a new state-of-the-art veterinary office. It’s now open to care for your furry loved ones!

TownePlace Suites by Marriott just opened a pet-friendly extended stay hotel conveniently located near I-70 and I-64.

St. Charles Community College will be opening a Regional Workforce Innovation Center in Wentzville on a 55-acre campus. They expect to open in fall 2025.

Cedarhurst Senior Living is just one of a few new assisted living facilities in the area. Cedarhurst will open in early 2025 and have accommodations for assisted living, independent living, and memory care services.

Rendering of Cedarhurst senior living facility
Rendering of Cedarhurst senior living facility

Wentzville Oaks South Retail Center at Luetkenhaus Blvd is a new 12,600-square-foot shopping center featuring a youth Gymnastics Studio and a physical therapy clinic. 

Local hardware store Menards will be joining the Wentzville Bend shopping center.

The GM Assembly Center will be expanding again after a recent 1.5 billion upgrade to its facility.

Plans on the Horizon

Pinewoods Park Apartments is proposing a 240-unit apartment complex, plus three commercial lots, near Hepperman Road. 

Aventura at Wentzville is planning an expansion from its 72 apartments in three buildings to 264 units with some commercial space. 

New Mercy Hospital: Mercy, one of the nation’s 20th largest healthcare systems, plans to build a new hospital near the intersections of I-64 and I-70. Once the project is started it is expected to take four years to complete. Not only will this make access to healthcare in the region more convenient, but it will bring with it job opportunities and a boost to the surrounding businesses. 

Wentzville’s Growing Infrastructure

Wentzville is growing, and so is its infrastructure. City officials and planners have been tackling ways to improve commute time and make getting around safer and more efficient. 

Growing Infrastructure

Here are some of the plans in the works:

Highway Z and N interchange

This project includes realigning the intersection of Route Z and Route N, with proposed improvements such as the installation of a new signal at the intersection and widening the road to accommodate separate left and right turn lanes in all directions.

Major renovations to the Wentzville-Warrenton stretch of I-70

The I-70 upgrade will involve the addition of a third lane in each direction, spanning approximately 200 miles from Wentzville to the Kansas City suburb of Blue Springs. This project is expected to start in November 2024.

David Hoekel Parkway

The David Hoekel Parkway provides a new connection between I-70 and US 61. This was planned to improve the safety and flow of regional traffic in the area and reduce traffic on I-70. The project is currently underway.

There has been no deadline set as of yet, and it will be based on traffic needs.

The Wentzville Rec Center

The brand new Wentzville Rec Center had its grand opening in 2022, and it has some of the best athletic facilities in St. Charles County.

Wentzville Rec Center

It has over 94,000 square feet of athletic space, including:

  • An expansive weightlifting room
  • Indoor swimming pools with slides
  • A climbing wall
  • Spaces for classes and workshops
  • Sports courts 
wentzville rec center map
Wentzville Rec Center floorplan

North Point High and North Point Middle

To keep up with the growth, the city of Wentzville opened two new schools in 2021: North Point High School and North Point Middle School. 

The Wentzville School District is one of the fastest-growing districts in the state of Missouri. It’s also the third largest district in St. Louis, with over 17,000 enrolled students during the 2023-2024 school year.

Wentzville’s public school system includes 4 high schools, 4 middle schools, and 12 elementary schools.

Timberland High School
Timberland High School

Not only is the school system growing quickly, but it’s also one of the top-rated districts in the state. The Wentzville R-IV District is consistently ranked among the top 20% in Missouri. 

Before North Point, Wentzville opened Liberty High School in 2013. 

Wherever you choose to live in Wentzville, you’ll gain access to some of the best schools in St. Charles County. 

Historic Wentzville District

Wentzville has a rich history that dates back well over a hundred years to early settlers. Initially, it was just a small town that benefited from the railroad expansion. 

You’ll see the train tracks going right through Historic Wentzville and traffic crossing the road stops whenever a train comes through.

Historic Wentzville District

Even though Wentzville has exploded with growth, the Main Street historic area has kept its old-fashioned style.

It brings a small-town feel to an area seeing lots of commercial and corporate growth.

Wentzville is home to several significant landmarks, like the first Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the United States.

All these factors make Wentzville an interesting place with a lot of stories to tell.

historic downtown wentzville

Historic Wentzville has a similar old-timey feel to Old Town Cottleville, a super charming little town with so much to do!

Wentzville Parkway: A Hub of Growth

Over the years, Wentzville Parkway has undergone significant expansion, mirroring the broader growth and development across St. Charles County. This vital thoroughfare has become a magnet for many new businesses, from quaint local boutiques and cozy eateries to large national retail chains. 

Shopping, Eating, and Entertainment

Wentzville Parkway: This bustling thoroughfare is the heart of Wentzville’s shopping, great dining, grocery stores, and entertainment scene.

Here, you can find everything from big-name retailers to local boutiques offering unique finds.

Wentzville Parkway: A Growing Commercial Hub

The dining options are just as varied, with restaurants serving up everything from gourmet meals to quick bites. 

If you’re in the mood for a locally-owned place to eat, here are some to check out in Wentzville:

  • Rizzo’s Italian
  • Brett Hall’s Junction House
  • The Tattooed Dog
  • Stefanina’s Pizzeria

Plus, Historic Wentzville has so many local shops and breweries.

If you’re a caffeine addict, Wentzville has you covered. Between Wentzville Parkway and Historic Wentzville you’ll find:

  • Starbucks
  • 7 Brew Coffee
  • Boba House
  • Panera Bread (aka St. Louis Bread Co.)
  • Sunny Street Cafe
  • Parlor Doughnuts (one of my favorites)

Don’t be surprised to see lots of fast-food chains and drive-thrus. Wentzville has some local spots, but there are a lot of big chains everywhere:

  • Culver’s
  • Dairy Queen
  • McDonald’s
  • Waffle House
  • Smoothie King
  • Raising Cane’s
  • Wingstop
  • Jimmy John’s
  • Penn Station
  • Chili’s

And dozens more.

The Wentzville Parkway also hosts a range of entertainment options, including movie theaters and seasonal events that bring the community together.

Things to Do in Wentzville: Fun and Recreation

Wentzville might not be the closest to all the attractions in St. Louis City, but it has its fair share of things to keep you busy.

The Quarry Wine Garden
The Quarry Wine Garden

Here’s a more detailed look at what Wentzville has to offer:

The Quarry is a great winery in the area and a fun place to visit on weekends.

The Family Arena in St. Charles is also a great place to visit, and it’s only a short drive away. While you’re there, you’ll want to stop by historic Main Street in St. Charles.

Fun for The Whole Family

Wentzville offers plenty of family-friendly activities, from the movie theater and ice arena to paintball and arcades. 

In the summer, there’s the Splash Station Aquatic Center for the kiddos.

Big Joel’s Safari is a fun place to stop by if you don’t want to drive all the way to the St. Louis Zoo. It’s a great place to feed donkeys and see camels, snakes, parrots, and other animals.

Parks and Recreation

Wentzville Rec Center: The Rec Center boasts state-of-the-art amenities designed to cater to fitness buffs and families alike. 

It’s a hub for community activities, offering a rich program of events throughout the year.

Wentzville is home to an array of parks, each offering its own unique natural beauty and recreational facilities.

Quail Ridge Park
Quail Ridge Park

From serene lakeside views at Rotary Park to the sprawling greens and playgrounds at Quail Ridge Park, there’s something for every outdoor enthusiast. 

Progress Park –  Great for sports. There are ball fields, basketball courts, and a pool.

Botany Park– This is home to the Renaissance Fair and St. Charles County Fair every year!

Peruque Park – Awesome park with four baseball fields, 3 under construction, and plans for more!

Jake’s Field of Dreams (2018) was built for kids of all abilities to be able to play and find community. It’s a great representation of Wentzville’s inclusive nature.

Golf in Wentzville

For golfers, Wentzville provides several top-notch golf courses.

Bear Creek Golf Club is the largest golf community in Wentzville, and you’ll see dozens of beautiful neighborhoods backing up to the golf course.

Bear Creek Golf Club
Bear Creek Golf Club

South of Bear Creek, The Golf Club of Wentzville is another great choice. There’s also a driving range on Hepperman Road right next to it. 

These courses offer challenging play for all skill levels amidst charming landscapes.

And if you fancy a round of disc golf, Quail Ridge Park has a disc golf course you’ll want to check out!

Wentzville’s Employment and Job Growth

Wentzville is experiencing incredible growth. Much of this is due to the westward expansion of St. Louis, which has brought thousands of people to the area.

Located right in the middle of the “Golden Triangle” of growth, Wentzville has benefited tremendously from the westward movement.

Golden Triangle Growth St. Charles County mo

Wentzville is home to the General Motors Assembly Plant, the largest employer in the area. And it’s growing.

Dozens of new businesses are on Wentzville Parkway, and more developments are planned for the future. 

The inflow of new companies has spurred extensive job growth in St. Charles County, not just in Wentzville.

WFH in Wentzville Thanks to COVID-19

With more people working from home since 2020, Wentzville has been on the rise. 

Remote work has opened the door for people to consider areas farther west than they would have before the pandemic. 

It is close enough that remote workers can be near St. Louis for occasional office visits, but they can live farther west where it’s easier to get a nicer, newer house for less money.

If you’re commuting into the city daily, be cautious of traffic. Expect to sit through a good 45 to 60 minutes of traffic if you’re traveling into St. Louis during peak rush hours. 

Wentzville by the Numbers: Cost of Living & Affordability

Let’s take a look at some numbers you’ll want to consider if living in Wentzville is on your radar.

Household income and Employment rates

Median household income compared to the national average

*Source Wentzville economic development using the U.S. Census

Wentzville household median Income: $98,207

National household median income: $74,580

Employment rate Wentzville, MO: 98.1%

Homeownership

Most people in Wentzville own their homes (84.7%)

There are 17,220 housing units (and growing)

Housing prices: 

Median home priceAverage home priceMedian price per square foot
$298,294$369,992$165

As of March 2024, homes in Wentzville have sold for 4.2% more than they did a year ago.

*Source March 2024 Rocket Homes Report

Cost of Living Data:

This chart shows the cost of living index values for different categories in Wentzville, Missouri. 

These values are compared to a national average using a cost of living calculator, set at 100. Higher values mean costs are above the national average, while lower values mean costs are below it.

*Source bestplaces.net/cost-of-living

Wentzville, MOState of Missouri
Overall100.685.9
Housing105.469
Utilities92.498.5
Transportation97.886.2
Health95.697.6
Grocery100.594.9

Wentzville is a bit more expensive than the state average in most categories. However, relative to the national average, it is pretty even, ranking close to 100 in these categories. 

Quality of Life

Areavibes.com gives an exceptional livability score of 79 ranking it at 94% of other areas. 

With its reported low crime rate, housing costs, low unemployment rate, and lower-than-national average health care costs, it’s no wonder residents report a good quality of life.

The downside is that Wentzville is very car-dependent. The walk score is low, and there isn’t much public transportation. 

If you’re going to live here, you’ll need a car.

Last year the city of Wentzville did a Community Satisfaction Survey to measure the satisfaction and quality of life of its residents.

Overall Perception of the city
*from the Wentzville, MO government website

Moving to Wentzville, MO: Why Make the Move?

Wentzville is on its way up, and there’s still a lot to look forward to in the coming years. Its location makes it convenient to travel to nearby cities

Moving to Wentzville, MO

From cozy villas and apartments to sprawling homes on acreage, there’s something for everyone. 

Living in Wentzville MO is a treasure trove of amenities, and everything you need is just a quick drive away. 

If you’re moving to Wentzville and in the market for a new home, get in touch with us! We’d love to support you during that process, and we love helping our clients move to the St. Louis area.

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Kellie Lasater

Kellie Lasater has over 20 years of experience in the St. Louis real estate market. She began her career in 2003 in new construction, working for a local builder. In 2012, she switched to residential real estate and has helped hundreds of families buy and sell homes. Raised in St. Louis, Kellie has watched the exciting growth of the metro area her whole life. From growing up in North County to currently residing in Wentzville, she has developed deep connections throughout the community and gained an intimate knowledge of the St. Louis market. Kellie's enthusiasm and passion for helping her clients buy, sell, and invest in real estate is unrivaled.