Clayton

St. Louis, MO

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$617,000 (June 2025)
Median Home Price
80–85 (Very Walkable; downtown core especially)
Walkability Score
Clayton School District consistently ranks among the top in Missouri; high test scores and college readiness.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by Forest Park Parkway (south), Big Bend Blvd (west), I-170 (north), and the city of St. Louis (east). Includes downtown Clayton and adjacent residential areas.

Zip Codes

63105

Market Data Summary

Price RangeCondos/townhomes from $325,000; single-family homes typically $600,000–$2M+
Price per Sq Ft$299 (June 2025)
Inventory LevelsLow inventory; 17 homes sold/pending in June 2025, down 10.5% MoM[1].

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesLuxury condosTownhomesHistoric mansions

Architectural Styles

Tudor RevivalColonial RevivalGeorgianContemporaryMid-century modern

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes0.15–0.5 acres (larger in historic districts)
Home Age Range1920s–2020s; mix of historic and new construction
Construction QualityHigh; many homes feature premium finishes, custom details, and extensive renovations.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Highly educated, professional, and affluent; diverse mix of families, executives, and international residents.

Community Vibe

Upscale, cosmopolitan, walkable downtown with a blend of historic charm and modern amenities.

Typical Residents

  • Families
  • Young professionals
  • Executives
  • Empty nesters

Family Friendly

Very family-friendly; excellent schools, parks, and safe streets.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Shaw Park (swimming, tennis, ice rink)
  • Oak Knoll Park
  • Centene Community Ice Center

Dining Options

  • Pastaria
  • 801 Chophouse
  • Cafe Napoli
  • Louie

Shopping Centers

  • Clayton Business District
  • The Crescent
  • Nearby Brentwood Square

Local Businesses

  • Kaldi’s Coffee
  • Pastaria
  • Straub’s Market
  • The Ritz-Carlton

Education & Schools

Clayton School District consistently ranks among the top in Missouri; high test scores and college readiness.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Meramec Elementary
  • Glenridge Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Wydown Middle School

High Schools

  • Clayton High School

Private Schools

  • The Wilson School
  • St. Michael School of Clayton

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • MetroLink Clayton Station
  • MetroBus lines

Major Roads

  • Forest Park Parkway
  • Hanley Road
  • I-170

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times10–20 minutes to downtown St. Louis; 15 minutes to Lambert Airport.
WalkabilityExcellent in downtown; good in residential areas.
ParkingMix of street parking, permit zones, and private garages; can be tight near downtown during business hours.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Affluent families
  • Corporate relocators
  • Medical professionals
  • Empty nesters

Key Selling Points

  • Top-ranked schools
  • Walkable downtown
  • Luxury amenities
  • Historic charm with modern updates

Pricing Considerations

Homes above $1M require strategic pricing and patience; price reductions more common in 2025.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: High property taxes

Response Strategy:

Emphasize top-tier schools, city services, and resale value.

Objection: Older homes may need updates

Response Strategy:

Showcase recent renovations and available move-in ready options.

Objection: Parking challenges downtown

Response Strategy:

Highlight private garages, permit options, and walkability to amenities.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Moderate; 5.2% YoY growth (March 2025), but recent median price dip suggests stabilization[4][1].

Rental Demand

Strong, especially for luxury apartments and condos targeting professionals and students.

Buyer Competition

Moderate; 41% of homes sold under asking, but well-priced homes still see multiple offers[1].

Best For

  • Families seeking top schools
  • Executives
  • Investors targeting stable, high-end rental market

Potential Concerns

  • High property taxes
  • Rising days on market
  • Price sensitivity above $1M

Professional Recommendations

1

Leverage school district data and walkability in marketing materials.

2

Stage homes to highlight flexible spaces and outdoor amenities.

3

Educate sellers on realistic pricing and market time expectations.

4

Network with relocation specialists and major local employers.

5

Monitor inventory closely for shifts in buyer leverage.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Ladue
  • University City
  • Central West End

Market Positioning

Clayton is positioned as the premier walkable, upscale suburb with urban amenities and top schools.

Competitive Advantages

  • Superior schools
  • Walkable business district
  • Luxury housing stock

Price Comparison

Higher than St. Louis metro average ($256,958), but competitive with Ladue and Central West End[2][4].

Investment Metrics

3.5–4.5% for luxury rentals (2025 estimate)
Cap Rates
3–4% gross annual yield
Rental Yields
High (indicative of owner-occupant preference and stable values)
Price-to-Rent
Positive for high-end rentals; limited for single-family homes due to high entry price.
Cash Flow
Stable to moderate growth (3–5% annually) barring economic shocks.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Challenging due to high entry price; best suited for dual-income professionals or those seeking condos/townhomes.

Move-Up Buyers

Strong appeal for families upgrading for schools and amenities.

Downsizers

Luxury condos and townhomes offer low-maintenance living in a walkable setting.

Investors

Best for long-term appreciation and stable rental demand; less suited for high cash flow.

Relocators

Popular for corporate and medical relocations due to proximity to business and healthcare hubs.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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