Lafayette Square

St. Louis, MO

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$479,500 (May 2025)
Median Home Price
82 (Very Walkable)
Walkability Score
Mixed; some public schools below city average, but strong charter/private options nearby.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by Chouteau Ave (north), S. Jefferson Ave (west), I-44 (south), and Truman Parkway (east). Centered around Lafayette Park.

Zip Codes

63104

Market Data Summary

Price RangeRecent sales range from $174,900 (1,132 sqft condo) to $700,000+ for renovated historic homes
Price per Sq Ft$197 (May 2025)
Inventory LevelsInventory is increasing, contributing to buyer's market conditions. Homes are taking longer to sell compared to 2024[1].

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesTownhomesCondos

Architectural Styles

Victorian (Second Empire, Italianate, Federal)Historic brick rowhousesModern infill

Property Details

Typical Lot SizesSmall urban lots, often under 0.15 acres; some larger lots facing Lafayette Park.
Home Age RangeMid-1800s to early 1900s (historic core); some new construction and renovated properties.
Construction QualityHigh, especially for restored historic homes; many properties feature original details, hardwoods, and modern updates.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse, with a mix of young professionals, established families, and empty nesters. Higher-than-average education and income levels for St. Louis.

Community Vibe

Historic, walkable, artsy, and community-oriented. Strong neighborhood association and active local events.

Typical Residents

  • Young professionals
  • Families
  • Retirees
  • Remote workers

Family Friendly

Yes—proximity to Lafayette Park, playgrounds, and community events.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Lafayette Park (30 acres, playground, pond, walking trails)

Dining Options

  • Polite Society
  • Park Avenue Coffee
  • Eleven Eleven Mississippi
  • Square One Brewery

Shopping Centers

  • Local boutiques on Park Ave; Soulard Market and downtown shopping within 1 mile

Local Businesses

  • Coffee shops
  • Boutique retail
  • Fitness studios
  • Art galleries

Education & Schools

Mixed; some public schools below city average, but strong charter/private options nearby.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Sigel Elementary
  • City Garden Montessori (charter)

Middle Schools

  • Fanning Middle School

High Schools

  • Roosevelt High School

Private Schools

  • St. Louis University High
  • City Academy

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • MetroBus routes along Jefferson and Chouteau
  • Proximity to Civic Center MetroLink station (1 mile)

Major Roads

  • Chouteau Ave
  • S. Jefferson Ave
  • I-44

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times5-10 minutes to downtown; 20-25 minutes to Clayton; 15 minutes to Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
WalkabilityExcellent; most errands can be accomplished on foot.
ParkingStreet parking is common; some homes have off-street or garage parking. Can be tight during events.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Young professionals
  • Urban families
  • Empty nesters
  • Investors (long-term and short-term rentals)

Key Selling Points

  • Victorian homes with original details
  • 30-acre Lafayette Park
  • Vibrant dining and arts scene
  • Walkability to downtown

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively due to increased inventory; highlight unique features to justify premium.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Concerns about public school quality

Response Strategy:

Highlight nearby charter and private schools, and the neighborhood's appeal to families despite public school ratings.

Objection: Parking challenges

Response Strategy:

Point out homes with off-street parking or garages; discuss permit parking and walkability reducing car dependence.

Objection: Maintenance of historic homes

Response Strategy:

Emphasize recent renovations, available local contractors, and the long-term value of historic properties.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Strong—historic character and central location drive long-term value. 15.4% YoY price increase in 2025[1].

Rental Demand

High, especially for renovated units and short-term rentals. Popular with professionals and medical staff.

Buyer Competition

Moderate—shift to buyer's market, but unique homes still see multiple offers.

Best For

  • Owner-occupants seeking historic charm
  • Investors targeting stable rental income
  • Buyers wanting walkability and urban lifestyle

Potential Concerns

  • School quality for families
  • Parking limitations
  • Ongoing maintenance for historic homes

Professional Recommendations

1

Leverage the neighborhood's historic designation and park proximity in marketing.

2

Educate buyers about renovation incentives and historic tax credits.

3

Network with local businesses and the Lafayette Square Restoration Committee for referrals and community insights.

4

Stage homes to highlight both historic features and modern updates.

5

Prepare buyers for competitive bidding on unique properties, but negotiate assertively in the current buyer's market.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • The Grove
  • Tower Grove South
  • Benton Park West
  • Downtown West

Market Positioning

Premium historic district with urban amenities and strong community identity.

Competitive Advantages

  • Historic architecture and park setting
  • Higher walkability than most St. Louis neighborhoods
  • Strong community association

Price Comparison

Median price higher than city average but lower than Central West End; more affordable than comparable historic districts in other major cities.

Investment Metrics

4.5%–5.5% for well-maintained rentals
Cap Rates
Gross yields around 5.5%–6% for long-term rentals
Rental Yields
~15.3 (based on $243,148 median price and $1,325 median rent)[2]
Price-to-Rent
Positive for updated multi-units and short-term rentals; tighter for single-family homes at current prices.
Cash Flow
Moderate to strong, with continued demand for historic, walkable neighborhoods.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Appealing for those seeking urban lifestyle and historic charm; may need education on maintenance and financing for older homes.

Move-Up Buyers

Opportunity to secure larger, character-rich homes near downtown; competitive for unique properties.

Downsizers

Attractive for empty nesters wanting walkability and low-maintenance living; condos and townhomes available.

Investors

Strong rental demand and appreciation; short-term rental potential near downtown and hospitals.

Relocators

Central location, vibrant community, and amenities make it a top choice for those new to St. Louis.

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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