Historic St. Louis suburb with culture, art and lifestyle attractions
Less than five miles from downtown St Louis, Central West End blends history, culture, and modern energy. Positioned beside Forest Park, the city’s largest green space, and near Barnes Jewish Hospital, the area offers both outdoor access and proximity to major employers. Its streets are lined with trend forward restaurants, boutiques, and growing tech ventures, making it one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods.
The community is also home to architectural landmarks like Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, setting the tone for a district rich in character. Often described as having an East Coast feel, the Central West End has evolved from its earlier bohemian roots into a polished yet still distinctive urban enclave.
Central West End has easy access to Downtown St. Louis.
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis in Central West End was completed in 1914.
Edgy eats on Euclid
Life in the Central West End spills onto the streets after hours, with neighbors gathering at stylish restaurants and dimly lit cocktail bars along Euclid Avenue. Sidewalk cafes hum on relaxed afternoons, while City Foundry STL comes alive at night with live music, craft drinks, and local bites.
Highly walkable and bike friendly, the neighborhood also offers easy access to grocery stores, fitness centers, a movie theater, shops, and longtime art galleries. From upscale markets to everyday options like ALDI, convenience and culture sit side by side just minutes from St Louis.
Shops and restaurants are abuzz in Central West End with plenty of walkable streets and outdoor seating.
Meet friends in the Central West End for lunch at Little Saigon, a stylish Vietnamese eatery.
All's Fair in architecture
The 1904 World’s Fair left a lasting imprint on the Central West End, shaping its eclectic mix of architectural styles. Homes range from updated 19th century residences to classic townhomes and modern condos in sleek high rises overlooking St Louis. Turn of the century brickwork stands alongside French Tudor, Colonial, and Greek Revival influences, with a touch of postmodern design woven in.
Prices reflect that variety. More modest properties can start around 200000, while expansive historic estates and luxury residences can exceed 1 million.
American Foursquare homes line historic residential streets in Central West End.
Central West End has several condos with easy access to downtown St. Louis.
Fun and games at Forest Park
While the Central West End has several neighborhood parks, its true outdoor centerpiece is Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country and walkable for many residents. The park is home to iconic attractions like the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Saint Louis Zoo, drawing millions of visitors each year.
From summer trail walks and garden strolls to golfing at The Highlands Golf & Tennis Center or warming up inside The Jewel Box, there is something to enjoy year round. Once the site of the 1904 World’s Fair, Forest Park remains one of St Louis’s most treasured destinations.
Hit the bike trails in Forest Park located in Central West End.
Animals Aglow nights at Forest Park Zoo has dazzling lights & glowing creatures in the Spring.
Halloween hot spot
Every year, St Louis heads to the Central West End for one of the city’s largest Halloween celebrations. The all day block party begins with family friendly fun like dog costume contests and pumpkin decorating, then shifts into an evening scene with DJs, fire dancers, and bar hopping that carries the party to midnight.
Art remains at the heart of the neighborhood’s identity. Monthly Art Strolls along McPherson Avenue feature gallery tours, live music, and performances, while the local branch of the St Louis Public Library offers classes and community programs. Creative learning also extends to institutions like the World Chess Hall of Fame, adding to the area’s cultural depth.
Metro's a class act
Students in the Central West End are part of St Louis Public Schools, which holds a C rating from Niche. Families also have access to strong alternatives, including charter and private schools throughout the area. A standout public option is Metro Academic and Classical High School, an A rated school offering both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs.
Younger students may attend Dewey International Studies School and Long International Middle School before high school. Many families also consider private institutions such as The Wilson School, one of the region’s oldest and most highly regarded options.
Near Central West End, Long Middle Community Education Center empowers future world leaders.
Metro Academic and Classical High School serves students from ninth through twelfth grade.
Seamless commutes from I-64
Central West End is anchored by major employers like Barnes Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, making it a hub for medical research and care. Many professionals commute via nearby stations on the MetroLink, while city bus routes connect residents throughout St Louis.
Interstate 64 runs along the south side of the neighborhood, with convenient access from Forest Park Avenue, allowing for smooth travel to downtown and surrounding areas.
The Barnes Jewish Siteman Cancer Center is an international leader in cancer treatment.
The Washington University School of Medicine is recognize as one of the best schools of medicine in the United States.
Overview for Central West End, MO
14,915 people live in Central West End, where the median age is 34
and the average individual income is $63,191.
Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
14,915
Total Population
34 years
Median Age
High
Population Density
Population DensityThis is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
$63,191
Average individual Income
Around Central West End, MO
There's plenty to do around Central West End, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
72
Very Walkable
Walking Score
66
Bikeable
Bike Score
56
Good Transit
Transit Score
Points of Interest
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Switchgrass Spirits Distillery, Kaldi's Coffee Roasting Co, and Krajina.
Demographics and Employment Data for Central West End, MO
PopulationHouseholdsEmployment
Central West End has 9,131 households, with an average household size of 2. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.Here’s what the people living in Central West End do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.14,915 people call Central West End home. The population density is 12,402.43 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
14,915
Total Population
High
Population Density
Population DensityThis is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
34
Median Age
50.87 / 49.13%
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9:
0-9 Years
10-17:
10-17 Years
18-24:
18-24 Years
25-64:
25-64 Years
65-74:
65-74 Years
75+:
75+ Years
Education Level
Less Than 9th Grade
High School Degree
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Graduate Degree
9,131
Total Households
2
Average Household Size
$63,191
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Marital Status
Married
Single
Divorced
Separated
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar:
Commute Time
0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes
Schools in Central West End, MO
All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Central West End. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family.
Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
