St. Louis is a city where the character of its homes tells the story of its history, its people, and its deep architectural roots. It’s not the kind of place where neighborhoods all look the same. Instead, block by block, you’ll find an eclectic mix of structures that speak to different eras and tastes, each offering something unique for potential homeowners and residents.
What truly sets St. Louis apart is how its housing reflects the values of the people who live there: community, craftsmanship, and a strong sense of pride in place. Whether you’re drawn to historic charm, suburban simplicity, or modern touches with backyard upgrades, St. Louis offers a little something for everyone.
Historic Brick Homes and Row Houses
One of the most defining features of St. Louis architecture is its iconic red brick. Throughout the city, especially in older neighborhoods like Soulard, Shaw, Benton Park, and Lafayette Square, you’ll see blocks lined with elegant 19th-century row houses and townhomes crafted from locally made brick. These buildings often feature arched windows, intricate cornices, iron railings, and original hardwood floors—remnants of the city’s past that remain highly sought after by today’s buyers.
Lafayette Square in particular stands out for its restored Victorian homes, many dating back to the 1800s. The attention to detail in these properties—from stained-glass windows to turreted roofs and wraparound porches—is unmatched. Living in one of these homes feels like stepping into a piece of living history. These neighborhoods attract buyers who value craftsmanship and charm, along with walkability to parks, cafés, and weekend farmers markets.
While some of these historic homes have been modernized inside, many still hold to their original form, offering fireplaces, high ceilings, and unique floor plans not typically found in newer builds. For buyers looking to put down roots in a house with personality, these homes offer an experience that’s hard to replicate.
Classic Mid-Century and Post-War Suburban Homes
Drive a few miles from the urban core and you’ll find another distinct housing style that helped shape modern St. Louis: the post-war suburban ranch and bungalow. Built mostly between the 1940s and 1970s, these single-story homes can be found in areas like Affton, Mehlville, and parts of St. Ann and Florissant. Many feature brick construction, large front yards, and long driveways leading to detached or attached garages.
These homes became popular during the boom in suburban living after World War II, when families sought more space and a slower pace of life. They offer efficient layouts, three-bedroom floor plans, and basements that serve as bonus family rooms or workshops. While some are still in original condition, many have been updated with open kitchens, new windows, and finished basements.
For first-time buyers, these neighborhoods provide an affordable entry into homeownership without sacrificing quality or convenience. They’re also favored by families looking for good school districts, safe streets, and strong community ties.
Tudor, Colonial, and Craftsman Homes in the Inner Suburbs
Move slightly further out into neighborhoods like Webster Groves, Clayton, Kirkwood, and University City, and you’ll see a blend of home styles that reflect early 20th-century tastes. Tudor-style homes with steeply pitched roofs, half-timbering, and leaded glass windows are particularly popular in these areas. So are Colonial Revivals with symmetrical facades, stately columns, and elegant front entries.
These homes are often nestled on tree-lined streets with manicured lawns and gardens, reflecting a timeless sense of residential pride. Many of the houses in these areas are well-preserved and owner-occupied, showing the kind of long-term commitment that builds strong communities.
Craftsman bungalows are also common here, especially in areas like Maplewood and Richmond Heights, distinguished by their wide front porches, overhanging eaves, and handcrafted wood detailing. These homes are beloved by homeowners who value character and comfort over size and flash.
New Builds and Contemporary Living
While St. Louis is deeply rooted in tradition, the city has also seen a steady rise in contemporary homes and new construction. Areas like Chesterfield, Wentzville, and parts of South County offer new developments filled with modern floor plans, energy-efficient systems, and community amenities like playgrounds, trails, and clubhouses.
New homes here tend to feature open-concept kitchens, large master suites, and spacious backyards—ideal for growing families or professionals who want the convenience of modern living without sacrificing comfort. Some infill development is also happening in the city proper, where older homes have been replaced with sleek new builds that blend modern materials with traditional exteriors, respecting the historic character of the neighborhood while providing updated features.
These homes often appeal to buyers who want move-in-ready options, low maintenance, and features like smart home systems, luxury bathrooms, and outdoor entertainment spaces.
Backyard Living and Inground Pools in St. Louis
St. Louis’s four-season climate makes backyard living an important part of homeownership. From spring garden planting to summer cookouts and crisp fall evenings by a fire pit, homeowners here make the most of their outdoor spaces.
That’s why inground pools St. Louis builders create are in such high demand. Especially in the city’s more spacious suburbs, homeowners are adding custom pools to enhance their lifestyle and property value. Whether it’s a family-friendly pool with a shallow area for kids, a minimalist lap pool for exercise, or a luxury design with waterfalls and lighting, these features are becoming central to the way people live and entertain at home.
For those considering a pool, many local contractors work with the existing layout of older homes and yards to create seamless, integrated designs that feel both modern and timeless. Pools in St. Louis aren’t just about staying cool—they’re about turning a backyard into a personal escape.
Final Thoughts
The housing landscape in St. Louis is as diverse as the people who call it home. Whether you’re drawn to the historic elegance of a brick row house, the charm of a Tudor cottage, the simplicity of a mid-century ranch, or the convenience of a brand-new build, the city offers something that suits every lifestyle and budget.
What ties all these homes together is the sense of community that surrounds them. St. Louis isn’t just about architecture—it’s about neighbors who wave, local shops that remember your name, and a lifestyle that balances tradition with progress.
If you’re looking for a city where your home can reflect your style, values, and way of life, St. Louis just might be the place to settle in—and stay.