Looking for a charming small-town atmosphere with all the excitement of being one of the fastest-growing towns in Missouri?
Let me introduce you to Cottleville.
It’s the kind of place where you can hop onto a golf cart and ride into town to grab a fresh croissant and hot cup of coffee, pop into some cute boutiques, and come back to your new home at the end of the day.
Whether you’re moving from out of state or just looking for a fresh start within the St. Louis area, we’ve helped dozens of clients settle into Cottleville.
And after reading this, you’ll see why this is one of the best places to live in St. Charles County.
In this guide, I’ll cover:
- Cottleville’s great location
- Why you see golf carts everywhere
- What to do in Old Town Cottleville
- Homes, prices, and neighborhoods in Cottleville
- Parks, rec, things to stay active
Cottleville: A Hidden Gem West of STL
Cottleville is a charming town that is booming with new development.
Plus, it’s in the middle of St. Charles County.
It’s a great place to call home if you want to live close to St. Louis without being as far out as an area like Wentzville.
Drive-Time to Key Places
Route 364 runs through Cottleville, making it easy to get to Route 94 and I-64/40.
Here are some drives you may be making from Cottleville:
- Main Street St. Charles: 15 minutes
- Chesterfield Valley: 15 minutes
- St. Louis Lambert Airport: 25 Minutes
- Downtown Clayton: 30 minutes
- Downtown St. Louis: 40 minutes
Cottleville is a very suburban area with a few different styles of living:
- Villas and townhomes
- Older single-family home subdivisions
- Brand-new single-family homes
- Assisted living facilities
Plus, Old Town is the heart of Cottleville.
Even though it’s a”historic” town center, it actually has a lot of brand-new spots to check out.
It’s also close to some of the best healthcare providers in the region, including Mercy Hospital and SSM Health locations in nearby Saint Peters and Saint Charles.
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According to U.S. Census data, the city of Cottleville is the county’s fastest-growing community.
Cottleville is one of the towns that has benefited the most from all the recent growth in St. Charles County.
Cottleville is one of the oldest towns in St. Charles County.
Its origins can be traced back to the early 1800s when a cluster of houses appeared near the intersection of the old Boone’s Lick Road and the Dardenne Creek.
The town’s roots are tied to Captain Warren G. Cottle, who secured a land grant from the Spanish in 1798. In 1810, a family from Kentucky settled 1.5 miles west.
It grew over time and maintained the small-town charm where everyone knew everyone. In 1839, the town was named “Cottleville.”
Today, Cottleville covers an area of about 4.5 square miles and is home to over 5,600 residents.
Golf Carts in Cottleville
One thing you’ll notice as soon as you get to Cottleville is golf carts.
They’re everywhere!
People love to ride around town on them.
Whether you’re running errands, heading to a restaurant in Old Town, or just enjoying a leisurely ride, golf carts are a popular way to get around here.
Driving through Old Town, you’ll notice some small parking spots for golf carts.
There’s a whole golf cart parking lot next to the sand volleyball courts behind Frankie Martin’s Garden.
It’s one of the many draws to Cottleville, and it’s a fun thing that our clients love when they move here.
Another place known for its golf cart-friendly attitude in St. Louis is Soulard.
Old Town Cottleville
Easy access to historic downtown Cottleville is the best part of living here.
It has an old-timey charm, and you’ll see a few buildings that date back to the 1800s.
Taking a stroll and hopping around the local spots in Old Town is the perfect way to explore Cottleville if you’re new to town.
Here, you’ll find a variety of local shops, boutiques, and restaurants, each with its own unique character.
Food & Drinks in Old Town
For coffee and breakfast, check out:
- Upshot coffee
- Pink Willow Café
There are some great local restaurants for lunch, dinner, and dessert:
- Bemo’s
- Plank Road Pizza
- Oak Street Lounge
- Cookies and Cream
Related: Things to Do in Old Town Cottleville
And if you’re looking for a place to grab a drink, check out:
- Joe’s 5th Street Pub
- Cottleville Wine Seller
- Oak Street Lounge Speakeasy
- Frankie Martin’s Garden
Frankie Martin’s Garden
Frankie Martin’s Garden is my favorite place in Cottleville!
It opened a few years ago, and it’s a local hangout spot that has:
- Huge lawn with fire pits and pavilions
- A 26-foot LED screen for movie nights
- Local food trucks
- An indoor whiskey house
- Pickleball courts
- Sand volleyball
What I love about it? It’s kid-friendly and adult-friendly.
My three kiddos love running around like crazy, and my husband and I love grabbing a drink in the whiskey house with our friends.
Frankie Martin’s Garden is also where my real estate team and I host our annual Easter Egg Hunt.
We put together thousands of eggs for hundreds of kids 12 and under. Tickets are free, and we have food trucks and photos with the easter bunny!
Shops and Boutiques in Old Town
Whether you’re searching for antiques, handmade crafts, or the perfect gift, you’re sure to find something special in these cute stores:
- Lily and Day
- Blooming Daisy Marketplace
- Cottage Craft Store
- Talulah’s Scents, Décor & More
If you’re planning a trip to Cottleville, be sure to book a stay at the brand-new Oak Street Inn!
They just finished renovations, and it’s right next to Cottleville’s newest coffee bar: Pink Willow.
Another fun place to stay is the Bross Brothers’ Cabin. It’s a 200-year-old log cabin that’s been converted into a fun Airbnb.
Old Town Cottleville comes alive with plenty of community events throughout the year.
From local markets to holiday pop-ups, there’s always something happening in this part of town.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Cottleville
Cottleville is known for its St. Patrick’s Day parade.
It’s one thing you must know about if you move to town.
During the parade, the streets of Old Town are decorated in green, and the whole day is an outdoor celebration.
Local businesses have street tables, offering food, drinks, and free merch.
It’s a great event for kids and adults.
Whether you’re sticking to water or trying a boozy St. Patty’s Day-themed cocktail, you’ll have a blast.
The great thing about St. Patty’s in Cottleville? It’s not nearly as chaotic as the parade in Dogtown.
Homes in Cottleville
Cottleville has some top-notch neighborhoods featuring single-family homes, villas, and townhomes.
In recent years, home prices have risen.
The 2025 median home price in Cottleville is $532,874, making it one of the more expensive suburbs of St. Louis.
On the low end of price, you’ll find smaller homes and villas from $250,000 to $300,000.
On the higher end, many of the newer-built homes in Cottleville range from $800,000 to $1,500,000.
The Cost of Living Index in Cottleville (97.6) is slightly above the Missouri average of 88.7. But Cottleville is below the national average for similar suburbs with top-rated schools and amenities.
Neighborhoods in Cottleville
Most neighborhoods in Cottleville stem from Highway N, which is the main road that connects to Old Town Cottleville.
Highway N will take you east to Mid Rivers Mall Drive and west to Highway K, the main artery running North-South through O’Fallon.
Some neighborhoods in Cottleville are close enough to walk right into Old Town.
And since Cottleville is a golf cart community, many people drive golf carts into town for coffee or dinner.
Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Cottleville based on neighborhood size and home values:
- Cottleville Estates
- Brittany Place
- Winterbrooke Estates
- Vantage Pointe
- Windsor Place
- The Manors at Oakwood
- Colonial Green
- Miralago Estates
- Timberwood Trails
In addition to these neighborhoods, Cottleville has two new developments if you’re interested in new construction: Cottleville Trails and Prairie Bluff.
While it’s not a new city, Cottleville often feels like one, thanks to all the recent developments, including new neighborhoods like Cottleville Trails and Prairie Bluff.
Cottleville’s Largest New Neighborhood: Cottleville Trails
Cottleville Trails is the largest new development, with over 350 new homes.
Cottleville Trails even connects to Old Town, so you can ride your golf cart or walk into town.
It’s located south of Highway N and east of Highway K.
Cottleville Trails offers a variety of floor plans, including ranch-style, 1.5-story, and 2-story single-family homes, as well as freestanding villas.
The four builders here are Fischer & Frichtel, Lombardo, McKelvey, and Consort.
Watch our tour inside Lombardo’s display home in Cottleville Trails:
This thoughtfully designed community is committed to creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere with some of the best amenities:
- 5 scenic lakes
- Community beach
- Meandering walking trails
- Community pool with pool house
- Community pavilion with a fire pit
- Several play areas for kids
We’ve had many clients inquire about building with one of these four builders.
For now, there’s plenty of availability with 3 builders, so contact us if you’re interested in new construction in Cottleville.
Prairie Bluff: More New Homes in Cottleville
Prairie Bluff is another development that combines the beauty of the outdoors with modern living.
This new neighborhood is being built by Fischer & Frichtel and Consort Homes.
Located near Old Town Cottleville and right behind Cottleville Trails, Prairie Bluff offers a peaceful and family-friendly environment.
Living in Prairie Bluff means waking up to gorgeous nature views, taking leisurely walks by the lake, and enjoying the serenity of suburban life.
If you like new construction, check out Dardenne Prairie and Wentzville. Those are two other suburbs of St. Louis currently exploding with growth and development.
Schools in Cottleville
Cottleville is home to one of the top 15 public school districts in Missouri: The Francis Howell School District.
The public school options for students in Cottleville are:
- Francis Howell Central High School
- Louis C. Saeger Middle School
- Warren Elementary School
St. Joseph Catholic School, a private school, provides classes for kindergarten through eighth-grade students. It’s where my kiddos go!
St. Charles Community College is located nearby for college students or adults interested in continuing their education.
Cottleville gives you access to one of the best high schools in St. Charles County, and that’s just one of the many draws to this part of St. Louis.
Related: New Home Development in Cottleville
Parks and Rec in Cottleville
Cottleville is perfect if you like green space; it has 210 acres of parks and 38.5 acres of serene lakes.
When you live here, it’s easy to spend a Saturday walking the trails, fishing, or letting the kids burn energy at one of the playgrounds.
Legacy Park
Legacy Park is located on Fifth Street near City Hall on Hwy N and offers:
- Basketball
- Tennis
- Sand volleyball
- Walking trails
- Lakes
- Dog park
If you’ve got a green thumb, check out the community garden next to Vantage Lake in Legacy Park.
There are 19 raised beds. The garden space is free, and reservations open March 1st of every year.
Dardenne Greenway
Legacy Park also connects to the Dardenne Greenway, which meanders alongside Dardenne Creek.
You can walk or bike the paved trail to athletic fields, a dog park, St. Charles Community College, or step outdoors and breathe in the fresh air.
Hansen Park
Another fun option for kids of all abilities is Hansen Park, the home of McCauley’s Playground.
This inclusive play area just behind Mercy Kids Mid Rivers pediatric care facility on Ohmes Road is designed to remove physical and social barriers so children with and without disabilities can play side by side.
Scott A. Lewis Park
Scott A. Lewis Park has a 25-acre lake where you can bring a kayak or a paddleboard.
The Scott A. Lewis Park can be found in the back of Miralago Subdivision off Mid Rivers Mall Drive.
If you are near the St. Charles Community College campus, check out College Meadows Park, which has one of only three 8-hole disc golf courses in the region.
Gyms and Golf Nearby
Fit City recently opened its newest gym in Cottleville. Fit City is locally owned, and the other gym location is next to Lafayette Square.
They have a state-of-the-art fitness center with the latest and greatest strength and cardio experience in the former OfficeMax space on Mid Rivers Mall Drive.
If you’re big into golf, you’ll be near a few country clubs.
Whitmoor Country Club is by far one of the best-known country clubs in the area, and it’s a quick drive away from Old Town Cottleville.
You’ll also be pretty close to Winghaven Country Club, which is located in Winghaven, which is a subsection of O’Fallon.
Making the Move to Cottleville
If you’re considering a move to Cottleville, you’re not just choosing a place to live; you’re choosing a community.
With its golf cart community, quaint Old Town district, and exciting new developments, Cottleville offers the perfect lifestyle.
If you’re considering making Cottleville home, reach out to us!
Helping our clients move to Cottleville is always a pleasure; whether you’re looking at new construction or buying an existing home, we are here to help.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a welcoming community, Cottleville has something for you.
