Tucked between Lake St. Louis and O’Fallon, Dardenne Prairie is a growing pocket of St. Charles County that combines small-town charm with modern convenience.
It’s a smaller suburb that flies under the radar, but it’s one of my favorite parts of central St. Charles County.
It’s one of the most sought-after towns in the state of Missouri, where you’ll find newer single-family homes, friendly neighbors, and easy access to shopping, healthcare, and recreation.
If you’ve been comparing neighborhoods across Saint Peters, O’Fallon, and Lake St. Louis, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about living in Dardenne Prairie, MO.
Let’s take a closer look at what life in Dardenne Prairie really looks like.
Where is Dardenne Prairie?
Dardenne Prairie sits right in the center of St. Charles County, about 17 miles west of St. Charles and roughly 37 miles northwest of Downtown St. Louis.
It’s bordered by Interstate 64 to the south, with Interstate 70 just three miles north.
Highway 364 runs right through the middle, making it easy to get around and explore nearby communities.
Our clients who move to Dardenne Prairie love the convenient access to Route 364 and Interstate 64/40.
Here are some commute times from Dardenne Prairie to popular nearby cities.
| St. Louis | 40 min |
| St. Charles | 25 min |
| St. Peters | 16 min |
| Valley Park | 35 min |
| Creve Coeur | 28 min |
| Lake St. Louis | 10 min |
| Maryland Heights | 26 min |
| O’Fallon | 10 min |
*Times are approximate.
Why People Love Living Here
With its balance of comfort, safety, and growth, Dardenne Prairie has become a perfect place for anyone looking to plant roots.
You’ll find newer homes with great neighborhood amenities, easy access to walking trails, parks, and the family-friendly City Hall Park, plus proximity to dining at Dardenne Town Square.
From Farmland to Booming Suburb
Long before it became a thriving suburb, Dardenne Prairie was exactly what its name suggests: a prairie.
The town used to be a stretch of open pastures extending north of Dardenne Creek almost to Peruque Creek.
Back then, it was all farmland, family homesteads, and open fields.
In 1980, a few families from Immaculate Conception Parish began discussing what it would take to form their own village.
Just a year later, Dardenne Prairie was officially incorporated with only 17 properties and a big vision for growth.
In those early days, the community didn’t have much; they held bake sales, took donations, and relied on volunteers to keep things running.
Nearby landowners could join the city if their property bordered existing city limits.
That process that helped Dardenne Prairie grow quickly.
A Town Built on Community
In those early years, neighbors helped neighbors.
There weren’t city departments or development offices yet. Just people who cared.
As Dardenne Prairie grew, local leaders prioritized smart planning and thoughtful zoning to protect what made the area special: its open spaces and strong sense of community.
After years of steady expansion, residents voted in 2001 to transition from a village to a fourth-class city.
Board president Marilyn Field became the city’s first mayor, marking the start of a new era of growth and local pride.
Who lives in Dardenne Prairie?
Dardenne Prairie has shown consistent growth over the past 5 years.
Let’s get a closer look at who lives in Dardenne Prairie by the numbers:
| Total Population | 14,800 |
| Population Growth | 2.82% annually |
| Density (people per square mile) | 2,777 |
| Median Household Income | $155,585 |
| Median Age | 42.7 |
| Married People | 66.1% |
Most residents own single-family homes on quiet streets near parks, walking trails, and top-rated schools, making Dardenne Prairie the perfect place for anyone who values space, safety, and community.
Suburban Living at Its Finest
Dardenne Prairie is family-friendly and safe, with a community that values thoughtful growth and planning for the city’s future.
The town is consistently ranked one of the top suburbs to raise a family.
It offers the quiet, slower pace of suburban life while still being close enough to enjoy a Cardinals game or a day in St. Louis.
Residents benefit from a strong community vibe, with well-planned housing developments, plenty of outdoor spaces, shopping, healthcare facilities, and excellent schools.
Home Styles in Dardenne Prairie
Dardenne Prairie is a relatively new community, with most homes built within the last 20 years.
The majority are newer traditional single‑family homes, typically 2‑story with 3–4 bedrooms, open floor plans, and modern finishes.
You’ll find everything from traditional single-family homes to low-maintenance villas and new construction communities.
Prices range widely, from around $200K to over $1 million, providing options for a variety of budgets, with the average home value being $466,772, according to Zillow.
You’ll mostly see homes with stone and brick facades and vinyl siding.
There are also villas and townhomes in Dardenne Prairie.
Villas are detached, low-maintenance homes that make life easy and comfortable.
Most are single-level or 1.5-story, with open layouts, modern finishes, and smaller yards that the HOA often maintains for you.
Many communities come with walking paths, parks, and other amenities.
These communities are well-suited for retirees or someone looking for a low-maintenance situation.
Neighborhoods in Dardenne Prairie
Even though most homes in Dardenne Prairie were built within the last 20 years, each neighborhood brings its own personality.
Subdivisions in this part of town vary by home styles, neighborhood amenities, and price points.
Let’s discuss some of the neighborhoods you’ll find in Dardenne Prairie, and a quick look at what you can expect from each one.
Aberdeen
Developed in the early 2000s, and offers a classic suburban feel with mostly traditional 2-story homes and attached garages.
You’ll find cozy single-story ranch homes mixed in as well.
As a planned community, residents enjoy great amenities, including a pool and tennis courts, perfect for summertime and active living.
Barathaven
A scenic, well-kept neighborhood known for its manicured lawns and brick 1- and 2-story homes.
It borders the Dardenne Greenway at Barathaven and Bluebird Meadow Park, giving residents access to walking trails, a peaceful lake, and plenty of open space and sports fields right outside your door.
Villages at Dardenne
This neighborhood is all about convenience.
It’s close to shopping, grocery stores, the Renaud Fitness Center, and nearby golf courses.
Plus, it sits right by Hwy 364 and Hwy K, making it super easy to get around.
Built up in the early 2000s, this neighborhood features a mix of 1- and 2-story homes, with both brick and siding exteriors.
Villages at Bainbridge
An upscale neighborhood filled mostly with traditional two-story homes and offers great curb appeal thanks to an HOA that maintains the exterior of each property.
It’s one of the most popular subdivisions in Dardenne Prairie.
One of our clients’ favorite parts of Bainbridge is the community pool, perfect for relaxing in the summer and connecting with neighbors.
Canvas Cove
One of the more established neighborhoods in Dardenne Prairie, Canvas Cove features homes built in the mid-90s.
The properties are well-kept, with many showcasing brick exteriors and mature landscaping.
This prime location is located near Highways 364, 64, and K, residents enjoy easy access to shopping, dining options, and the highly regarded Fort Zumwalt School District.
Darenne Acres
Tucked in the corner of Stump and Fiese Road, Dardenne Acres is a small, highly sought-after subdivision.
Homes here were built in the early 1990s and feature large lots with beautifully maintained yards and spacious ranch-style homes.
Homes in Dardenne Acres don’t come on the market often, which makes this unique neighborhood a rare find.
Plus, it’s conveniently located near shopping, dining, and major roads, offering the perfect balance of quiet suburban living and easy access to everything you need.
New Development in Dardenne Prairie
There’s plenty of new build homes going up in Dardenne Prairie from luxury apartment homes to single family homes.
Here are the newest communities joining the housing market in Dardenne Prairie.
Willow Grove
Willow Grove is a new construction community of 20 homes by Rolwes Company.
Willow Grove is located off Hanley Road and Meadows Drive, just minutes from Hwy 364.
Homes start at $509,990 and feature 3–5 bedrooms, 1- or 2-story layouts, and many include 3-car garages.
Cedarstone
This new construction community by Consort Homes is conveniently located just off Interstate 64 and Post Road.
Homes start at $482,000 and feature a mix of 2-story traditional layouts and ranch-style homes, offering 3–5 bedrooms.
The Courtyards at Barathaven
Within the Barathaven community, you’ll find the courtyards at Barathaven. These are 47 newly built white brick villas, ranging from $550,000 to $1,100,000.
Conveniently located near St. Charles Community College and the Dardenne Greenway with athletic fields, walking trails, and scenic lakes.
This community by Epcon Communities offers modern new-construction homes ranging from $550,000 up to $1,100,000.
Floor plans range from 2-6 bedrooms with options for 2- or 3-car garages, giving buyers flexibility to fit their lifestyle.
Inverness
An upscale new-construction community offering luxury living and conveniently located off Feise Road with easy access to I-64, I-70, and I-364. Homes in this area are from Lombardo,McKelvey and Fischer, with various styles and price points to fit your needs.
This master-planned neighborhood features gently curved streets, four lakes, pocket parks, walking trails, and open green space.
Residents also enjoy a complimentary one-year membership to Lake Forest Country Club, offering access to golf, tennis, a pool, and dining.
Prairie Encore
This exciting new mixed-use Dardenne Prairie luxury apartment building offers studio to 3-bedroom floor plans and top-notch amenities:
- Fitness center
- Outdoor game area
- Clubhouse
- Heated saltwater pool
Nicely situated at Feise Rd and Bryan Road, Prairie Encore gives you great access to restaurants, shopping, coffee shops, and necessities. Opening this fall, 2025.
Schools
There are three school districts that serve Dardenne Prairie:
Fort Zumwalt School District is ranked the #1 school district in St. Charles County and holds an overall A rating on Niche. Students highlight strong college-prep courses and great arts programs, while parents consistently praise the welcoming and inclusive staff.
Fort Zumwalt serves the eastern to northeastern parts of Dardenne Prairie.
Francis Howell School District also earns high marks across the board, receiving an overall A rating from Niche. Students rave about the “exceptional” music department and strong resources, while parents appreciate the respectful and dedicated staff.
Francis Howell serves some of the southernmost areas of Dardenne Prairie.
Wentzville School District follows the trend of earning an A rating on Niche, and students and families highlight the district’s supportive staff, solid academic programs, and wide range of extracurricular opportunities.
The Wentzville School District serves the northwestern portion of Dardenne Prairie.
Planning for a High-Growth Future
Dardenne Prairie prides itself on thoughtful planning, ensuring that the city grows in a way that aligns with its vision of being a welcoming community while maintaining its character and quality of life.
To do this, it created a “Comprehensive Plan” which ‘serves as a guide for making the community one of the best places to live and work…’ The first version of this was adopted in 2002.
Later, the City’s Planning and Zoning Commission came together to review and revise the document and created the 2020 Comprehensive Plan with input from residents and other stakeholders.
What’s The Plan?
There’s a focus on balancing residential, commercial, and industrial development so the city doesn’t sprawl.
There’s a focus on maintaining the suburban feel of the area with open spaces and linking greenways and parks.
It encourages development in areas with existing infrastructure, so the city doesn’t spread out on undeveloped land.
This plan is meant to be a living document that is updated as the city’s needs evolve. The plan is active and being updated; residents should expect periodic updates.
Recreation and Entertainment
Outdoor Spaces
Dardenne Prairie values its outdoor spaces, making the outdoors an accessible part of this community’s lifestyle. Here are some highlights!
Barathaven Park: Featuring 93.58 acres of land with 3 miles of trails, a 15-acre lake, and athletic fields.
Bluebird Meadow Park: A local favorite, featuring scenic walking trails along Dardenne Creek. The paved paths make it perfect for runners, stroller walks, or taking your dog out for a stroll.
Dardenne Prairie Athletic Complex: An outdoor athletic space with 3 ballfields and 4 pickleball courts.
The Links at Dardenne is a public golf course for golfers of all levels. And there’s an onsite restaurant!
City Hall Park: Features a playground for older and younger kids and a splash pad!
Indoor Fitness
Renaud Center: This place has just about anything you’d want in a rec center. Indoor pool, childcare, weight room, fitness classes, and more!
Events and Things To Do
Dardenne Prairie isn’t just about great neighborhoods and parks; it’s also a hub for community events and entertainment.
From family-friendly festivals to outdoor concerts and adult leagues, there’s always something happening that brings neighbors together and keeps the calendar full of fun.
Summer Concert Series: Enjoy free outdoor concerts for the whole family at City Hall Park starting in May. Bring a chair, pack a picnic, and soak in the music!
Easter Egg Hunt: Free annual event that includes pictures with the easter bunny, food trucks, and entertainment.
Tree of Lights Celebration: A beloved community event featuring musical performances from local schools, a visit from Santa, refreshments, and the festive tree lighting for everyone to enjoy.
Adult Cornhole: A fun league and tournament designed for adults, perfect for friendly competition, socializing, and enjoying a night out with neighbors.
Kinetic Park: A go-to spot for families and active kids, Kinetic Park has ramps, a pump track, indoor rock climbing, plus a playground, swings, and pickleball courts. Admission is free, the facilities are well-kept, and it’s a fun, welcoming place for kids and parents alike.
Dickherber Farms: A local favorite, the farm features tractor rides, farm animals, and a corn maze.
Dardenne Town Square
Dardenne Town Square is the community’s go-to spot for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Anchored by Target, Shop N’ Save, JCPenney, and a 12-screen theater, it also features smaller shops with favorites like Petco and Starbucks.
With convenient access and plenty of options, it’s a central hub for Dardenne Prairie residents.
Thinking About Moving to Dardenne Prairie?
Whether you’re buying a new home, downsizing to a villa, or relocating to be closer to family, our team at Gateway Realty Group can help.
We live and work throughout St. Charles County, giving you insider knowledge of neighborhoods, schools, and the real estate market.
Moving to Dardenne Prairie
Dardenne Prairie is a perfect place for anyone looking for a family-friendly, well-planned community in Saint Charles County.
With convenient access to Saint Peters and O’Fallon, a mix of new homes and established neighborhoods, and a housing stock that ranges from ranch-style homes to villas, this town offers options for a variety of budgets and lifestyles.
The local real estate market continues to grow steadily, with median home values in line with the national average.
From parks to shopping at Dardenne Town Square and the convenience of nearby highways, Dardenne Prairie balances suburban charm with modern amenities.
Whether you’re moving from elsewhere in the United States or another part of the St. Louis region, this community is worth a closer look, and it’s one of my favorites in all of St. Charles County.
