Just west of St. Louis City, this small city is a hot spot, known for its shopping options, top-tier schools, and great residential neighborhoods.
Let’s take a closer look at Des Peres: What it’s like to live there, some insider tips from Des Peres residents, and what the real estate scene looks like.
Quick tip before we get started: The name of the town is pronounced “Duh-Pair,” but your GPS might call it “Dez Perez.”
Des Peres at a Glance
Location
Des Peres is in West St. Louis County, about a 25-minute drive from downtown St. Louis, with I-270 cutting right through the middle.
It’s close enough to drive to a Cardinals game or visit Forest Park while still enjoying the good ol’ suburban lifestyle.
Public transit and public transportation options are available but limited. Most residents prefer driving.
In the St. Louis area, Interstate 270 is a dividing line.
Des Peres sits right at that transition zone where the inner-ring suburbs start to give way to more spread-out suburbia.
Shopping Hub
Des Peres is home to the West County Center and a wealth of big-box stores, restaurants, and other major retailers.
They’re all clustered along Manchester Road, which cuts through the middle of Des Peres.
Des Peres is one of the go-to shopping hubs in West County. The other big one is Chesterfield.
Together, Chesterfield and Des Peres have the bulk of retail and shopping on the west side of the St. Louis Metro.
No City Property Tax
You heard it right!
Des Peres started the tradition of no property tax over 30 years ago.
Instead of collecting property taxes, the city funds local services, like its fire department, by taxing online transactions.
It’s a unique model that’s proven very successful.
It’s one more reason homeowners here feel like they’re getting real value for their investment.
Homes in Des Peres
Des Peres home values are on the pricier side compared to some of the surrounding areas, with a mix of:
- Modest single-family homes
- Million-dollar estates
- Luxury apartments
- New construction
There are even a few historic properties throughout town.
What are the homes in Des Peres like?
Des Peres is primarily a community of single-family homes.
You’ll see a lot of ranch and split-level styles that were built in the 1970s suburban boom.
There’s also a significant number of single-family homes that were built in the 50s and 80s.
New construction is on the rise in Des Peres, though these homes tend to come with a higher price tag.
Some of these homes are being built in established neighborhoods.
There are also luxury apartments with all of the amenities like a pool, fitness center, lounge, business center, and more.
Neighborhoods in Des Peres
Des Peres is a gorgeous town with manicured lawns and stylish single-family homes, but some subdivisions have a unique vibe.
Luxury New Construction Community: Enclave at Greenbriar
Looking for a new build townhome? The Enclave at Greenbriar is a premier new community of 19 townhomes ranging from 3,000 to 4,200+ square feet. Base pricing starts from $1.6 million.
- Limited Homesites: With only 19 lots, this is an exclusive chance to get into new construction in a highly sought-after city.
- Luxury Floor Plans: Think open-concept layouts, high-end finishes, and plenty of customization options to make it your own.
- Top Location: You’re right around the corner from I-270; this enclave is right off Dougherty Ferry Road.
Buying or Building in Des Peres?
We can help with that.
We are local realtors who love helping new clients find their perfect home.
WORK WITH USManhattan Heights is one of Des Peres’ earliest subdivisions, known for its mid-century ranches and split-levels.
Current listings show entry-level homes in the mid-$400,000s, while larger properties and new infill construction often push prices toward (or past) the $1 million mark.
Harwood Hills and Berkley Manor are more upscale, with larger lots and higher-end homes.
These established neighborhoods offer a quiet, residential feel with mature trees and well-maintained landscaping, making them especially attractive if you’re looking for space and curb appeal.
Royal Acres was developed in the early 1970s and offers a true family-friendly feel with over 10 acres of common ground, a community pool, and classic mid-century layouts.
These are generally spacious ranch or split-level single-family homes with sizable lots.
Dougherty Lake (sometimes referred to as Dougherty Lakes or Dougherty Woods) offers more than just charming homes; you’ll also find a private lake and walking trails.
Most homes were built in the late 1970s to early 1980s and feature traditional two-story or ranch-style designs.
Who Lives in Des Peres?
Des Peres has a slightly older population compared to the surrounding area, with retirees making up about 22% of residents.
Here are some more facts about the people who call this St. Louis suburb home.
- Total Population: 9,145 residents
- Population Density: 2,117 people per square mile
- Households: ~3,220 total households
- Average Household Size: 2.8 people
- Median Household Income: $214,167
- Per Capita Income: $109,876
- Education Level, Bachelor’s degree or higher: 76% of adults
- Unemployment Rate: Very low (below national and state averages)
*According to United States Census Bureau (via data.census.gov), DataUSA.io, and CensusReporter.org
What’s the Cost of Living?
Living expenses in Des Peres are pretty comparable to the national average except for housing, which tends to be pricier.
Cost of Living Index
| Category | Des Peres | Missouri |
| Goods and services | 92 | 92 |
| Groceries | 97 | 95 |
| Health Care | 89 | 90 |
| Housing | 237 | 78 |
| Transportation | 94 | 91 |
| Utilities | 102 | 99 |
*Compared to the US which is 100 for all categories
The median home value in Des Peres sits well above the Missouri state average. Des Peres is one of the more expensive suburbs of St. Louis.
While housing costs are higher, buyers see it as an investment, especially in a market with excellent SchoolRating scores, low violent crime rates, and access to the Parkway School District and Kirkwood School District.
Median rent trends higher than the Missouri state average, but it’s balanced by competitive rates for utilities, quality healthcare, and abundant amenities.
Homes in Des Peres
Des Peres has a wide mix of home styles, from rare modest historic houses built in the 1930s to multi-million dollar new construction, plus luxury apartments with spacious floor plans.
Let’s break it down!
Des Peres Real Estate Market by the Numbers
Median Selling Home Price: $685,000 (2025)
Median Days on the Market: 26
What You Can Get in Des Peres
| Mid $400k to $700k | Typically modest to mid-sized single-family homes make up about 65% of the housing market. |
| $700k to $1 million | Larger homes and newer construction |
| $1+ million | Luxury homes and Estates |
Most of the homes in Des Peres are $260-$280 per square foot, with luxury homes landing well over $300 per square foot.
Things The Locals Know
Skip the Mall Exit During the Holidays
Des Peres is a shopping destination, so it’s no surprise that during the holidays, things can get backed up.
You’ll see this at West County Mall, which sits at the intersection of I-270 and Manchester.
Black Friday is especially hectic here.
Navigate like a local and go the back way via Ballas Road during the holidays.
Holiday Lights Contest
Residents go head-to-head to see who has the biggest, best, and brightest holiday lights display!
The Des Peres Pickle Jar
A local mystery turned whimsy: one day, a jar of pickles appeared on a highway guardrail near the I-270 Manchester exit.
Locals were so amused that there has been an effort to maintain the jar of pickles.
There’s even a Facebook page dedicated to this whimsical local phenomenon.
Des Peres Summer Concert Series
This free concert series takes place once a month during the summer at Des Peres Park and features local talent.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers for a relaxed evening of live music.
Bonfire and Hayrides
Also in Des Peres Park, locals can enjoy a fall evening with s’mores, hayrides, and hot chocolate. Reservations required.
Fall Fest
A community fall festival held in Des Peres Park, this seasonal event features family-friendly activities and fall-themed fun.
It all wraps up with The Glow, where residents display their carved pumpkins to light up the park and celebrate the season in style.
Shopping and Easy Access
Des Peres is a major shopping hub, with Manchester Road providing easy access to both local favorites and nearby Manchester.
Along Manchester, you’ll find a mix of shopping centers with box stores, restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores with everything from daily essentials to weekend treats.
The West County Center shopping Mall (the locals just say “West County Mall”) stands out as a key destination, drawing shoppers from across West County with its wide range of stores, dining options, and entertainment.
Plus, I-270 offers quick access to surrounding hotspots like Maryland Heights St. Charles, Maryland Heights, Richmond Heights, Webster Groves, and University City.
And local attractions like Forest Park, Lambert International Airport, Grant’s Farm, and The Gateway Arch.
Is Des Peres Walkable?
Manchester can be intimidating if you’re trying to go from shopping center to shopping center, but the walk score is pretty good, with a walkability score of 71 and a bike score of 53.
Health Care and Assisted Living
Des Peres offers strong healthcare access along with several quality assisted living options, all within a short drive of some of the region’s top medical institutions and universities.
Mercy Hospital on New Ballas Rd is just a 10-minute drive away.
Nearby hospitals like Barnes‑Jewish West County and Missouri Baptist Medical Center bring high-level specialty care just minutes away.
The area benefits from close ties to major medical universities, including:
- Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) – nationally ranked med school and partner to Barnes‑Jewish Hospital
- Saint Louis University (SLU) – strong health sciences and hospital system
- Barnes‑Jewish College (Goldfarb School of Nursing) – nursing programs directly tied to BJC HealthCare
For seniors, assisted living options like Sunrise of Des Peres and Cedarhurst of Des Peres offer memory care, 24/7 support, and high resident satisfaction, making Des Peres a great place to retire.
Parks and Recreation in Des Peres
There’s plenty to keep you active in and around Des Peres with a top-notch indoor recreational center and outdoor green spaces for an active lifestyle.
The Lodge, the city’s community recreation center, offers a full gym, indoor walking track, indoor pool, fitness classes, and an outdoor water park that opens during the warmer months.
Plus, it’s great for hosting events. Our real estate team has had multiple banquets at The Lodge.
Des Peres has six parks totaling around 100 acres, each offering a range of amenities.
From athletic fields (baseball, soccer fields, tennis courts, and pickleball courts) to playgrounds and free community events, these parks give residents plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors.
How Are Schools in Des Peres?
Des Peres has a mix of public and private schools that serve the area, depending on where you live.
Public Schools
Des Peres doesn’t have its own school district.
It’s split between Parkway Schools (on the western side) and Kirkwood Schools (on the eastern side).
Parkway South High School is ranked the 40th best public high school in Missouri and 13th in the St. Louis metro area.
Kirkwood High School ranks as the 5th best public high school in Missouri and the St. Louis Metro, according to Niche. Students praise the school for its excellent teachers, strong academics, and wide variety of extracurricular activities.
Private Schools
There are several private schools near Des Peres, offering options that range from faith-based to single-gender education. Here are a few of the most notable schools serving grades 9–12:
Christian Brothers College High School (CBC): An all‑boys Catholic school located in Town and Country, known for strong academics, athletics, and Lasallian values.
Principia School: A co‑ed Christian Science school in Town and Country with a rigorous college‑prep curriculum and a global community focus.
Whitfield School: An independent, co‑ed preparatory school in Creve Coeur known for small class sizes (9:1 ratio) and a strong liberal arts approach.
Living in Des Peres
Des Peres combines easy access to shopping and highways with great schools and a range of homes that fit different lifestyles and budgets.
Whether you’re buying your first house, upgrading, or looking for a place to settle down long-term, Des Peres has a lot to offer.
Moving to Des Peres soon? Reach out to us today. We’d love to help you buy your next home here.
