Ladue is a beautiful and wealthy suburb in the middle of St. Louis County.
It’s right in the central corridor of the richest parts of St. Louis. Ladue also has some of the most expensive homes in Missouri.
Known for its high-end luxury living, Ladue can be an attractive option for those who enjoy lavish living.
It is a smaller suburb with a population of just under 9,000 people. Despite its smaller size, Ladue is a very wealthy community with one of the highest incomes in Missouri.
The median household income in Ladue is about $200,000 per year.
Anyone from doctors to lawyers, business owners & executives, entrepreneurs, and star athletes call Ladue home.
The whole area is a well-connected and close-knit network of people.
Everyone in this part of town knows each other. They either work together, went to school together, or send their kids to the same school.
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Living St. LouisLadue’s Location: The Middle of St. Louis County
Ladue is located in mid-county, St. Louis County. It’s right next to the other prestigious parts of STL county, like:
- Huntleigh
- Clayton
- Frontenac
- Westwood
Ladue’s location puts you in the vicinity of a lot of high-end restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and schools.
Plus, Ladue is close to downtown Clayton, a booming area with many great shops and dining options. Clayton is the business center of St. Louis County, with plenty of corporate offices and headquarters.
Ladue vs. Clayton
Ladue is pretty ritzy, just like Clayton, but more suburban. You’ll find more homes on bigger pieces of land in Ladue, whereas living in Clayton will have a much more urban feel with smaller homes on narrow lots.
Clayton has an old-money feel to it. And Ladue has a really old-money feel to it.
Both areas have an upscale feel, but Clayton also has more of a city feel that goes along with it.
New Money vs. Old Money in Ladue
Ladue residents tend to be a mix of transplants new to the area and families with deep roots that have been here for generations.
There is a difference between the stereotypical new money moving to Ladue and the old money that has lived there for generations.
They live in different neighborhoods, send their kids to different schools, and run in different social circles.
The new money families moving to Ladue might gravitate toward the traditional brick or mid-century modern homes, send their kids to the highly-ranked Ladue school district, and hang out with friends nearby in Clayton, Kirkwood, or Town & Country.
The old money families have had their large estates for generations, went to a private school nearby, and tend to stay within the Ladue-Clayton social scene.
Homes in Ladue
Ladue’s real estate market is known for being expensive.
If you own here and are thinking about a sale, homes at this level are marketed differently, and we cover that on our page about selling a luxury home in St. Louis.
Homes in Ladue range in price from $500,000 to mansions over $15 million. You’ll see a mix of traditional historic homes, mid-century modern ranches, and new custom-built estates.
Every neighborhood is different, and there’s a misconception that one has to spend $1.2 to $1.5 million to get your foot in the door here.
This is not entirely true.
You’ll find smaller homes ranging from $600,000 to $800,000, but that kind of money won’t buy a house as big or as new as it will in less expensive parts of St. Louis.
While buying a house in Ladue isn’t cheap, think of it like an investment. You’re not just buying the house; you’re buying:
- The community
- A top-ranked school district
- The network of people
- A prime location
The entry point here is lower than most people assume, and it moves.
Know What Your Budget Actually Buys in Ladue.
If you’re looking for something similar but at a lower price range, consider areas like Olivette, Creve Coeur, or Warson Woods, which are nearby and have Ladue schools.
Neighborhoods in Ladue
Ladue is home to several top neighborhoods, each with its unique features and quirks. Some of the top neighborhoods in Ladue include:
- Briarcliff
- Twin Springs
- Fair Oaks
- La Hacienda
Homes in these neighborhoods will vary drastically in price, square footage, and age.
Top Schools in Ladue
Ladue has a highly-rated public school system, which incorporates all of Ladue and parts of surrounding towns.
Ladue Horton Watkins High consistently ranks as one of the best schools in St. Louis.
Ladue also has 2 of the most sought-after private schools in St. Louis: John Burroughs and MICDS.
These schools attract many students from Ladue and surrounding areas, and attending one of these schools can be a status symbol in St. Louis.
Ladue Schools without Ladue Budget?
As one of the wealthiest suburbs of St. Louis, Ladue is undeniably expensive to buy a home in. The good news? You can live within Ladue’s public school boundaries without living in Ladue.
Here are the surrounding towns that belong to the Ladue school district:
- All of Olivette
- Creve Coeur, east of Mosley Rd
- The eastern half of Westwood
- Northern Frontenac
- Northern Huntleigh
- Some parts of western Richmond Heights
Things to do in Ladue
In terms of fun stuff to do, Ladue has some great things to offer.
The area has multiple country clubs and racquet clubs, making it an excellent place for golfers and those who enjoy the country club lifestyle.
Ladue has a variety of high-end restaurants, boutiques, and stores. Now, Ladue is heavily residential, so the commercial parts of town are relatively small, and any retail stores tend to be high-end.
You’ll find Ladue’s cute little shopping center along Clayton Road. It’s primarily small boutiques, cafés, and local businesses.
Right next to Ladue, you’ll find Plaza Frontenac, a high-end shopping mall in Frontenac.
If you’re looking to buy new clothes and home décor, grab a bite, or see a movie, Plaza Frontenac has it all.
Some fantastic restaurants are next to Plaza Frontenac and the brand-new Lifetime Fitness facility.
Ladue offers plenty of opportunities for entertainment and recreation. Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities or cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone in Ladue.
If you enjoy golf, Ladue has some of the most exclusive country clubs in St. Louis!
Ladue is home to the prestigious St. Louis Country Club and Old Warson Country Club.
Want to See These Neighborhoods for Yourself?
Tillis Park
Tillis Park is a great place to check out if you’re looking for outdoor space. The park spans 75 acres and includes playgrounds, a tennis court, a walking trail, and outdoor space for hosting events.
Tillis Park is decorated from top to bottom with holiday lights during the holiday season. People from all over St. Louis drive through Tillis Park at night to see the Christmas lights in December.
Ladue offers plenty of opportunities for entertainment and recreation. Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities or cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone in Ladue.
Moving to Ladue
If you’re considering relocating to Ladue or another suburb in the St. Louis area, get in touch with us! We’d love to help and share our local real estate experience.
Overall, Ladue is a beautiful and wealthy suburb in St. Louis known for its luxury living.
While living in Ladue can be expensive, it’s an excellent investment for those who can afford it.
With its central location, excellent schools, and plentiful amenities, Ladue is an attractive option for many people looking to move to the St. Louis area.
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