Kirkwood is one of the most desirable places to raise a family in Missouri, and for good reason. It’s a beautiful, historic community that is not far from the more bustling city of St. Louis. Buyers in the area are drawn to the warm, welcoming environment, rife with stylish, luxurious single-family homes and the opportunity to live an active, vibrant life. This dense suburb offers a long list of restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions, as well as an extensive network of parks and nature reserves, perfect for spending time with your family outdoors. Keep reading to discover just a few reasons why families are flocking to Kirkwood.
History and culture
Kirkwood’s historical roots are visible as soon as you pull into town. Stunning 100-year old Victorian buildings now house hip new restaurants and boutiques, while the railroad that brought this town to life decades ago still regularly brings in passenger trains from St. Louis and beyond. This eclectic neighborhood is a dream come true for families looking for a wholesome yet exciting place to raise a family. There is plenty of the past to uncover, while still offering today’s modern amenities.
One staple that cannot be missed, the Kirkwood Farmer’s Market, has been going on for decades. Located in the heart of downtown Kirkwood, the market is one of the community cornerstones, offering fresh produce and pantry staples from local farmers and vendors. The market also hosts events throughout the year, like the Peach Festival in July and the Pumpkin Patch and Harvest Festival in October. This classic farmer's market makes it easy to pick up fresh, healthy fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat, and more for your family dinners, while also providing fun and enriching activities for the little ones.
Mudd’s Grove is a 150-year-old red brick Greek revival home that houses the Kirkwood Historical Society. Named for Henry T. Mudd, who assisted in drafting the Missouri Constitution of 1875, this gorgeous historic relic offers free tours of the house and garden as well as the museum. Mudd’s Grove proudly sits on the National Register of Historic Places and is a wonderful place to learn about the history of the region.
Photo courtesy of The Magic House
The Magic House is another family favorite. This children’s educational center and discovery museum features a range of fun, hands-on, educational exhibits for children of all ages. The center aims to encourage children to move through the world with a sense of curiosity and imagination. With stunning Victorian-era architecture and beautiful gardens, the whole family will find a way to be entertained at The Magic House.
Kirkwood often feels like an idyllic movie town. During the fall, the stores and restaurants open up and distribute candy to costumed kiddos during the Halloween Walk. The Holiday Walk in December features Santa’s arrival, trolley rides, and a beautifully decorated downtown. The Route 66 Festival in the summer may draw a majority of dads, but anyone who enjoys cars and guitars will feel at home here. Families will be privy to chili cookoffs, football games, parades, festivals, and a multitude of community events that create an ideal environment for raising a family, big or small.
Active lifestyle
When thinking about raising healthy, happy children, access to the outdoors and an active lifestyle is often number one on parents’ lists. Kirkwood certainly delivers. With miles of hiking trails through lush forest, numerous athletic clubs and organizations, and the simple ability to walk or bike anywhere in town, one of Kirkwood’s biggest draws is the active lifestyle that is possible here.
A multitude of parks in the area offers a variety of outdoor activities and adventures for all ages. The oldest park, Kirkwood Park, is 92 acres and features spaces such as the Kirkwood Community Center and Recreation Station Ice Arena. If your kids (or you) are interested in sports, this is the spot. In addition to the ice arena, Kirkwood Park offers several athletic fields, an aquatic center, racquetball and handball courts, and a range of hiking and running trails. When you’re looking for some family bonding time, there is a lake you can teach your little ones to fish on, and a community garden to grow vegetables during the warmer months. Playgrounds and picnic pavilions provide the perfect setting for making childhood memories. The park also features a summer concert series.
Located near Kirkwood’s southern border lies another quiet oasis. Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is an oak-hickory forest perfect for outdoor exploration and fostering a love of nature. Visitors to the park have access to a number of beautiful hiking trails that wind through the 112-acre park. The nature center also features two levels of exhibits ready to explore.
Charming homes
Another reason families love living in Kirkwood is that this particular Missouri neighborhood offers a wide variety of large-family homes in a range of styles. You can certainly find a condo or apartment in the area, but the majority of properties on the market here are larger single-family homes. There is a multitude of architectural styles to choose from. Colonial and Dutch colonial are common, offering symmetrical, open layouts ideal for family time and gatherings. Many of the multi-story houses near the downtown area are traditional Victorian or Tudor style. The neighborhood also features ranch and mission-style homes with beautiful outdoor spaces, perfect for playing catch and barbecuing during warm Missouri summers. Mid-century and more modern architecture styles that take sustainability into consideration are also popular. Many homes in Kirkwood are on the National Register of Historic Places. If your family is looking for a beautiful, charming home to make some lasting memories in, you can find it in Kirkwood!
Excellent schools
Parents looking at homes in Kirkwood are drawn to the area’s excellent schools. Kirkwood School District is one of Missouri’s highest-rated school districts. It has just over 6,000 students in preschool through grade 12, with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. With great public schools and a selection of private schools, Kirkwood is an easy choice for parents. High test scores, extracurricular activities, an impressive student-to-teacher ratio, and involved communities make this one of the top reasons families love living in Kirkwood.
While part of the larger St. Louis metropolitan area, Kirkwood shines on its own. The combination of historical and outdoor beauty provides an idyllic setting for raising healthy, happy kids. Kirkwood offers a tight-knit community full of activities and opportunities to explore, making this St. Louis suburb perfect for families.
Think Kirkwood might be perfect for your family? Contact our team today and we can help you find one of those charming homes to make your own.
