Welcome to Central West End, Lafayette Square, and Compton Heights (St. Louis City)
Highly desirable St. Louis neighborhoods with gorgeous parks
Central West End, Lafayette Square, and Compton Heights are some of the most desirable neighborhoods in Saint Louis. These neighborhoods have an urban feel, with homes located within walking distance of shops and restaurants. These include a wide variety of unique, locally-owned eateries. All three neighborhoods feature parks and greenspaces. Central West End borders sprawling Forest Park, which is the largest urban park in the United States.
Housing options and real estate in these neighborhoods include the grand Gilded Age mansions of the Central West End, stunning Victorian row houses facing Lafayette Square Park in Lafayette Square, and beautiful historical homes lining the grand winding boulevards of Compton Heights.
What to Love
- Three of St. Louis’ most desirable neighborhoods
- Gorgeous, historic homes
- Forest Park attractions and scenery
- Upscale shopping and dining
People & Lifestyle
Central West End combines timeless charm with modern glamor. This neighborhood features spectacular homes on pretty cobblestone streets and boasts some of Saint Louis’ finest dining and boutique shopping. In addition, the neighborhood has a rich literary history, with acclaimed writers including Tennessee Williams, T.S. Eliot, and William S. Burroughs had lived in the Central West End. Nearby Forest Park offers beautiful green space and some of Saint Louis’ most popular attractions.
Lafayette Square surrounds Lafayette Square Park, which is the oldest public park in Saint Louis. Lafayette Square was initially founded as a village by French settlers in the 18th Century. During the 19th Century, some of Saint Louis’ most prominent residents moved into the neighborhood and built majestic homes close to Lafayette Square Park.
Compton Heights was built to a master plan laid out in 1899. This plan created a captivating collection of around 200 homes on curving streets with wide setbacks. The water tower of Reservoir Park is visible throughout much of Compton Heights. Parts of all three neighborhoods are listed as national historic districts.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Central West End is one of Saint Louis’ best destinations for upscale shopping and dining. Brasserie by Niche is a bustling French brasserie offering elegant dining and an excellent weekend brunch special. Juniper also does a great Sunday brunch. This Southern-style eatery’s daily menu includes scrumptious biscuits, po’boys, shrimps and grits, and mouth-watering fried chicken. Drunken Fish boasts the finest sushi in Saint Louis, with 14 unique rolls and 20 varieties of fish and seafood. Drunken Fish’s cocktails selection is similarly inventive and extensive - with 16 signature drinks made using only the freshest juices and highest quality ingredients.
Standouts in the Lafayette Square neighborhood include the chic Polite Society Restaurant and Bar for seasonal small plates paired with hand-crafted cocktails. Square One Brewery & Distillery pairs exquisite craft beers and house spirits with a globally inspired menu of elevated pub grub. SqWires prepares delicious meals with locally sourced ingredients in the unique setting of a renovated Victorian factory.
Drinks and dinner options in Compton Heights include Crafted for gourmet pub grub and inventive martinis, Little Fox for small plates and signature cocktails, and Lona’s Lil Eats for vegan-friendly Asian fusion cuisine.
Things to Do
The nearby Tower Grove Park features a series of gorgeously landscaped gardens, statues, sports fields, and Victorian pavilions laid out in the late 19th Century. This charming park hosts many events throughout the year, including a weekly Farmers Market on Saturday mornings between May and October. Carondelet Park is another exquisite green space covering an area of 180 acres. Highlights of Carondelet Park include two fishing lakes, an ornate boathouse, tennis courts, playgrounds, and a recreation center with a swimming pool.
Schools
All three neighborhoods are served by the St. Louis City School District.
Central West End
- The Biome, Public, Charter, K-5.
- Metro High, Public, 9-12.
- Loyola Academy of St. Louis, Private, Roman Catholic, Boys, 6-8.
- Rosati-Kain High School, Private, Roman Catholic, Girls, 9-12.
- St. Louis University High School, Jesuit Roman Catholic, Boys, 9-12
Lafayette Square and Compton Heights
- Lafayette Preparatory Academy, Public, Charter, PK-8.
- McKinley CLA High School, Public, 6-12.
- Collegiate School of Med/Bio, Public, 9-12.
