Welcome to Clayton, MO
Tree-lined, suburban city with a thriving downtown area
Clayton is the county seat of Saint Louis County. Bordering the city of St. Louis, Clayton has a thriving downtown area featuring many art galleries, sidewalk cafes, boutiques, and restaurants. The city is well connected to Saint Louis by access to several major highways and two MetroLink Blue Line stations. The prestigious Washington University in St. Louis is partially located in Clayton.
Housing options can vary in the area as Clayton, MO's real estate landscape ranges from historic mansions to modernist mid-century low-rise and high-rise architecture. The average house price in Clayton is $500,000 making Clayton, MO homes for sale among some of the most desirable in the area.
What to Love
- Eclectic architectural home styles and designs
- Tree-lined streets
- Thriving downtown area
- Numerous parks
People & Lifestyle
Clayton is home to many young professionals and numerous corporate headquarters. The city features pretty, tree-lined streets with attractive homes and diverse businesses. This leafy suburban community has been listed by Niche.com as the second-best place to live in all of Missouri.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Downtown Clayton features a wide array of restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and boutiques. Akar is a hip global eatery serving elevated Malaysian cuisine. Highlights of Akar’s inventive menu include soy-braised short rib with sambal demi-glace, Chilean sea bass served in a bonito curry shrimp bouillon and a vegan Malaysian curry with sweet potato gnocchi.
The Crossing offers upscale European dining with a menu inspired by the cuisines of France and Italy. The Crossing’s thoughtful entrees and tasting menus are paired with one of the finest wine selections in Saint Louis. The bustling Oceano Bistro showcases delicious regional seafood in a stylish modern space, and 801 Fish is another fine choice for seafood served alongside outstanding varieties from the restaurant’s wine cellar.
Other Downtown Clayton standouts include gourmet burgers paired with beer and wine at 5 Star Burgers, refined brunch plates and bar bites at Avenue and authentic Southern Italian cuisine at Il Palato.
Things to Do
Clayton hosts some of the Saint Louis area’s premier annual events. In September, the Saint Louis Art Fair features juried exhibitions of gallery-quality artworks from talented contemporary artists. Clayton Restaurant Week invites diners to enjoy special meals at some of downtown Clayton’s many outstanding restaurants.
Clayton also offers lots of parks and greenery. The 47-acre Shaw Park has several beautiful gardens, a gorgeous plaza with an infinity fountain, and a pavilion used for outdoor events, and the 14.5-acre Oak Knoll Park is named for its native stand of Post Oak trees, which have grown for over 150 years. Oak Knoll Park also features a half-mile walking trail, a lighted fountain, landscaped gardens, and a pond with turtles. DeMun Park boasts two playgrounds for children. Just beyond Clayton’s eastern boundary, Saint Louis’ Forest Park is one of the finest urban green spaces in the United States. Spanning 1,326 acres, Forest Park is home to many of Saint Louis’ most popular attractions. These include the Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, and Saint Louis Science Center.
Schools
Clayton is served by the Clayton School District.
- Glenridge Elementary, Public, K-5.
- Meramec Elementary, Public, K-5.
- Ralph M. Captain Elementary, Public, K-5.
- Wydown Middle, Public, 6-8.
- Clayton High, Public, 9-12.
