The 6 Best St. Louis Suburbs for Retirement
Click on the blue areas to reveal more information about each neighborhood.
Creve Coeur, MO
Natural beauty with suburban charm
Population: Population of 18,538 and 26% of residents over 65.
Cost of living: Median house value of $402,300, 6% lower cost of living for retirees, and moderately tax friendly.
Medical access: Great access to quality medical care including its own Mercy Hospital.
Kirkwood, MO
Dense suburban feel with a delightful downtown
Population: Population of 29,233 and 17% of residents are over 65.
Cost of living: Median house value of $345,700, minimal crime.
Medical access: Plenty of quality healthcare in and around Kirkwood including 11 hospitals in a 15 mile radius.
Central West End, MO
Vibrant, elegant, and diverse
Population: Population of 15,762 and 17% of residents are over the age of 65.
Cost of living: Median house value of $310,000 and a crime rate 59% lower than the St. Louis average.
Medical access: Great access to quality medical care including The Center for Advanced Medicine.
Webster Groves, MO
Historic suburb with a flourishing artistic community
Population: Population of 23,770 and 17.8% of residents are over the age of 65.
Cost of living: Median house value of $313,000 and a low crime rate.
Medical access: Easy access to great healthcare including 40 hospitals in a 20-mile radius.
Warson Woods, MO
Private and serene community
Population: Population of 2,046, virtually no crime.
Cost of living: Median home value of $92,500, minimal crime.
Medical access: Easy access to great healthcare.
Town & Country, MO
An affluent town with the city at your fingertips
Population: Population of 11,077 and an impressive 29.5% of residents are over 65.
Cost of living: A median home value of $734,800 or rent for $1,195.
Medical access: Access to 3 hospitals in a 25-mile radius of the city.
Did you know that St. Louis, Missouri, is the birthplace of toasted ravioli? It’s also been consistently ranked as a top location for retirees looking to relocate. From its moderate cost of living to lively entertainment, St. Louis has much to offer anyone looking for a change of scenery in retirement.
As you continue finalizing your retirement plans, here are a few reasons you may want to keep St. Louis at the top of your list. In this article, we address the top 5 benefits of retiring in St. Louis and then provide the best 6 suburbs to settle down in throughout your golden years.
1. Tax-friendly
When considering moving to another state, it’s always a good idea to consider what sort of tax liability you can expect. Tax laws vary significantly from state to state, and an increased liability has the potential to impact your retirement savings.
The state of Missouri does not have estate or inheritance taxes. So, when you pass on, your estate will only be subject to federal estate tax.
Regarding Missouri taxes on Social Security benefits, you may only be required to pay them if your adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds $100,000 on a joint return or $85,000 for single filers in 2023. Even if you exceed these income limits, you may only be required to pay taxes on a portion of your benefits.
2. Low cost of living
St. Louis has proudly been identified as the fifth-best city in the Midwest for high wages and low cost of living.
Much like other cities across the U.S., St. Louis has experienced an increase in housing prices, but the typical home value still sits below the national average at about $191,500. In addition, property taxes are, on average, about $880 for every $100,000, which is just below the national average. Missouri also offers senior citizens a Missouri Property Tax Credit Claim to help offset real estate taxes. Eligible seniors can receive up to $750 if they rent or $1,100 if they own.
Missouri has a moderate-income tax range of 1.5% to 5.4%, and residents of St. Louis City are subject to an additional 1% earnings tax.
3. Access to top-tier healthcare
As you consider your quality of life and expenses in retirement, healthcare costs and accessibility are likely two of your top priorities. Being in a larger city like St. Louis gives retirees access to hospital networks and highly regarded healthcare professionals.
St. Louis is home to several top medical facilities, including:
Whether you retire to St. Louis or call somewhere else “home,” it’s always good to research future healthcare needs. You may want to ask yourself important questions like:
- What type of specialists do I need access to regularly?
- How close are the nearest hospitals and ERs?
- Are these healthcare systems reputable?
- Is there a good standard of care?
4. There’s always something to do
From volunteering during the week to enjoying the music scene on the weekends, there’s almost always something going on in St. Louis.
Volunteering often plays an essential role in helping retirees establish a routine while giving them something purposeful and engaging to do. From public gardens to food banks, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities to align with your interests.
Some popular volunteer organizations include:
- Trailnet
- St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station Foundation
- St. Patrick Center
- Gateway Arch Park Foundation
In terms of entertainment, St. Louis offers everything for everyone — The Saint Louis Art Museum, live music venues, food tours, and more. There is no lack of activities for active retirees looking to get out of the house and explore their new city.
5. Good weather
You get the best of both worlds in St. Louis — a moderate climate with all four seasons. In the winter, you’ll still need a heavy jacket and snow boots since the temperature averages about 29 degrees in January. However, at the height of summer, expect sunny skies with highs in the low 80s.
The 6 Best St. Louis Suburbs for Retirement
While the city of St. Louis is an attractive place to live, its suburbs also have a lot to offer, especially for retirees. As a lifelong resident of the St. Louis area, and a St. Louis financial advisor, I have a good perspective of the local suburban scene and which neighborhoods give retirees the chance to thrive. From history to entertainment to dining, here is my list of the top 6 St. Louis suburbs for retirement.1. Kirkwood, MO
Dense suburban feel with a delightful downtown- Population: Population of 29,233 and 17% of residents are over 65.
- Cost of living: Median house value of $345,700, minimal crime.
- Medical access: Plenty of quality healthcare in and around Kirkwood including 11 hospitals in a 15-mile radius.
- What to love: – Has an active train station; just one of three Amtrak Stations located in the Metro area. – A welcoming downtown with coffee shops, and plenty of shopping and dining options. – Home of Kirkwood Performing Arts Center offering award-winning live musical theater. – Plenty of parks to explore including Kirkwood Park, Watson Trail Park, and Walker Lake. – Ice Arena, Aquatic Center, and an Amphitheater.
- Unique landmarks: – Powder Valley Nature Center – Kirkwood Farmer’s Market – Stages St. Louis – Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park
2. Creve Coeur, MO
Natural beauty with suburban charm- Population: Population of 18,538 and 26% of residents over 65.
- Cost of living: Median house value of $402,300, 6% lower cost of living for retirees, and moderately tax friendly.
- Medical access: Great access to quality medical care including its own Mercy Hospital.
- What to love: – Easily accessible restaurants, grocery stores, and recreation. – City-style dining and shopping. – Beautiful lake surrounded by parks and walking paths. – A 9-hole golf course in the heart of town.
- Unique landmarks: – Donald Danforth Plant Science Center – Tappmeyer House – Lake School House – Creve Coeur Golf Course – Creve Coeur Lake Park
- Interesting fact: The suburb received its name, French for “broken heart”, after a Native American princess jumped from a nearby cliff, to her death when her love for a French fur trapper went unreciprocated.
3. Central West End, MO
Vibrant, elegant, and diverse- Population: Population of 15,762 and 17% of residents are over the age of 65.
- Cost of living: Median house value of $310,000 and a crime rate 59% lower than the St. Louis average.
- Medical access: Great access to quality medical care including The Center for Advanced Medicine.
- What to love: – Located just west of downtown with train access to the city. – The business district stretches just under a mile making it perfect for a casual stroll. – Home to more than 75 restaurants, bars, and businesses. – Plenty of outdoor festivals throughout the year including the Central West End Cocktail party, Make Music St. Louis Festival, a weekly summer music festival, and a summer sidewalk sale. – Plenty of parks with beautiful walking paths.
- Unique landmarks: – Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis and Mosaic Museum – Chase Park Plaza Cinemas – World Chess Hall of Fame – Forest Park – St. Louis Zoo
- Interesting fact: Notable business leaders such as Albert Bond Lambert, Joseph Pulitzer, and Dwight Davis have called this neighborhood home.
4. Webster Groves, MO
Historic suburb with a flourishing artistic community.- Population: Population of 23,770 and 17.8% of residents are over the age of 65.
- Cost of living: Median house value of $313,000 and a low crime rate.
- Medical access: Easy access to great healthcare including 40 hospitals in a 20-mile radius.
- What to love: – Only 13 miles from town, offering great access to urban opportunities. – Plenty of nature to explore including the 38-acre Blackburn Park complete with a bird sanctuary and tennis courts. – Century-old homes and lots of architectural styles provide an authentic backdrop for an assortment of restaurants and cute boutiques.
- Unique landmarks: – The Repertory Theatre – Hawken House Museum – Blackburn Park – Green Door Art Gallery
- Interesting fact: More than 300 of the community’s homes are listed on the National Register of Historic places.
5. Warson Woods, MO
Private and serene community- Population: Population of 2,046 and 28% if residents are over the age of 65.
- Cost of living: Median home value of $92,500, minimal crime.
- Medical access: Easy access to great healthcare.
- What to love: – Small and tranquil. – A mostly residential neighborhood with little outside traffic. – Convenient access to shopping and dining – Impressive parks and country clubs nearby.
- Unique landmarks: – Warson Woods – Old Warson Country Club – Royal Oak Park
- Interesting fact: This town was awarded a silver medal from Stacker, for being one of the best towns to retire in Missouri.
6. Town & Country, MO
An affluent town with the city at your fingertips- Population: Population of 11,077 and 29.5% of residents are over 65.
- Cost of living: A median home value of $734,800 or rent for $1,195.
- Medical access: Access to 3 hospitals in a 25-mile radius of the city.
- What to love: – Located 15 miles from downtown St. Louis. – Remotely located and surrounded by breathtaking nature. – Plenty of shops and restaurants to choose from. – Year-round festivals including summer concerts in the park.
- Unique landmarks: – Frank Lloyd Wright Designed Theodore A. Pappas House – Longview Farm Park – St. Louis Art Museum
Craig Toberman is the Founder of Toberman Wealth – a fee-only, fiduciary financial advisor based in St. Louis. He assists families and businesses with strategic financial planning and long-term wealth management. He has over a decade of experience in financial services and has crafted custom financial plans for hundreds of families and businesses.
Craig received a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Agricultural and Consumer Economics from the University of Illinois and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree in Finance from Saint Louis University. He is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder, and Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Craig is a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), Fee-Only Network, and XY Planning Network.
Craig lives in the greater St. Louis area with his wife, Ally and son, Hank.