Penrose, St. Louis,MO

Thinking about moving to a vibrant and welcoming neighborhood in St. Louis? Penrose, located in the southeast part of the city, might just be the perfect spot for you. Known for its strong sense of community and charming residential streets, Penrose offers a blend of historic homes and cozy modern living spaces. The neighborhood is a great choice for those who appreciate a quieter, close-knit environment while still having easy access to urban amenities. With affordable housing options and friendly neighbors, newcomers often find it easy to settle in and feel right at home.

One of the standout attractions in Penrose is the beautiful Penrose Park, a local favorite for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This green space offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails, making it an ideal place for weekend relaxation or a morning jog. For those who enjoy a bit of local culture, the neighborhood is also close to the vibrant Carondelet neighborhood, known for its unique shops, eateries, and community events. Penrose’s proximity to these attractions means residents don’t have to venture far to enjoy a day out or a casual evening with friends.

For commuters and city explorers, Penrose is conveniently situated just a short drive southeast of Downtown St. Louis. This makes it easy for residents to access the bustling city center, including popular spots like the Gateway Arch, sports arenas, and a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues. Whether you work downtown or simply love the urban vibe, Penrose strikes a balance between peaceful neighborhood living and quick access to the heart of the city. Moving here offers a blend of community charm and city convenience that many find hard to resist.

About 20% of the Penrose population aged 16 and older are married, which is notably lower than average. This could suggest a community with a younger, more transient population—perhaps made up of students, professionals, or renters. It may also reflect a neighborhood that attracts singles or couples without children, contributing to a more independent, urban lifestyle.

With only 20% of people over 16 having children, you can expect an easygoing environment that tends to attract residents seeking a quieter lifestyle. The atmosphere here leans more toward adult-oriented living. Without the constant rhythm of school schedules or kid-centered events, the community maintains a slower, more relaxed pace. This makes it especially appealing to singles, couples, and empty nesters who appreciate tranquil streets, and recreation on their own terms.

Penrose demographics offer valuable insights into the character and lifestyle of the neighborhood, helping you understand who lives there and what daily life might feel like. Home to only about 4,360 residents, Penrose is notably smaller than many other St. Louis neighborhoods, creating a more peaceful and community-oriented atmosphere. Its lower population can translate to quieter streets, a more relaxed pace of life, and easier access to local amenities — all without sacrificing the vibrant urban lifestyle the city is known for.

With a lower than average population density of 1,733 people per square mile, Penrose offers a more open and spacious environment compared to many other St. Louis neighborhoods. This often means quieter streets, less congestion, and a relaxed atmosphere — all while still providing access to the amenities and conveniences of city living.

With an average age of 41, you're likely to find a well-balanced community where multiple generations live side by side. This mix of age groups contributes to a neighborhood atmosphere that’s both active and welcoming, offering a blend of fresh perspectives and long-standing community values.

The Penrose crime map uses detailed block group boundaries from address-based crime data to visualize crime patterns across the neighborhood, highlighting both low-crime zones and areas with higher levels of reported crime. This crime heat map helps paint a clearer picture of local safety trends, showing how crime can vary from one part of the community to another. Keep in mind that areas with higher activity on the map don’t always equate to dangerous conditions — locations near entertainment districts, major roads, or tourist destinations often see more reports simply due to the larger number of people passing through.

Housing trends offer valuable insight into the accessibility and character of a neighborhood. In Penrose, the median home price is $76,550, which is less than many surrounding areas. This affordability makes it an attractive option for first-time buyers, young families, or anyone looking to enter the housing market without a significant financial barrier. Looking at appreciation rates and past market trends in Penrose can offer valuable insight into the neighborhood’s investment potential. Understanding how home values have changed over time helps buyers gauge future growth, assess long-term stability, and make more informed real estate decisions.

The median rent is around $893, which is on par with many comparable neighborhoods. This balanced pricing offers a mix of affordability and value, making it a practical choice for a wide range of renters.

School quality plays an important role in shaping the overall appeal of a neighborhood like Penrose. Ratings based on student achievement, graduation rates, and standardized tests — supported by national benchmarks like the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) — help paint a clearer picture of how local schools perform. Additionally, understanding the education levels of residents in Penrose offers valuable context about the community’s emphasis on learning and opportunity, helping families make confident decisions about where to settle and invest in their children’s future.