Maplewood, MO, is pedestrian-friendly, has nightlife, and a strong neighborhood ambiance.
Maplewood, MO, is on Route 66 in St. Louis County
My fondness for Maplewood, MO started at an early age. My mom would tell us stories about her years as a young woman. She and her friend Helen were quite “hot” (I’ll try to find some pictures) and also spunky. They would take the bus from our rural community of Washington, MO, and go on shopping trips to the Maplewood Loop. Yes, they rode the bus on Route 66 right to the Maplewood Loop.
Maplewood was established in 1908, right after the World’s Fair. It hugs the western STL city limits at the south portion of the central corridor; Richmond Heights is to the north, Brentwood borders it on the west, and Webster Groves on the south. It is very convenient to public transportation and the MetroLink. Highway 40/64 and Highway 44 are easily accessible.
The 2010 census shows the population of Maplewood at approximately 8000. In recent years, the community has been popular with artists. They like the unique and affordable housing stock. They also like the somewhat urban and eclectic ambiance. Maplewood is in the central corridor, and its eastern boundary is the City of St. Louis. The proximity of Forest Park and public transportation are especially desirable quality-of-life perks for the arts crowd.
The Maplewood Loop
The Maplewood Loop was a shopping mecca in the 1940s and ’50s located on Route 66 at the end of the streetcar line from the city. The Loop had an identity crisis in the 1970s and 80s, but it is back up and running today and drawing young and old alike. It has hip restaurants, specialty boutiques, and retailers who are a unique and close-knit community of small business owners working together to promote their town. Schlafly Bottleworks at the eastern edge of the strip hosts an outdoor Farmers Market every Wednesday from April to October. Click here for shopping and dining information.
Maplewood Schools
The public schools are Maplewood-Richmond Heights, with a total enrollment of 1203 is one of the smallest districts in the area. There are 4 schools total; the educational climate is rated above average, and the per-student expenditure ranges from $6800 to $7499.99. For detailed information on schools in the neighborhood, go to Great Sshools.
Maplewood Parks and Services
The Maplewood Family Aquatic Center and The Heights Indoor Water Park are a cooperative between Maplewood, Richmond Heights, and Brentwood. These facilities include an indoor and outdoor pool. There are also small parks scattered throughout the residential areas that are great for the younger crowd.
Maplewood Real Estate
Maplewood has very affordable and unique housing. The housing stock includes brick and frame bungalows, frame and brick Victorians, and mid-century ranches. Many of the homes were built during the time of the 1904 World’s Fair. (As a matter of fact, in the neighboring community of Richmond Heights, MO, there are 40 homes that are called the Forty Thieves Homes (down to 38) because they were built with material stolen from the World’s Fair.)
I can help guide you through the process of buying or selling Maplewood Real Estate. For more information about Maplewood real estate home prices and trends, please contact me by phone at (314) 448-4768 or text at (314) 503-4856.
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