Clayton

Clayton has a population of 15,732. Begun as a county seat in 1849, it has grown to a major center for greater St. Louis. The county government is housed in Clayton in a handsome, recently built high-rise.

What started as a sleepy town has grown radically since the ceiling was lifted on two-story building heights. Many businesses have located in Clayton. Enterprise, Brown Shoe, Coin Acceptors, Earthgrains are just a few that come to mind. With these corporate centers, there has been a building boom sparked by the need to be "where it's happening."

Condos, zero-lot line houses, renovations of one-story homes, new houses and restorations have all been going gangbusters. The price per square foot of Clayton properties is higher than in any other close-in municipality. Why? Families have decided they can afford to pay more for their houses and avoid the cost of private school. The Clayton schools have a great record with college placement, as well as college test scores.

If Clayton is your goal, stay in close touch because desirable Clayton houses are gobbled up fast.

Housing, parks, restaurants and schools make Clayton consistently appealing.

Frontenac

The word "Frontenac" conjures up image's of fancy houses and Plaza Frontenac. The best stores are in Plaza Frontenac; stores such as Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Restaurants like Cardwells on the Plaza, and Canyon Cafe offer good eating experiences. One of my favorite shops is Ken Miesner's, a florist and antique shop. It is chock full of fine English furniture and if you want exquisite flowers, Ken is one to talk with.

The Ladue school system is first-rate and families that live in Frontenac use Ladue schools. College placement is excellent, the ratio of students to teachers is most desirable and if you have gifted children, you can expect special classes to supplement the regular program.

New construction is dominating Frontenac now. One of the nicest roads in Frontenac is Geyer. IT has the flavor of New England. Population is approximately 16,000.

Prices range from $400,000 to $1,500,000.

Ladue

To say "Ladue" is to command attention, and Ladue's zip code of "63124" is status personified. Most high-end executives from out of town want to be in Ladue because, like "Greenwich, Connecticut" it says you have arrived! The men who run corporations such as Emerson, Enterprise, A.G. Edwards and the St. Louis Cardinals, live in Ladue.

There are country clubs in Ladue. Old Warson and St. Louis Country Club. They anchor the largest homes. Lanes like Upper Ladue and Fordyce are very high end, as well. Most properties in these areas would be well over one million dollars and closer to $2,000,000. There is new construction existing, as well. Colonial houses dominate the landscape. Because the public schools are good, the sales are brisk. Some Ladue houses sell in the low $300,000; so all price points are represented in this truly verdant community.

Within Ladue proper, there are three excellent elementary schools; Conway, Reed and Spoede. There is one junior high school and one senior high school called Horton Watkins.

The police and fire departments are well run and Mayor Jean Quenon does a good job for one dollar a year. So far, there are no condominiums in Ladue. The powers that be are holding fast to the single family scheme. The population of Ladue is approximately 10,000.

University City

University City has a population of 33,986 and it lies just west of the western border of St. Louis and Forest Park. Its strength lies in the way it was laid out long ago. Designed to always appeal to all ages and all salaries, there are apartments, 2-families, condos and single family homes within its boundaries.

Distinctive vintage houses are landmarks in this neighborhood. University Hills had strong sales over the last year. My experience with listings in this area has been strong. Houses sell right away at or above the asking price. Multiple contracts are the rule. I urge my sellers to buy before they sell so that they are ready to close on the new place the day their house goes on the market.

This is an exceptional neighborhood and one you will surely want to investigate.