St. Louis, Missouri, is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and charming neighborhoods—but its suburbs offer just as much appeal. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or lifestyle, the biggest suburbs of St. Louis provide a variety of options for every preference.
From family-friendly communities with top-rated schools to areas with bustling downtowns, sprawling parks, and easy commutes, each suburb has its own unique character.
In this complete guide, we’ll explore the largest and most popular St. Louis suburbs, highlighting their features, amenities, and what makes them stand out. Whether you’re buying a home or just exploring, this overview will help you find the right fit in the greater St. Louis area.
1. Wildwood
Wildwood encompasses approximately 68 square miles of scenic landscapes, including rolling hills, dense woodlands, and clear streams. With a population of around 35,000, it offers a harmonious blend of rural charm and suburban convenience. Residents enjoy access to extensive parklands, such as Babler State Park and Greensfelder County Park, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The area is served by the highly regarded Rockwood School District and houses the St. Louis Community College–Wildwood campus, catering to diverse educational needs. Wildwood’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty while fostering community development makes it a distinctive and desirable place to live in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
2. Ballwin
Ballwin, Missouri, stands out as one of the most appealing suburbs of St. Louis, boasting a population of approximately 30,835 residents. This vibrant community offers a harmonious blend of suburban tranquility and urban amenities. Families are drawn to Ballwin for its top-rated schools, served by the esteemed Rockwood and Parkway School Districts, known for their high educational standards. Recreational opportunities abound with numerous parks like Vlasis Park and New Ballwin Park, featuring amenities such as playgrounds, sports courts, and fishing ponds. The North Pointe Aquatic Center provides residents with a fun-filled water experience during the summer months.
3. Brentwood
Brentwood, Missouri, may not be the largest suburb by population, but it stands out as one of the most desirable communities in the St. Louis area. With approximately 8,200 residents, Brentwood offers a unique blend of small-town charm and urban convenience. Its strategic location provides quick access to downtown St. Louis, major highways, and public transportation, including the MetroLink light rail system. Brentwood boasts a vibrant business district, quality residential neighborhoods, and top-rated schools, such as Brentwood High School and Mark Twain Elementary. The city is also home to numerous parks and recreational facilities, enhancing its appeal to families and professionals alike.
4. Chesterfield
Chesterfield, Missouri, is one of the largest and most dynamic suburbs of St. Louis, with a population nearing 50,000 residents. Situated approximately 25 miles west of downtown, it offers a harmonious blend of suburban tranquility and urban amenities. Chesterfield boasts top-rated schools, including Marquette and Lafayette High Schools within the Rockwood School District, and a median household income of $133,380, reflecting its affluent community. The city is rich in recreational options, featuring expansive parks like Faust Park and Central Park, as well as cultural venues such as the Chesterfield Amphitheater. Shopping and dining are abundant, with destinations like Chesterfield Mall and Chesterfield Commons.
5. Clayton
Clayton, Missouri, stands out as one of the most prominent suburbs of St. Louis, blending urban sophistication with suburban charm. As the county seat of St. Louis County, Clayton is a hub for business and culture, housing the headquarters of several Fortune 500 companies, including Centene Corporation and Graybar. The city boasts a vibrant downtown area filled with upscale dining, art galleries, and boutique shopping. Residents enjoy access to top-rated schools, such as Clayton High School, and recreational spaces like Shaw Park, which offers an Olympic-sized swimming pool and hosts annual events like the St. Louis Art Fair.
6. Ladue
Ladue, Missouri, is a prestigious suburb of St. Louis, celebrated for its affluence, top-tier education, and serene residential atmosphere. With a population of approximately 8,813, Ladue boasts the highest median household income in Missouri, exceeding $250,000 annually. The city is renowned for its expansive estates, meticulously maintained landscapes, and a strong sense of community. Education is a cornerstone, with the Ladue School District ranking among the top two percent nationally, complemented by esteemed private institutions like John Burroughs and MICDS. Residents enjoy exclusive amenities, including premier country clubs such as the St. Louis Country Club and Old Warson Country Club.
McGuire Moving & Storage: Trusted St. Louis Movers
With more than 80 years of dependable service, McGuire Moving & Storage stands out when looking for trustworthy moving and storage companies in St. Louis. McGuire, a fourth-generation family-run company, provides both residential and business clients with full moving solutions, including local, long-distance, and worldwide relocations. Our services, which guarantee the safety and integrity of your possessions, include expert packing, safe shipping, and climate-controlled St. Louis storage solutions.
As a Bekins Van Lines affiliate, we facilitate smooth relocations by merging local knowledge with nationwide resources. We have received numerous industry honors, have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are known for our expertise. McGuire Moving & Storage is a trustworthy option for a stress-free move in St. Louis.
Discover Stress-Free Moving to the Biggest Suburbs of St. Louis
When it comes to trusted St. Louis moving companies, McGuire Moving & Storage continues to lead with experience, reliability, and personalized service. With over 80 years of excellence in the industry, McGuire offers a full range of moving solutions—from local and long-distance moves to international relocations and secure storage.
Our team of trained professionals ensures every move is handled with care, efficiency, and attention to detail. As a proud partner of Bekins Van Lines and a family-owned business, McGuire brings both local expertise and national reach to every relocation.
Whether you’re moving your home or business, McGuire is the name St. Louis families and companies trust. Contact McGuire—one of the most dependable St. Louis movers.