A Local Expert’s Guide To 10 Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent in St. Louis

I’m Taryn, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com team Local Expert for St. Louis, Missouri. Nicknamed “a city of neighborhoods,” St. Louis has nearly 80 distinct communities, each with unique characteristics setting it apart from others. From historic, world-famous architecture and mouth-watering BBQ to fierce pride for the local sports teams and polarizing (but iconic!) St. Louis-style pizza, this city is a rich blend of longstanding tradition and modern livability.

As Midwestern transplants from the West Coast, we spent a LOT of time researching neighborhoods for our young family to settle in. In this guide, I share 10 of the best, most affordable St. Louis neighborhoods, balancing affordability, everyday conveniences, and some "nice-to-haves," like a great food scene or especially picturesque scenery.

1. Clifton Heights

Right off I-44 and adjacent to The Hill, St. Louis' "Little Italy," Clifton Heights is convenient to just about everything. What I love most about it, though (aside from its proximity to excellent Italian food and most importantly, the incredible Missouri Baking Company), is that it has a more suburban feel than many other city neighborhoods. Big-city convenience but with the vibe of a quieter suburb!

Clifton Heights sits on a natural slope, with Clifton Park at the bottom of the 'bowl.' The neighborhood is also unique among others in St. Louis in that it was built slowly, so there's not a predominant style of architecture. Everything from brick bungalows to estates and large apartment buildings dot the area, and many rentals are duplexes and triplexes inside converted larger homes. Parents of young children, you'll be pleased to know that highly-rated Mason Elementary is in Clifton Heights.

2. Franz Park

One of several neighborhoods comprising "Dogtown," Franz Park is a historic, vibrant neighborhood with loads of charm and a strong sense of community. The area's clay and coal mines originally drew European immigrants, and it's been culturally diverse ever since. Today, that means homes with tons of character and lots of fabulous restaurants. Franz Park's location just south of I-44 and close to massive Forest Park—it's bigger than New York's Central Park!—makes it a prime spot for anyone who loves the outdoors. And if you're new to the area, here's a hot tip: the zoo is FREE, all the time, for everyone!

3. Carondelet

Located near the confluence of the Mississippi River and the River Des Peres, Carondelet was actually its own city for nearly a century before being annexed by St. Louis. Founded by French settlers and subsequently shaped by waves of German, Hungarian, Irish, and Italian immigrants, the neighborhood still reflects that melting pot heritage today. Stone homes from the 1830s-1850s, built by German stone masons, stand proudly alongside modern lofts, giving Carondelet an eclectic architectural flair.

Together, Carondelet Park and the YMCA Rec Complex are the neighborhood's crown jewel—and many would argue one of the city's crown jewels, especially during the popular "Concerts in the Park" summer series. You’ll also find a half-dozen colorful murals along South Broadway and the treasured Carondelet Food Patch, a volunteer-run community garden and orchard. And here's a fun fact: the neighborhood is home to the country's first public kindergarten, established in 1873 as the Des Peres School.

4. Holly Hills

Neighbors know each other by name and people often work in their yards or chat on front porches in South St. Louis' tree-lined Holly Hills. Many residents have lived here for decades, so the neighborhood reflects pride of ownership and locals are actively involved in the community, attending nearby schools and churches. Perhaps the best testament to that is the fact that Holly Hills has some of the best trick-or-treating in the city. People (myself included!) drive from all parts of St. Louis just to let their kiddos go door-to-door here on Halloween. Speaking of other parts of the city, the neighborhood offers easy access to I-55, and the 70 bus line gets you where you need to go efficiently.

While Holly Hills is almost entirely residential, there are a few beloved gems, including my go-to, The Stellar Hog. This family-run BBQ joint feels like eating at a close friend’s backyard cookout (because the outdoor seating is, in fact, in a backyard) but with next-level, melt-in-your-mouth St. Louis-style barbecue.

5. Princeton Heights

Calling all fellow foodies! Princeton Heights is best known for its dining options. Restaurants, coffee and ice cream shops, and specialty businesses like Zoomies Pet Cafe line the Macklind Business District. Clementine's Creamery should be one of your first stops; try the Gooey Butter Cake, a St. Louis original. Another can't-miss? Contemporary barbecue joint Salt + Smoke. My recommendation here is unusual: come for the appetizers. Not because the smoked meats aren't phenomenal, but because the apps are even more phenomenal. Exhibits A and B: pimento cheese toasted ravioli and hush puppies with maple butter.

Beyond the food, Princeton Heights has a pleasant mix of apartments and gingerbread-perfect single-family homes. It's also widely considered one of the safest neighborhoods in the city, and home to the top-rated Gateway Science Academy (South campus).

6. Baden

If you're looking for an up-and-coming area where you can score an affordable rental that still has its original architectural charm, I can't recommend Baden highly enough. Although the area sits at the very edge of city limits, it's relatively close to downtown in North City and has seen significant gentrification in the past five years or so, with many young families moving in and doing home improvement projects. On any given weekend and long summer evenings, you'll see children riding bikes and dads tossing balls with their kids. 

7. Lemay

Lemay sits in extreme southwest St. Louis, adjacent to Carondelet and The Patch along the riverfront. Technically, Lemay is just outside of city limits. Many people associate the area with the River City Casino Hotel, but Lemay also has an excellent, unique park, Jefferson Barracks. It started as a US Army post, significant because of its strategic location atop bluffs overlooking the river. Today, you can visit the Missouri Civil War Museum while also enjoying the park's trails, disc golf course, and programming at the Lemay Recreation Center.

Housing stock is mixed in Lemay, and there are several newer apartment complexes. The neighborhood has some excellent food options, including my personal favorite Thai food in the entire city, Drunken Noodles.

8. Bella Villa

Bella Villa sits north of Lemay, nestled between it and Boulevard Heights. Admittedly, I first came across the neighborhood when I went out of my way to go to The Donut Stop, reportedly some of the best donuts in the city. Based on the cherry cheese tart donuts and peanut-maple Long Johns alone, it lives up to the hype.

The neighborhood itself does, too, quiet with a true suburban feel. Yet, easy access to I-55 means you can be downtown in 15-20 minutes. Bella Villa has two charming parks and, notably, its own police department. In my personal experience, that comes with many pros, but one con: you'll want to be sure to go the exact speed limit or below. On the plus side, though, crime rates are low and response times are excellent.

9. Old North St. Louis

"Old North" sits just north of modern-day downtown, and it was one of the city's first Irish settlements. Most people know Old North St. Louis because of the landmark Crown Candy Kitchen, an old-fashioned soda shop opened in 1913 and still serving milkshakes, malts, giant sundaes, and an assortment of candy. Several small "pocket parks" are sprinkled throughout the neighborhood, and it sits on a near-perfect grid, making it easy (not to mention enjoyable!) to walk or bike. Old North's distinct brick row houses are iconic, and many of them are being restored and offered as rentals. Notably, there's a large federal complex known as the NGA, where many local residents work.

10. Jennings

Northwest of Baden and bordered on its southwestern side by I-70, Jennings is an incorporated suburb of St. Louis. Technically, it's the first 'city' north of St. Louis. The small area is fairly quiet, and the population is a diverse mix of retirees and working families. Florissant Avenue bisects the neighborhood, which is primarily residential but also has a few parks and schools, as well as several churches. On the northwestern edge of Jennings, you'll find Schnucks Westfall Plaza, with several retail shops, an Aldi, Schnucks, and a PNC Bank.