Everyone loves a quiet, safe neighborhood, right? Especially when you’re in St. Louis.
It might sound challenging, but there truly are areas in St. Louis that stand out for their safety. Let’s dive into the safest neighborhoods this city has to offer.
Boulevard Heights
Boulevard Heights proudly claims the title of the fifth safest enclave in St. Louis, boasting a per-capita crime rate of just 20.56 per 1,000 residents over the past six months. Encompassing a well-defined area, the neighborhood’s boundaries extend from Gravois Avenue on the North, southward to Rosa Avenue, and westward to Carlsbad Avenue.
The southern stretch runs from Holly Hills Boulevard, westward to Leona Street, southward to Loughborough Avenue, and finally to Grand Avenue along Interstate Highway 55 (I-55), which borders River City Boulevard and the City Limits on the West, eventually reconnecting to Gravois Avenue.
With a population of 10,735, Boulevard Heights houses a community that enjoys safety and tranquility. Its allure is further amplified by a cluster of parks, including Carondelet Park, Joe Leisure Park, River Des Peres Extension, and St. Marcus Commemorative Park.
For gastronomic delights, an array of top-notch eateries awaits, such as Cafe Ganadara, Hatch’d, The Golden Hoosier, The Drawing Board, Stacked STL, Cafe Nova, and Eni’s Pizza. Boulevard Heights offers residents a secure haven and a vibrant and varied lifestyle, making it a cherished gem within St. Louis.
Lindenwood Park
Lindenwood Park, nestled within the heart of St. Louis, stands out as one of the safest neighborhoods in the city. Recent statistics reveal a per-capita crime rate of 18.45 per 1,000 residents over the past six months, positioning it favorably compared to many other neighborhoods in St. Louis. It ranks safer than 73 out of 77 neighborhoods, boasting an impressive 87% lower overall crime rate than the city’s average.
Beyond its safety record, Lindenwood Park offers a warm and tight-knit community atmosphere. The neighborhood boasts well-maintained, older homes with character and charm, making it an ideal living space for individuals and families alike. Lindenwood Park’s location provides residents with a convenient commute for work and leisure, enhancing its appeal as a place to call home.
Adding to its allure, Lindenwood Park hosts iconic St. Louis landmarks like Ted Drewes Frozen Custard on Chippewa, a cherished institution known for its delectable frozen treats. Additionally, local businesses like Pint Size Bakery & Coffee and Pizza-a-Go-Go contribute to the neighborhood’s vibrant culinary scene, serving homemade pastries and mouthwatering pizza.
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Princeton Heights
Princeton Heights’ crime rate is consistently 5% below the national average, and a remarkable 52% lower violent crime rate, this neighborhood boasts an exceptional record in safeguarding its community. Situated between Hampton Boulevard to the west, Eichelberger to the north, Christy Boulevard to the east, and Gravois to the south, it forms a well-defined area of peace.
Originally known as Gardenville in the early 20th century, Princeton Heights was once an agricultural hub before transforming into its current residential haven. The neighborhood seamlessly blends its residential charm with pockets of commercial vitality along Gravois Avenue and Hampton Avenue, where restaurants, stores, and amenities flourish, including a diverse culinary scene with acclaimed spots like Cafe Ganadara and Russell’s on Macklind.
Princeton Heights isn’t just secure; it’s a testament to pride in homeownership. The neighborhood’s well-manicured lawns, tidy alleys, and splendid homes reflect residents’ care and affection for their community. A testament to its allure, Princeton Heights experienced a 3% population growth, reaching 8,238 from 8,029 residents, indicating its desirability as a residential destination.
Princeton Heights reflects a diverse yet harmonious community with a demographic makeup of 95% white, 2.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.9% black. The Miniature Museum Of Greater St Louis and other nearby attractions offer delightful pastimes for leisure travelers.
North Hampton
North Hampton is nestled between Scanlan, Chippewa, Kingshighway, and Hampton. With crime rates 59% lower than the city average, it provides a secure haven for its residents. The 2020 Census reveals a population of 7,489, comprising 71% white, 16% Black, 5% Hispanic/Latino, and 4% Asian, with a high % occupancy rate of 91%.
Beyond its safety, North Hampton fosters a strong sense of community. Neighbors enjoy a close-knit atmosphere where familiarity flourishes, and social gatherings like the Joan of Arc homecoming parade and carnival thrive. The neighborhood’s cleanliness enhances its appeal.
Residents also benefit from accessible green spaces. Tilles Park graces the area, located at Hampton Avenue and Flyer, offering opportunities for recreation and relaxation. For knowledge seekers, the Machacek Library Branch of the St. Louis Public Library enriches the community’s intellectual landscape.
Satisfying the palate is effortless, as North Hampton hosts a variety of top-notch dining options. The Golden Hoosier, The Drawing Board, Anthonino’s Taverna, Black Sheep, Pit Stop, and El Milagro Azteca ensure culinary diversity.
Hi-Pointe
Hi-Pointe is an oasis of harmony, bounded by Clayton and Oakland Avenues on the north, City Limits on the west, Dale Avenue on the south, and Louisville Avenue on the east. Crime rates here are 22% lower than the national average, reflecting the community’s commitment to security. Instances of violent crime are a remarkable 61% lower than the national average, painting a portrait of peaceful streets.
In the past six months, the per-capita crime rate measures at 20.95 per 1,000 residents. While this rate is slightly higher than in a few neighborhoods, it remains notably low, considering Hi-Pointe’s proximity to urban life. Amidst this secure backdrop, residents enjoy a rich tapestry of cultural gems.
From the historic Hi-Pointe Theatre, the oldest operating cinema in St. Louis, to the artistic allure of the Saint Louis Art Museum and the educational delight of the Missouri History Museum, Hi-Pointe resonates with diverse attractions. Nature enthusiasts relish in the proximity of Forest Park, the lush habitat of the St. Louis Zoo, and the serenity of the Missouri Botanical Garden. The Muny and the awe-inspiring Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis further enrich the neighborhood’s cultural landscape.
Is St. Louis Safe?
St. Louis is known for its crime rate. However, when you consider the combined statistics of the city and the county, totaling a population of about 2.8 million, the safety outlook improves significantly.
Crime in St. Louis is localized, and incidents typically involve individuals who are acquainted. Like many cities, St. Louis has areas of concern as well as many safe and thriving neighborhoods.
Areas that have garnered attention for higher crime rates include:
North City
Dutchtown
Wells-Goodfellow
Hamilton Heights
Walnut Park East and West