Is St. Louis, MO a Good Place to Retire?
The 6 Best St. Louis Suburbs for Retirement
Click on the blue areas to reveal more information about each neighborhood.
Creve Coeur, MO
Natural beauty with suburban charm.
Population: Population of 18,538, and 26% of residents are over 65.
Cost of living: Median house value of $402,300, 6% lower cost of living for retirees, and moderately tax-friendly.
Medical access: Great access to quality medical care, including its own Mercy Hospital.
Kirkwood, MO
Dense suburban feel with a delightful downtown.
Population: Population of 29,233, and 17% of residents are over 65.
Cost of living: Median house value of $345,700, minimal crime.
Medical access: Plenty of quality healthcare in and around Kirkwood, including 11 hospitals within a 15-mile radius.
Central West End, MO
Vibrant, elegant, and diverse.
Population: Population of 15,762, and 17% of residents are over the age of 65.
Cost of living: Median house value of $310,000 and a crime rate 59% lower than the St. Louis average.
Medical access: Great access to quality medical care, including The Center for Advanced Medicine.
Webster Groves, MO
A historic suburb with a flourishing artistic community.
Population: Population of 23,770, and 17.8% of residents are over the age of 65.
Cost of living: Median house value of $313,000 and a low crime rate.
Medical access: Easy access to great healthcare, including 40 hospitals in a 20-mile radius.
Warson Woods, MO
Private and serene community.
Population: Population of 2,046, virtually no crime.
Cost of living: Median home value of $92,500, minimal crime.
Medical access: Easy access to great healthcare.
Town & Country, MO
An affluent town with the city at your fingertips.
Population: Population of 11,077, and an impressive 29.5% of residents are over 65.
Cost of living: A median home value of $734,800 or rent for $1,195.
Medical access: Access to 3 hospitals in a 25-mile radius of the city.
Are you looking for the perfect place to enjoy your retirement? You might be surprised to learn that St. Louis, Missouri, is not only home to the famous toasted ravioli but also a top contender for retirees looking for a fresh start. With its affordable cost of living, vibrant culture, and plenty of entertainment options, St. Louis has something for everyone.
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of retiring in St. Louis, followed by a rundown of the six best suburbs to settle into during your golden years..
Top 5 Reasons St. Louis, Missouri Is Considered a Great Place to Retire
1. Tax-friendly
When considering a move to another state, it’s essential to consider potential tax implications. Tax regulations vary significantly from state to state, and higher liability can affect your retirement savings.
The state of Missouri does not have estate or inheritance taxes. So, when you pass on, your estate will only be subject to federal estate tax.
You may be liable for Missouri taxes on Social Security benefits only if your adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds $100,000 on a joint return or $85,000 for single filers in 2023. Even if you exceed these income limits, you may only be required to pay taxes on a portion of your benefits.
2. Low cost of living
St. Louis has proudly been identified as the fifth-best city in the Midwest for high wages and low cost of living.
Like other cities across the U.S., St. Louis has experienced an increase in housing prices, but the typical home value still sits below the national average at about $191,500. In addition, property taxes are, on average, about $880 for every $100,000, which is just below the national average. Missouri also offers senior citizens a Missouri Property Tax Credit Claim to help offset real estate taxes. Eligible seniors can receive up to $750 if they rent or $1,100 if they own.
Missouri has a moderate-income tax range of 1.5% to 5.4%, and residents of St. Louis City are subject to an additional 1% earnings tax.
3. Access to top-tier healthcare
As you consider your quality of life and retirement expenses, healthcare costs and accessibility are likely two of your top priorities. Being in a larger city like St. Louis gives retirees access to hospital networks and highly regarded healthcare professionals.
St. Louis is home to several top medical facilities, including:
Whether you retire to St. Louis or call somewhere else “home,” it’s always good to research future healthcare needs. You may want to ask yourself important questions like:
- What type of specialists do I need access to regularly?
- How close are the nearest hospitals and ERs?
- Are these healthcare systems reputable?
- Is there a good standard of care?
4. There’s always something to do
From volunteering during the week to enjoying the music scene on the weekends, there’s almost always something going on in St. Louis.
Volunteering often plays an essential role in helping retirees establish a routine while giving them something purposeful and engaging. From public gardens to food banks, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities to align with your interests.
Some popular volunteer organizations include:
- Trailnet
- St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station Foundation
- St. Patrick Center
- Gateway Arch Park Foundation
Regarding entertainment, St. Louis offers something for everyone—the Saint Louis Art Museum, live music venues, food tours, and more. There is no lack of activities for active retirees looking to leave the house and explore their new city.
5. Good weather
You get the best of both worlds in St. Louis — a moderate climate with all four seasons. In the winter, you’ll still need a heavy jacket and snow boots since the temperature averages about 29 degrees in January. However, at the height of summer, expect sunny skies with highs in the low 80s.
Every City Has Its Challenges, and St. Louis is No Exception
- Struggling Downtown:
St. Louis has experienced a recent population shift, with many residents choosing the suburbs over city life. As neighborhood disparities grow, businesses and families have migrated to more affluent areas, leaving parts of downtown struggling. Rising living costs, the desire for better education, and increasing concerns about crime have further accelerated this trend. However, there’s reason for optimism. St. Louis Metro is gaining economic momentum, recently hitting a significant milestone in job growth. For the first time since 1990, the area added over 31,000 workers in a single year. This surge isn’t coincidental—it aligns with the strategic goals of the STL 2030 Jobs Plan, which is drives significant investments and creates substantial new employment opportunities. - No Oceans, No Mountains:
Although St. Louis offers the charm of all four seasons, it’s missing some of the coastal and mountainous escapes that many crave. However, due to its lower cost of living compared to more expensive cities, residents can use the money saved to invest in short-term rentals in the mountains or take a month-long vacation by the ocean during the coldest months. For retirees, this makes it easier to enjoy a balance of home life and travel as you ease into retirement. - No Football Team:
Nothing embodies the Midwest quite like a classic football team, and during their prime, the St. Louis Rams were the team to watch. Unfortunately, in 2015, our beloved Rams left for the warmer climate of Los Angeles, leaving St. Louis football fans of all ages heartbroken. However, for those open to new traditions, many St. Louis residents have shifted their allegiance to the Kansas City Chiefs, who, despite their name, are based in Kansas City, Missouri.
The 6 Best St. Louis Suburbs for Retirement
While St. Louis is an attractive place to live, its suburbs also have a lot to offer, especially for retirees.
As a lifelong resident of the St. Louis area and a St. Louis financial advisor, I have a good perspective of the local suburban scene and which neighborhoods give retirees the chance to thrive. From history to entertainment to dining, here is my list of the top 6 St. Louis suburbs for retirement.
1. Kirkwood, MO
Dense suburban feel with a delightful downtown.
Population: 29,233 and 17% of residents are over 65.
Cost of living: Median house value of $345,700, minimal crime.
Medical access: There is plenty of quality healthcare in and around Kirkwood, including 11 hospitals within a 15-mile radius.
What to love:
- It has a train station, just one of three Amtrak stations in the Metro area.
- A welcoming downtown with coffee shops and plenty of shopping and dining options.
- Home of Kirkwood Performing Arts Center offering award-winning live musical theater.
- Plenty of parks to explore, including Kirkwood Park, Watson Trail Park, and Walker Lake.
- Ice Arena, Aquatic Center, and an Amphitheater.
Unique landmarks:
- Powder Valley Nature Center
- Kirkwood Farmer’s Market
- Stages St. Louis
- Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park
2. Creve Coeur, MO
Natural beauty with suburban charm.
Population: 18,538, and 26% of residents are over 65.
Cost of living: Median house value of $402,300, 6% lower cost of living for retirees, and moderately tax-friendly.
Medical access: Great access to quality medical care, including its own Mercy Hospital.
What to love:
- Easily accessible restaurants, grocery stores, and recreation.
- City-style dining and shopping.
- Beautiful lake surrounded by parks and walking paths.
- A 9-hole golf course in the heart of town.
Unique landmarks:
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
- Tappmeyer House
- Lake School House
- Creve Coeur Golf Course
- Creve Coeur Lake Park
Interesting fact: The suburb received its name, French, for “broken heart” after a Native American princess jumped from a nearby cliff to her death when her love for a French fur trapper went unreciprocated.
3. Central West End, MO
Vibrant, elegant, and diverse.
Population: 15,762 and 17% of residents are over 65.
Cost of living: Median house value of $310,000 and a crime rate 59% lower than the St. Louis average.
Medical access: Great access to quality medical care, including The Center for Advanced Medicine.
What to love:
- Located just west of downtown with train access to the city.
- The business district stretches just under a mile, making it perfect for a casual stroll.
- Home to more than 75 restaurants, bars, and businesses.
- Plenty of outdoor festivals throughout the year, including the Central West End Cocktail party, Make Music St. Louis Festival, a weekly summer music festival, and a summer sidewalk sale.
- Plenty of parks with beautiful walking paths.
Unique landmarks:
- Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis and Mosaic Museum
- Chase Park Plaza Cinemas
- World Chess Hall of Fame
- Forest Park
- St. Louis Zoo
Interesting fact: Notable business leaders such as Albert Bond Lambert, Joseph Pulitzer, and Dwight Davis have called this neighborhood home.
4. Webster Groves, MO
Historic suburb with a flourishing artistic community.
Population: 23,770, and 17.8% of residents are over 65.
Cost of living: Median house value of $313,000 and a low crime rate.
Medical access: Easy access to excellent healthcare, including 40 hospitals in a 20-mile radius.
What to love:
- Only 13 miles from downtown, Webster Groves offers easy access to urban opportunities.
- There is plenty of nature to explore, including the 38-acre Blackburn Park, complete with a bird sanctuary and tennis courts.
- Century-old homes and architectural styles provide an authentic backdrop for restaurants and cute boutiques.
Unique landmarks:
Interesting fact: More than 300 of the community’s homes are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
5. Warson Woods, MO
Private and serene community.
Population: 2,046, virtually no crime.
Cost of living: Median home value of $92,500, minimal crime.
Medical access: Easy access to great healthcare.
What to love:
- Small and tranquil.
- A mostly residential neighborhood with little outside traffic.
- Convenient access to shopping and dining.
- Impressive parks and country clubs nearby.
Unique landmarks:
Interesting fact: This town was awarded a silver medal from Stacker for being one of the best towns to retire in Missouri.
6. Town & Country, MO
An affluent town with the city at your fingertips.
Population: 11,077, and 29.5% of residents are over 65.
Cost of living: A median home value of $734,800 or rent for $1,195.
Medical access: Access to 3 hospitals in a 25-mile radius of the city.
What to love:
- Located 15 miles from downtown St. Louis.
- Remotely located and surrounded by breathtaking nature.
- Plenty of shops and restaurants to choose from.
- Year-round festivals, including summer concerts in the park.
Unique landmarks:
Is St. Louis Your Retirement Destination?
St. Louis is quickly emerging as a sought-after destination for retirees seeking a blend of affordability and vibrant living. Its central location, major airport access, and other attractions across the country provide a unique advantage. Residents can enjoy a lower cost of living compared to coastal cities while still experiencing a rich entertainment scene, diverse culinary offerings, and top-notch healthcare facilities.
If you have any questions about the great city of St. Louis, or if you’re looking to connect with a financial professional in the area, don’t hesitate to give us a call anytime. We’re here to help you navigate your retirement journey.
Craig Toberman is a Partner at Toberman Becker Wealth – a fee-only, fiduciary financial advisor based in St. Louis. He assists families and businesses with strategic financial planning and long-term wealth management. He has over a decade of experience in financial services and has crafted custom financial plans for hundreds of families and businesses.