Moving to St. Louis starts with understanding that St. Louis City and St. Louis County are separate, and the county has dozens of municipalities with their own rules. Pick two or three areas that fit your commute and budget, get pre-approved, then tour in person or by video before you offer.
How the region is organized
- St. Louis City: an independent city, separate from St. Louis County, with neighborhoods such as Tower Grove, Soulard, The Hill, Shaw and Lafayette Square.
- St. Louis County: dozens of municipalities plus unincorporated areas such as Concord, Mehlville and Oakville, each with its own services and inspection rules.
- St. Charles County: west across the Missouri River, including St. Charles, O'Fallon, St. Peters and Wentzville.
- Jefferson and Franklin Counties: south and southwest, including Arnold, Festus, Imperial, Washington and Union.
Explore every area on the neighborhoods page.
What homes cost
The median sale price in St. Louis City and County was $340,000 in September 2026, up 7.3% from a year earlier, with 3,692 homes for sale (St. Louis REALTORS). Prices vary a lot by area and home type, so compare the same kind of home in each area you are considering.
How to choose an area
Rank what matters most to you:
- Commute time to work, at the hours you will drive
- Home style and lot size
- Total monthly cost, including taxes and any HOA
- Parks, trails and things to do
- Older homes with character or newer construction
Visit at different times of day, and drive your commute before you commit.
Buying from out of town
- Get pre-approved with a lender licensed in Missouri.
- Sign a written buyer agreement so your agent can tour for you.
- Ask for live video tours and a street-by-street drive video.
- Plan one in-person trip for your top two or three homes if you can.
- Use electronic signatures and a remote closing if the title company offers it.
Local details that surprise newcomers
- Occupancy inspections are required in many municipalities when a home changes hands.
- Missouri bills real estate tax and personal property tax (for vehicles) separately.
- The City of St. Louis has an earnings tax for people who live in the city and for many who work there.
Check current details with the city, the county and your tax advisor. See the full Buying in St. Louis plan.
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Louis City the same as St. Louis County?
No. They are separate governments. Many addresses that say St. Louis, MO are in the county.
How much is a typical home in St. Louis?
The City and County median sale price was $340,000 in September 2026 (St. Louis REALTORS); it varies by area.
Can I buy a home without visiting?
Yes, with video tours and remote closing, though most buyers visit at least once.
What should I do first when relocating?
Get pre-approved and narrow your search to two or three areas.
About the author: Stephanie Muhlenfeld, PMP, REALTOR® with LPT Realty. Stephanie helps buyers and sellers across St. Louis City and St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson and Franklin Counties move with a plan, not pressure. (314) 597-7494.
LPT Realty (417) 813-1762