Best Neighborhoods in St. Louis for Renters

The Gateway City offers renters an affordable alternative to more expensive metros while maintaining the cultural amenities that make city-living desirable. St. Louis provides diverse living options from restored brick buildings in historic districts to modern apartment communities near downtown.

With neighborhoods ranging from the historic district of Central West End to Downtown St. Louis where there is no shortage of attractions, St. Louis caters to various lifestyle preferences. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to rent in St. Louis based on the following factors:

• Rental availability
• Average rent relative to other neighborhoods in the city
• Proximity to points of interest like work hubs, universities, downtown areas, shopping centers, or major parks
• Niche.com’s neighborhood report cards

Here are the five best neighborhoods in St. Louis for renters:

1. Central West End
2. Soulard
3. Forest Park Southeast
4. Downtown St. Louis
5. Convention Center

Best Neighborhood Overall: Central West End

• Average one-bedroom rent in St. Louis: $1,157/month
• Average one-bedroom rent in Central West End: $1,494/month
• Average one-bedroom size in Central West End: 710 square feet

Why Central West End is good for renters

Central West End stands as one of St. Louis's most walkable neighborhoods, featuring early 20th-century architecture and upscale dining options. Renters benefit from easy walking access to Forest Park, the Cathedral Basilica, and Washington University's medical campus. The neighborhood's MetroLink station provides direct rail service to downtown and Lambert Airport, making car-free living possible.

Why Central West End is the best overall

Central West End has a little bit of everything. It has historic architecture and a walkable commercial core, so you can wander from a leafy residential block onto a strip lined with sidewalk cafes, boutiques, and some of the city’s top restaurants. It sits right next to Forest Park, giving residents easy access to museums, trails, and the iconic St. Louis Zoo.

Keep in mind

This is one of St. Louis's more expensive neighborhoods, and street parking can be competitive during evening hours when restaurants and bars are busy.

Best Neighborhood for Nightlife: Soulard

• Average one-bedroom rent in St. Louis: $1,157/month
• Average one-bedroom rent in Soulard: $1,355/month
• Average one-bedroom size in Soulard: 716 square feet

Why Soulard is good for renters

Soulard, the oldest neighborhood in St. Louis, offers renters historic charm with its cobblestone streets and restored brick row houses. The neighborhood hosts the second-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States and maintains a lively nightlife scene throughout the year. Its proximity to downtown means easy access to employment centers while retaining residential character.

Why Soulard is the best for nightlife

Soulard has a dense cluster of bars, live music venues, and late-night eateries, meaning there’s always something happening nearby. Soulard’s real claim to fame, though, is Mardi Gras—the city throws one of the biggest celebrations in the country, complete with parades and a dog parade that draw crowds from across the city.

Keep in mind

Weekend festivities can bring crowds and noise, particularly during Mardi Gras season and summer street festivals.

Best Neighborhood for Foodies: Forest Park Southeast

• Average one-bedroom rent in St. Louis: $1,157/month
• Average one-bedroom rent in Forest Park Southeast: $1,589/month
• Average one-bedroom size in Forest Park Southeast: 732 square feet

Why Forest Park Southeast is good for renters

Forest Park Southeast, known locally as "The Grove," has transformed into an arts and entertainment district. Renters enjoy direct access to Forest Park's 1,300 acres of green space, along with the neighborhood's growing collection of galleries, theaters, and the St. Louis Zoo. The area's industrialization boom has brought new apartment communities offering affordable and upscale rentals alike.

Why Forest Park Southeast is the best for foodies

Forest Park Southeast stands out for the sheer density and diversity of restaurants packed into a compact strip. Fine dining, craft breweries, and casual sandwich shops sit side by side, often in repurposed buildings that give the area a distinct character. Forest Park Southeast also borders The Hill, a historic neighborhood full of authentic Italian restaurants and cafes.

Keep in mind

As an up-and-coming neighborhood, some blocks are more developed than others, and construction may temporarily affect daily routines.

Best Neighborhood for Baseball Fans: Downtown St. Louis

• Average one-bedroom rent in St. Louis: $1,157/month
• Average one-bedroom rent in Downtown St. Louis: $1,176/month
• Average one-bedroom size in Downtown St. Louis: 784 square feet

Why Downtown St. Louis is good for renters

Downtown St. Louis sits along the Mississippi River and features iconic landmarks like the Gateway Arch National Park. Renters have easy access to St. Louis’s nightlife scene along Washington Avenue. Loft-style apartments and upscale rentals are more affordable than similar options in other metro cities. Getting around is convenient with metro lines and interstates connecting Downtown to the rest of the city.

Why Downtown St. Louis is the best for baseball fans

Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals, sits right in the heart of the neighborhood, and Downtown St. Louis organizes itself around Cardinals baseball. Game day comes with the full experience—sports bars packed before first pitch, the stadium’s Ballpark Village entertainment district buzzing with fans, and a skyline view of the Gateway Arch as a backdrop to the action.

Keep in mind

Living in the hustle-and-bustle of downtown can bring noise, overcrowding, and competitive parking.

Best Neighborhood for a Budget: Convention Center

• Average one-bedroom rent in St. Louis: $1,157/month
• Average one-bedroom rent in Convention Center: $1,125/month
• Average one-bedroom size in Convention Center: 790 square feet

Why Convention Center is good for renters

Convention Center is nestled in Downtown St. Louis and borders Gateway Arch National Park, putting renters in the heart of the city. Affordable apartments paired with nearby metro stations make city-living a breeze. Entertainment, dining, and nightlife are steps away thanks to the neighborhood’s proximity to downtown. Residents enjoy easy access to the Mississippi River, the National Blues Museum, and other historic landmarks.

Why Convention Center is the best for a budget

Convention Center offers a well-rounded living experience with rents under the city average. Its central location gives residents access to some of the best spots in the city without the premium pricing.

Keep in mind

While metro stations are available for travel in the area, many residents still rely on personal vehicles for everyday errands.

Ready to Make the Move?

St. Louis is the perfect place for renters who want to live in a bustling up-and-coming city for an affordable price. Whether you’re looking for a view of the Mississippi River from your window or want the convenience of downtown steps from your front door, Apartments.com gives you plenty of options to choose from.

Our detailed listings include photos, floor plans, and neighborhood information to help you make an informed decision about your next home. Don’t wait—the perfect place is waiting for you on Apartments.com.

Methodology

Rent and cost of living data are sourced from the Apartments.com Rent Trends pages and Cost of Living Calculator. Walkability, transit, drivability, and bikeability ratings are sourced from the Apartments.com Area Guides, courtesy of Local Logic. The best neighborhood overall was determined based on rental availability, affordability, and proximity to points of interest.

This article was originally published on December 12, 2025, by Sharon Livsey, and has been updated to reflect August 2026 data.