Baden - Saint Louis, MO

Marking the northern edge of St. Louis, Baden became part of the city in 1876 when it was voted in by state legislature. A residential district first and foremost, single-family homes continue to dominate much of the neighborhood to this day.

Those willing to travel beyond Baden's borders will find St. Louis has much to offer in the way of theatrical entertainment. The Bissell Mansion Restaurant and Dinner Theatre serves guests a four-course meal that plays out alongside a weekend murder mystery performance. Choose to play a part in the cast or sit back and enjoy the show.

If you're seeking entertainment on a larger scale, the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the University of Missouri's St. Louis campus puts on fine arts performances throughout the year and is only a bus ride away.

The nightlife and dining options in Baden carry the same quiet atmosphere and welcoming attitude the neighborhood prides itself on. Those looking to stay close to home will find a surprisingly diverse set of options for food and entertainment.

Barbecue enthusiasts longing for the distinctly smoky flavor of St. Louis barbecue should not overlook Roper’s Ribs, located just west of Baden at 6929 Florissant Avenue. Roper's Ribs smokes its meats for over 12 hours, using hickory wood and a special blend of spices. Those unsure of how much food to order will find the "Choose Three" with an additional side to be a generous helping of food for two. If you have not sampled classic St. Louis barbecue before, be sure to include St. Louis-style ribs in your order for this restaurant's take on the well-known favorite.

Sandwiched between Pelham Avenue and Halls Ferry Road on Broadway in southern Baden, Vinh Chop Suey serves up fried rice, noodles, meat and shrimp perfect for evening take-out when you don't want to cook at home. If your stomach feels particularly bottomless, go for the special fried rice, which is piled high with pork, beef, ham and shrimp.

A perfect blend of tasty cuisine and the cozy Baden nightlife, Playboy El Cappuccino on 8500 Broadway brings disparate parties together over crunchy fried shrimp, thick cut steak fries and a full bar. Claiming to serve the best shrimp in town, El Cappuccino keeps patrons entertained with a jukebox, electronic dartboards and Christmas lights hung all year long.

Baden's position on the north side of town ensures easy travel by car to locations beyond St. Louis. For those traveling locally, other options are available. In addition to the available Uber services, a range of taxi cab companies from the greater St. Louis area provide transportation throughout the city. Metro Transit of St. Louis services Baden with bus stops along Broadway, Halls Ferry, Mclaran and Riverview Boulevard.

Public parking is available along many roads for a fee. Bike lanes have been incorporated into many of the area's major city streets, and the proximity of businesses to residences throughout Baden lends the neighborhood a surprising walkability, though it is recommended to catch a cab or bus for travel beyond your immediate area.

The neighborhood of Baden contains two parks, both open to the public. Situated between Broadway and Hall Street in east Baden, Hickey Park presents a number of recreational options for people of all ages, including baseball fields, playgrounds and walking trails. Bring your dog along to play in the expansive fields, or pack a picnic lunch to eat beneath the shade of one of Hickey Park's many trees.

Dickman Park can be found south of Baden Avenue by the train tracks. This wide-open greenspace offers plenty of shade for those looking to lounge while they enjoy the fresh air. The sizable field makes a perfect place to play a game of football or toss around a Frisbee with some friends.

Baden's cost of living averages 5 percent lower than the overall St. Louis average. A bus ride to Market Street or West Downtown costs $3 for a two-hour transfer pass, and a one-day pass good for both the bus and city Metro is $7.50.

A typical one-bedroom apartment costs as low as $500 per month, and a pint of beer runs about $5 at most pubs. The area's gas average hovers around 14 percent lower than the national average.

The neighborhood's two major areas of commerce can be found at the Halls Ferry Circle in northwest Baden and in the east on Broadway. Though many of the specialty shops and boutiques operate further south near downtown St. Louis, a few hidden gems reside nearby.

Jennings Shopping Center in west Baden along Halls Ferry Road collects a number of well-known stores in one place. Stop by Walgreens to get your prescriptions filled and stock up on groceries. Browse the Dickies apparel at the Work Wear for Less outlet before grabbing take-out from Lisa's Chop Suey on your way home.

If you are looking to furnish a new apartment or are in search of that last piece needed to complete the living room, the Home Improvement Outlet on Halls Ferry Road combines quality brand-name materials with discounted prices. If you're seeking to redo your kitchen, bring along your room measurements and the friendly and helpful staff will work with you to redesign or complete your kitchen to your liking.

Another local favorite, A Taste of Luxurie sells a wide variety of women's clothing, shoes and accessories, spanning office attire, formal wear, vintage pieces and many more unique items. Don't forget to check store hours before you go, as A Taste of Luxurie is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays every week.

Save-A-Lot, Six Stars Market and Walgreens provide residents with options for local supermarkets on Baden's west side, all of which can be found along Riverview Boulevard.

The nearest farmers market can be found west of Baden at 20 Florissant Road. A growers-only market, the Ferguson Farmers Market only allows vendors to sell products they have grown or produced themselves, ensuring your money goes to support local efforts.