Columbus Square - Saint Louis, MO

German Catholic immigrants settled in Columbus Square neighborhood in the early 1800s, and by 1840, the area was officially colonized. Industrial and commercial development in the neighborhood began after the Civil War, and soon the neighborhood became a thriving part of the St. Louis city community. With its close proximity, just blocks away from downtown, much of the growth of this neighborhood occurred during the city-wide development of the riverfront region of the city.

At the Campbell House Museum, a restored 19th-century home provides visitors with insight on some of the early development of St. Louis city and details how the downtown region including Columbus Square. Filled with historic artifacts and paintings, this home pays homage to the early days of St. Louis city. At the Old Cathedral Museum, residents can learn more about the Catholic beginnings of the neighborhood and the strong Catholic influence in the neighborhood today.

Those who prefer Asian-inspired cuisine can visit Empress Express, the community’s premier Chinese restaurant. This community restaurant has a large menu of traditional Chinese dishes. Make sure to check out the establishment’s hot braised chicken to discover a real local treat.

At Mango Restaurant real Peruvian dishes are readily available for those seeking authentic hand-made traditional dishes with a modern twist. The restaurant is a repeat winner of “The Best of St. Louis” for South American Cuisine. For a special treat try out the humitas. This authentic appetizer straight from Peru comes in a corn husk filled with real South America flavors and can’t be found anywhere else in the city.

Residents seeking more of a nightlife scene can visit Shady Jack’s Saloon, the local biker bar and community pub. With plenty of drink specials and an exciting atmosphere, this late night establishment, not only has a downstairs party room with a stage and bar but its own tattoo parlor and gift shop.

Most residents of Columbus Square travel by car, thanks to the community’s convenient location near Interstate 70 and Interstate 44. Just steps away from downtown, residents can easily get to the heart of the city along Tucker Boulevard.

Plenty of street parking is available, but with the Edward Jones Dome right along the edge of the community, many times, finding public parking can be a challenge for community members. Cabs are prevalent in the area, and the community is both walkable and biker friendly. The MetroLink serves Columbus Square with its own stop at the Edward Jones Dome. The rail line takes residents throughout the city and to the airport. There are several bus stops throughout the Columbus Square neighborhood that take residents around the community and to neighboring downtown.

Despite its urban location, there are several city parks sprinkled throughout the Columbus Square neighborhood. At the corner of 11th Street and Biddle Street, is the Columbus Square Park. Featuring benches and green space, this raised city park is both kid and dog friendly. Columbus Park sits on a half-acre and has been part of the community for more than 30 years.

Just down the street from this park is the famous Kiener Plaza. Welcoming both kids and pets, it has numerous sculptures and green space and a seating area for community events. Residents come to this plaza for its numerous activities, and it is home to events such as the St. Louis Marathon and food festivals such as the Bacon-Fest.

Life in Columbus Square comes with a low-to-average cost of living, making it a popular destination for those seeking the convenience of downtown life without the cost. The cost of living is below both the city and national average. Rental properties are quite affordable in the area, with the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the area just $416 per month. A Metro ride to the city center costs about $2.50; however most residents choose to walk to downtown, due to the proximity of the neighborhood to the downtown region. Gas prices in this city-community typically settle in about 8 percent lower than the national average. You can expect to pay around $3 for a pint of locally brewed beer made by St. Louis-based Schafly or Anheiser Busch and approximately $6 for a pint of craft beer at the local bars.

Trusted brands make up the shopping experience in the Columbus Square neighborhood of St. Louis; however, with such convenient access to downtown, plenty of shopping opportunities abound for residents of this city community.

Shop for the latest women’s styles at Fresh Image, This boutique has a great and affordable collection of shoes, clothes and accessories to help you expand your wardrobe. At Walter Knoll Florists, you can pick up some beautiful fresh cut flowers and custom arrangements to bring home to that special someone or the perfect plant to round out your garden.

Residents can buy their groceries by traveling downtown to the downtown-based Culinaria, A Schnucks Market. This large city grocery store provides shoppers with two stories of essentials. Pick up a coffee while you shop or a snack at the in-store cafe. Travel a mile south for the city’s main farmers market, the Soulard Market. This open-air market is open year round from Wednesday through Sunday to the public. Here, shoppers can find locally grown fruits, vegetables and produce from area farmers as well as sweet treats, pies and handmade gifts.