Ferguson, MO Area Guide

William B. Ferguson established the area in the mid 1800s with only 10 acres. The town's original name was Ferguson Station because Ferguson deeded the 10 acres to Wabash Railroad, which established a depot and gave Ferguson the naming rights as a contractual stipulation. If the details of the agreement had been slightly different, the city could be named Wabash today.

Once home to Grammy-award winning singer Michael McDonald and UFC fighter Tyron Woodley, Ferguson historic landmarks include Central School, built in 1878, the Atwood-Hereford House, home of the first and second mayors of the city, and Church Street where city hall is located.

Nearly 50 years passed before the city incorporated in 1894. The Fortune 500 giant, Emerson Electric, employs more than 100,000 employees worldwide and has its headquarters in Ferguson providing employment opportunities within the area.

Residents and visitors to Ferguson have access to top level arts in St. Louis, including the Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri - St. Louis, which features many musical and ballet performances throughout the year.

Ferguson StreetFest is an annual event located in the historic Citywalk area. The two-day event features live music, dancing, food and fun for thousands of visitors each year.

Two of Ferguson's most popular restaurants include El Palenque's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina and Ferguson Brewing Company. Using family recipes shared from one generation to another, El Palenque Mexican Restaurant masterfully prepares authentic Mexican cuisine like pollo in mole sauce and asado de puerco in red or green sauce. The Ferguson Brewing Company's on-site brewery, tasty beer battered stuffed mushrooms, friendly atmosphere, and top-notch customer service makes it the best place for after hours drinks and food. While Ferguson isn't known as a party town, The Cork Wine Bar on South Florissant Road brightens the nightlife atmosphere with wine tasting and live music and entertainment from local Ferguson and St. Louis artists.

Transportation and commuting isn't a problem in Ferguson. South Florissant Road grants access to Interstates 70 and 270, which provides easy access to St. Louis within 15 to 20 minutes. Public transportation is provided by Metro via numerous bus stops throughout the city, including Florissant-Valley Community College.

St. Louis County Cab and Yellow Cab are just a phone call away and arrive within 10 minutes. Several bike lanes will maneuver you through the main streets of Ferguson as well. Nonetheless, driving a vehicle provides the best transportation option. Clean sidewalks in the CityWalk district make a perfect place for an evening stroll.

Ferguson has plenty of outdoor fun year round with 11 parks consuming more than 100 acres. Visitors find that most area parks are free, however, some have inexpensive admission fees. Locals flock to the Wabash Municipal Pool every summer. The pool provides swimming lessons, birthday parties, special events, and only has a one-dollar admission

A long list of amenities make January-Wabash Memorial Park the most popular park in Ferguson. Features at January-Wabash include a concession stand, lake fishing, well-maintained restrooms, bike and hiking trails, a volleyball court, playground, picnic pavilion, and horseshoe pit

The Ferguson Sports Complex sits on 21 acres of land hosting four lighted baseball fields, two lighted soccer fields, two concession stands and restrooms, eight tennis courts, a batting cage, playground, picnic pavilion, and a new basketball court. The Ferguson Sports Complex provides the perfect place for any athlete.

Ferguson's parks attract thousands of visitors each year due to their landscaping, tranquility, limitless amenities and location. Today, security, athletic programs, and special events remain contributing factors to the popularity of Ferguson's parks.

Ferguson has a population of slightly more than 21,000 and an overall low cost of living. The median cost of a house or condo lists at $92,000 while most one-bedroom apartments range between $500 to $600 per month. A lunch at any of Ferguson's numerous specialty restaurants typically starts at $10 or less.

Night clubs and lounges cost $5 to $10 for admission, however, most places do not require cover charges and have drinks starting at $5 or less. Commuters who rely on public transportation can save money with a $30 weekly Metro bus pass. Drivers appreciate and welcome a break at the pump as gas prices rank lower than the national average. Ferguson, Mo. remains one of the most affordable places to live due to its location, low cost of living, low crime rate, economic growth, amenities, weather, and employment opportunities.

Visitors and residents enjoy a variety of shopping options in Ferguson such as the Farmer's Market. Ferguson's Farmer's Market hosts an array of vendors from local farmers and specialty bakeries to artists and craftsmen. The relatively new Shop-n-Save supplies additional grocery needs at reasonable prices.

A stroll down Ferguson's CityWalk introduces you to a bicycle shop, boutiques, aromatic coffee shops, music lounges, and so much more. The Buzz Westfall Shopping Center rests just a few miles away in bordering Jennings, Mo. Finally, a 15-minute drive down Interstate-270 and HWY 370 places you at the Mills Shopping Outlet, the most popular shopping mall in North St. Louis County.