Maryland Heights, MO

In the late 1800s, settlers came to this area of St. Louis and found the rolling hills of this scenic area reminded them of their home state of Maryland. Following WWII, the neighborhood transformed from rural land to a developed suburb, and in the 1950s, major road work connected Maryland Heights to the rest of the metro area, solidifying its ties to downtown St. Louis

The Maryland Heights community proudly hosts the Holocaust Museum and Learning Center. Self-guided tours through the building are free to the public. At the Historic Aircraft Restoration Museum, visitors can find out more about some of the first airplanes ever built and how these machines helped develop many areas of the Midwest.

The International Festival takes place every February, where live music, dance and the arts come together in an event where guests can immerse themselves in international culture.

Welcoming, locally owned establishments and well-known chain restaurants make up the dining scene in Maryland Heights. With such a diverse population of residents, those seeking dining and nightlife options find a broad range of establishments in the area.

When you're working late or just hungry for a delicious fast-food alternative, call up Off the Grill, a delivery- and takeout-only establishment that cooks up made-to-order American classics. Try an updated take on an old favorite with the Philly steak pita, packed with marinated ribeye, provolone, mushrooms and onions. Add an order of chocolate cake or steam-grilled veggies to top off a satisfying meal.

Diners with more exotic pallets can pay a visit to Chihuahua's for some south-of-the-border flavor. The establishment is located right next to popular Dorsett Square and features a broad menu of authentic cuisine. Seeking something outside of traditional Mexican fare? Sample the restaurant's sweet potato chips for a unique Mexican twist on a southern favorite.

For late night excitement, visit Jive and Wail, the area's dueling piano bar, where musicians play late into the night. This bar is open only on the weekends and stays open late. Expect more than just drink specials, as the musicians often invite patrons on stage during the night.

Maryland Heights residents can travel anywhere by car, thanks to three major interstates that frame the Maryland Heights community. Interstate 70, Interstate 170 and Interstate 270 border this neighborhood, making it simple for residents to access downtown and the surrounding St. Louis suburbs.

Cabs service the area, or residents can use Uber for easy transportation. The community is not very walkable, but several sidewalks throughout the community make the neighborhood bicycle friendly. Street and public parking is easy to come by in Maryland Heights, and most parking is free.

The MetroLink serves Maryland Heights with a nearby train stop. The station provides access to downtown, the airport and several other premier communities in the metro area. Maryland Heights also has several MetroBus stops throughout the city that transport residents throughout the community and to surrounding neighborhoods.

The family-friendly community of Maryland Heights contains several different parks. The Creve Coeur County Park is one of the area’s premier attractions. Local wildlife, a lake and the infamous Dripping Springs waterfall can all be found within this retreat.

At Vago Community Park, located along the intersection of Fee Fee Road and Midland Avenue, plenty of amenities are available, including playgrounds, a paved walking trail, pavilions, picnic areas and a sand volleyball court. Leashed dogs are also welcome at this park. The park also has a Veterans Memorial Walk that honors residents who have served in the armed forces. Annual charity runs and community events often take place at this massive city park.

Families with small children can visit Eise Park and enjoy one of the community’s premier playgrounds or eat lunch at one of the public picnic tables. This park also has basketball courts and plenty of green space.

Life in the Maryland Heights community generally carries a low-to-average cost of living, when compared to the rest of the country, and a higher cost of living when compared to the rest of St. Louis. The average apartment in Maryland Heights costs around $802 per month for a one bedroom. A MetroLink ride to downtown St. Louis costs about $2.50, while gas prices typically settle in around 7.9 percent higher than the national average. At the local bars, a pint of domestic beer from one of the neighboring breweries costs around $3, while the average pint of craft beer costs around $7.

Trusted brands make up the shopping experience in Maryland Heights, where residents can easily find important everyday items. Most stores in the area are small establishments, but just a few miles outside of the neighborhood in the Frontenac region of St. Louis, residents can find high-end stores. Browse for everyday essentials at the local Walgreens, located on the popular Dorsett Road strip of the city. Just down the street at Dorsett Vapor, residents patronize the locally owned vapory shop, where e-cigarettes, vapory products and refills are available. Visit the neighborhood floral shop at Maryland Heights Florist for fresh, hand-picked stems, custom arrangements, cards, and birthday and holiday gifts. If comics and action figures are more your style, visit NewCastle Comics and Games for an impressive collection of novelty and collector comic books. This establishment hosts one of the region's largest collections. Residents of Maryland Heights can buy their groceries at Schnucks, a St. Louis grocery store that carries produce, grocery essentials and bakery items. Near the border of Maryland Heights is the Creve Coeur farmers market where locals find a selection of meats dairy, fruits and vegetables. The market is held every Saturday morning throughout the year.