Mehlville - Saint Louis, MO

Mehlville grew its roots long before second-generation immigrants moved out of South St. Louis to find greener pastures in the suburbs. The neighborhood originated around Jefferson Barracks, an important Union outpost during the Civil War. After the war, the barracks remained a relevant command center for training United States Army personnel. Mehlville experienced wild fluctuations in population before and after World War I and World War II. The neighborhood stabilized during the 1950s, as military veterans began to purchase lots along the fledgling roads that helped grow South County.

When you want to explore the local arts scene, Mehlville sits near quality venues such as the St. Louis Art Museum, the Missouri Civil War Museum, and the Missouri Ballet Theatre.

Most of the restaurants in Mehlville sit on or near Lindbergh and Lemay Ferry boulevards. Mehlville attracts diners from all over the metropolitan area for the neighborhood's authentic Italian restaurants. Rizzo's Italian Restaurant brings the renowned Hill neighborhood into Mehlville by seving guests dishes inspired by classic Italian recipes. Chicken Spedini tantalizes the taste buds with just enough lemon juice and garlic to coat the tongue. Rizzo's house salad includes handpicked vine-ripened tomatoes and crispy lettuce smothered in a tangy homemade vinaigrette.

For decades, the Gianino family has spread its culinary muscle throughout South County, with Bill Gianino's presenting a straightforward, family-friendly menu served in a comfortable atmosphere. Diners enjoy freshly prepared Italian dishes such as spaghetti Bolognese and mouth watering bruschetta.

As a Mehlville staple for over 20 years, Tucker's brings the classic steakhouse from Soulard to residents of the Mehlville neighborhood. The menu at Tucker's Place features a wide variety of cuts that guests can order marinated or dry rubbed.

Mehlville attract people looking for nightlife, as most of the social venues exude a small-town bar atmosphere. Places such as Frankie G's and Blarney Stone promote the corner bar feel that mimics the ambiance projected by the venerable television show "Cheers." Residents gather at their favorite Mehlville bars to root for the Rams, Cardinals, and Blues. Located just off Union Road, Hotshots Sports Bar & Grill promotes a large sports bar ambiance that makes customers feel right at home.

Interstate 55 cuts through the middle of Mehlville, providing commuters with quick access to downtown St. Louis and other South County suburbs. Lindbergh Boulevard bustles with traffic throughout the day. Residents who want to avoid clogged Lindbergh Boulevard typically travel on side streets such as Union Road. Many of the neighborhoods promote walking, but some sections of the busier streets do not have sidewalks. Cyclists enjoy several bike paths that run through Jefferson Barracks Park. The longest paved bike trail that slices through St. Louis County begins where the Lemay and Mehlville neighborhoods meet.

With the closest Metrolink station more than 10 miles away, Mehlville residents rely on one of several bus routes for public transportation. The number 49 Lindbergh connects with multiple routes that take riders to and from the major commerce centers located in the St. Louis area. Visitors and Mehlville residents who shop in one of the neighborhood stores never have to worry about feeding parking meters. Uber St. Louis has a strong Mehlville presence due to the neighborhood's close proximity to Interstates 55 and 270.

Historic Jefferson Barracks Park offers families the combination of an educational and fun outing. Unlike many of the other county parks, Jefferson Barrack Park includes mostly dense forests that allow families to explore the stunning beauty of the area. Wildlife abounds within the park, from fleeing deer to large, low-flying fowl. The easy-to-reach park off Telegraph Road includes several historical landmarks that date back to the Revolutionary War. St. Louis County promotes a summer music series that features local and regional recording artists. The child-friendly park and adult-oriented concert series cost you nothing. You also benefit from the exercise of hiking or jogging on the park's paved trails. Canine lovers have to travel outside of Mehlville to find an off-leash dog park, with the closest one next to the Meramec River in Arnold, Missouri.

Average Mehlville gas prices sit at 16 percent less than the national gas price average. Metrobus one-way fares cost only $2, and you can save money by purchasing weekly or monthly passes. While the cost of living in St. Louis runs 5.6 percent below the national average, residents of Mehlville enjoy an even lower cost of living when compared to the national average. The cost of living in Mehlville falls nearly 10 percent below the national average. Affordable housing combines with the outstanding school district as reasons why young parents move to Mehlville. One-bedroom apartments in Mehlville rent for about $756 per month.

The South County Center represents South County's premiere shopping mall. Varieties of national and local brands provide everything you need, from customized furniture to stylish formal wear. Mehlville residents also have numerous boutique and specialty store options that offer products not found in the large shopping center. Nicole Rae Boutique does a bustling business selling monogrammed clothing and jewelry. If you want to shop at the closest high-end store, you must travel from Mehlville to the Galleria or take Interstate 255 to Plaza Frontenac.

Buy hard-to-find specialty items at the Europe Grocery Store. With Interstate 55 close by, you can easily reach the world famous Soulard Farmers Market located near downtown in historic Soulard.