Penrose - Saint Louis, MO

In 1673, French explorers made their way through the Mississippi River Valley, and a few years later, La Salle claimed the area of St. Louis as part of La Lousiane. In 1763, St. Louis was founded. In 1780, the Battle of St. Louis of the American Revolution took place in the area. Finally, in 1803, St. Louis (as part of the Louisiana Purchase) was sold to the US.

In 1805, Thomas Jefferson appointed Clement B. Penrose as land commissioner. Penrose moved to the St. Louis area and purchased a large estate and operated as one of the area's main land investors. The neighborhood was eventually named for this important early founder. The area remained rural until around 1900, and many of the homes in Penrose date back to the 1920s.

Though primarily a residential area, there are several eateries within walking distance. Chinese is readily available from Mandarin Inn, right on Natural Bridge Avenue. Mandarin Inn offers affordable take-out with sizeable portions, but seating is limited. For a sit-down experience, wander by O'Fallon Park to try Flames Bar-B-Que House, which offers a full barbecue menu.

If you prefer your meal delivered, try Sister Cities Cajun and BBQ. This local hot spot delivers Cajun-smoked wings right to your door for a minimum order of $15.

Because of Penrose's residential status and seclusion, locals looking for fun in the late-night hours travel a little farther than a stroll down the street. The nearest bar, Harlem Tap Room, is an eight-minute drive from the center of Penrose.

Getting from place to place is easy in Penrose. Penrose has close ties to the Velodrome and cycle track racing, so it is no surprise that the area is particularly bikeable, and bike lanes are incorporated into many of the streets.

Errands such as grocery shopping at the local Shop n' Save can be accomplished by foot. Five bus lines pass through the area, going to and from Penrose to other parts of St. Louis, that are convenient and inexpensive options.

Penrose Park is the smaller of the two parks in the area, but despite its small size, it is home to the only Velodrome, or cycle racing track, in Missouri. Considered a hidden jewel in St. Louis, Penrose Park sports a history of weekly races that excite athletes and residents of Penrose alike.

O'Fallon Park, which borders part of the eastern edge of Penrose, provides an excellent opportunity for families to spend time outdoors. Public fishing is available at O'Fallon Park Lake, and the park's four pavilions make picnicking a breeze. Playground equipment is modern and suitable for children of all ages. O'Fallon Park Rec Complex is another asset to the park. The complex offers programs and services focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Owned by the St. Louis Department of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry, the complex is operated by the YMCA of Greater St. Louis. The complex charges a reasonable membership fee, but those unable to pay the fee can still enjoy the facility. With everything from a family pool to basketball courts and cardio equipment, the rec complex is a vital center of ongoing community programming and events.

The cost of living in Penrose is roughly 13 percent lower than the average for the rest of the city. If you want to rent an apartment in Penrose, you may find limited availability. There are a variety of houses for rent. Renters make up 48 percent of the population in Penrose, and anyone who rents can expect to pay an average of around $800 per month for a one or two-bedroom apartment. The close proximity of Penrose to schools such as Ashland Elementary School makes it a convenient neighborhood for families with children. Filling up your tank in Penrose is cheaper than the national average, and expect to pay around $3 for a beer in a local bar.

Local shopping options are within walking distance from most areas of Penrose. Whether your day consists of heading to Adelaide Market on the corner of West Florissant and Adelaide Street to get a few necessities or going town to Beauty Zone on Natural Bridge Avenue to crisp up your haircut, you can find something to spark your interests.

For those with a more refined taste in clothing, Exquisite Fashion, a store filled with urban attire for women, is a popular local option for unique outfits. More shopping options are just beyond walking distance, but it's no trouble to hop on a bus towards Kingshighway for more shops and attractions.

Residents do their grocery shopping in the neighborhood at Save-A-Lot, St. Louis Super Market, and Phillips Market, all of which are within walking distance of most locations in the community. If you're interested in fresh, local produce and artisan wares, take a trip over to the Loop in the University City section of St. Louis for the Midtown Farmers Market at Historic Market. It's open on Saturdays during the growing season.