Vandeventer - Saint Louis, MO

The history of the Vandeventer neighborhood dates back to the 1860s when the neighborhood’s founder Peter Lewis Vandeventer settled in the area. The family’s estate, known as Vandeventer Place, was a popular mansion in the neighborhood until it was demolished in 1947. However, pieces of the mansion, including the fountain and the east gates, were relocated to Forest Park. The Campbell House Museum stores and shares the story behind the iconic Vandeventer Place, which was often seen as an icon in the community. Visit the museum to hear an in-depth telling of how the Vandeventers shaped the neighborhood. Make a day out of your visit, and stop in just down the street at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Visitors can see the region’s largest collection of pieces, including work from local neighborhood artists.

Niche restaurants and eclectic, locally owned establishments make up the dining scene in Vandeventer. When it comes to dining in the area, locally owned Sweetie Pies' Upper Crust is a must-visit. The restaurant earned a great deal of attention when it was featured on its own reality television show. The soul-food establishment features a buffet-style menu of locally made southern-inspired dishes. Beware, this hot spot typically has a line going out the door, and many of the meat dishes sell out early in the day, so patrons are encouraged to come early. However, the big draw is the establishment's famous fried chicken; the recipe was developed by owner Miss Robbie and has often be hailed as one of the best dishes in the city.

Down the street, diners can enjoy exotic fare at the Everest Cafe. This family-owned establishment creates healthy, nutritious meals ranging from Nepalese to Korean and Indian cuisine. The restaurant never uses processed foods in their recipes, and the chef Dr. Devi States buys his organic vegetables from the local market everyday. Visit at lunch to explore the restaurant's lunch buffet, and try a little of everything on the menu.

For a laid back atmosphere, visit Atomic Cowboy down the street. This locally owned late-night bar not only has a selection of famous "super premium" margaritas, but offers an impressive late-night menu of simple yet filling, bar-friendly Mexican dishes.

Vandeventer Avenue runs right through the heart of this community and provides residents with easy access to both Interstate 64 and Interstate 44. Travel by car is quick and convenient thanks to the neighborhood’s central metro location.

The neighborhood is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the greater St. Louis area. The Vandeventer neighborhood offers residents a bike-friendly atmosphere and, in addition to offering several bike paths and stands throughout the neighborhood, several establishments in the promote the pro-biking message, such as locally owned HandleBar.

While there is no Uber car service in the area, cabs are easy to come by in this neighborhood. The MetroLink serves the Vandeventer neighborhood, and the community has its own stop along the rail line. The public MetroBus system also has several steps throughout the neighborhood.

Several small city parks dot the Vandeventer neighborhood, and provide green space and outdoor amenities to area residents. At Turner Park, residents can bask in some green space and enjoy public benches. At Lister Dog Park, residents with canine companions can let their dogs run and play off leash in the enclosed area. Down the street at Beckett Park, public basketball courts and playgrounds make this community space a welcoming area for residents with children.

Residents seeking even more green space, walking and running trails and outdoor sports facilities can visit nearby Forest Park, located less than a mile from the community. The city park annually hosts events such as LouFest, the St. Louis Balloon festival, community art fairs and charity races. With such easy access to the major city park, many residents choose to take a leisurely stroll to Forest Park from the heart of Vandeventer.

Cost of living in the Vandeventer neighborhood typically carries an average cost of living when compared to the rest of the city. Those looking to rent a home or apartment in the Vandeventer neighborhood generally find rentals are quite affordable. The average price for a one-bedroom apartment in the community runs around $650, which is lower than downtown. A MetroLine ride to the canter of St. Louis costs $2.50, while gas prices typically linger about 8 percent lower than the national average. Residents can expect to pay around $3 for a pint of locally brewed beer, such as Anheuser Busch products, and around $6 for a pint of craft beer at the local pubs.

Locally owned boutique shops characterize the shopping experience in Vandeventer. At In Stages Furniture and Home Decor, residents can shop through eclectic, retro-inspired furnishings. The store also offers services such as re-design, property staging and holiday decorating.

Down the street at City Boutique, shoppers can find an impressive collection of statement fashion pieces, shoes and accessories, and custom eccentric t-shirts with eye-catching slogans. Vandeventer residents can buy their groceries at the Schnucks grocery store, where they can find affordable prices on food, produce and everyday essentials. In lieu of a traditional farmers market, the city has its City Greens produce truck. This truck provides fresh, quality and affordable local produce to neighborhoods. The volunteer-run truck marks a collaboration between Midtown and local Missouri farmers. The mobile market appears on Tuesdays in the neighborhood.