Posted by Dawn Griffin
Shaw Neighborhood St. Louis
The Shaw neighborhood is one of the oldest and most historically intact neighborhoods in St. Louis. It is known for its tree-lined streets and Victorian architecture. There are roughly 3,500 dwellings in Shaw with an estimated population of over 6,500. The Dawn Griffin Group has helped a multitude of clients move to and from Shaw in our 20+ years. With restaurants, schools, churches, and shops dotted throughout the neighborhood and bordered by some of St. Louis’ preeminent greens spaces, Shaw is considered one of the most walkable neighborhoods in St. Louis. The Shaw Neighborhood is bordered by Interstate 44 to the north, the Missouri Botanical Gardens to the west. Tower Grove Park to the south and Grand Blvd on the east.
The Neighborhood Feel
Shaw is a local historic district whose character and architectural integrity is protected by ordinance. Like many neighborhoods in St. Louis, the residents of Shaw feel passionate about their neighborhood as noted by the many SHAW stickers on the rear windows of cars. Shaw isn’t just a location, it’s an identity.
Monday through Friday you can see elementary school kids walking to St. Margaret of Scotland or Mann Elementary, and on weekends residents of all ages are out and about walking in the park, getting ice cream and coffee and meeting up for dinner at local restaurants.
FESTIVALS IN HISTORIC SHAW
Living in Shaw means easy access (no worries about parking!) to a multitude of activities and festivals that occur in Tower Grove Park such as the annual Festival of Nations. Walk to the Farmer’s Market or Food Truck Fridays or any number of free concerts that happen throughout the summer in the park.
The Botanical Gardens’ popular Wednesday evening Whitaker Music Festival happens throughout the summer and fall brings the Japanese Festival and Best of Missouri Market.
SIGNATURE EVENTS IN HISTORIC SHAW
One of the signature events of the neighborhood is the Historic Shaw Art Fair held annually each October since 1993. Roughly 135 top artists and craftspeople from around the country participate in the professionally juried fair, which is organized by the Shaw Neighborhood Improvement Association (SNIA). The SNIA website is an excellent website for those considering moving into the neighborhood.
Shaw Neighborhood Housing Statistics
In the last 10 years, property values in Shaw have more than doubled. Renowned for its meticulously preserved and restored Victorian-style houses, the neighborhood’s housing options also include charming bungalows, cozy townhouses, and stylish contemporary dwellings. With its picturesque character and a range of housing styles, Shaw offers residents a unique blend of historic charm and contemporary living in the heart of St. Louis.
- 2013 Median Sale Price in Shaw was $180,000
- Median Sales Price as of April 2023 was $416,750
- Some homes get multiple offers. The average homes sell for about 4% above list price and go pending in around 9 days. Hot homes can sell for about 8% above list price and go pending in around 5 days.
- 91 properties were sold in Shaw from June 2022 – June 2023 (MLS status thru June 8, 2023). 71 of those were single family residences, with the remaining being condos.
More Amenities in Shaw
Not only is housing undergoing renovation in Shaw, but businesses are also popping up. Below are some of the restaurants and shops Shaw residents and visitors to Shaw are able to enjoy.
Sasha’s on Shaw – 4069 Shaw
This wine bar features both indoor and outdoor seating, with a spacious garden patio popular for its relaxing atmosphere. Wine, cheese plates & other snacks are served in a comfortable, eclectic setting.
Bailey’s Range – 4175 Shaw
Located in a former service station near the Missouri Botanical Garden and with great patio seating, Bailey’s Range serves specialty burgers, house-made ice cream, boozy shakes, and more.
Damn Fine Hand Pies – 4000 Shaw Blvd.
This small-but-mighty bakery serves up sweet and savory hand pies that live up to the name. With flaky, golden crusts and inventive fillings like brisket + cheddar or blueberry + lemon, Damn Fine Hand Pies is a must-visit for comfort food with a creative twist.
Ices Plain and Fancy – 2256 S 39th St
You’ll get a real feel for the neighborhood when you enjoy a treat from Ices Plain and Fancy from their outdoor seating. Buzzy ice cream shop offering flash-churned liquid-nitrogen creations, frozen cocktails & coffee.
Gallery Pub on Thurman – 4069 Shenandoah Ave
Stone-fired pizza, live music, and local art are among the offerings
Fiddlehead Fern Café – 4066 Russell Blvd
A 4th-generation lifelong resident of the Shaw opened this cafe featuring fresh, seasonal botanical ingredients. Bright and cheerful.
Wild Carrot – 3901 Shaw Blvd
Wild Carrot is an untraditional event space in the Shaw Neighborhood that provides mixed style seating for weddings and events. You’ll want to check their calendar for unique shopping and dining pop-ups.
Wild Olive Provisions – 2201 S 39th
Specializing in Australian and California wines this is a great place for quiet conversation with friends or pick up everything you need for entertaining at home.
Summary
Want to know more about the neighborhood? The Dawn Griffin Group has deep real estate expertise in Shaw. In fact, one of our long-time agents lives in Shaw and can give you the inside scoop. Please reach out when you’re ready.
