Posted by Andrea Durway
Living in Clifton Heights Neighborhood of St. Louis
Living in Clifton Heights offers a rare balance in St. Louis City—tucked away and peaceful, yet incredibly well connected. Bordered by Highway 44, Arsenal, and Hampton, the neighborhood is surprisingly quiet for its central location. Southwest Avenue is the only main road running through it, which means little cut-through traffic and a calmer, more residential feel than you might expect.
Clifton Heights feels distinct from many nearby city neighborhoods, thanks in part to its rolling topography and architectural character. The streets are hillier than much of St. Louis, and the homes lean more Victorian in style, with fewer uniform brick facades and slightly larger lots. The result is a neighborhood that feels layered, established, and quietly charming.
At the heart of the neighborhood is Clifton Park and Lake, a 4.4-acre green space encircled by Simpson Avenue—home to some of the most beautiful residences in the area. Though modest in size, the park is one of St. Louis City’s most serene hidden gems. A well-kept lake, mature trees, and multiple fountains create an ideal setting for an evening stroll or a slow afternoon outdoors. The park also includes a playground and basketball hoop, and the Clifton Heights Neighborhood Association brings the space to life with events throughout the year, including Party in the Park, happy hours, and an annual Easter egg hunt.
One of Clifton Heights’ greatest strengths is its accessibility. With quick access to I-44, downtown and much of the metro area are easily within reach. The Missouri Botanical Garden and Tower Grove Park are less than ten minutes away, and Hampton Avenue provides a direct route to the zoo. Southwest Avenue leads straight into Maplewood, while the neighborhood’s proximity to The Hill means world-class dining is always just around the corner.
Perks of Living In Clifton Heights
- The cozy little Machecek Library is nearby.
- It is usually pretty easy to see the annual Great Forest Park Balloon Race in September from somewhere in Clifton Heights. Just go for a walk to one of higher areas of this hilly neighborhood and watch, avoiding the crowds.
- Nestled between Clifton Heights and Lindenwood Park on Ivanhoe is Pizza-A-Go-Go an unassuming but delicious mom and pop spot for pizza pies. This stretch also has Farmhaus, Bubba’s Deli, and Vinnie’s Italian Beef & Gyro’s.
- In nearby Maplewood, you can enjoy Southwest Diner or Schlafly Bottleworks in less than 5 minutes.
- Three words. Pint. Size. Bakery. Just beyond the border of Clifton Heights is this happy and delicious bakery.
Homes of Clifton Heights
Clifton Heights offers a charming blend of architecturally rich homes. Among the earliest developed areas in southwest St. Louis, residents can take their pick of majestic Victorians, Colonials or quaint brick bungalows – really, Clifton Heights offers it all. Homes sold in this neighborhood average about 1,167 square feet and are nearly a century old, with a median build year of 1926 — classic St. Louis architecture at its core.
Market Stats 2024-2025
Homes sold in this neighborhood average about 1,167 square feet and are nearly a century old, with a median build year of 1926 — classic St. Louis architecture at its core. The stats below are for single family residences
single family residences sold
- 2025: 93
- 2024: 62
sales price
- Median: $239,950 | +5.5%
- Average: $256,490 | +1.5%
Days on Market
- Median: 14 | +100.0%
- Average: 29 | +45.0%
If you have a home to sell in Clifton Heights, or are interested in living in Clifton Heights, contact us. We are your neighborhood experts and can answer any questions you may have.
UPDATED JANUARY 2026
