Clayton is an affluent community and bustling business hub bordering the city of St. Louis and beautiful Forest Park. Homeowners possess some of the most desirable properties in the area. Charming townhomes, luxury condominiums, and grand, stately homes are all on display. Clayton is a major center for higher education. The city is home to
Washington University,
Fontbonne University, and
Concordia Seminary. As the county seat of St. Louis County, downtown Clayton serves as a hub of commerce as well as a major shopping district. Several Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in the impressive skyscrapers of downtown Clayton, including Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Graybar, and Centene. The community's locally-owned restaurants and specialty boutiques provide upscale shopping experiences unique to St. Louis County. Promotion and expansion of public art and public green spaces make the community scenic, cultured, and desirable.
When the City of St. Louis separated itself from the surrounding county, county legislatures and courthouses needed a new home. Ralph Clayton and Martin Hanley donated land, just west of the city, for the county's capitol. A bustling retail and service industry developed around the county government, and an economic center developed in the heart of St. Louis County. Today, the prosperous offices of Downtown Clayton serve as St. Louis' financial center. Fine restaurants and an upscale retail district reinforce the community's prosperous reputation. While the municipality's businesses are noteworthy, charming neighborhoods and open spaces abound. Over 80% of Clayton land is used for residential purposes. Martin Hanley's original farmhouse still stands just outside of the downtown center, showing that residential comfort is plentiful within this bustling city.
Residential subdivisions such as Bemiston and Brentmoor Park are among the most desirable neighborhoods in the St. Louis region. Their prestige stems from their beautiful surroundings, these communities are renowned for mature trees and historic mansions, which have been impeccably restored and expanded. Detached, single-family homes sold for a median price of $1,136,500 in 2023, making Clayton a major center of luxury real estate. This median price represents a 30% increase in home values over the past 5 years when compared with the 2011 median price of $595,000. In addition to single family homes, Clayton offers luxury condominiums and spectacular townhomes. The Plaza and Maryland Walk showcase unparalleled penthouse views of the downtown Clayton skyline. Boasting convenient locations in beautiful, walkable neighborhoods, Clayton townhomes and condominiums are extremely desirable.
In 2010, the American Planning Association named Wydown Boulevard one of the
Great Streets in America. The street boasts historic homes, scenic jogging paths, and a median of lush greenery. Fernando Botero's "Man on Horse" lies on the western edge of the Boulevard. The statue serves as one example of the Clayton Arts Commission's commitment to making the city a popular home for displays of public art. This art helps enhances the beauty of city spaces such as Shaw Park. This 47-acre park houses the Shaw Park Aquatic Center and an Olympic pool named
Best Public Pool in 2014 by the River Front Times. The Center of Clayton spans 136,000 square feet and includes four gyms, two pools, and an indoor running track.
The School District of Clayton is one of the highest-achieving districts in the State of Missouri. Each of the district's schools are regularly featured in Missouri's list of Top Ten Highest Performing Schools. Small class sizes and well-funded schools provide an ideal learning environment. In addition to an excellent public school system, Clayton is home to many of the finest private schools.
The Wilson School,
St. Michael School and
The Forsyth School are top rated independent schools and provide fantastic independent schooling options.
