Ballwin

Ballwin offers a relaxed, residential setting for those who love beautiful open spaces. Nestled between Manchester and Ellisville, the city enjoys a prized location just north of the Meramec River. The city boasts expansive parkland, spacious residential communities, and easy access to retail activity and downtown commercial centers via Manchester Road. These attractions and amenities make Ballwin an extremely desirable community. This picturesque West County city has been named one of America's "Best Places to Live" several times by Money Magazine. It was only a matter of time before the national spotlight would shine on this suburban municipality that has long been one of St. Louis County's hidden gems.

Ballwin is a historic city that dates back far earlier than many other West County communities. John Ball moved to the area in 1798, long before the Louisiana Purchase, after receiving a land grant won by his father during the Revolutionary War. The land was left rural and undeveloped until Missouri moved its state capitol to Jefferson City in 1812. A road was needed to facilitate trade and travel between St. Louis and the capital. This road, which would become Manchester Road, ran along the southern edge of John Ball's property. Seizing on the sudden opportunity for development, Ball built a town along this interchange of goods and information. Businesses sprang up alongside Manchester Road and new residents populated a previously undeveloped community. The town became prosperous and now contains 480 businesses within its city limits. With per capita incomes significantly higher than the national average, Ballwin continues to thrive today.

The median home sale price is $384,900 and has been steadily increasing over the past 10 years. While the city's prominent subdivisions have their share of expansive properties and million-dollar homes, housing in Ballwin remains affordable. The local housing market is booming. This upward market trend serves as a ringing endorsement of Ballwin's desirability and prestige. The community's residential neighborhoods are typified by their comfort. Neat, orderly properties host charming, traditional homes of brick and limestone. Ranch homes are common, as are scenic views enjoyed by residents who are likely to live near any of the 5 city parks or Castlewood State Park.

Ballwin's local government maintains beautiful public spaces and facilities. Castlewood State Park includes the World Bird Sanctuary, extensive hiking trails, and access to the Meramec River. Of Ballwin's 5 city parks, Vlasis Park stands out among the rest due to its size and rustic beauty. The park's 31 acres house a playground, two large ponds, and expansive trails for nature lovers. Vlasis Park is also home to the Ballwin Days festival. This annual three-day event includes sports competitions, carnival games, and live music. Proceeds are invested into the city park system, ensuring that traditions like this continue for years to come. New Ballwin Park hosts the Ballwin Sunset Concert Series, which brings four exciting and diverse musical acts to the park stage each summer. North Pointe Aquatic Center is an ideal destination for those seeking to cool off and relax during the summer months. This sparkling complex features a "Tree Swing" ride, an "Aqua Climb" climbing wall, and a 91-foot Lazy River, to name just a few of its many attractions. Ballwin Golf Course is a public, 9-hole course that was awarded St. Louis Magazine's Editor's Choice Award for "Best Quality Golf" in 2003.

Students in Ballwin are served by the Rockwood and Parkway school districts. Rockwood is known throughout St. Louis County for its high educational standards. Its high schools have received accolades from The Washington Post, U.S. News and World Report, and other reputable institutions. Parkway Schools' scores on the state report card have placed the district among the top 10 districts in Missouri. Those seeking faith-based options benefit from Ballwin's Holy Infant School, a prestigious school founded in 1956.