St. Louis is full of unique neighborhoods with great properties. When looking to make a purchase in the city, many buyers will narrow their search down to a few specific neighborhoods that meet their needs. This week, we wanted to delve into one of the top picks for St. Louis buyers, the Central West End. If you’re in the market, here’s why you may want to add the CWE to your list:

Its Charm

The Central West Ends tends to grab visitor’s attention right away. You can stroll the tree-lined streets, passing by the winged griffin lamp posts, beautiful historic homes, and welcoming cafes. With slightly less buzz than the nearby downtown, this area is the perfect mix of energy and calm. It’s easy to get sucked in by this pedestrian-friendly neighborhood’s beauty. If historic architecture appeals to you, this neighborhood could be the perfect spot.

Convenient Location

If you do need to hop downtown, it’s just a quick ride on the MetroLink light rail. In addition to its proximity to downtown, residents also enjoy the surrounding higher-education options. You’ll find the Saint Louis University campus, the Washington University School of Medicine, the BJC Healthcare campus, and the St. Louis College of Pharmacy all within easy reach. Beyond academic institutions, you’ll also find the Cortex Innovation Community, a national leader in tech startups.

Great Dining Options

If you enjoy grabbing your morning coffee from a hip cafe, catching up with a friend over a glass of wine, or planning a romantic date night out, the CWE is your spot. With so many options to choose from, residents never get bored. Here are just a few places that might make your favorites list: For upscale Italian, head to Bar Italia Ristorante. For delicious farm-to-table pub fare, visit Dressel’s Public House. And for the best sushi in St. Louis, Drunken Fish is the go-to spot.

Things to Do

If you’re looking to satisfy your artistic side, the Central West End has some great galleries to explore. It’s also home to the World Chess Hall of Fame. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the beautiful Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. In addition to seeing this beautiful building, you’ll also find one of the world's largest collection of mosaic art there. Nearby forest park is the perfect place to relax on a balmy afternoon, and the St. Louis Zoo is a great option for the whole family.

Festivities

This neighborhood is lively, and that community feel is something residents love. On any given night, you’ll find local spots hosting trivia nights, live music, wine tastings, and other fun events. Their annual festivals are also loved by residents and visitors. Living in the CWE, you’ll be front and center for the Central West End Cocktail party, the Make Music St. Louis Festival, the CWE Summer Music Series, and the Summer Sidewalk Sale to name a few.

It’s no surprise that the area was named one of America’s Top 10 Great Neighborhoods by the American Planning Association in 2014. Though some years have passed since receiving this award, this neighborhood continues to live up to its reputation. For buyers looking for that perfect balance between lively city and relaxed neighborhood, this area is definitely one to consider. Stay tuned for more neighborhood spotlights to help prospective buyers to get a sense of the city.