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Community
The City of Crestwood is a vibrant suburban community nestled in the southwestern portion of St. Louis County, Missouri, offering a peaceful yet connected lifestyle within the heart of the St. Louis metropolitan area.
With a population of approximately 12,000 residents, Crestwood is known for its welcoming atmosphere, high-quality services, and outstanding schools, primarily within the award-winning Lindbergh School District.
A Place for Progress
Crestwood is a community with a proud history and a forward-looking spirit. Since its founding, the City has grown and evolved through thoughtful planning, strong civic engagement, and a commitment to continuous improvement. From infrastructure upgrades and parks development to expanded city services and vibrant community amenities, Crestwood continues to invest in a high quality of life for its residents.
Whether you're looking for a family-friendly environment, access to excellent parks, or convenient amenities, Crestwood offers a welcoming and active community where residents enjoy the best of suburban living—along with the added benefits of easy access to the greater St. Louis metropolitan area.
Location
Crestwood offers convenient access to I-270 and I-44, just minutes from downtown St. Louis and Lambert Airport. The commercial corridor along Historic Route 66 (Watson Road) features a mix of local businesses and everyday amenities.
Schools
Part of the top-rated Lindbergh School District, Crestwood includes Crestwood Elementary, Long Elementary, and Truman Middle School, plus the private Holy Cross Academy.
Neighborhoods
Charming mid-century homes and new infill developments make up Crestwood’s residential areas. Home values remain strong, with many new builds priced over $400,000.
Parks & Recreation
Crestwood has seven parks, including Whitecliff Park with the Crestwood Aquatic Center, Community Center, tennis courts, and trails. Other parks offer fields, playgrounds, and open space for year-round recreation.
Governance
Crestwood is led by Mayor Scott Shipley and a Board of Aldermen representing four wards. The City is committed to strong, transparent local government and community-focused leadership.
Demographics
Crestwood’s median age is 41.9, with a balanced mix of families, professionals, and retirees. Median household income is around $54,000, and nearly 29% of households have children under 18.
Crestwood is primarily served by the highly regarded Lindbergh School District, with portions of the city also falling within the Affton and Webster Groves Districts. The Lindbergh District, known for its AAA classification by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, benefits from a strong commercial tax base, allowing it to maintain one of the lowest property tax rates in St. Louis County. The district is fully accredited and a member of the College Board Association.
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The City of Crestwood has many places of worship and local churches for residents to attend.
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The City of Crestwood is proud to showcase a variety of art pieces throughout the Government Center, enhancing the space with creativity and culture. From the Lobby to the Board of Aldermen Chambers, and along the hallways, these works contribute to a welcoming and visually stimulating environment. Each piece tells a story, reflects the community’s values, or honors our shared history. Explore the diverse collection of artwork displayed in these key areas and discover the rich artistic presence within our local government spaces.
Board of Aldermen Chambers
Government Center Lobby Art
This series of paintings from the 1850s was painted by Missouri artist George Caleb Bingham. It is important to recognize their limited perspective on women and minorities. The City's intent is not to offend but to foster discussions on inclusivity and representation in our evolving community. Art captions courtesy of St. Louis Art Museum.
Halls & Other Locations
A Rich History, A Bright Future
The land where the City of Crestwood now stands was once inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Dakotas, Osage, Shawnee, and Missouri. European settlement began in the early 1800s, and over time the area developed from farmland into a thriving suburban community. Crestwood has grown steadily through the decades, shaped by historic landmarks, major roadways like Route 66, and strong civic involvement. The timeline below highlights key moments in the City’s history.
One of the earliest known landowners and settlers in the Crestwood area was John Sappington. Early land surveys confirm that much of what is now Crestwood was originally owned by the Sappington family. The Thomas Sappington House, built in 1808, still stands today and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is maintained by the City of Crestwood in partnership with the Sappington House Foundation.
By the 1930s, businesses began to appear along Watson Road, especially following the construction of U.S. Highway 66.
In 1947, homeowners from the Crestwood subdivision petitioned to incorporate the area as a village. The name "Crestwood" was inspired by a white oak tree that once stood on the crest of a hill since the 1700s. The historic tree stood on Diversey Drive for more than 200 years before being removed due to decline.
Watson Road, which runs through Crestwood, was once part of the famous Route 66 highway. The road played a significant role in the commercial development of the area. Among its notable landmarks are the “66” Park-In Theatre, Crestwood’s McDonald’s—the first McDonald’s located west of the Mississippi River—and Crestwood Bowl, which remains popular today with league play and casual bowlers alike.
Opened in 1957, Crestwood Plaza was one of the first shopping centers in St. Louis County and became a major economic driver for the community. During this time, the City’s population grew rapidly—from 1,645 residents in 1950 to 11,106 in 1960, and 15,398 by 1970.
In 1972, the City hired its first City Administrator to oversee daily operations and, shortly thereafter, purchased 72 acres of land to develop Whitecliff Park, which remains the City’s flagship park.
In 1994, Crestwood voters adopted a Charter City form of government. Later that same year, the City welcomed 1,601 new residents through the annexation of a 290-acre area in Affton. Like many shopping malls across the country, Crestwood Plaza began to decline in the early 2000s and officially closed in 2013. In November 2021, the City selected Dierbergs and McBride Homes to redevelop the site into the multi-phase Crestwood Crossing mixed-use district.
Crestwood voters continued shaping the City’s future by approving Proposition A in 2021, which authorized a local use tax to support upgrades to the City's parks including construction on a new Community Center at Whitecliff Park. Today, Crestwood continues to evolve while honoring the deep community roots that make it a one-of-a-kind place to call home.