Moving to St. Louis: a practical guide
Housing and what it costs
St. Louis is one of the most affordable complete Orthodox communities in the country: single-family homes in University City and Olivette cost a fraction of coastal prices, and OU Communities highlights low taxes as well. Figures are approximate as of mid-2026 — use the home search above for live listings.
Picking an area
The community is compact. Most families live in University City within walking distance of Delmar Boulevard, where the Young Israel of St. Louis and Agudas Israel sit almost across from each other, with Bais Abraham a short walk east and the U City Shul on North and South Road. Nusach Hari Bnai Zion is further west on North Price Road in Olivette. The eruv’s boundary has recently changed in places — check a specific street against the current eruv map before you buy.
Kosher and daily life
Two mikvaos are listed on mikvah.org, one of them at the Young Israel on Delmar. The community has local kosher options, though far fewer than a large coastal community, and daily life generally assumes a car. The St. Louis Community Eruv has a Friday hotline — see the note above.
Schools
OU Communities describes two Orthodox day schools, a co-ed yeshiva high school, a Chofetz Chaim boys’ yeshiva and a Bais Yaakov for girls — an unusually full set of options for a community this size. Confirm current admissions and busing directly with each school.
Who it fits
Families who want an affordable, close-knit Orthodox community where everyone knows each other, with major employers, hospitals and Washington University close by. It suits people ready to trade the variety of a big community for space, price and a slower pace.