Living in Kirkwood gives you historic charm combined with modern suburban convenience. Founded in 1853 as the first commuter suburb west of the Mississippi, this city features tree-lined streets, Victorian architecture alongside contemporary homes, and a walkable downtown centered around the still-operational Amtrak station. Residents enjoy access to over 280 acres of parks, including the 92-acre Kirkwood Park, plus excellent schools in the highly-rated Kirkwood School District. The community supports local businesses, hosts regular events, and maintains its small-town character while sitting just 15 miles from downtown St. Louis.
All aboard for Kirkwood's claim to fame—it's the first planned suburb west of the Mississippi River! Founded in 1853 and named after railroad engineer James P. Kirkwood, this city literally grew up around the tracks. The gorgeous Kirkwood Train Station, built in 1893, is still an active Amtrak stop today (and yes, it's on the National Register of Historic Places). Here's the kicker: Kirkwood has the oldest police department in St. Louis County and was the first community to have a four-year public high school AND a tax-supported library. They've also hosted the Turkey Day Game every Thanksgiving since 1907—making it the longest-running high school football rivalry west of the Mississippi. Kirkwood: where history never gets old!