Imagine waking up to birdsong, coffee on a patio that overlooks acres of green, and a drive that often takes about 20 minutes to reach work. If you want space, privacy, and everyday ease without leaving West County, Town and Country offers a rare blend. In this guide, you’ll learn what “estate living” actually means here, how daily life feels, and what to consider before you buy. Let’s dive in.
Town and Country at a glance
Town and Country is a low-density city of about 11,640 residents with a very high median household income. The median owner-occupied home value sits around $928,500, and the city spans roughly 11.5 square miles. The mean commute time is about 20.3 minutes, thanks to strong highway access.
What estate living means here
Estate living in Town and Country starts with zoning that preserves larger lots, deep setbacks, and a park-like feel. It is designed to protect privacy, trees, and green space while keeping commercial activity limited.
Estate and Suburban Estate districts
- Estate (E) District: minimum lot area 80,000 square feet and minimum lot width 175 feet.
- Suburban Estate (SE) District: minimum lot area 43,560 square feet and minimum lot width 150 feet.
- Both districts include high front, side, and rear setbacks, green-space requirements, and limits on floor area per lot to maintain a low-density character.
Renovation and design review
If you plan major exterior changes or new construction, expect a formal review. The city’s planning and architectural review processes help ensure additions, pools, and outbuildings align with the estate character. The result is a cohesive look and feel across neighborhoods.
Green space and leisure
Town and Country’s name fits. You get rolling lawns and mature trees, but also an easy lineup of parks and recreation.
City parks and nearby trails
- Longview Farm Park, Drace Park, Preservation Park, and Town Square together offer 60-plus acres for trails, playgrounds, and community events. Longview Farm Park, with its equestrian backdrop and lakeside paths, is a favorite.
- Right next door, Queeny Park spans about 560 to 570 acres with multi-use trails, equestrian facilities, a dog park, and a recreation complex. It’s a key reason life here feels peaceful and green.
Clubs and social life
Private clubs are part of the fabric. Bellerive Country Club sits within the city and is a long-standing hub for golf and social events. Between the club community and the parks calendar, your week can be as active or as quiet as you choose.
Everyday conveniences
When you need to run errands or meet friends for an easy dinner, you have reliable options close by.
Shopping and daily errands
Town & Country Crossing serves as the main retail hub, with grocery, pharmacy, and national brands that cover most daily needs. It is the place you pop into for weeknight essentials and quick meals.
Dining and local favorites
Independent spots along Clayton Road and near the Crossing keep things interesting. Long-running neighborhood restaurants and popular local names, including Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria, give you range without leaving town.
Health, education, and services
- Maryville University brings daytime activity and access to programs and events.
- Advanced healthcare is a short drive away, including major medical campuses such as Barnes-Jewish West County and other regional systems.
- Most Town and Country addresses are served by the Parkway School District, including the Parkway West feeder pattern with Mason Ridge Elementary in town. You’ll also find nearby private and parochial options. Use address-based tools to verify specific school assignments.
Commute and connectivity
Town and Country is built for quick car access across the metro while maintaining a quiet residential feel.
Highways and typical drive times
I‑64/US‑40, I‑270, and Route 141 provide fast links to major job centers and Lambert Airport. Off-peak drives to popular destinations often range 15 to 25 minutes, although peak-hour traffic can be longer.
Transit reality
MetroBus lines run along key corridors like Clayton Road, but most residents rely on private vehicles for commuting and errands. Garages, long drives, and ample parking are part of daily life.
A day in the life
Start with a morning jog under mature trees or a quiet dog walk at Longview Farm Park. Commute about 20 minutes to the office, then stop by Town & Country Crossing for groceries on your way home. In the afternoon, take a trail loop at Queeny Park or watch an equestrian lesson. Cap the evening with a relaxed dinner at a local favorite, then head back along leafy streets to your own stretch of green.
How it compares nearby
- Versus Chesterfield or Creve Coeur: Town and Country is quieter and more estate-focused, with less commercial intensity and more emphasis on private lots and club life.
- Versus Ladue or Frontenac: You can find similar price points by square foot, but Town and Country often offers larger lot footprints. The local E and SE zoning explains its lower density compared with some neighbors.
Costs and practical realities
Estate living is rewarding, but it comes with added responsibility. Larger lots and mature landscaping require more maintenance. Purchase prices reflect the acreage and location, and property taxes vary by home and school district boundaries. If you plan to add a pool, guest house, or major addition, factor in the city’s review process and the timeline that comes with it.
Quick checklist
- Budget for landscaping, tree care, irrigation, and exterior upkeep.
- Plan ahead for permitting and architectural review for major projects.
- Confirm school assignments, utility providers, and exact property tax details for each address.
- Ask about HOA or subdivision guidelines that may layer on top of city rules.
Who chooses Town and Country
You might be relocating for work, moving up for more space, or seeking a long-term estate property. If you value privacy, green space, and low-key convenience, this niche fits. If you prefer a denser, walkable retail scene, you may look to nearby inner-ring suburbs. The right fit depends on your daily rhythm and goals.
Let’s talk about your move
If you are weighing an estate purchase or planning a strategic sale, you deserve boutique attention backed by strong marketing. With owner-led service, Compass tools, and deep West County expertise, The Lottmann Group can help you compare neighborhoods, evaluate lots and zoning, and position your home for maximum impact. Schedule a market consultation when you are ready.
FAQs
What defines “estate” zoning in Town and Country?
- The Estate district requires a minimum lot area of 80,000 square feet with a minimum width of 175 feet, while the Suburban Estate district requires at least 43,560 square feet and a 150-foot width.
How long are typical commutes from Town and Country?
- The mean commute time is about 20.3 minutes, with off-peak drives to major job centers often in the 15 to 25 minute range.
Which parks are closest for daily recreation?
- Inside the city you’ll find Longview Farm Park, Drace Park, Preservation Park, and Town Square, and nearby you have Queeny Park’s 560 to 570 acres of trails and facilities.
Where do you shop for everyday needs?
- Town & Country Crossing anchors daily errands with grocery, pharmacy, and national brands, plus nearby dining for easy weeknight meals.
Which schools serve Town and Country addresses?
- Most addresses are served by the Parkway School District, including the Parkway West feeder pattern with Mason Ridge Elementary, and several private and parochial options are nearby.
What should I budget for owning an estate lot?
- Plan for higher purchase prices and ongoing costs like landscaping, tree care, irrigation, exterior maintenance, and any city review fees for major projects.
