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Kirkwood, MO

Frequently asked questions

Kirkwood, MO

Kirkwood is an inner-ring western suburb of St. Louis located in St. Louis County, Missouri. As of the 2010 census, the city's population was 27,540. Founded in 1853, the city is named after James P. Kirkwood, builder of the Pacific Railroad through that city. It was the first planned suburb located west of the Mississippi River.

Plans for a new community close to St. Louis were begun after the St. Louis fire of 1849 and the preceding and subsequent cholera outbreaks that killed one-tenth of the residents of downtown St. Louis. In 1850, Hiram W. Leffingwell and Richard Smith Elliott bought land 14 miles (23 km) from downtown, which was at about the same time James P. Kirkwood, chief engineer of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, was laying out a route for the train line. The city of Kirkwood, named after the chief engineer, was platted in 1852. Kirkwood was the first suburban municipality built outside of the St. Louis city boundaries.

When the railroad reached the community in 1853, the developers sold lots for the Kirkwood Association. Other Leffingwell developments included the construction of Grand Avenue and the establishment of Forest Park. In 1866, the Quinette Cemetery was built, which is one of the five historic African American burial grounds in the St. Louis area. The original town plat included quarter section blocks, and families could buy a block estate of 5 acres (20,000 m2). Deed restrictions prohibited industrial development.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.20 square miles (23.83 km2), of which 9.16 square miles (23.72 km2) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.10 km2) is water.

Kirkwood places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with numerous facilities and initiatives promoting residents' well-being. Kirkwood benefits from proximity to medical facilities such as St. Luke's Hospital and Mercy Hospital St. Louis, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services. For fitness enthusiasts, Energy Yoga & Wellness provides rejuvenating classes like restorative yoga and sound healing sessions  The Kirkwood Community Center is a central hub for fitness and community activities, offering various exercise classes, sports programs, and wellness events. Eden Wellness Therapies provides holistic approaches to health with therapies designed to relax and rejuvenate. For those seeking a comprehensive fitness experience, the Kirkwood Family YMCA provides a range of classes and state-of-the-art equipment. Yoga enthusiasts can find peace and flexibility classes at Sweet Peace Yoga.

Top sites in Kirkwood, MO are Kirkwood Park, Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, and The Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park.

Population: 29,174 (2023). ZIP code: 63122. Area code(s): 314. Elevation: 614 feet (187 m). Area: 9.21 sq mi (23.84 km2).

FAQs

What is Kirkwood, MO known for?

What makes Kirkwood so special is its sense of community and pride in the traditions the town was built on. The town’s historic train station is the heart of the community, and the center of a vibrant downtown, filled with shops and restaurants. When James P. Kirkwood planned a new route for the Pacific Railroad in 1852, little did he know how that railroad history would be embraced by the town that took his name. Kirkwood even has The National Museum of Transportation, a fun and educational space dedicated to trains and transportation history.

Is Kirkwood, MO a good place to live?

Kirkwood is in St. Louis County and is one of the best places to live in Missouri. Living in Kirkwood offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Kirkwood, there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and retirees live in Kirkwood and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Kirkwood are highly rated.

Is Kirkwood, MO wealthy?

Kirkwood is a medium-sized city located in the state of Missouri. With a population of 29,279 people and nine associated neighborhoods, Kirkwood is the 23rd largest community in Missouri. Kirkwood home prices are not only among the most expensive in Missouri, but Kirkwood real estate also consistently ranks among the most expensive in America. The per capita income in Kirkwood in 2022 was $60,454, which is wealthy relative to Missouri and the nation. This equates to an annual income of $241,816 for a family of four.

Sources

City of Kirkwood

Wikipedia

Niche

Apartment Therapy

Neighborhood Scout

Kirkwood Park

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center

The Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park

St. Luke's Hospital

Mercy Hospital St. Louis

Energy Yoga & Wellness

Kirkwood Community Center

Eden Wellness Therapies

Kirkwood Family YMCA

Sweet Peace Yoga

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