Standing apart from neighboring Fenton
While Murphy is technically a part of a larger town, it acts in many ways like a place all its own. With independent vintage stores, unique events and niche hobby shops, Murphy sets itself apart from the other St. Louis area suburbs. Cortney Ellis, a real estate agent with Elevate who grew up in Murphy, says the area is small but has its own charm. “You’re next to some very sought-after neighborhoods in St. Louis County, but you pay Jefferson County’s much lower taxes,” says Ellis.
Hobby stores and local dining
There’s something to be said for Murphy’s collection of locally owned niche businesses. While many shops are moving online, these stores remain active as popular gathering spots for Missourian hobbyists. Tech store Trade-N-Games found its niche in Murphy, selling new and used video games and accessories for over 22 years. Down the street is Prospectors Crystals, Rocks & Gift Shop, a family-owned store beloved by rock collectors, and Kelly’s Resale and Collectibles, which sells a variety of handmade and vintage items. “We’ve got good people, good neighbors,” says Tim Woestendiek, owner of Tower Music, a local business that sells instruments and offers professional music lessons. “People here shop locally and support the community.”
After shopping, there are plenty of places to enjoy a meal, like High Ridge Family Diner, known for its specialty ham-filled double pancake sandwich. Dave’s 24-Hour Diner offers a full menu at all hours, and take-out and delivery are available from several local pizza places until 10 or 11 p.m.
When locals need a big box store, they head down Route 30. The High Ridge Farm and Home Supply regional chain sells home furnishings, hardware supplies, and farm equipment, and Schnucks (the St. Louis region’s preferred supermarket chain) sells groceries and produce staples.
Hiking, boating and fishing
George Winter Park, located along the Meramec River, which creates a lake-like inlet, offers a serene place for boating, fishing, picnicking and hiking. During the summer, swimming and kayaking are popular activities, and teens challenge each other to swim to Plants Island, a tiny strip of beach in the middle of the lake.
While Murphy is more suburban than rural, its access to the Forest 44 Conservation Area makes it feel remote. There's plenty to explore in the area’s 950 wild acres, which are striped with hiking and equestrian trails. This conservation area encourages hikers in search of snacks to pluck edible fruits and nuts they find along the trails, including pawpaws, persimmons and eastern black walnuts (the state nut of Missouri).
Spooky seasonal events
Every Halloween season, Creepyworld opens to the public off Old Highway 141. Part of a collection of escape rooms and spooky festivities in St. Louis, Creepyworld is an outdoor haunted house that hosts nightly performances throughout October. This venue celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2023 with its Jack O’Lantern Spooktacular, featuring hayrides, corn mazes, live shows and photo opportunities with costumed actors.
Mid-century developments
Murphy’s established mid-century subdivisions extend along either side of Route 30. Renovated split-level houses from the 1980s are priced from $200,000 to $250,000, and ranch homes from the 1970s with updated roofs and new siding are priced between $250,000 and $300,000.
Ellis says older houses with modern renovations are common. “As you drive through town, you’ll see some houses that you can tell are older but have their own modern touches to them.” According to Ellis, most renovated houses sell for $175,000 to $250,000, though there are outliers priced in the $300,000s.
Northwest School District
Murphy students are zoned in the Northwest School District, which extends southeast of town. Students may attend Brennan Woods Elementary School, graded B+ by Niche, then move to Woodridge Middle School, graded B-, and finish their primary education at Northwest High School, also graded B-. Private schools in the area include Heritage Classical Christian Academy, graded A- by Niche, and listed as Missouri’s 6th-best high school for the arts.
Commuting to St. Louis
Getting to downtown St. Louis from Murphy via I-55 or I-44 takes between 30 and 50 minutes, depending on traffic. The nearest airport is St. Louis Lambert International, which is around 26 miles north of Murphy and traveling between the two takes around 30 minutes.
Photography Contributed By
Dana Dieckmann
