There’s more to Fairground than first meets the eye. That’s why Fae McFadden, a Realtor with Marion-Estelle Associates who has lived in Fairground since 1974, asks people to take a closer look at the North St. Louis neighborhood tucked between Fairground Park and Florissant Avenue. Fairground is full of opportunities for upstart buyers willing to put some care into a home, says McFadden. “We stay here on purpose. We see the potential.”
Split level brick homes are a popular site in Fairground Park.
An array of architectural styles are present in Fairground.
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Vintage features in historic rowhouses
Fairground’s gridded streets have rows of 120-year-old brick duplexes, some with boards across their windows and doors. But inside, many houses have vintage features, including stained-glass windows, pocket doors and ornate mantles. The bungalows and rowhouses are modestly sized at under 1,200 square feet and come in an assortment of colors and styles. Since many Fairground homes need upgrades and repairs, they’re priced lower than the surrounding suburbs, with most houses selling for under $100,000.
Despite their low purchase prices, these houses can shine with a bit of dedication. McFadden recently worked with a couple who purchased a house in the area for $18,000 and sold it for $256,000 after completing renovations. “Lots of realtors steer people away from Fairground,” McFadden says. “We want to train people not to judge a book by its cover. Even when a house is naked and may have some boards on it, what you sell it for is going to be more than what you bought it for.”
Fairground Park offers some recently remodeled split level brick homes.
Many home offer screen doors in Fairground Park.
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Investing in education
Fairground is zoned within the St. Louis Public Schools district, rated C by Niche. Students may attend Bryan Hill Elementary School, Yeatman-Liddell Middle School and Vashon High School, each rated D+ by Niche. Vashon High School is located on Cass Avenue and has 13 computer labs, a 25-meter indoor pool, multiple early childhood rooms and a modern library and media center.
The Fairground community has a legacy of supporting neighborhood education. Since its founding in 1927 as the second Black high school in St. Louis, Vashon High School moved twice because of segregation laws and inadequate funding. The neighborhood has regularly rallied around the school and fought to keep it open.
Fairground Park students attend Vashon High School.
Bryan Hill Elementary School offers a nurturing learning environment.
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Over 100 acres of public spaces
While Fairground looks like a neighborhood planted squarely in the city, it feels spacious thanks to Fairground Park. Occupying 131 acres on Fairground’s south end, the park is popular for its 2-mile walking trail, full basketball court and community pool. Keep an eye out for the old amphitheater and abandoned bear pit, artifacts of the park's days as a circus fairground and zoo in the late 19th century.
The Divoll Library is the place to be on cold or rainy days. A branch of the St. Louis Public Library system, this public space hosts family story times, spotlights local artists and writers in the community and provides free Wi-Fi, computers and printing services.
A playground next to a basketball court can be found near the main entrance of Fairground Park.
Fairground Park offers outdoor work out spaces for residents to enjoy.
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Groceries and restaurants
Fairground was a food desert in the past, but that is no longer the case. In 2022, an Aldi supermarket opened on Natural Bridge Avenue. Another grocery option is on the way, as the nonprofit Fairground Neighborhood Revitalization Organization is opening a community-owned grocery store at the intersection of Florissant Avenue and Warne Avenue. The market will specialize in carrying fresh produce from local farms.
There are plenty of popular takeout spots spread across the neighborhood. Canton House Chop Suey serves spicy wings and St. Paul sandwiches. This St. Louis special consists of a crispy egg foo young patty, crunchy lettuce and juicy tomato slices layered together and served on white bread.
To pick up daily necessities or fuel, a Dollar General, Family Dollar and four gas stations are within walking distance. Plus, families can pick up free milk, eggs, and produce at Ashland Elementary’s Shop & Grow Market, which is supported by the Little Bit Foundation and St. Louis Area Foodbanks.
Looking forward
In the last century, generations of Fairgrounds residents have seen their home values decline, local businesses close and major festivals leave the area. Still, the neighborhood is resurging as new development brings jobs and economic activity. As an example, McFadden points to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency campus under construction 2 miles south of Fairground. The 700,000-square-foot building will house 3,000 workers once it opens in 2025, which McFadden says is piquing interest in nearby neighborhoods.
Public and private transit
Fairground is four miles north of downtown St. Louis and can be reached by car in under fifteen minutes via Jefferson Avenue or Interstate 70. The St. Louis Metro transit system offers buses and light rail options for public transit, and the closest stop is at Fair Grounds Park Drive, on the north side of the park. Depending on traffic, taking the bus from Fairground to the city center takes about a half hour.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lance Merrick,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Fairground Park
Windsor Park
O'Fallon Park
St Louis Place Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Transit
Airport
St Louis Lambert International
17 min drive
Bus
Fair & Kossuth Nb
Bus
Lee & Prairie Eb
Bus
Grand & Kossuth Nb
Bus
North Florissant & Glasgow Sb
Bus
Grand & Penrose Sb
Bus
Grand & Penrose Nb
Bus
West Florissant & Warne Nb
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Fairground
US
Homicide
10
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
9
4
Robbery
9
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Fairground, Saint Louis sell after 97 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Fairground, Saint Louis over the last 12 months is $96,357, up 58% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
2 long term tenants and one that just moved in. Units are in great shape, (verified by last contract) Seller has no leases or ledgers to give you. Make your own leases. Make money the day you close! Building is being sold as is.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lance Merrick,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,409
Median Age
47
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.6%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$25,852
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$38,041
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
77.3%
College Graduates
1.5%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
0.9%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
54.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
25°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
11''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
55/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
60/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
45/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
