Nestled among tree-lined streets, gated estates, and boutique shopping, Ladue and Frontenac, MO stand as two of St. Louis’ most prestigious suburbs. These communities are synonymous with luxury real estate, top-ranked schools, and fine dining, offering residents a lifestyle of privacy and sophistication just minutes from downtown St. Louis.
Ladue – With a median household income of $250,001 (2023) and an average household income of $461,623, Ladue ranks among Missouri’s wealthiest municipalities. Known for elegant estates, private country clubs, and acclaimed schools, it’s one of the most desirable addresses in the Midwest.
Frontenac – A smaller but equally affluent community with a median household income of $225,813 and a population of just 3,500. With luxury shopping at Plaza Frontenac and stately homes on spacious lots, Frontenac is both exclusive and close-knit.
Highlight: Suzie’s favorite Frontenac listing — 42 Countryside Lane, an architectural masterpiece by Bobby McAlpine, named one of Architectural Digest’s Top 100 Architects. Set on 1.45 acres, the home is a serene sanctuary showcasing McAlpine’s philosophy of balance, symmetry, and timeless design.
The City of Frontenac was named after Louis de Buade, Comte de Frontenac, Governor of New France in the 17th century. He established forts across the Great Lakes, including Fort Frontenac in present-day Ontario, leaving a lasting historic footprint that echoes through this exclusive St. Louis suburb.
Education is one of the strongest draws to these communities. Families are served by top-ranked public schools and some of the most prestigious private schools in Missouri.
Ladue Horton Watkins High School – Ranked the #1 Public High School in Missouri (Niche, 2025).
Ladue School District – Named the Best School District in Missouri two years running (Niche, 2024–2025).
Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School (MICDS) – Elite college prep, JK–12.
John Burroughs School – Independent grades 7–12, nationally recognized.
Saint Louis Priory School – Catholic boys’ prep, grades 6–12.
Principia School – Innovative, project-based learning PK–12.
Whitfield School – Private coed middle & high school.
Clayton Road in Ladue is renowned for luxury boutiques and designer fashion. Favorites include:
AUDRA – Luxury women’s apparel, custom pieces.
Cha Boutique – Chic women’s fashion and accessories.
Ivy Hill Boutique – Everyday and special occasion fashion.
Tradd Street Boutique – Affordable and stylish curated looks.
Vie – Modern clothing and jewelry.
Byrd Designer Consignment – Pre-owned designer luxury at accessible prices.
Plaza Frontenac is St. Louis’ premier luxury mall, featuring:
Neiman Marcus & Saks Fifth Avenue – Flagship luxury retail.
Vuori – Premium activewear.
Lilly Pulitzer – Colorful, signature women’s fashion.
YENology – Curated luxury gifts and accessories.
J. McLaughlin – Classic clothing with modern flair.
Though best known for luxury living, Ladue and Frontenac offer green space and outdoor leisure:
Tilles Park – 75 acres with trails, fishing, and the famous Winter Wonderland holiday lights.
Shaw Park – Nearby Clayton’s signature park with pool, trails, and events.
Country Clubs – Exclusive clubs like Old Warson Country Club, St. Louis Country Club, and Log Cabin Club provide championship golf, tennis, and private dining.
Ladue and Frontenac real estate are among the most prestigious in the St. Louis region, attracting buyers who seek luxury, privacy, and timeless architecture. Both communities are renowned for estate-style properties, large wooded lots, and access to top-rated schools.
Ladue Real Estate
Luxury estates & manors – Stately homes on expansive grounds, often with tennis courts, pools, and guesthouses.
Architectural diversity – Georgian, Colonial, French-inspired, and Tudor estates alongside contemporary custom builds.
High demand & prestige – With Ladue consistently ranked as one of Missouri’s wealthiest municipalities, its housing market remains competitive and resilient.
Frontenac Real Estate
Gated estates & private retreats – Homes with manicured acreage, private drives, and architectural significance.
Custom homes & timeless design – Properties often designed by renowned architects, blending elegance with functionality.
Close-knit luxury community – With a smaller population (~3,500), Frontenac offers exclusivity while remaining connected to top retail and dining destinations.
Exceptional schools: Ladue School District + elite private institutions like MICDS, John Burroughs, and Whitfield.
Access to Plaza Frontenac and Clayton Road boutiques.
Proximity to Clayton, Downtown St. Louis, and Lambert International Airport.
Consistently strong property values and investment stability.
Is Ladue, MO a good place to live?
Yes — Ladue is one of the most affluent suburbs in Missouri, known for its luxury estates, boutique shopping, country clubs, and top-ranked schools. It consistently attracts families, professionals, and retirees seeking privacy and prestige.
Is Frontenac, MO a good place to live?
Absolutely. Frontenac offers a close-knit, exclusive lifestyle with luxury homes, access to Plaza Frontenac’s high-end retail, and proximity to cultural and business hubs in Clayton and St. Louis.
What is Ladue known for?
Ladue is known for its wealth, luxury real estate, and elite private schools, as well as Clayton Road’s boutiques, fine dining, and country club culture.
What is Frontenac known for?
Frontenac is home to Plaza Frontenac, St. Louis’ premier luxury shopping center, and is known for its gated estates, high household incomes, and quiet residential atmosphere.
Are schools in Ladue & Frontenac good?
Yes. The Ladue School District was ranked the #1 Best School District in Missouri in 2025 by Niche. In addition, nearby private schools such as MICDS, John Burroughs, Principia, and Whitfield are nationally recognized.
What types of homes are in Ladue & Frontenac?
Homes include historic estates, French and Georgian manors, modern luxury builds, and expansive wooded retreats. Properties are often situated on large lots (1–5+ acres), offering unmatched privacy in St. Louis County.
How far are Ladue & Frontenac from Downtown St. Louis?
Both suburbs are located about 12 miles west of Downtown STL (roughly a 15–20 minute drive), with quick access via I-64/40.
Whether you’re searching for a historic Ladue estate, a Frontenac gated retreat, or a newly built luxury home, these prestigious suburbs offer some of the most desirable properties in the Midwest.
Contact The Wells + Michael Collective today to explore homes for sale in Ladue & Frontenac, MO, guided by local experts with a proven track record in the luxury market.
Frontenac Average Sales Price
In Frontenac Sales
42 Countryside Lane
Sold | $2,625,000 - Seller
7 Georgian Acres
Sold | $2,175,00 - Seller
8 Villa Coublay
Sold | $1,860,000 - Buyer
16 Outer Ladue Drive
Sold | $1,850,000 - Seller
11136 Geyer Downs Lane
Sold | $1,850,000 (2019) - Buyer & Seller
34 Manderleigh Estates
Sold | $1,775,000 - Seller
49 Manderleigh Estates
Sold | $1,605,000 (2018) - Buyer & Seller
17 Manderleigh Estates
Sold | $1,385,000 (2019) - Seller
17 Manderleigh Estates
Sold | $1,550,000 (2021) - Seller
11415 Clayton Road
Sold | $1,180,000 - Seller
49 Manderliegh Estates
Sold | $1,830,000 (2021) - Seller
11136 Geyer Downs Lane
Sold | $1,350,000 (2016) - Buyer
