Des Peres is a city situated in west St. Louis County, Missouri, and is part of the Greater St. Louis area. The city has a population of 9,126 and is located within the ZIP code 63131. Des Peres is a relatively small city, covering a total area of 4.32 square miles.
History
Des Peres is considered one of the oldest white settlements in Missouri, founded around December 3, 1700, by a group of Kaskaskia Native Americans and French settlers. The city got its name from the River des Peres, and the term “Des Peres” is French for “The Fathers,” honoring the French Jesuit missionaries who settled there. Over the years, the city has been mainly settled by German immigrants and southerners from Virginia and the Carolinas.
Housing and Economy
The median home price in Des Peres is $597,307, with an average property tax of $8,661. The city has a county tax rate of 1.45%. Des Peres is home to the international headquarters of Edward Jones Investments and the West County Center shopping mall, contributing to its robust economy.
Education
The city is served by two public school districts: Parkway School District and Kirkwood R-7 School District. Additionally, there are two private schools with religious affiliations: St. Clement of Rome School and St. Paul’s Lutheran School.
Government
The current head of the Des Peres government is Mayor Mark Becker. The city operates under the Mayor/Council/Administrator form of government, with Douglas Harms serving as the City Administrator since 1985.
Parks and Recreation
Des Peres maintains six separate parks, including Des Peres Park, Harwood Park, and Pioneer Park. The city also has two conservation areas, Phantom Forest and Bittersweet Woods, which are designated “urban wildlife areas” and run adjacent to Dougherty Lake.
Culture and Oddities
The city is the birthplace of actress Tracy Posner. Interestingly, a jar of pickles on a highway guardrail on Interstate 270 near the West County Center has become a local phenomenon. Whenever the jar is damaged or goes missing, it is replaced by locals, and there is even a Facebook group dedicated to it known as “Team Pickle.”
Conclusion
Des Peres offers a blend of historical significance, modern amenities, and a strong sense of community. With its strategic location, excellent schools, and robust economy, it’s a city that promises a high quality of life. Whether you’re a young professional, a family, or a retiree, Des Peres has something to offer for everyone.
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