9,113 people live in Sunset Hills, where the median age is 50.2 and the average individual income is $78,290. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
Welcome to Sunset Hills, Missouri—a refined suburban enclave in southwest St. Louis County known for its scenic hills, top-tier schools, and understated luxury. This guide offers a detailed look at everything that makes Sunset Hills one of the region’s most desirable communities—from its rich history and architectural character to its parks, dining, and real estate appeal. Whether you're relocating, investing, or simply exploring, here’s what you need to know.
Sunset Hills, Missouri, located in southwest St. Louis County, began as a quiet stretch of rolling farmland and wooded hills before formally incorporating as a city in 1957. Prior to incorporation, the area was characterized by a patchwork of rural homesteads and country estates that attracted families seeking a quieter lifestyle outside the urban core of St. Louis.
One of the most prominent early influences on Sunset Hills’ development was the rise of automobile culture in the early-to-mid 20th century. As transportation improved and highways like Route 66 and later I-270 expanded access, Sunset Hills became a desirable location for residential development. Custom homebuilders and architects were drawn to its topography—marked by gentle hills, mature trees, and views of the Meramec River Valley.
Landmark estates such as the historic Laumeier estate helped shape the city’s identity. Originally the private home of businessman Henry Laumeier, the estate would later become the foundation of one of the region’s most significant cultural institutions—Laumeier Sculpture Park. The park, established in the 1970s, transformed Sunset Hills from a suburban enclave into a destination known for merging nature and modern art.
Sunset Hills’ early city leaders placed a strong emphasis on thoughtful planning, preserving green space while gradually allowing for low-density residential and commercial growth. This balance of development and conservation continues to define the neighborhood today.
Sunset Hills embodies a refined suburban culture—family-centered, civic-minded, and quietly artistic. The city strikes a balance between the tranquility of tree-lined streets and an undercurrent of creative and communal energy.
At the cultural heart of the community is Laumeier Sculpture Park, one of the first and largest sculpture parks in the country. Spanning over 100 acres, it showcases large-scale contemporary artworks and hosts events like the annual Art Fair at Laumeier, drawing artists and attendees from across the Midwest. The park isn’t just an attraction—it’s a source of local pride and a year-round space for inspiration and community gathering.
Local artists and creatives frequently collaborate with nearby organizations such as Sunset Hills Art Commission and South County Art Association, curating exhibits, workshops, and youth programs. These initiatives reinforce the neighborhood’s quiet but persistent support for the arts.
Annual events such as the Sunset Hills Music Festival, Fall Festival, and Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony foster a strong sense of belonging among residents. Many of these are hosted or supported by local nonprofits like the Sunset Hills Historical Society and Parks & Recreation Foundation, which promote community engagement and historical preservation.
Residents often describe the lifestyle as laid-back but intentional—where civic involvement is encouraged, neighborhood ties run deep, and green space is more than aesthetic—it’s foundational. From farmers markets to volunteer programs, Sunset Hills reflects a culture of quiet pride, where people are invested in both place and people.
Sunset Hills offers an inviting mix of natural beauty, recreation, and cultural appeal—perfect for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and lifestyle-driven buyers.
A standout destination is Laumeier Sculpture Park, a nationally recognized outdoor art museum and public green space. With over 60 large-scale sculptures scattered across wooded trails and open lawns, the park merges visual art with the natural environment. It also hosts events, yoga in the park, and art classes throughout the year.
For those seeking classic recreational amenities, Sunset Hills Golf Course is a top draw. This 18-hole public course offers challenging fairways with scenic views, a well-kept clubhouse, and leagues for golfers of all skill levels. Just a few minutes away, Tapawingo National Golf Club, designed by Gary Player, offers three distinct nine-hole courses and a more upscale golfing experience.
Watson Trail Park serves as the city's recreational heart, with walking trails, a lake, a large aquatic center, tennis courts, and family picnic areas. Kitun Park, meanwhile, is a quieter space tucked away for residents seeking shaded trails and peaceful escapes. Though Sunset Hills is landlocked, it’s just minutes from Meramec River access points in neighboring counties, ideal for kayaking and fishing.
Cultural heritage sites like the Thomas Sappington House Museum in nearby Crestwood also attract visitors interested in early Missouri history. Together, these attractions define Sunset Hills as a place where art, nature, and recreation blend seamlessly into daily life.
Sunset Hills delivers a curated dining and entertainment scene that blends refined tastes with local charm. While the neighborhood skews residential, it offers access to an impressive array of high-quality restaurants, lounges, and gathering spaces.
One of the local staples is Twisted Tree Steakhouse, a modern upscale steakhouse known for its hand-cut meats, craft cocktails, and polished interior. It consistently ranks among the top dining spots in South County. Nearby, Helen Fitzgerald’s offers a vibrant blend of Irish pub and American sports bar, popular for live music, brunch, and high-energy gatherings.
Meanwhile, Joey B’s on the Hill – South County extends the tradition of St. Louis-style Italian dining with generous portions and a family-friendly vibe.
Though Sunset Hills doesn’t house large-scale resorts, it borders several full-service hospitality options like the DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Southwest, often used for corporate events and weekend stays.
For entertainment, residents enjoy convenient access to Marcus Wehrenberg Ronnies 20 Cine, one of the area’s premier luxury cinemas with recliner seating, in-theater dining, and first-run films. Community events at Sunset Hills Community Center also serve as hubs for seasonal entertainment, including concerts, craft fairs, and movie nights under the stars.
Altogether, the dining and entertainment scene in Sunset Hills blends understated luxury with warm, local flavor—ideal for residents who value quality over flash and community over crowds.
Outdoor living is a defining feature of life in Sunset Hills. The city offers an expansive parks and recreation system that supports everything from hiking and biking to aquatics and organized sports.
Watson Trail Park is the flagship recreational space, spanning over 40 acres with a blend of wooded trails, a stocked fishing lake, multiple playgrounds, and the city’s largest outdoor pool complex. The park’s trail network is ideal for walking, jogging, and casual biking, with scenic views and shaded paths.
For those who enjoy equestrian activities or more rugged terrain, Emmenegger Nature Park—located nearby in Kirkwood—offers horseback-friendly trails and connections to the larger Meramec Greenway. This regional trail system gives Sunset Hills residents access to miles of hiking and biking routes along the river.
Families and sports enthusiasts benefit from Claire Gempp Davidson Memorial Conservation Area, a peaceful woodland preserve featuring walking paths, native plant gardens, and birdwatching zones. It’s an ideal escape for those seeking a quiet retreat without leaving the city.
While the city itself doesn’t border a traditional beach, Sunset Hills Aquatic Center brings water-based fun to the neighborhood, with lap lanes, slides, and zero-depth entry for kids. Residents also enjoy easy access to Meramec River beaches and launch points for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
From youth leagues and fitness classes at the Sunset Hills Community Center to peaceful trail walks and weekend nature outings, Sunset Hills makes outdoor living both accessible and varied for all ages.
Sunset Hills is served by top-tier educational institutions, making it a highly desirable location for families focused on academic quality and well-rounded development.
The city is part of the Lindbergh Schools district, consistently ranked among the best in Missouri. Lindbergh High School is nationally recognized for its strong academics, competitive athletics, and robust performing arts program. It boasts high graduation rates and college readiness metrics that regularly exceed state and national averages.
Elementary and middle schools within the district, such as Concord Elementary and Robert H. Sperreng Middle School, also receive high marks for teacher quality, student engagement, and test performance. The district has earned accolades for its innovative use of technology and community-integrated learning models.
For families seeking private or faith-based options, Sunset Hills is home to several respected institutions. St. Justin the Martyr School and South County Christian Academy offer smaller class sizes, values-based education, and a strong sense of community. Nearby, Thomas Jefferson School, a highly selective private institution, provides a rigorous liberal arts curriculum with a national reputation.
Proximity to higher education is another advantage. Sunset Hills is within driving distance of Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis University, and Webster University, expanding access to enrichment programs, dual-credit opportunities, and cultural resources.
Altogether, Sunset Hills offers a comprehensive and high-performing educational ecosystem that aligns well with family-centered living and long-term investment in academic success.
Sunset Hills offers strategic access to major highways, making it an ideal location for professionals and families seeking a suburban lifestyle with efficient regional connectivity.
The neighborhood is bordered by Interstate 270, which serves as a vital loop around St. Louis, and Highway 30, which provides direct access into downtown St. Louis in approximately 20–25 minutes during standard commute hours. Interstate 44 also runs nearby, offering quick routes to the central corridor, West County, and business districts.
For those traveling by air, St. Louis Lambert International Airport is roughly 25–30 minutes north via I‑270, making national and international travel convenient for business or leisure. The smaller Spirit of St. Louis Airport, located in Chesterfield, also serves private and corporate aviation needs within a 35-minute drive.
Daily conveniences are well within reach. Sunset Hills is anchored by commercial hubs along Lindbergh Boulevard and Watson Road, with easy access to grocery stores, healthcare facilities, and retail centers without requiring long drives or highway detours.
Public transportation is limited, but the city's road infrastructure and proximity to major arterials allow for smooth, low-traffic commutes in most directions. For cyclists and walkers, the Grant’s Trail Greenway offers a recreational route that also connects several parts of South County, ideal for active commuters or weekend outings.
Sunset Hills is known for its quiet streets, generous lot sizes, and a broad mix of architectural styles—from ranch homes and split-levels to custom new builds and luxury estates. The neighborhood caters to both move-up buyers and discerning homeowners seeking long-term value.
Many homes in Sunset Hills sit on larger parcels compared to surrounding suburbs, offering privacy, mature landscaping, and room to expand. Recent years have seen an increase in tear-downs and custom builds, reflecting growing demand for modern living amenities within an established, tree-lined setting.
The market includes a healthy range of single-family homes, gated communities, and golf course-adjacent properties, often priced above average for South County due to school quality and lifestyle appeal. You’ll also find mid-century modern renovations, traditional colonials, and contemporary custom homes—each with their own character and price point.
Whether you're looking for a private retreat, a family-friendly layout, or a luxury upgrade, Sunset Hills provides enduring value and architectural diversity within a high-demand pocket of St. Louis County.
Explore Available Listings:
Sunset Hills showcases a wide spectrum of architectural styles that reflect both its mid-century roots and modern evolution. The neighborhood is especially known for its ranch-style homes—a hallmark of post-war suburban development—characterized by single-level layouts, brick facades, and expansive lots. Many of these have been updated with transitional interiors or fully remodeled into contemporary open-plan concepts.
Architect-designed homes began appearing in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in custom subdivisions and estates. These include colonial revivals, Tudor-style residences, and split-level moderns with clean lines, exposed beams, and natural materials.
Recent construction trends lean toward modern farmhouses, prairie-style builds, and soft contemporary homes with minimalist exteriors, oversized windows, and indoor-outdoor living features. Local firms and custom builders—such as Hibbs Homes and Benchmark Custom Homes—have contributed significantly to the area's high-end design aesthetic.
You’ll also find luxury infill homes blending seamlessly into established streets, offering elevated finishes, chef-grade kitchens, and spa-inspired baths while preserving the neighborhood's mature character. In this way, Sunset Hills manages to honor architectural continuity while embracing modern design principles.
Within Sunset Hills, certain streets and enclaves carry heightened demand due to privacy, elevation, and estate-level lot sizes.
Kennerly Road is one of the most sought-after corridors, lined with wooded estates, gated driveways, and homes tucked well off the street. Properties here often boast custom construction, multi-acre lots, and hilltop views.
Robyn Road and Sappington Barracks Road also hold prestige, with access to golf views, mature landscaping, and proximity to Watson Trail Park. These streets blend quiet prestige with accessibility, making them ideal for luxury buyers seeking convenience without sacrificing seclusion.
Nicknamed zones such as “The Bluffs” refer to elevated ridgelines along the Meramec River Valley, known for sunset views and architectural statement homes. Smaller enclaves like Sunset Estates and The Manors at Tapawingo offer gated settings and HOA-managed grounds—popular with both retirees and executive-level buyers.
These micro-locations represent the upper tier of Sunset Hills real estate and often trade privately or off-market due to limited inventory and long-term ownership.
Sunset Hills appeals to a distinct mix of buyer personas, thanks to its school quality, natural environment, and home diversity:
Whether you’re focused on education, design, land, or lifestyle—Sunset Hills offers a balanced, high-quality living experience in one of South County’s most enduring communities.
Sunset Hills has 3,660 households, with an average household size of 2.38. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Sunset Hills do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 9,113 people call Sunset Hills home. The population density is 1,014.76 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Marital Status
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar:
At Patton Properties, we combine expertise, innovation, and a client-first approach to deliver exceptional results. Whether you're a homeowner, investor, or business owner, we have the skills and resources to turn your real estate goals into reality. Let’s build something great together. Experience the difference with Patton Properties today!
