Bethany DeMaggio’s Complete Homebuying Guide for Webster Groves

Located in the heartland of the United States, Webster Groves, Missouri, is an elegant suburban community with plenty of appeal. Webster Groves is located about 10 miles southwest of downtown St. Louis and is part of St. Louis County, giving it the coziness of a small town with access to all the amenities of a major metropolitan area.

If you are aiming to move to this beautiful area, this home-buying guide will tell you everything you need to know about making Webster Groves your new home, including all the steps to purchase Webster Groves, MO, real estate. Read on!

An excellent community atmosphere

Home to a close-knit population, Webster Groves is committed to creating a welcoming atmosphere. The city hosts numerous community events throughout the year, such as the Webster Arts Fair, the Holiday Walk, the Old Webster Jazz & Blues Festival, and The Turkey Day Game. These fun-filled festivities lend an air of excitement to the tranquil vibes.

Downtown Webster Groves

Downtown Webster Groves is the city's vibrant commercial and cultural center, located on Lockwood Avenue and adjacent streets. It is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike, known for its bustling restaurant scene and amazing shopping spots. The area is home to a diverse range of shops, restaurants, and businesses, including boutiques, galleries, specialty stores, and salons. Some of the most popular stores in the area include the local bookstore The Novel Neighbor as well as The Woman's Exchange, a consignment shop featuring a wide range of merchandise that supports a great cause. For an even more adventurous retail outing, don’t miss Civil Alchemy, KIND Soap Company, and Leopard Boutique.

Downtown Webster Groves is replete with fantastic dining destinations, ranging from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. Some of the busiest restaurants in the area include the French-inspired bistro Cyrano's Cafe, the historical eatery Frisco Barroom, and the upscale American restaurant Olive + Oak. Visitors can also enjoy a cup of coffee at several cafes in the area.

In addition to excellent shopping and dining, downtown Webster Groves is also home to several community events throughout the year, including the Webster Groves Farmers’ Market and the Webster Arts Fair.

Webster Groves has a rich history and is known for its beautiful historic homes. Built in 1857, the Hawken House is a Greek Revival-style mansion that was once home to the Hawken family, who were prominent St. Louis merchants. The house is now used as an event venue and is open for tours.

Schools in Webster Groves

The Webster Groves School District is a highly-rated public school system and a source of pride for its residents. The schools are often a focal point for community activities. It includes six elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Webster Groves High School has received numerous accolades, including being recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School and a Missouri Gold Star School. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including athletics, music, theater, and clubs.

The district places a strong emphasis on academic excellence, and the schools have a reputation for preparing students for success in college and beyond. Webster Groves is also home to Eden Theological Seminary and Webster University.

Recreation in Webster Groves

Webster Groves has many parks and recreational areas to explore, including Blackburn Park and Memorial Park, which offer endless outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and picnicking.

Parks

Blackburn Park features a playground, tennis courts, and picnic areas, while Larson Park offers hiking trails, a lake, and fishing. Memorial Park is another popular spot, which features soccer fields, sand volleyball, and a playground and hosts community events throughout the year. The Webster Groves Skatepark is another popular spot for a day of recreation.

Golf courses

There are several golf courses near Webster Groves for residents to enjoy a day out, showing off their skills with the club. Some of the most popular options include the Algonquin Golf Club and the Westborough Country Club. The Highlands Golf & Tennis Center, the Sunset Country Club, and the Forest Park Golf Course are also nearby in St. Louis.

Community centers

Webster Groves offers several community centers for residents to gather and participate in various activities. The Webster Groves Recreation Complex/Community Center features a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and sports facilities. The Webster Groves Public Library also hosts events and activities for all ages.

Tennis courts

Blackburn Park, Memorial Park, and Larson Park all feature well-maintained tennis courts with public access. The Webster Groves Tennis Center also offers lessons and leagues for all ages and skill levels.

Ice skating

The Webster Groves Ice Arena offers public skating sessions, ice hockey leagues, and figure skating programs. The Steinberg Skating Rink in nearby St. Louis offers public skating, lessons, and hockey programs. During the winter months, outdoor ice skating is available in several locations throughout the greater St. Louis area.

Buying a home in Webster Groves

If you’ve decided that Webster Groves, MO, real estate will be your next move, here are a few essential tips to streamline your buying journey:

It is crucial to establish your budget when you begin purchasing a home in Webster Groves. Take into account your down payment, closing costs, and expected monthly mortgage payments to determine your buying power.
Before shopping, get pre-approved for a mortgage by a lender. This requires submitting financial information and credit history. Once pre-approved, your Webster Groves Realtor can help you find homes for sale that fit your budget and criteria.
Work with your Realtor to find Webster Groves homes for sale to find the right fit for you. Make an offer, including the purchase price, closing date, and any contingencies that need addressing. If the seller rejects your offer or makes a counteroffer, you can accept, respond with another offer, or reject the deal. If the seller accepts your offer, have the home inspected by a professional to identify any issues that need to be addressed before closing.
After meeting all contingencies, proceed to the closing, where you will sign all the necessary paperwork and pay any closing costs. Finally, you’re ready to move into your new home and start making it your own!

Take the next step

Reach out to leading Realtor Bethany DeMaggio today to start the process of making Webster Groves, MO, real estate your very own. As one of the top agents in the St. Louis region, Bethany has the knowledge and experience you need to find your new dream home.

_{*Header photo courtesy of Bethany DeMaggio}