St. Charles County Real Estate

Located just north of the city of St. Louis, St. Charles County is a vital part of Greater St. Louis. St. Charles County has a population of 360,485, which makes it the third most populous county in Missouri. Its county seat is Saint Charles which is second only to O’Fallon in terms of biggest cities in the county with approximately 65,000 residents. St. Charles contains many of the northern suburbs of St. Louis as well as more “exurban” or commuter city areas. The county was organized in 1812 and named for the Italian cardinal Saint Charles Borromeo.

St. Charles County shares two more notable distinctions – it is the wealthiest county in Missouri, and it is also one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. It includes an important area of vineyards and wineries whose distinction has been recognized; in fact, Missouri State Highway 94, which runs through St. Charles, is often referred to as the Missouri “Weinstrasse” – German for Wine Road – and the area includes the Augusta AVA, designated in 1980 as the first American Viticultural Area by the federal government (viticulture is the science, production and study of grapes as they pertain to a vineyard).

St. Charles County is an artist’s and art lover’s delight. Each spring Augusta, Missouri plays host to the Annual Plein Air Art Event, where artists from across the country come to complete their pieces in the tradition of Plein Air art, with a focus on the outdoors and the nuances of natural light in their work. Art lovers are invited to come and chat with the artists and watch them work during this special event. The city of St. Charles (the seat of St. Charles County) hosts an annual Christmas Traditions Festival, where visitor can escape to an old-fashioned Christmas with storybook characters, Victorian Carolers, and Santa Clauses from around the world. And each year the county also hosts the Greater St Louis Renaissance Faire, a living history event that seeks to recreate the spirit of Renaissance France.

The great outdoors is a vital part of life in St. Charles County.  St. Charles County Parks and Recreation strives to meet the recreational needs, facilities and services that nurture healthy lifestyles for all. The Katy Trail State Park offers a unique opportunity for people of all ages and interests – from bicyclists, to hikers, nature lovers to history buff, Katy Trail offers plenty of opportunities for recreation for all and an avenue to discover the past. And if museums are your thing, check out the St. Charles County Heritage Museum or the Frenchtown Heritage Museum and Research Center.