Best Old House Neighborhoods 2011

Compton Heights, St. Louis, Missouri

The Houses
They were built by the city's most affluent beer barons and businessmen—"John Francis Queeny, the guy who started Monsanto, once lived right next door," says Gregory. These wealthy families sought out the finest architects, who took opulent styles—such as Beaux Arts and Richardsonian Romanesque—to new, more flamboyant heights. Prices start at around $190,000 for a large house in need of a gut renovation. While many single-family homes have been restored, others, owned by longtime residents, hit the market as excellent shining-up opportunities, frequently retaining their original details. Rehabbers will also be happy to know that deed restrictions have long prohibited conversions into harder-to-renovate rental units.