Is Affton Safe, Pros and cons of living in Affton

Affton, Missouri, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities, making it an appealing place for many to call home. Nestled in St. Louis County, this community provides a lifestyle that balances the quietude of residential neighborhoods with the vibrancy of a nearby major city. Its location affords residents the best of both worlds, with local charm and the extensive resources of St. Louis just a short drive away.

The community is characterized by its established neighborhoods, many of which feature homes built from the mid-20th century onward, contributing to a sense of history and stability. Affton’s appeal is further enhanced by its accessible cost of living and a housing market that, while showing appreciation, remains relatively grounded compared to national averages. This combination of factors makes it a practical choice for individuals and families seeking a comfortable and manageable lifestyle.

Is it Safe to Live in Affton?

Affton’s safety profile presents a mixed picture, with overall crime rates reported to be lower than the national average, though violent crime rates are slightly higher. While the total crime rate is 8% lower than the national average, violent crimes are 5% higher than the national average (as reported by various crime statistics sources). Residents have a chance of 1 in 52 of becoming a victim of crime in Affton, and the area is considered safer than 25% of cities in the United States (as reported by various crime statistics sources).

Neighborhoods within Affton can vary in their safety, with residents generally considering the southeast part of the city to be the safest. Crime statistics indicate that the chance of being a victim of violent crime can range significantly by neighborhood, from about 1 in 237 in the west to 1 in 487 in the southeast (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The cost of crime per resident is estimated at $228 per year, which is less than the national and Missouri state averages (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Housing Costs and Real Estate Market

The housing market in Affton presents a solid entry point for potential buyers, with a median listing price of approximately $259,945 (as reported by Realtor.com®). This figure reflects a competitive market, as evidenced by the decrease in the median days on market for homes for sale, signaling a faster turnover (as reported by Realtor.com®). The median home value in Affton is around $240,348, showing a slight increase of 0.6% over the past year (as reported by Zillow).

For those considering renting, the median rental price in Affton is approximately $1,725 per month (as reported by Zillow). This is considerably lower than the national average, making Affton a more affordable option for renters than many other areas. The rental market has seen some fluctuation, with a month-over-month increase of $25 and a year-over-year increase of $50 in average rent (as reported by Zillow).

Home Ownership vs. Renting

In Affton, the majority of residents are homeowners, with approximately 81% owning their homes and 19% renting (as reported by Niche). This trend suggests a community where residents are invested in their properties and the long-term stability of the area. The tight housing market, with a vacancy rate of 2.6%, further indicates a strong demand for housing (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

The median home value has seen a notable increase, rising by 42.9% from 2017 to 2023, reaching $200,300 (as reported by CensusDepth). This appreciation indicates a healthy real estate market for homeowners. Despite the increasing home values, the cost of living in Affton remains attractive, being 8% lower than the national average (as reported by Livability.com).

Job Market and Economic Outlook

Affton boasts a diverse economy with an unemployment rate that is lower than the national average, contributing to its appeal as a place to live and work. The community offers numerous employment opportunities within Affton and the surrounding areas, supporting a stable economic environment for its residents. The average salary in Affton is around $48,799 per year, or approximately $23.46 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

The job market in Affton is supported by a range of employers, though specific major employers are not detailed in the available data. The average annual pay for various roles can vary significantly, with a range from $32,947 to $63,350 for the majority of positions (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Top-paying professions identified in the area include Anesthesiologist, OMFS Surgeon, and Cardiologist Sonographer (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Affton is notably lower than the national average, with an index of 92, meaning it is 8% less expensive to live there than the U.S. average (as reported by Livability.com). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, including groceries, healthcare, housing, and transportation, all of which are less expensive than the national benchmarks (as reported by Livability.com).

The median household income in Affton is approximately $79,539 (as reported by Point2Homes). This income level, combined with the lower cost of living, suggests a favorable economic situation for many residents. The poverty rate in Affton is reported at 6.65% (as reported by Point2Homes), which is relatively low and contributes to the community’s overall economic stability.

Climate and Weather Patterns

Affton experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by hot and muggy summers, and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 25°F to 89°F throughout the year, rarely dipping below 9°F or exceeding 97°F (as reported by various climate sources). The area enjoys a significant amount of sunshine annually, coupled with a moderate amount of rainfall, which is beneficial for local agriculture.

Summers in Affton are warm, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 79°F from late May to mid-September. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 89°F and lows near 70°F (as reported by various climate sources). Winters are cold, with average daily high temperatures below 50°F from late November to late February. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 25°F and highs near 41°F (as reported by various climate sources).

Seasonal Activities

The varied climate of Affton lends itself to a range of seasonal activities throughout the year. Spring is a particularly beautiful time, with abundant flowers and greenery. Autumn offers vibrant fall foliage, making it ideal for outdoor pursuits like hiking and park visits.

During the summer, residents can enjoy warm weather for various outdoor activities. Winter provides opportunities for snow-related recreation such as sledding and ice skating. The area also experiences pleasant autumn mornings and is considered a good location for winter sports, with clear, rainless days often occurring during the prime visiting seasons of late May to early July and late July to late September (as reported by various climate sources).

Education and School System

The Affton School District serves the community, offering a range of educational opportunities for its students. The district is recognized for its student support services, including anti-bullying hotlines and strong teacher participation, and it holds a rating of 95.7 on the Missouri performance report (as reported by various school district sources). Affton features five schools, encompassing an early childhood center, a primary school, an intermediate school, a middle school, and a high school.

While Affton High School has a strong four-year graduation rate, its standardized test scores have historically underperformed compared to state and district averages in subjects like Algebra I (as reported by SchoolDigger). However, the district as a whole is noted for its diverse educational environment and commitment to student well-being. The Affton School District is ranked as the 153rd out of 367 districts in Missouri, holding a 3-star rating (as reported by SchoolDigger).

School District Performance

Affton School District is characterized by its above-average public schools, with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 36% of students are proficient in math and 43% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche). The district is also noted for its diversity, ranking 45th out of 460 in Missouri for diversity among school districts (as reported by Niche).

Rogers Middle School, in particular, has demonstrated strong performance on state assessments, showing high proficiency rates in math and English Language Arts. Despite some areas needing improvement, the district’s overall focus on student support and its diverse offerings contribute to its reputation as a solid educational choice within the region.

Demographics and Community Profile

Affton is home to a population of approximately 19,052 residents, with a median age of 42 years (as reported by various demographic sources). The community is diverse, with White residents making up the largest racial group at 81.3%, followed by those identifying with two or more races (7.5%) and Hispanic individuals (5.9%) (as reported by Point2Homes). The population is fairly evenly split between males and females, with 48.9% male and 51.1% female (as reported by Point2Homes).

The age distribution shows a balanced mix, with about 14.8% of residents under 15, 10.4% between 15 and 24, 28.2% between 25 and 44, 27.1% between 45 and 64, and 19.5% aged 65 and older (as reported by Point2Homes). This demographic spread suggests a community with a mix of young families, working adults, and a significant senior population, contributing to a varied community dynamic.

Community Feel and Lifestyle

Affton is described as offering a sparse suburban feel, where most residents own their homes, contributing to a sense of community stability. The area is known for having many restaurants and parks, providing ample opportunities for recreation and social engagement. Residents tend to be liberal, adding to the community’s diverse social fabric.

The community is considered cost-effective, with a low cost of living and ample job opportunities within the area and surrounding communities. While Affton is generally safe, there’s a mention of potential crime spillover from nearby suburbs and the city of St. Louis. However, the overall sentiment is that Affton provides a friendly atmosphere and is considered a great place to live, with many employment opportunities and proximity to St. Louis.