Hazelwood, MO
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks and Attractions
- Transport
- Sport and Sports Legends
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Hazelwood is a suburban city in St. Louis County, Missouri, located just north of the St. Louis Lambert International Airport and is part of the Greater St. Louis region.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Full Official Name: City of Hazelwood.
- Administrative Role: Hazelwood is a home-rule city and a second-ring northern suburb within Greater St. Louis. It is not a county seat; that distinction belongs to the City of Clayton .
- Country and Region: The city is located in the United States, within St. Louis County, Missouri. The region is a key part of the Midwestern economy, historically centered on manufacturing, transportation, and being the corporate home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, forming a major metropolitan area.
Historical Names and Nicknames
Hazelwood does not have widely known historical names or nicknames. The area was historically part of the Florissant Valley. The city's name is believed to be derived from the hazelnut trees that were once common in the area, similar to the etymology of other places named Hazelwood in Missouri .
Date of Foundation and Age
The area was first settled by European-Americans in the late 1700s, but the modern city was officially incorporated much later.
- Official Incorporation: September 7, 1949, as the Village of Hazelwood . It became a Charter City in October 1969.
- Age: The city is 75 years old as of 2024.
- Founding: The city was formed by a group of farmers who successfully fought off annexation efforts by the neighboring city of Florissant. The first Village Board of Trustees met in the Elm Grove Schoolhouse, a building now known as the "little red schoolhouse" .
Geographical Position and Coordinates
- Geographical Coordinates: 38°46′46″N 90°21′23″W (38.7931, -90.3899) .
- Location: Hazelwood is situated in the Florissant Valley, approximately 15 miles (24 km) northwest of downtown St. Louis. It lies directly north of St. Louis Lambert International Airport .
- Elevation: The city's elevation is approximately 469 feet (143 meters) above sea level .
- Type of Settlement: Hazelwood is a typical American suburban city, characterized by residential neighborhoods, commercial corridors, and industrial parks.
City Type and Economic Specialization
Hazelwood is primarily a residential suburb with a significant industrial and logistical base.
- Industrial and Logistics Center: Due to its proximity to the airport and major highways (I-270, I-170), Hazelwood is home to more than 800 businesses and a large industrial park, serving as a distribution and manufacturing hub .
- Transportation Hub: The city's location next to a major international airport and its intersection of interstate highways make it a key transportation node in the region.
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 United States Census, Hazelwood has a population of 25,458 residents .
- City Class: It is a medium-sized city and one of the largest in St. Louis County by land area . It is classified as a small city.
- Demographic Features: The city has seen significant demographic shifts, with the 2020 census showing a nearly equal split between White (45.2%) and Black or African-American (43.8%) populations, making it a diverse community .
"City's Business Card" (Briefly)
Hazelwood is a key northern suburb of St. Louis, known for its proximity to the region's main airport, its large industrial base, and its quiet, family-oriented residential communities. It offers residents and visitors easy access to the amenities of the St. Louis metro area while maintaining a distinct suburban identity.
Geography
Water Features (Rivers, Lakes, Creeks)
While not located on a major river itself, Hazelwood is in the watershed of the Missouri River, which flows a few miles to the south and west .
- Lakes: The city has several small recreational lakes within its parks.
- Howdershell Park Lake: A large lake located in Howdershell Park, a central recreational area. It is stocked with fish and open for year-round fishing .
- Harry S. Truman Park Pond: A fishing pond located in the northern part of Truman Park, which also features a paved walking trail along its shore .
- Creeks: Audubon Creek flows through the area, and a bridge along the trail in Truman Park offers views of the creek .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Hazelwood experiences a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) under the Köppen climate classification, characterized by cold, wet winters and hot, humid summers. It is located in a region that experiences four distinct seasons .
Average Temperatures by Month
The average annual temperature is around 13°C (55°F) .
- Warmest Month: July is the warmest, with average daily highs of 89°F (32°C) and lows of 70°F (21°C) .
- Coldest Month: January is the coldest, with average daily highs of 38°F (3°C) and lows of 21°F (-6°C) .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Average Annual Precipitation: The city receives a significant amount of rainfall, averaging around 42 inches (1,070 mm) per year, which is well distributed throughout the year . One source cites an even higher average of 1391 mm (54.8 inches) .
- Wettest Month: April and May are typically the wettest periods, with April receiving around 181 mm of precipitation .
- Snowfall: Average annual snowfall is approximately 22.2 inches (56 cm). Snow is most common from December through February, with February typically seeing the highest percentage of snow in relation to total precipitation .
- Average Humidity: Relative humidity is high year-round, averaging around 82%, contributing to the muggy feel of summer days .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures warm up quickly from cool to warm. This is a period of significant rainfall and is the greenest time of the year.
- Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, with high temperatures frequently in the upper 80s°F (around 31°C) and higher. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
- Fall (September-November): Generally pleasant, with warm days and cool nights. Rainfall decreases, and the foliage changes color in October, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities like visiting local parks .
- Winter (December-February): Cold and relatively dry, with a mix of rain and snow. Temperatures often drop below freezing at night.
- Best Time to Visit: The most comfortable time for outdoor activities is during the spring (late April to May) and fall (September to October) when temperatures are mild and the natural scenery is at its best.
Landmarks and Attractions
Howdershell Park and Hazelwood Historical Society Museum
This is the city's primary recreational and cultural hub.
- Features: The park offers a large fishing lake, hiking opportunities, a playground, picnic pavilions, and a sports complex with soccer and softball fields .
- Hazelwood Historical Society Museum: Located within the park, this museum features exhibits on local history and culture, from its early farming days to its incorporation. It is typically open on weekends .
Missouri Greenway: Truman Park
A segment of the larger Missouri Greenway system runs through Hazelwood at Truman Park .
- Trail: A 0.36-mile paved trail runs from a fishing pond at Truman Park towards the St. Stanislaus Conservation area. It's a quiet, shady path perfect for walking or biking .
- Amenities: The park offers picnic areas, volleyball courts, playgrounds, and fishing opportunities on the lake .
Elm Grove Schoolhouse
The "little red schoolhouse" is a significant historical landmark where the first Village of Hazelwood Board of Trustees met in 1949, marking the birth of the city. It symbolizes the community's founding spirit .
St. Louis Lambert International Airport
While not a traditional "landmark," the airport dominates the southern border of the city and is a major geographic and economic feature of Hazelwood. Its northern runways and cargo facilities are located within the city's limits.
Transport
Main Airports
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL): Hazelwood is uniquely situated directly north of and adjacent to this major international airport. The airport's IATA code is STL. It is a key hub for the region, and many airport-related businesses and facilities are located within Hazelwood .
Major Highways
Hazelwood is a well-connected transportation hub, intersected by several major roadways :
- Interstate 270 (I-270): The primary northern bypass around St. Louis, running east-west through the city.
- Interstate 170 (I-170): A north-south freeway connecting Hazelwood to the inner suburbs and the airport.
- Lindbergh Boulevard (Highway 67): A major divided highway and surface arterial that runs north-south through the city.
- Highway 370: A freeway that connects I-270 to the west, towards the Missouri River and St. Charles.
Public Transportation System
Hazelwood is served by the Metro Transit system of St. Louis .
- Bus: Several MetroBus routes serve the city, primarily connecting it to the North Hanley Transit Center, a major hub for both buses and the MetroLink light rail system. Key routes include the 77 and 76 .
- MetroLink (Light Rail): While no stations are within Hazelwood's residential core, the system has two stations very close to its southern border, adjacent to the airport: Lambert Airport Terminal 1 Station and Lambert East Station. These provide direct rail access to downtown St. Louis and Illinois .
Sport and Sports Legends
Hazelwood offers a variety of sports and recreational facilities for residents and visitors alike, catering to both organized sports and casual outdoor activities.
Local Sports Facilities and Parks
The city maintains several key facilities for sports enthusiasts. The Hazelwood Sports Complex is a primary destination for organized sports, featuring three well-maintained ballfields for baseball and softball, as well as two quality cricket fields, all situated on nearly 20 acres of land. These fields are available for rental by youth, high school, and adult leagues .
For indoor sports and training, the community is served by Fieldhouse Sports, a state-of-the-art baseball and softball learning center operating since 2003. This facility focuses on skill development with batting and pitching cages designed to give players a real stadium feel. It is known for hosting experienced instructors, including former St. Louis Cardinals pitchers like Kyle McClellan and Andy Benes .
The city also caters to extreme sports enthusiasts with the Hazelwood Skate/BMX Park, an outdoor facility located at the Hazelwood Community Center. It features various ramps, rails, and obstacles designed for skateboarders and BMX bikers of all skill levels .
Community Recreation Centers
The Hazelwood Community Center is a 28,000-square-foot hub for recreational activity. It houses a gymnasium suitable for basketball, volleyball, and indoor soccer. The center also includes a game room with billiards, foosball, air hockey, and table tennis, as well as a weight room with modern exercise equipment .
Outdoor and Recreational Activities
For those who prefer outdoor recreation, the 18-hole White Birch Park Disc Golf Course offers a popular and accessible activity within a natural park setting .
Universities and Educational Institutions
While Hazelwood itself does not have a university campus, its location in the St. Louis metropolitan area places it within close proximity to numerous colleges and universities .
Colleges and Universities Nearby
The closest institution is Lindenwood University in nearby St. Charles, located approximately 5.8 miles from Hazelwood . The wider area offers a rich selection of 39 colleges within a 50-mile radius, enrolling over 140,000 students . This includes nationally recognized institutions such as Washington University in St. Louis, ranked highly on a national scale, and Saint Louis University, the largest university in the area with over 17,000 students .
For those seeking two-year programs or more affordable options, St. Charles Community College and Saint Louis Community College are also located within a short driving distance .
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
Hazelwood Food Truck Nights
Hazelwood's culinary scene comes alive during the warmer months with the popular Hazelwood Food Truck Nights. This regular community event brings together a diverse variety of food trucks, offering everything from gourmet burgers and tacos to sweet treats and other specialties. Accompanied by live music and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, these gatherings are a highlight for locals and a delicious way for visitors to sample a range of flavors .
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Information regarding specific major hospitals or specialized medical centers within the immediate city limits of Hazelwood is limited. Given its suburban nature and proximity to St. Louis, residents and visitors likely have access to the extensive medical facilities of the larger metropolitan area. For comprehensive or specialized medical care, the hospitals and medical centers in nearby St. Louis would be the primary resources. For routine and community healthcare needs, local clinics and practices are available within and around Hazelwood.