Affton, MO
- About the city
- Landmarks
- Climate and weather
- Transport
- Museums
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Healthcare Institutions
Affton is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in St. Louis County, Missouri, and a suburb of St. Louis.
About the city
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Official Name: Affton, Missouri (there is no separate Russian name).
- Status: Affton is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) . This means it has no municipal government of its own and is governed directly by St. Louis County .
- Location: It is located in St. Louis County, Missouri, in the United States. Affton is a suburban community in the south-central part of the county, approximately 10 miles southwest of downtown St. Louis . St. Louis County is the most populous county in Missouri and a major center of commerce and culture in the Midwestern United States.
Historical Names and Nicknames
- Aff Town: The community's name has a clear and practical origin. In 1872, a man named Johann Aff opened a general store at a location known as the "Ten Mile House." When he also became the first postmaster, the settlement was referred to as "Aff Town" for postal convenience. This name was eventually shortened and contracted into "Affton" .
Date of Foundation and Age
- Founding: While the area was settled earlier, the community's identity as "Affton" began in 1872 with the establishment of Johann Aff's post office and store .
- Age: Affton is approximately 153 years old as of 2025.
- Early History: Before being named Affton, the land was part of a large Spanish land grant to French fur trader Grégoire Sarpy. In the 1820s, Kenneth McKenzie, a Scotsman, purchased part of this land. The area transitioned from a plantation to land for German immigrants and St. Louis banker Louis A. Benoist in the mid-19th century .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
- Coordinates: 38°33′00″N 90°19′35″W / 38.55000°N 90.32639°W .
- Positioning: Affton is located in the south-central part of St. Louis County, about 3 miles west of the Mississippi River, which forms the border with Illinois . It is a suburban, landlocked community situated on a plain.
- Elevation: The center of the community sits at an elevation of approximately 170 meters (558 feet) above sea level .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Affton is primarily a residential suburb and a "bedroom community" for the nearby city of St. Louis. Its economy is local in nature, focused on services, education, and retail to support its residents. Many residents commute to St. Louis for work.
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Affton was 20,417 .
- Population Class: By population, Affton is a medium-sized community or a large suburb.
- Demographics: Historically, the community has been predominantly white, though it is gradually diversifying. As of the 2000 census, the racial makeup was 97.62% White, 1.30% Asian, and 1.13% from two or more races .
City's "Calling Card" (In Brief)
Affton is best known as the quiet, suburban hometown of famous actor John Goodman and Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey . Its identity is tied to its strong school districts, community organizations like the Affton Athletic Association with its notable ice hockey program , and its well-preserved 19th-century history, centered around the Oakland House .
Landmarks
Oakland House Museum
- Full Name: Louis A. Benoist House, commonly known as Oakland House Museum.
- Construction and Architect: This mansion was built in 1853 for Louis A. Benoist, a prominent St. Louis pioneer banker. It was designed by the notable St. Louis architect George Ingham Barnett .
- Historical Significance: The house is a prime example of a mid-19th century country estate. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (since June 23, 1969) and is owned and maintained by the Affton Historical Society, which undertook its restoration in the 1970s .
- Location: It is tucked away in Affton, offering a glimpse into the area's pre-suburban past .
- Features and Modern Use: The house is completely restored to its original beauty. It serves as a historic house museum and is a popular venue for weddings, community events, and holiday gatherings like "Santa's House" for children . The grounds feature a tent for events and beautiful landscaping.
Joseph Sappington House
- Full Name: Joseph Sappington House.
- Historical Significance: This house is another historic property in Affton, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since October 14, 1982 . It represents an earlier layer of settlement in the area, connected to the Sappington family, who were among the early American settlers in the region.
Affton High School
- Full Name: Affton High School.
- Historical Significance: The school building itself was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 12, 2020, recognizing its architectural and historical importance to the community .
- Notable Alumni: The school is famous for its alumni, most notably the acclaimed actor John Goodman, who was born and raised in Affton. Other notable graduates include fashion writer Derek Blasberg, NFL football player Markus Golden, and musician Kristeen Young .
New Mount Sinai Cemetery
- Full Name: New Mount Sinai Cemetery.
- Historical Significance: This historic cemetery in Affton was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 22, 2005 . It is one of the important Jewish cemeteries in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Nearby Attractions in St. Louis
Due to its location just southwest of St. Louis, residents and visitors have easy access to the region's major attractions.
- Grant's Farm (1.8 miles away): Located very close to Affton, this historic farm is the ancestral home of the Ulysses S. Grant family and now a wildlife preserve and attraction owned by the Anheuser-Busch family . It features free admission, animal exhibits, and historic cabins.
- Missouri Botanical Garden (approx. 9.4 miles away): A national historic landmark and one of the oldest botanical gardens in the US, renowned for its beautiful grounds and geodesic dome .
- St. Louis Zoo (approx. 10.1 miles away): One of the nation's leading zoos, located in Forest Park and offering free admission .
- Forest Park (approx. 10.5 miles away): Hosting the 1904 World's Fair, this massive urban park is larger than NYC's Central Park and contains the Zoo, Art Museum, Science Center, and History Museum .
- Gateway Arch (approx. 15.2 miles away): The iconic 630-foot stainless steel monument on the riverfront, symbolizing the city as the "Gateway to the West" .
- St. Louis Art Museum (approx. 10.4 miles away): Housed in a beautiful Beaux-Arts building from the 1904 World's Fair, its collection is particularly strong in pre-Columbian and German expressionist art .
Climate and weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Affton, like the rest of the St. Louis area, has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen: Cfa). It is characterized by four distinct seasons, with warm to hot, humid summers and cool to cold winters. The city is known for its variable weather, as it is located in a region where cold, dry air from the north can meet warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico.
Average Temperatures Throughout the Year
While precise monthly averages for Affton itself are not in the search results, its climate mirrors that of St. Louis.
- Summer: Summers are hot and humid. July is typically the warmest month, with average high temperatures around 32°C (90°F) and lows near 21°C (70°F) .
- Winter: Winters are cool to cold. January is typically the coldest month, with average high temperatures around 4°C (40°F) and lows near -6°C (21°F) .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Precipitation: Affton receives a consistent amount of rainfall throughout the year, with a slight peak in the spring and early summer months. Snowfall is common in winter, though amounts can vary significantly. The Old Farmer's Almanac provides long-range forecasts, but specific historical totals are not in the provided results .
- Humidity: Humidity can be high, especially during the summer months, contributing to a sticky and uncomfortable feel during the hottest periods.
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March-May): Spring is a volatile season with a wide range of temperatures. It can bring severe thunderstorms. However, it is also a beautiful time as parks and gardens, like the nearby Missouri Botanical Garden, begin to bloom.
- Summer (June-August): Summer is hot and humid. This is peak season for outdoor attractions like the St. Louis Zoo and Grant's Farm, but visitors should be prepared for heat and potential for storms.
- Fall (September-November): Fall is often considered the most pleasant time. Temperatures are mild, humidity drops, and the foliage changes color. It's an ideal time for visiting Forest Park or exploring local historic sites.
- Winter (December-February): Winters are cold and can be cloudy. Snow and ice storms are possible, which can disrupt travel. This is a low season for tourism, though holiday events at places like the Oakland House offer local charm.
Transport
Nearest Major Airport
- Full Name: St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL).
- IATA Code: STL .
- Location and Access: The airport is located in the northwestern part of the city of St. Louis. It is approximately 15-20 miles north of Affton. Travel time by car via I-170 or I-270 can range from 25 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
Public Transportation
Affton, as an unincorporated area, is primarily car-dependent. However, it is accessible via the public transit systems of the St. Louis region, operated by Metro Transit (Metro).
- MetroLink (Light Rail): While there is no MetroLink station within Affton itself, residents can access the system at stations like Shrewsbury–Lansdowne I-44 Station. This station is a key transit hub for the southwestern part of the county . From there, passengers can take the Blue Line (MLB) to destinations like Forest Park or downtown St. Louis .
- MetroBus: Several MetroBus routes serve the Affton area, connecting it to the MetroLink system and surrounding communities. For example, the #21 bus route runs along Watson Road, a major artery through Affton, connecting to the Shrewsbury Transit Center .
Major Highways and Roads
Affton's suburban location is well-connected by a network of major roads and highways.
- Interstate 44 (I-44): This major interstate runs just north of Affton, providing a direct route into downtown St. Louis to the northeast and to points southwest, such as Six Flags St. Louis and Springfield, Missouri.
- Interstate 270 (I-270): This beltway forms the outer ring road around St. Louis County. It is accessible to the west and north of Affton and connects to interstates heading to Chicago, Memphis, and Kansas City.
- U.S. Route 50 / 61 / 67 (South Lindbergh Boulevard): This major divided highway runs north-south just west of Affton, providing access to many suburban commercial centers.
- Missouri Route 30 (Gravois Road): A historic road that runs directly through the heart of Affton, connecting it to downtown St. Louis to the northeast and to the suburbs of South County to the southwest.
- Missouri Route 366 (Watson Road): Another key east-west arterial road that serves as a major commercial strip for Affton .
Museums
While Affton itself is primarily a suburban community, it is surrounded by the St. Louis area, which offers a wealth of renowned museums. Many of these are within a short drive and are must-see destinations for any visitor.
[Saint Louis Art Museum]
One of the principal art museums in the United States, the Saint Louis Art Museum is located in Forest Park, about 10.4 miles from Affton . The museum's vast collection spans millennia and continents, featuring works by world-renowned artists. Highlights include masterpieces such as The Wine of Saint Martin's Day by Pieter Bruegel the Elder and St. John the Evangelist on Patmos by Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez. The museum is also famous for its extensive collection of German Expressionist paintings and its notable Pre-Columbian artifacts. A striking feature of the museum building itself is the Sculpture Hall, a grand space with a glass roof that houses a number of monumental sculptures .
[City Museum]
A truly unique St. Louis institution, the City Museum is less a traditional museum and more an eclectic, massive playground built from reclaimed architectural artifacts. Located about 14.8 miles from Affton, it's a fantastical environment for both children and adults . The museum defies easy description, featuring repurposed factory parts, old chimneys, fire escapes, and two real airplanes embedded into the building's facade. Visitors can crawl through tunnels, explore a 10-story slide, and wander through a series of interconnected, artistic caves. It’s a celebrated example of interactive, imaginative art and architecture, consistently rated one of the best things to do in the region .
[Missouri History Museum]
Also situated in Forest Park, approximately 11.3 miles from Affton, the Missouri History Museum explores the history of the St. Louis region from its earliest days to the present . The museum features engaging permanent and temporary exhibitions. A key highlight is its extensive collection of artifacts from the 1904 World's Fair (Louisiana Purchase Exposition), which was held in St. Louis. Exhibits often cover topics like the Lewis and Clark expedition, the history of the riverfront, and the city's role in shaping American culture, providing deep insight into the area's heritage .
[Saint Louis Science Center]
A short distance from the art and history museums in Forest Park is the Saint Louis Science Center, about 10.3 miles from Affton . This is a massive, free-admission science museum that encourages hands-on learning. Its most famous resident is Mighty Mike, a 40-foot-long, 1,200-pound American alligator, one of the largest in the world. The center also features an OMNIMAX theater, a planetarium, and hundreds of interactive exhibits on everything from energy and technology to the human body and ecology, making it a premier destination for science enthusiasts .
[The Magic House, St. Louis Children's Museum]
For families, The Magic House in nearby Kirkwood is a top attraction, located just 6.8 miles from Affton . This is not a typical museum but a hands-on children's museum housed in a large Victorian-era home. It has been engaging young minds for decades with interactive exhibits that blend fun and learning. Children can step into a bubble room, shop in a pint-sized grocery store, get lost in a three-story climbing structure, and much more. Its reputation as one of the nation's premier children's museums makes it a regional draw .
[Museum of Transportation]
Approximately 11.6 miles from Affton, the Museum of Transportation in St. Louis County boasts one of the largest and most significant collections of transportation vehicles in the world . The museum's collection includes over 70 locomotives and rail cars, as well as hundreds of automobiles, aircraft, and horse-drawn vehicles. Highlights include the massive Union Pacific "Big Boy" 4006, one of the largest steam locomotives ever built, and a diverse array of classic and vintage cars. It’s a paradise for anyone interested in the history of how we move .
[Jefferson Barracks Historic Park]
A site of significant military history, Jefferson Barracks Historic Park is located in Lemay, just 6.3 miles from Affton . Established in 1826, it was the first permanent U.S. military installation west of the Mississippi River and served as a key base for over a century. The park today preserves a number of historic stone buildings and houses two museums: the Old Ordnance Room and the Laborers' House Museum. The adjacent Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery is one of the largest and oldest military cemeteries in the United States, serving as the final resting place for soldiers from the Black Hawk War to the present day .
Universities and Educational Institutions
While Affton does not have its own university campus, it is centrally located near the St. Louis area's most prestigious institutions of higher learning. There are 39 colleges within 50 miles of Affton, enrolling a total of nearly 145,000 students .
[Washington University in St. Louis]
The top-ranked university in the region is Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) , consistently ranked among the top 20 universities in the United States by CollegeSimply . Located in St. Louis about 7 miles from Affton, WashU is renowned for its medical school, its Olin Business School, and its strong programs in architecture, arts, and sciences. The university is a major research institution, affiliated with numerous Nobel laureates, including Gary Becker (Economic Sciences) and Saul Bellow (Literature). Its campus, a mix of Gothic and modern architecture, is considered one of the most beautiful in the country.
[Saint Louis University (SLU)]
Another major institution nearby is Saint Louis University (SLU) , a Jesuit Catholic university located about 7 miles from Affton. With a main campus enrollment of over 17,000 students, it is the largest university in the area . SLU is particularly known for its health sciences programs, including its School of Medicine, which is affiliated with SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital . The university's Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology is also highly regarded as the first federally certified aviation school in the U.S.
[University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL)]
Located approximately 11 miles from Affton, the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) is the region's largest public research university . It is recognized for its strong programs in business, education, and nursing. UMSL plays a key role in the community, offering accessible higher education and partnering with local corporations and institutions on research and workforce development initiatives .
[Nearby Colleges and Community Colleges]
The area surrounding Affton offers a diverse range of other higher education options. Maryville University of Saint Louis, located 12 miles away, is consistently ranked as one of the best private colleges in Missouri . For those seeking a two-year degree or a more affordable path to higher education, Saint Louis Community College is the closest community college, located just 6.1 miles from Affton . Other notable institutions within a short drive include Lindenwood University , Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) across the river in Illinois , and St. Charles Community College .
Healthcare Institutions
Residents of Affton have access to some of the most highly-regarded hospitals and medical centers in the state of Missouri and the nation, all located within a short distance.
[Barnes-Jewish Hospital]
Located about 7.0 miles from Affton, Barnes-Jewish Hospital is the largest hospital in Missouri and a flagship teaching hospital for the Washington University School of Medicine. It is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the country, receiving the America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2024) and recognition for America's 100 Best Gastrointestinal Care . The hospital is particularly renowned for its specialties in cancer care, cardiology and heart surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, and organ transplantation. It serves as a major referral center for the region and is affiliated with the renowned Siteman Cancer Center.
[St. Louis Children's Hospital]
Adjacent to Barnes-Jewish Hospital at the same medical campus (7.0 miles from Affton) is St. Louis Children's Hospital, one of the premier pediatric hospitals in the United States . Affiliated with Washington University School of Medicine, it provides comprehensive pediatric care and is a leader in pediatric research and treatment for a wide range of conditions, from routine care to complex neonatal and surgical interventions.
[SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital]
Approximately 7.1 miles from Affton, SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital is a Level I trauma center and the teaching hospital for the Saint Louis University School of Medicine . It is recognized for its excellence in cardiology, neurology, and orthopedics, and is known for being a high-acuity hospital handling some of the most complex medical and surgical cases in the region.
[Mercy Hospital St. Louis]
Located in the western suburbs of St. Louis, about 8.8 miles from Affton, Mercy Hospital St. Louis is another major medical facility recognized for its quality . It has received awards for America's 100 Best Gastrointestinal Care (2026, 2025) and America's 100 Best Gastrointestinal Surgery . It is part of the larger Mercy health system, one of the largest Catholic health systems in the United States, and is known for its comprehensive cardiac and surgical services.
[Missouri Baptist Medical Center]
About 8.3 miles from Affton, Missouri Baptist Medical Center is part of the BJC HealthCare system and is recognized for its clinical excellence . It has received awards for America's 100 Best Gastrointestinal Care (2025) and America's 100 Best Gastrointestinal Surgery . The hospital is also known for its strong programs in women's health, orthopedics, and emergency medicine.
[Other Notable Hospitals]
The area around Affton is served by numerous other high-quality hospitals. These include Mercy Hospital South (3.7 miles from Affton), recognized for America's 100 Best Prostate Surgery (2026) ; SSM Health St. Clare Hospital-Fenton (7.8 miles), which has received the Pulmonary Care Excellence Award (2026, 2025) ; SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital-St. Louis (5.9 miles) ; and St. Luke's Hospital (12 miles) in Chesterfield, recognized for America's 50 Best Cardiac Surgery (2026, 2025, 2024) . Additionally, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital (7.1 miles) provides another top-tier option for pediatric care .