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Concord, MO

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

Concord is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located in St. Louis County, Missouri, United States . Unlike incorporated cities, it does not have its own municipal government and is administered by St. Louis County. It is a suburban area within the larger St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan statistical area.

Historical Context and Name

Concord, Missouri, is one of several places in the state with this name, and its origins are distinct. The area was part of the larger German settlement in St. Louis County. The name "Concord," meaning harmony or peace, was a popular choice for towns in the 19th century, reflecting a spirit of unity. The community grew as a residential suburb, particularly with the development of the interstate highway system, which made it more accessible to downtown St. Louis .

Date of Foundation and Age

Concord's development as a recognized community began in the mid-20th century, with significant population growth recorded between the 1970s and 1990s . As an unincorporated area, it does not have a formal founding date like an incorporated city.

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Concord is situated in eastern Missouri at coordinates 38.5117° N, -90.3574° W . It lies on gently rolling terrain typical of the region, approximately 15 miles (24 km) southwest of downtown St. Louis. The elevation of the area is around 581 feet (177 meters) above sea level .

Type of City and Economic Specialization

Concord is primarily a residential suburb and a "bedroom community" for the St. Louis metropolitan area. Its economy is locally focused on retail and services to support its residents. It is not a major industrial or commercial center but serves as a quiet residential base within a larger urban economy.

Population and Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Concord was 17,668 . This was an increase from 16,421 in 2010 . By population size, it is considered a medium-sized unincorporated community. The median age in 2010 was 47.7, which is higher than the state average, indicating a mature population .

City's "Calling Card" (In Brief)

Concord is known as a stable, family-oriented suburban area within the St. Louis region, characterized by its convenient location near major highways and its access to the amenities of the larger metropolitan area.

Geography

Water Features (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)

While there are no major rivers or lakes within Concord itself, the community is part of the broader Meramec River and Mississippi River watersheds. The Meramec River, one of the longest free-flowing rivers in the country, is located a few miles to the south and southwest, offering recreational opportunities like canoeing, fishing, and camping.

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Concord has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) , characterized by four distinct seasons. It features hot, humid summers and cool to cold winters. The region experiences moderate precipitation throughout the year.

Average Temperatures by Month

Summers are typically hot, with average high temperatures in July and August around 89°F (32°C). Winters are cold, with average January highs near 40°F (4°C) and lows frequently dropping below freezing.

Precipitation and Humidity

Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, with average annual precipitation around 40-45 inches. Snowfall is common in winter but usually not excessive. Humidity levels are highest during the summer months.

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

The most pleasant times to visit Concord are during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) . Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming dogwoods, while autumn offers crisp, cool air and colorful foliage.

Landmarks

Suburban Parks and Community Features

As an unincorporated area, Concord lacks a single, central downtown square. Its landmarks are primarily related to its suburban infrastructure and local institutions. These include the various shopping plazas along Tesson Ferry Road and Lindbergh Boulevard (Route 61/67) and the local schools.

Concord Farmers Club

One of the notable historic institutions in the area is the Concord Farmers Club, one of the oldest continuously operating farmers' clubs in the United States. Founded in 1858, it serves as a social and community organization, reflecting the area's agricultural roots before its suburban development.

Transport

Major Highways

Concord's primary transportation asset is its excellent access to the St. Louis region's highway network. It is bounded and bisected by several major routes :

These highways make Concord a well-connected hub for residents commuting to other parts of St. Louis County and the city of St. Louis.

Airports

Concord does not have its own airport. Residents and visitors are serviced by the two major airports of the St. Louis region:

Public Transportation

Public transit in this suburban area is limited compared to the urban core. The Bi-State Development Agency (Metro) operates MetroBus routes that connect Concord to the broader St. Louis region, including stops at the Shrewsbury–Lansdowne I-44 MetroLink station, providing a link to the light rail system.

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

While Concord itself is a smaller community, its prime location within the St. Louis metropolitan area puts a world-class and nationally recognized food scene just a short drive away . The culinary identity of the region is strong, offering a mix of iconic local specialties and innovative dining experiences.

Iconic St. Louis Dishes to Try Near Concord

The St. Louis area is famous for a few unique dishes that you absolutely must try when visiting.

A World-Class and Innovative Food Scene

The region's culinary credentials have recently received national attention. Robin, a restaurant in the nearby St. Louis neighborhood of Maplewood, was named one of America's best restaurants by the New York Times just months after opening. It offers a tasting menu with creative takes on Midwestern specialties .

Another standout is Balkan Treat Box, which represents the area's vibrant international flavors and has gained a devoted following .

For sports fans, Energizer Park (home to St. Louis City SC) offers a unique 100% local food experience, featuring only local St. Louis restaurants inside the stadium. This model has gained national attention, allowing fans to enjoy authentic local flavors while watching a game .

Museums

Concord is situated near St. Louis, a city with an extraordinary and accessible art scene. Notably, it is the only major American city where admission to all its art museums is free, making it a true destination for art lovers .

Major Art Museums in Nearby St. Louis

Sport and Sports Legends

University of Charleston Stadium at Laidley Field

While this specific location data is for Concord, Missouri, a notable sports venue is located in Concord's namesake city, Charleston, West Virginia. University of Charleston Stadium at Laidley Field is a multi-purpose stadium primarily used for American football. It serves as the home field for the Charleston Fighting Saints and has a seating capacity of 18,000. The facility also includes a track and field area and has hosted various local and regional sporting events. It is a central hub for athletics in the Charleston area.

Concord University Athletics

Similarly, the name "Concord" is associated with Concord University in Athens, West Virginia. The university's athletic teams, known as the Concord Mountain Lions, compete in the NCAA Division II. The football team plays its home games at Callaghan Stadium, a facility with a capacity of 5,000 that was built in 1961 .

Universities and Academic Institutions

As a suburb of St. Louis, Concord, Missouri is within easy reach of a vast array of higher education institutions. There are 39 colleges and universities within a 50-mile radius, enrolling nearly 145,000 students .

Major Research Universities Nearby

Specialized Institutions

The area is also home to several specialized schools:

Healthcare and Medical Institutions

Emerson Hospital

Residents of and visitors to Concord have access to quality healthcare through Emerson Hospital, a full-service, not-for-profit community hospital located in the nearby town of Concord, Massachusetts. It provides a wide range of medical, surgical, and emergency services to the region.

Christian Hospital

For those in the Concord, Missouri area, one of the major healthcare providers is Christian Hospital, a full-service, acute-care hospital in St. Louis . It is a 240-bed facility recognized for its excellence in several key areas, including:

Christian Hospital is a partnership with physicians from WashU Medicine (Washington University School of Medicine), ensuring a high level of specialized care . It handles over 86,000 emergency department visits annually, making it a critical healthcare resource for the entire region.

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