LTE by Charlie Hinderliter, Chief Advocacy Officer and Director of Commercial Services for St. Louis REALTORS® and Citizens for Modern Transit Board Member.
As the St. Louis region explores Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in the Northside-Southside corridor, it is important to understand that the value of public transit accessibility extends well beyond the ride itself.
According to research findings, residential properties near higher-frequency transit routes in the City of St. Louis have experienced significantly stronger price appreciation than those near less frequent service. Across the city, median home sale prices increased 50% between 2012 and 2018 and 65% between 2012 and 2024—with the highest gains occurring near the most frequent transit routes.
Homes near the city’s most frequent bus route saw price increases of 144% over six years and 167% over 12 years, far outpacing gains for homes located farther from high-frequency service.
The takeaway is clear: people value connectivity, convenience and access. High-frequency transit is more than a transportation asset—it is an economic development tool that can strengthen neighborhoods, support housing demand, drive long-term property value growth and help create stronger, more connected communities.
If St. Louis wants to compete for residents, talent and investment, we have to think about how transportation, housing and economic development work together.
