Parc Frontenac: A Detailed Decision Review for St. Louis Renters
Parc Frontenac is a mid‑sized apartment community located at St. Louis, MO 63108, directly across from Forest Park. With monthly prices ranging from $1,195 to $2,545 (indicative — confirm with the operator), it sits above the city’s overall starting point of $845 for student housing. The property offers studios, one‑bedroom, two‑bedroom units, and general apartments, along with amenities such as a gym, laundry facilities, bike storage, and the option for dual occupancy. This review unpacks who the residence works for, who might want to look elsewhere, what actual residents say, how its pricing compares, which room types to consider, and when to start planning.
Who This Residence Suits
Parc Frontenac is a practical choice for someone who prioritises location and on‑site amenities. The building’s main selling point is its immediate proximity to Forest Park — St. Louis’s largest urban park — which offers running paths, museums, and outdoor space. For students or young professionals who spend significant time on the nearby university campus (Washington University in St. Louis is minutes away) or who value green space, the convenience is tangible.
The property provides a gym, which eliminates the need for a separate fitness membership. Laundry facilities are available on‑site, and bike storage supports those who cycle to campus or around the city. Dual occupancy options mean a tenant can share a unit (e.g., a two‑bedroom) with a flatmate, reducing the per‑person cost — potentially below the $1,195 lower bound if splitting rent. For renters who want a predictable, full‑service building with these standard amenities, Parc Frontenac delivers without frills.
The Google rating stands at 4.2 out of 116 reviews, indicating that the majority of past residents found the experience satisfactory overall. Positive feedback, such as that from Mary Alice Sutherland (rating 5), highlights the maintenance team’s skill: “Jason Morris is the most gifted maintenance person who has ever helped me in a residence… gifted and capable. With any problem he will look at, within moments Jadon will be able to analyze the situation and then quickly fix it. If any parts need to be ordered, Jason will take care of that immediately and be back th” (the review cuts off). This suggests that when issues arise, the maintenance response can be prompt and effective — an important factor for anyone who values reliable repairs.
Who This Residence May Not Suit
The same reviews reveal significant concerns that make Parc Frontenac a poor fit for renters who expect strong management and security. Lucía (rating 1) describes: “I currently live in Parc Frontenac and I experience firsthand its terrible management. They have entered my apartment several times without any prior notice and without asking for permission. Three of those times I was INSIDE my home and suddenly saw some men coming in through the door, without even knocking.” Unauthorised entry is a serious privacy violation; for individuals who need guaranteed notice before access (e.g., for safety reasons or remote work), this is a red flag.
Another long‑term resident, K (rating 1), notes: “Lived here for a several years and would not recommend this place. The only perk of Parc Frontenac is the convenient location across the street from Forest Park. I thought the ‘cheaper’ rent made living there worth it, but after adding costs of utilities, electricity, and laundry, it is definitely not cheap. The buildi…” (review cuts off). The hidden costs — utilities, electricity, and laundry — can push the effective monthly total considerably above the advertised $1,195 – $2,545 range. For budget‑conscious renters comparing only the base rent, Parc Frontenac may be less affordable than it first appears.
Additionally, the building is described as “not cheap” after extras, and the laundry facility is a shared amenity (tag: laundry_facility), not in‑unit, which can be inconvenient for those who prefer private laundry.
What Residents Actually Say
The three Google reviews provided illustrate a clear split in resident experience.
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Positive (Mary Alice Sutherland, rating 5): Emphasises exceptional maintenance service. The reviewer commends the maintenance person’s ability to analyse and fix problems quickly. This suggests that the property does have competent staff in a critical role. However, the review is focused on a single person, so it may not reflect the broader management quality.
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Negative (Lucía, rating 1): Reports repeated unauthorised entries. This is a serious breach of tenant rights. The reviewer stresses that they were inside when strangers entered, with no knock or notice. This pattern points to a probable breakdown in management protocol.
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Negative (K, rating 1): Describes a long‑term stay that became disappointing. The reviewer warns that the “cheaper” rent is misleading because of add‑on costs for utilities, electricity, and laundry. The building itself is not praised beyond the location.
Collectively, the reviews suggest that while maintenance may be good, management transparency and respect for privacy need improvement. The location remains a strong asset, but the total cost of living there should be calculated carefully.
Price Positioning Against City Average
St. Louis as a city has a starting price of $845 per month for student housing (across 23 properties). Parc Frontenac’s minimum monthly rent of $1,195 is about 41% above that baseline. The maximum of $2,545 is nearly three times the city low.
This positions Parc Frontenac in the upper‑mid to high range for St. Louis. However, the property does include a gym and bike storage — amenities not present in all cheap units. For someone who would otherwise pay for a gym membership (e.g., $30–$50/month) and storage, the premium may partially offset. But as the review by K indicates, utility and laundry costs can add a significant amount, potentially $100–$200+ per month, narrowing or eliminating the gap.
When comparing to other properties in the city, it is worth asking the operator for a full estimate of total monthly charges (base rent + utility flat fee + electricity + laundry) before signing. At par, a studio or one‑bedroom unit may cost $1,195–$1,800, which is above many St. Louis options, but dual‑occupancy two‑bedroom units (sharing the lease) could bring per‑person costs down to around $1,000–$1,300, which is closer to the city average.
Room-Type Guidance
Based on the available unit types (studio, 1b, 2b, apartment), here are typical considerations:
- Studio: Best for solo renters who want the lowest‑price entry point (indicative $1,195). Compact space; everything in one room. Good for minimalists, but no separate bedroom.
- One‑bedroom: Offers separation between living and sleeping areas. Suitable for a single person or a couple (dual occupancy allowed) who need a quiet work/sleep split. Price range likely $1,300–$1,700.
- Two‑bedroom: Ideal for sharing with a flatmate. Each tenant gets a private bedroom; shared common areas. With dual occupancy, this is the most cost‑effective way to stay at Parc Frontenac. Per‑person rent could be $900–$1,300, making it more competitive.
- Apartment (general): This category may refer to larger layouts or floor‑plan variations. Clarify with the operator whether it includes studios or is a separate type.
Room selection should factor in the laundry facility (shared) and gym. Units on higher floors may have better views of Forest Park. Ask about in‑unit washer/dryer — there is no tag for that, so assume laundry is communal.
Booking Timing Considerations
No exact availability date or minimum lease term is provided in the data. However, for a property in a university‑adjacent area, peak leasing cycles typically align with the academic calendar. Most leases start in August or September for the fall term, with early renewals and new bookings beginning as early as February–April of the same year. If you are planning for a 2026 move‑in, begin inquiring in early 2026. For a 2027 move‑in, start in early 2027.
Because the property has 116 Google reviews, it is relatively established, so occupancy may be steady. Do not wait until summer; by June, many desirable units (especially lower‑priced studios or one‑bedrooms) may be taken. The dual‑occupancy two‑bedroom units may have slightly longer availability, but still book months ahead.
The operator may also require a deposit (data shows deposit: null — confirm whether none is required or it varies). Ask about early‑bird pricing or move‑in specials, but note that this article cannot recommend any promotional deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How safe is the building regarding privacy and entry procedures?
Based on resident reviews, there have been documented instances of staff entering apartments without notice. If privacy is a priority, ask the operator directly about their notice policy (e.g., 24‑hour written notice for non‑emergencies) and whether they have systems like electronic logs or key‑card access. You can also request written assurance that entry procedures follow local landlord‑tenant laws. St. Louis city requires reasonable notice; confirm in the lease.
Are utilities and laundry included in the rent?
No. The reviews and tags indicate that utilities, electricity, and laundry are not included. The base rent covers the unit and building amenities (gym, bike storage) but not usage‑based costs. Expect to pay separate electricity, possibly a flat utility fee, and per‑load laundry charges. Ask the operator for an estimate of average monthly add‑ons for the unit size you are considering.
Is Parc Frontenac suitable for students at Washington University in St. Louis?
Yes, due to its location opposite Forest Park and proximity to campus. Many residents are likely students or staff. The gym and bike storage are student‑friendly features. However, the higher base rent and extra costs may stretch a student budget. Consider sharing a two‑bedroom to lower per‑person costs, and compare total cost against other student‑oriented properties near the campus.
Sources & Data Date: 2026-07
All pricing and property details are as of the data snapshot available on 2026-07. Rooms, rates, and availability change frequently. For the most current information, use the on‑site assistant to check live availability and confirm all figures with the operator.
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