Discover how the proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in St. Louis’s Northside-Southside corridor influences local real estate values. Learn about the recent study shared during CMT’s virtual Talking Transit event, highlighting transit’s role in community growth and development.
ST. LOUIS (May 20, 2026) … As the St. Louis region explores Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in the Northside-Southside corridor, Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT), in partnership with St. Louis REALTORS®, commissioned a study on transit’s impact on local real estate values. Findings from the St. Louis Housing Prices Near Transit Study were shared during CMT’s virtual “Talking Transit” event on May 20, drawing dozens of transit advocates, elected officials, real estate professionals, stakeholders and riders interested in how transit access affects property values — and what it could mean for a large-scale BRT investment. To view the discussion and download a copy of the study, visit www.cmt-stl.org.
CMT ‘Talking Transit’ Presents: St. Louis Housing Prices Near Transit Study Results
Those in attendance heard from representatives of the Center for Neighborhood Technology, who outlined the methodology and key conclusions of the research examining the relationship between home prices and transit service frequency.
The findings showed that residential properties near higher frequency transit routes in the City of St. Louis experienced significantly stronger price appreciation than those located near less frequent service. Across the city, median home sale prices increased 50% over the six years between 2012 and 2018 and 65% over the 12 years 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. Properties located near routes with 21–30-minute service experienced stronger appreciation than those near routes with longer wait times, reinforcing the importance of reliable, frequent transit. Overall, the data shows that transit—particularly high-frequency service — and investment in transit function as a valuable neighborhood amenity and contributes to increased property values.
The study also draws on national BRT case studies, which show similar trends in cities across the country, where properties located near BRT routes consistently outperform those farther from transit access.
Following the presentation, representatives from the Center for Neighborhood Technology, St. Louis REALTORS® and the City of St. Louis shared perspectives on how transit-oriented development and future investments could further enhance property values and economic vitality across the region. The session concluded with a Q&A discussion with attendees
“Public transit delivers value far beyond the ride,” said Kimberly Cella, CEO of CMT. “It plays a meaningful role in strengthening neighborhoods and supporting long-term economic growth. These findings underscore the opportunity to leverage high-frequency transit investments, including potential Bus Rapid Transit, to drive positive change in St. Louis communities.”
Chief Advocacy Officer and Director of Commercial Services for St. Louis REALTORS® Charlie Hinderliter added, “For REALTORS®, this study reinforces something we increasingly see in today’s marketplace: 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.”
CMT hosts quarterly “Talking Transit” events to keep members, elected officials, stakeholders, transit riders and others in the loop on issues and efforts influencing the local transit system. These educational gatherings feature guest speakers and panel discussions addressing a wide range of topics, including transit-oriented development, safety and security, best practices, service changes and more. To learn more about these events and how CMT is working to further transit access in the St. Louis region, visit www.cmt-stl.org.
About Citizens for Modern Transit
Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) is the St. Louis region’s transit advocacy organization. Established in 1985 to help bring light rail to St. Louis, CMT’s mission is focused on championing, challenging, encouraging and advocating for public transit in an effort to drive economic growth and improve quality of life. To help support this mission, the organization works to develop ridership programming, transform spaces around transit stops, help secure local and federal transit funding, serve as a strong and effective voice on transit-related issues and opportunities, and ensure safe, convenient, user-friendly and affordable access to the area’s integrated public transportation system. To learn more, visit www.CMT-STL.org or follow the organization on Facebook, X, Instagram or LinkedIn.
About St. Louis REALTORS®
St. Louis REALTORS® is the voice of real estate in the Greater St. Louis area, representing 8,000 real estate professionals. St. Louis REALTORS® provides knowledge, guidance, and resources to our members, promotes diversity and growth within our region, encourages professionalism, and protects private property rights.
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