Affton, located in south St. Louis County, Missouri, is a well-established community that balances small-town familiarity with easy access to the amenities of bigger cities. Home to roughly 20,000 residents, it’s a place where long-standing local traditions meet everyday convenience. People appreciate the area’s strong sense of continuity, where locally owned businesses, family-run restaurants, and community events all play an important role in daily life.

The heart of the settlement is known for its early roots in farming and general-store commerce. The community traces its origins to a general store opened in 1872 by Johann Aff, who also served as the first postmaster of the area. His store at the “Ten Mile House” landmark gave the place its name, originally “Aff’s Town,” which over time became the place we know today. Agriculture, nurseries, and truck-farming played a major role in the early decades; for instance, the Weber Nursery once located at the junction of Gravois and Coral Road was considered among the most complete nurseries west of the Mississippi. Residents often mention this legacy of farmland, market wagons, and old-time roads when speaking of how the community evolved from its rural roots toward suburban character.

When it comes to dining and commerce, the area has more than a few standouts. For a satisfying breakfast or brunch, you might drop by Affton Diner, a longtime local favorite praised for its biscuits and gravy, hearty home-fried potatoes, and welcoming atmosphere that feels like family. If sushi is on your mind, Sushi Hana offers well-reviewed rolls such as the caterpillar roll, shrimp tempura, and seaweed salad; locals often note the freshness of ingredients and the attentive service. For a sweet treat or dessert outing, Sedara Sweets & Ice Cream brings a blend of Middle Eastern and Turkish-style desserts like baklava, kunafa, and rich milkshakes that attract dessert-lovers of all ages.

For things to do, the area offers a pleasant mix of history, parks, and community traditions. The route of Gravois Road, which stretches through town, was once the major road from St. Louis’s city center outward; travelers used landmarks such as the “Ten Mile House” to measure distance in the horse-and-wagon days. The early nurseries and market gardens of the region also left a mark on community identity, and that appreciation for green spaces continues today. Seasonal events often bring neighbors together, like the annual gatherings hosted by the local chamber of commerce and festive Halloween activities such as the “Zombie Treat Trail.” Residents also enjoy a variety of parks where families can walk, relax, and play, maintaining a long-standing sense of connection between people and their surroundings.

Little-known facts add texture to the place. The “Ten Mile House” once stood at a point exactly ten miles from downtown St. Louis along Gravois Road, helping define the community’s early identity and even serving as a postal stop and meeting point. One of the area’s early nurseries grew large enough in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to supply trees and shrubs to cities throughout the Midwest, making the region an early horticultural hub. These origins remain part of the local storytelling and help long-time residents recall how different the area once was from its current suburban form.

In everyday life, people greet each other at cafés, gather in neighborhood restaurants for dinner, attend charity events, and support the small businesses that shape the community’s personality. The pace is measured, and though growth continues, the identity built over generations gives the area a grounded sense of belonging.

As specialists in home construction and outdoor living, we at McIntosh Construction understand how any house can become a personal haven. Whether you’re planning to upgrade your outdoor area, expand your living space, or bring a fresh new look to your property in Affton, we’re ready to help. Contact McIntosh Construction today to discuss how we can help enhance your home and create a space you’ll enjoy for years to come.