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is an inner-ring suburb in St. Louis County, Missouri, United States. The population was 36,847 as of 2006. The main campus of Washington University in St. Louis is located southeast of University City between Skinker and Big Bend Boulevards. The university has helped shape the southern portion of the city, considered one of the most liberal communities in the
St. Louis area.
The city is one of the older suburbs in the St. Louis area, having been a streetcar suburb in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries; much historic architecture remains in the southern, older portion of the city, particularly along Delmar Boulevard. The northern portions of the city, mostly developed after World War II, have more of a suburban feel with many shopping centers and other automobile-centered development.
University City has much municipal open space, dominated by 85-acre Heman Park (which includes recreation and community centers and public pool facilities) and Ruth Park (a public golf course and nature trails). The city has six elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. The University City school district is separately managed from other school districts in the area. The school district is being aided by Project Appleseed in a $15-$20 million capital campaign to improve the high school facilities and establish them as the major recreation center for a large portion of St. Louis County.
University City's southern border is approximated by Forest Park Parkway to Pershing. The eastern border is approximated by Skinker Boulevard. The western border is approximated by old McKnight (some of which is now Interstate 170).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.9 square miles (15.2 km²), all of it land.
The Delmar Loop, an entertainment, cultural and restaurant district, is located along Delmar Boulevard, parallel with and six blocks north of the northern boundary of the university. It's also home to the U. City Olive Link , an area known for the diverse cultures represented in its businesses, as well as its high concentration of restaurants and grocery stores offering East Asian items.