South Robert Street, which dissects West St. Paul from north to south and leads to downtown St. Paul, is a major arterial not just for local residents, but for others who know West St. Paul only by Robert Street because they come there to shop. Many West St. Paul families cherish their deep roots in the community. Long-term residency makes for great neighborhoods and motivates people to get involved in keeping their city an appealing place to live. Since 1986, the community has completed major renovating or upgrading of city streets and sidewalks, sewer and water systems, and parks, particularly in the older northern part of the city. With 43 percent of its housing rental, West St. Paul has an appealing mix of housing for families on a budget.
Most available housing tends to be older or more affordable housing.
Some of these homes are offered for sale by senior citizens who are ready to move into something that takes less upkeep. With roughly 20 percent of its residents 65 and older, West St. Paul has a sizable segment of senior citizens in its population. Many housing alternatives have emerged to ensure that the seniors don't have to move away to find the housing they need. Public and private developers have created a strong complement of rented or owned senior living options, from the moderate to the luxurious. West St. Paul's major job boom happened between 1970 and 1990, when the number of local employment opportunities nearly doubled.