From the idyllic Maryville University campus to Castlewood and Babler State parks, from quaint homes to equestrian estates crisscrossed with white fencing and grazing horses, west St Louis County is rich in history and amenities. The communities of Town and Country, Chesterfield, Ballwin, Ellisville, and Wildwood, offer an abundant array of housing choices, wonderful leisure trails for hikers, bikers and horseback riders, linking the major area river Greenways all the way west to the Missouri River Bluffs. White-tail deer and wild turkey are abundant. The schools are excellent and even rush-hour traffic can be mild compared to larger metropoles. The area accounts for eighth strongest market for technology hiring, and the world's largest concentration of plant sciences. Professional athletes, professionals and new wealth contribute to the growth of this high-income residential area.