Maplewood, a suburb close to St. Louis in St. Louis County, recorded a population of 8,046 in the 2010 census. Founded at the dawn of the 20th century, it was one of the initial suburbs of St. Louis, located just outside the city’s borders. Its placement at the end of a St. Louis streetcar line and near major railroads made it a conveniently accessible location.

Initially established as a residential area, Maplewood was marketed as the perfect retreat for those looking to leave behind the crowded city environment and breathe in the cleaner air of a less populated region, especially during a time when coal burning was prevalent in commercial, industrial, and residential settings. The neighborhood’s historic homes, mostly built from 1900 to 1910, are well-maintained, with several remaining in the same families for generations.

Maplewood has seen a resurgence in recent years, with a wave of new restaurants, businesses, and shops, especially around Manchester Ave., Sutton Ave., and the Greenwood Historic District.

An important aspect of Maplewood’s local legislation is its nuisance ordinance, which came under scrutiny in 2012. The ordinance states that individuals who make more than two police calls for domestic violence within 180 days risk eviction. This policy was highlighted when a woman, who called the police four times for protection against her ex-boyfriend’s physical assaults, was evicted. In 2017, the ACLU filed a lawsuit on her behalf, arguing that Maplewood’s nuisance ordinance infringed upon constitutional rights, including the First Amendment right to seek government assistance, as well as rights pertaining to travel, equal protection, and due process.