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What can you tell me about living in St. Louis?
Posted on 8/21/24 at 4:52 pm
Posted on 8/21/24 at 4:52 pm
Afternoon gents. Long story short is that I might have a job opportunity in St. Louis and I'm just looking for some advice and the pros and cons of the city. Living expenses, the people, things to do etc.
I was going to put this on the OT, but you know how that it is. Maybe I'd get a couple of real answers followed by mostly bullshite of what people who have never lived in or ever been to the city have heard online. So, I thought I'd start here to ask for some advice from those who have actual experience with the area.
I know it's a big, broad question so I appreciate your help.
I was going to put this on the OT, but you know how that it is. Maybe I'd get a couple of real answers followed by mostly bullshite of what people who have never lived in or ever been to the city have heard online. So, I thought I'd start here to ask for some advice from those who have actual experience with the area.
I know it's a big, broad question so I appreciate your help.
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Posted on 8/21/24 at 5:13 pm to theGarnetWay
You've come to the right place. Our STL baws will help you out
Posted on 8/21/24 at 5:30 pm to theGarnetWay
I don't currently live there, but I still own a house in the area and family are still located in the area so we are back a couple times a month.
A lot of answers will depend on if you have kids or not because of school options.
I love the region, and only moved because of work. We plan on moving back at some point.
Traffic is pretty lite. Everyone who complains about it has never experienced real M-F traffic. You can be almost anywhere in 20 minutes of driving on the interstate.
Dining. For it's size the food scene in STL far outpaces a lot of bigger cities.
Generally, everyone lives in St. Louis County or St. Charles county... not in the actual city of STL. The city has some great areas for singles or couples without kids, but the city public schools are not good.
A lot of answers will depend on if you have kids or not because of school options.
I love the region, and only moved because of work. We plan on moving back at some point.
Traffic is pretty lite. Everyone who complains about it has never experienced real M-F traffic. You can be almost anywhere in 20 minutes of driving on the interstate.
Dining. For it's size the food scene in STL far outpaces a lot of bigger cities.
Generally, everyone lives in St. Louis County or St. Charles county... not in the actual city of STL. The city has some great areas for singles or couples without kids, but the city public schools are not good.
Posted on 8/21/24 at 7:38 pm to theGarnetWay
Got a brother lives in Festus on the south side. He'd tell you the same: Live and raise kids in the counties, and enjoy the city proper for dining and entertainment. Because the city is surprisingly compact, this is quite reasonable.
Posted on 8/21/24 at 8:11 pm to SEC. 593
That's a good question. I don't have kids so there is no concern there.
I was going to ask if there was a general preference for living on the MO or IL side? I don't plan on owning property in the area anytime soon so that's not an issue. It looks like the income taxes are just about even.
However, as I was writing this I did a quick Google and Wiki and it seems East St. Louis is not the place to be.
I was going to ask if there was a general preference for living on the MO or IL side? I don't plan on owning property in the area anytime soon so that's not an issue. It looks like the income taxes are just about even.
However, as I was writing this I did a quick Google and Wiki and it seems East St. Louis is not the place to be.
Posted on 8/21/24 at 9:15 pm to theGarnetWay
North St. Louis es no bueno.
Posted on 8/21/24 at 9:38 pm to theGarnetWay
There are a lot more areas I'd avoid before ESTL. A case of its old reputation preceeding itself.
With no kids, I'd look into these neighborhoods if you wanted to be in the city.
Lafayette Square (I lived in a 3 story Victorian here after school. Had a great time - close to the Soulard area without having to deal with the people)
Central West End
Tower Grove (South)
University City
Clayton
With no kids, I'd look into these neighborhoods if you wanted to be in the city.
Lafayette Square (I lived in a 3 story Victorian here after school. Had a great time - close to the Soulard area without having to deal with the people)
Central West End
Tower Grove (South)
University City
Clayton
This post was edited on 8/21/24 at 9:49 pm
Posted on 8/22/24 at 12:14 am to theGarnetWay
If you are coming from Wash DC (your listed location) I don't think anything StL has to offer in the way of crime/city living will bother you. Unless you feel some need, I would stay away from the city itself, Illinois side or north.
Illinois side south, as in Columbia, IL if it was close for a job, etc., is good.
If you are young, probably the places listed already would be pretty good.
South StL is going to be more blue-collar people. Generally, west of Lindbergh Blvd (67) will be a change(less) in crime rates and population density.
People are midwestern. Living expenses should be lower compared to other cities.
Illinois side south, as in Columbia, IL if it was close for a job, etc., is good.
If you are young, probably the places listed already would be pretty good.
South StL is going to be more blue-collar people. Generally, west of Lindbergh Blvd (67) will be a change(less) in crime rates and population density.
People are midwestern. Living expenses should be lower compared to other cities.
Posted on 8/22/24 at 6:02 am to theGarnetWay
St. Louis is definitely one of one.
It has one of the highest retention rates of locals.
I have friends who live in the city - Tower Grove East, Compton Heights, Lafayette Square. All bunched next to each other just south of downtown. It’s older houses and a very neighborhood driven area.
You might get your car stolen anywhere in the city.
Restaurants, as mentioned, are world class.
Plenty of concerts/artists coming through. Enough cultural events/exhibits. Cardinals games, Blues games and last year, I would’ve recommended MLS soccer.
If you want to go take a literal hike, ride a bike or get in a boat, float or fish, there’s plenty of day trip options.
I would warn that because St. Louis retains so many people who grew up here, some people don’t vibe with it. The “where did you go to high school” question will grate on some people.
Cost of living is pretty reasonable comparatively. You could rent a condo in Clayton (the high-rent district) for under $2k.
If you have more specific questions that come up, don’t hesitate to ask. Someone here might know.
It has one of the highest retention rates of locals.
I have friends who live in the city - Tower Grove East, Compton Heights, Lafayette Square. All bunched next to each other just south of downtown. It’s older houses and a very neighborhood driven area.
You might get your car stolen anywhere in the city.
Restaurants, as mentioned, are world class.
Plenty of concerts/artists coming through. Enough cultural events/exhibits. Cardinals games, Blues games and last year, I would’ve recommended MLS soccer.
If you want to go take a literal hike, ride a bike or get in a boat, float or fish, there’s plenty of day trip options.
I would warn that because St. Louis retains so many people who grew up here, some people don’t vibe with it. The “where did you go to high school” question will grate on some people.
Cost of living is pretty reasonable comparatively. You could rent a condo in Clayton (the high-rent district) for under $2k.
If you have more specific questions that come up, don’t hesitate to ask. Someone here might know.
Posted on 8/22/24 at 8:07 am to theGarnetWay
To explain what Bass said about "where'd you go to high school?" It's a St. Louisans way of determining if you have mutual friends. I have never lived anywhere else where that's done.
Nobody mentioned the attractions like the Arch, the zoo, the botanical gardens, the science center, and more. Even without kids they're great places to visit and really nice to go to on dates or with your significant other.
Nobody mentioned the attractions like the Arch, the zoo, the botanical gardens, the science center, and more. Even without kids they're great places to visit and really nice to go to on dates or with your significant other.
Posted on 8/22/24 at 8:11 am to theGarnetWay
It is a really shitty place to live is all I can say. I hate even driving around that area, not even through it.
Posted on 8/22/24 at 12:34 pm to theGarnetWay
I live in western St. Charles County and this is as far east as I've ever lived so I don't have much to offer on the city itself. I have friends that live in the Kirkwood and Webster Groves area and I like that location quite a bit.
But mostly I just wanted to say welcome!
But mostly I just wanted to say welcome!
Posted on 8/22/24 at 4:14 pm to JBlutarsky
quote:
It's a St. Louisans way of determining if you have mutual friends
That’s the polite interpretation. You can gather a lot of data from people’s High school in St. Louis.
LINK
Posted on 8/22/24 at 4:18 pm to MIZZtshirtfan
quote:
I live in western St. Charles County and this is as far east as I've ever lived so I don't have much to offer on the city itself. I have friends that live in the Kirkwood and Webster Groves area and I like that location quite a bit.
Inner west St Louis County west out through St Charles county is typical prime suburban living. The more east you go in the county the more "urban" it becomes. There are some decent suburban areas in South St Louis County into Northern Jefferson County as well
Are you more of an outdoors type? Do want a little "room" or are you looking for more of an urban experience? Like Bass said there are some decent gentrified neighborhoods in St Louis on the near south side. My advice would be to stay away from areas on the North side. Both in St Louis County and clearly St Louis City.
Depending on where your employer is located the decent Illinois areas may be a huge pain for a daily work commute.
Posted on 8/22/24 at 4:23 pm to the808bass
quote:
the808bass
I have never seen that but that's fricking hilarious and accurate.
Posted on 8/22/24 at 4:39 pm to the808bass
Well I went to U City, it nailed me.
Posted on 8/22/24 at 6:02 pm to theGarnetWay
What comparable part of DC would you like to live in? I spend a lot of time there so I can probably give some similar ideas.
The best part of the city is the midtown corridor with Central West end to SLU. If you want transit connections in the county, Clayton. Cheap version, Shrewsbury. If you are planning on being car heavy, Chesterfield or Kirkwood are great. If you want to be around chain restaurants and far from downtown, St. Charles County and o’fallon Illinois are your best bets.
The best part of the city is the midtown corridor with Central West end to SLU. If you want transit connections in the county, Clayton. Cheap version, Shrewsbury. If you are planning on being car heavy, Chesterfield or Kirkwood are great. If you want to be around chain restaurants and far from downtown, St. Charles County and o’fallon Illinois are your best bets.
This post was edited on 8/22/24 at 6:04 pm
Posted on 8/22/24 at 6:11 pm to theGarnetWay
How old are you? Do you have a family?.
This is important info when discussing where to live in stl lol
This is important info when discussing where to live in stl lol
This post was edited on 8/22/24 at 6:12 pm
Posted on 8/22/24 at 9:17 pm to notsince98
quote:
It is a really shitty place to live is all I can say. I hate even driving around that area, not even through it.
Posted on 8/22/24 at 9:30 pm to theGarnetWay
quote:
I was going to ask if there was a general preference for living on the MO or IL side?
Definitely the Missouri side. Taxes are considerably lower and almost all of the attractions are Missouri based.
Whoever mentioned the ease of traffic is 100% spot on. You can get almost anywhere you'd want within 20 minutes. I'd also mention the Italian neighborhood, The Hill, as a nice place to live especially if you love Italian cuisine. Lots of wineries and microbreweries. A new MLS soccer team and an up and coming Blues NHL team. Great music venues too.
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