What is Collinsville like?

[jojojohnson76]

ESL folks that are scary? I think that's just simply a racist statement. You shouldn't fear someone for the color of their skin.

[collected_eve]

Originally Posted by jojojohnson76

ESL folks that are scary? I think that's just simply a racist statement. You shouldn't fear someone for the color of their skin.

I haven't read anything about the color or anyone's skin. Everyone knows the reputation that ESL has. It's been that way for YEARS. My dad used to be an officer & the police didn't even want to patrol there due to the sheer craziness & violence that goes on there. I don't know about now, but the post was about Collinsville.
I'm also on my way there! Hopefully within the next year & 1/2.
And there is crime everywhere. Some places worse than others. And being that STL is ONCE AGAIN the most dangerous place to live, according to those statistical polls that don't take a few major points into consideration, I suppose doesn't help matters for Collinsville, but I'm experienced in how absolutely wonderful it is to live in that area. See yah soon!!

[waldo]

Originally Posted by collected_eve

I haven't read anything about the color or anyone's skin. Everyone knows the reputation that ESL has. It's been that way for YEARS. My dad used to be an officer & the police didn't even want to patrol there due to the sheer craziness & violence that goes on there. I don't know about now, but the post was about Collinsville.
I'm also on my way there! Hopefully within the next year & 1/2.
And there is crime everywhere. Some places worse than others. And being that STL is ONCE AGAIN the most dangerous place to live, according to those statistical polls that don't take a few major points into consideration, I suppose doesn't help matters for Collinsville, but I'm experienced in how absolutely wonderful it is to live in that area. See yah soon!!

You're right eve, there was no mention of race. Some people have to see race in everything. Having lived in Boston, I could tell you some scary places there too and we're talking about white catholic people. I don't care if you're green, yellow or whatever, if a place is dangerous, it's dangerous. It's not the skin color folks, it's the content of their character.

[aragx6]

St. Louis was #2 this year... progress anyone?

[jojojohnson76]

The point was not to bring race in to this, but I can't stand when people say things like that when it is OBVIOUSLY a race-based statement. I LIVE in Fairview Heights and it is the safest place I have ever lived. How do people know when they see a "scary" East St Louis person? If you live in the area, you know exactly what that means. It means "black people at Wal Mart in O'Fallon...OH NO!!!!!!!!!!"

Give me a break. It's the same people that say "Uh oh Metrolink is moving in to town. You know what that means! The minorities will be lining up to come to our sterile little suburb to steal things and rape our women!"

Get over it people. Welcome to 2008.

[carmac]

Originally Posted by TLJ119

I am from the neighboring community of Fairview Heights. If you live in Collinsville, you will be within 10 minutes of the biggest shopping destination and choice of (mostly chain) fast food and casual restaurants, as well as, of course, being only a 20 minute drive to downtown St. Louis. I don't think you will regret moving here.

Hi...what streets will I find these restaurants and businesses on in these cities? I'm trying to find out how close these are to some of the houses I'm looking at...I want to be able to either walk to downtown or ride a bike. I'd like to be able to just park the car at home with gas prices the way they are. Some ads for houses say they are close to shopping, etc....but I'm not sure of what their definition of 'close' is!! So if I have some streets as references, I can judge for myself. Help!!

[cdc3217]

Originally Posted by carmac

Hi...what streets will I find these restaurants and businesses on in these cities? I'm trying to find out how close these are to some of the houses I'm looking at...I want to be able to either walk to downtown or ride a bike. I'd like to be able to just park the car at home with gas prices the way they are. Some ads for houses say they are close to shopping, etc....but I'm not sure of what their definition of 'close' is!! So if I have some streets as references, I can judge for myself. Help!!

One easy way to look at this is to go to Google Maps
And search "groceries near Collinsville, IL" and it will pinpoint a bunch or grocery stores on a map for you. Then you can zoom in as far as you need to to see what streets/neighborhoods you are near and that should help wit hyour search. Also, "restaurants near Collinsville", "hardward store near..."

[carmac]

Originally Posted by cdc3217

One easy way to look at this is to go to Google Maps
And search "groceries near Collinsville, IL" and it will pinpoint a bunch or grocery stores on a map for you. Then you can zoom in as far as you need to to see what streets/neighborhoods you are near and that should help wit hyour search. Also, "restaurants near Collinsville", "hardward store near..."

Thanks a bunch...I just discovered this google map thing recently and I love it, but I appreciate learning more about it. Also, on a few of the previous posts, ESL was mentioned...being from Southern California I thought it meant English as a Second Language!! lol

[Central Illinois 1]

Originally Posted by kat17

We will probably be transferring to Scott AFB and have been researching houses on the web. It looks like Collinsville has reasonable housing. What is the area like. I never see anyone talk about it here.

Thanks

Collinsville is in a convenient location (about 11 miles from downtown STL) and it is also within a stone's throw of the rural Southern Illinois countryside. It is predominately a working-class community with affordable housing. Culturally it seems more rural than suburban to me, which is fine. But if you want a more high-end suburban lifestyle (e.g., upscale malls/botiques/coffee shops, etc.) West St. Louis County or parts of the Edwardsville (IL) area or South STL County are probably better bets - though they will cost you alot more too. It all depends on what you want.