Questions about Alton (Chicago, East St. Louis, Granite City: insurance, private school, closing)

[artichoke63]

Hi Everyone,

I'm thinking of moving to Alton. I have lots of family there but haven't been there in years. Work is not important to me. I'm all set in that area, but can anyone tell me what is Alton like and what are the best areas to live in?

Thanks,

Artie

[NewGrad]

I just moved to Alton (and the east metro area) 2 years ago. Personally I hate it here...I'll be moving next year when I'm done with school.

[Fishtacos]

Alton is about 40 minutes outside of St. Louis. All depends on your lifestyle. Where are you moving from? What is your lifestyle now? If you seek more of an urban life, St. Louis is where you want to be. Alton is more of the small town feel. ....not even a suburban feel....has a lower Midwest small town feel. Definitely close to city life in STL whenever you want it....and out a ways where it is not even considered suburban...more small town, Southern Midwest style too.

I am more of a city person, but again, not knowing your lifestyle etc...or history....tough to help you.

Alton would be more of a Racine/Kenosha but much smaller type of town....if you are familiar with those places and their proximity to Chicago and Milwaukee. Metro East St. Louis is very different feel than MO side of STL area.

[bls5555]

Don't let that last post fool you, Alton is NOTHING like Racine slash Kenosha. Those are nice places (at least that was my impression the couple days I was there) while Alton is not. Alton is probably the worst of the Illinois suburbs, with the possible exception of Granite City. It has nothing to offer and is definitely a huge step below places like Collinsville, Edwardsville, O'Fallon and Fairview Heights.

[waldo]

Alton has a beautiful view of the St. Louis arch about 20 miles away and overlooks the river but that's about it. It's a depressing dying town. It's a shame as you can see that it once was great. Maybe it'll come back????

[bls5555]

Originally Posted by waldo

Alton has a beautiful view of the St. Louis arch about 20 miles away and overlooks the river but that's about it. It's a depressing dying town. It's a shame as you can see that it once was great. Maybe it'll come back????

Yeah it is depressing because you can see that at one time it was really really nice. It does have a chance to come back. The O'Fallon and Edwardsville areas are getting more and more expensive, so you never know. People might just start moving there for the cheaper housing.

[2beamissourian]

I personally would not live in Alton!!

I have family there too - grew up in the area ..Went to public and private school

The police just built a new cop shop ( whatever you call it) and put it on the middle of the slum area were the most drugs / prostitution was! .. did it stop that no .. !!

I would not send my child to Alton Schools!!!!!!! I dont care how pretty there high school looks - it looks more like a prison than a high school !!

The mall stores are leaving!

Drive down the beltline - stores and restaurants are closing up .. the beltline looks like the down town area did about 25 years ago .........


Jobs - the local refinerys are closing .. the big plants are too!

I wont go to Alton At night! The last time I was in Alton at night .. I had a bullet go through my back window of my suv! Nothing was done I was told to go to the car wash and spray the glass out and call my insurance company! ..........................few minutes latter a kid comes walking down the road and the cop was talking to him...........he had a gun on him and all! NOTHING WAS DONE! ..

Nope I wouldnt move to Alton if someone paid me to live there no way!!

[bls5555]

Originally Posted by DeborahWade

I wont go to Alton At night! The last time I was in Alton at night .. I had a bullet go through my back window of my suv! Nothing was done I was told to go to the car wash and spray the glass out and call my insurance company! ..........................few minutes latter a kid comes walking down the road and the cop was talking to him...........he had a gun on him and all! NOTHING WAS DONE! ..

Nope I wouldnt move to Alton if someone paid me to live there no way!!

For some reason I have a hard time believing this.

[bronko91]

Actually the old Shell refinery is now conoco and is about to undergo a 4B (BILLION) restoration/upgrade.

[2beamissourian]

Originally Posted by bls5555

For some reason I have a hard time believing this.

Better believe it!! I wouldn't live in Alton no way!!

What does Alton have to offer? The malls stores are leaving ..there is nothing there!!