Safe Area? (St. Louis, Columbia, Benton: apartment, for rent, houses)

[hvplasma]

Hi,

I'm looking at a two family house to move into with my wife and daughter on Gravois Ave and Utah St and am wondering about the safety. We are both coming from the suburbs and have little experience with urban living.

Any thoughts/recommendations?

I guess our biggest issue is that we are coming from the suburbs and we are unable to determine if we are worried about a bias with the transition or if its a legitimate concern with the area.

[aragx6]

I don't think you're wrong to have some concerns with the neighborhood. Just a couple blocks north or west and you're in a hipster haven, but Tower Grove quickly deteriorates as you head east and Gravois is often thought of as a pretty significant demarcation line.

Benton Park West (directly to your east) has grown a great deal recently with an influx of hispanics to the neighborhood (and with it some great Mexican eateries) as well as some new business like a couple of really cool printmakers, but it is still a gentrifying neighborhood and there is a very low-class element in the area and with it some crime.

The best answer I can give is that the area is block-by-block, and I don't know that block well enough to tell you definitively that I'd live there or not. But I think I can say that as new city residents, I think it requires careful consideration and there might be some better options out there.

Are you renting or buying this two family? And if you share your budget, I know the folks on this board can offer you more tailored advice.

[BoomBoxing]

Frankly, unless you pride yourself on being urban pioneers I think you should look elsewhere, especially considering you have a daughter. Gravois Park is definitely up and coming but it's not "there" yet by any means. It's very block by block as aragx6 said.

If you go just a bit further north and east you are in the Benton Park neighborhood. Tower Grove South, Shaw, Benton Park, and Southwest Garden would all be better choices in my opinion. If you want something a little safer but trading off the more "urban" feel then look into the neighborhoods west of Kingshighway.

[stlcitygirl]

^
I'm with Boom, I know exactly where you are talking about. I would also add in Lafayette Square and Clifton Heights.

[STL88]

I echo all of the previous posts. Look elsewhere. Maybe check out South Hampton neighborhood too, you can find great deals on nice houses there.

[hvplasma]

Thanks a lot guys. You gave me exactly what I needed to know. I was planning on renting for <650/month.

[aragx6]

^2 bedrooms? Easy peasy! All of these are in significantly safer neighborhoods:

Historic Shaw Neighborhood (http://stlouis.craigslist.org/apa/2257738151.html - broken link)
Charming Apartment near St. Louis Hills (http://stlouis.craigslist.org/apa/2235370541.html - broken link)
6152 Columbia Avenue 2W / Charming Apt. for Rent (http://stlouis.craigslist.org/apa/2256386330.html - broken link)
3 Bedroom on The Hill (http://stlouis.craigslist.org/apa/2253958898.html - broken link)
3 houses from TOWER GROVE PARK! Location Location Location Shaw Area. (http://stlouis.craigslist.org/apa/2254816773.html - broken link)
Spacious, Sunny Apartment (http://stlouis.craigslist.org/apa/2282755707.html - broken link)
2 bedroom St Louis Hills Apartment (http://stlouis.craigslist.org/apa/2277196881.html - broken link)

[hvplasma]

Yes you were right in assuming 2 bedrooms. You guys are awesome.