Anyone lived in STL & Nashville? Advice on moving, schools, etc. (St. Louis: big house, buy)

[brentwoodgirl]

My husband is in the process of looking for a new job, and one of the things that he is considering is in Saint Louis. We currently live in a suburb south of Nashville and really like it here. I am not very familiar with St. Louis, I have only been there for work a few times. I've spent about an hour reading the boards and haven't seen a clear cut answer.
So I would love some help narrowing down the suburbs so I can compare prices, schools, etc.
I'm not sure about property taxes, so I would conservatively say we could spend $500K or so for a house. We prefer a reasonable yard- 1/2 acre or so. We want to live in an area with top notch public schools. And we'd like to stay reasonably close to the city.
What would you recommend? Also, if anyone has any comparisions between living in Nashville and STL, I would love to hear those also.
Thanks for your help!

[flynavyj]

500k will get you almost anywhere you want to be within St. Louis, including all the best school districts. If you're wanting excellent public schools that would rule out St. Louis City, but to stay close to it I would recommend staying within the I-270 Loop. The next obstacle is land, which would essentially make finding a home in some areas more difficult than others. Your best bet might be Ladue, as that would get you an excellent school district, and most likely a minimum of 1/2 acre. I'm also sure than many of the other older communities will have larger lots as well (newer construction typically puts subdivision homes ontop of each other), and as such I'd also recommend Webster Groves, Rock Hill, Glendale, and Kirkwood. All of which should keep you guys within 15-20 minutes of downtown, door to door and provide you with great public schools.

You might also check into Illinois as well, but I'm no expert or even well versed with things East of the Mississippi but plenty of my coworkers seem to enjoy living over there...I just never have, and if all goes well, never will...(i.e. I'm a missoura boy ).

[moorlander]

St. Louis isn't nearly as southern nor as country as Nashville. It's also larger and more historic. StL is a fantastic place to raise a family.

I'd start your search in kirkwood, creve coeur, chesterfield, town and country, and wildwood. These suburbs will be a stretch at that budget and requirements but that's a start.

[brentwoodgirl]

Thanks, this is very helpful. Kirkwood has some really cute houses in our price range, and it looks like the schools are great. Now we just need to come visit.

[aragx6]

Looks like everyone really hit the places I would most recommend. Be sure to ask any follow-up questions about particular areas, and we'll be happy to help.

Best of luck and keep us updated!

[momule]

I live in st louis county and am familiar with brentwood tn and franklin. I have been considering moving to your area. STL and nashville area are not that much alike. St louis is much larger but still easy to get around plus there is some pretty country close by. St louis has a lot more culture, shopping, professional sports, and restaurants than brentwood tn. Now the bad...housing in Brentwood is newer with much larger lots and better quality for the same price as st louis. Your $500k in brentwood would buy a very old home in the close in suburbs or a vinyl sided newer house in Chesterfield. Kirkwood and Webster groves will have a lot of homes in your price range and are terrific places to live. These houses are very old and have dated floor plans if you are used the the latest trends. Property taxes on $500k home are probably $5000-7000 here compared to $3500 in brentwood tn. We have state income tax and you don't in Tn. Other items are probably comparable in price in st louis compared to nashville.

[Smtchll]

Williamson County reminds me of western St. Louis County in some ways. Lots of hills, trees, and big houses. I'm not sure which one is hillier though. I know Nashville is hillier than STL City, but the outskirts of each city seem similar as far as topography goes.

[samusaran253]

The Northwest High School is very good. Albeit, they are way too strict and have an absolute zero tolerance policy, resulting in year long suspensions for even the most minor of offenses. But there are absolutely no gangs and practically no bullying. It's the best high school I've ever seen.

[aragx6]

Where's Northwest High School?

[Creed Bratton]

Clayton and Ladue are generally considered the top two school districts that are located within the inner suburbs and therefore close to downtown. You can get in these areas for $500k but likely won't get everything you're looking for in a house. Olivette and parts of Creve Coeur are in the Ladue district and will give you more for your money house wise. Kirkwood, Glendale and Webster Groves are other great inner suburbs with good schools, though in the minds of many a notch below Clayton and Ladue achools.