Should my mother move to Fenton, MO? (St. Louis, Kirkwood: transplants, real estate)

[melissa0808]

My mother is moving back to Missouri from Tennessee and my brother already lives in South County. He has suggested Fenton to her. She is single, mid 50's, likes the idea of parks and activities in the community and above all wants to feel safe. That general area on a map looks good because she would be close to my brother and I think easily get to I-44 W., which is the direction I live. Schools and travel to work are not an issue as we are grown and she is retired but I would like any info. on the Fenton and other areas near there that might work.

[billiken]

If your brother is already in St Louis, he probably understands what your mom would like better than we would But yes, Fenton is safe, affordable, and has good access to 44.

[aragx6]

Sounds like a solid fit. There are areas of St. Louis that have more transplants than Fenton, which might make it eaier for her to acclimate, but I don't see anything particularly wrong with that area given its convenience to your brother and you.

My mom, who's on the cusp of retiring, insists her next place be in a more walkable community. If that's something important to your mom, you might have her look at Webster Groves and Kirkwood, which while farther from your brother sounds like she might be closer to you.

Feel free to ask any follow-up questions you might have!

[melissa0808]

Originally Posted by aragx6

Sounds like a solid fit. There are areas of St. Louis that have more transplants than Fenton, which might make it eaier for her to acclimate, but I don't see anything particularly wrong with that area given its convenience to your brother and you.

My mom, who's on the cusp of retiring, insists her next place be in a more walkable community. If that's something important to your mom, you might have her look at Webster Groves and Kirkwood, which while farther from your brother sounds like she might be closer to you.

Feel free to ask any follow-up questions you might have!

Thanks for the response. I am interested in the other areas you might know of that have more transplants. She will want to walk but for exercise or relaxation. She isn't the type to enjoy walking home with her groceries after a trip to the local market. Although being around 15-30 minutes from my brother is important, she is more concerned with how many roads and interstates she has to change to get around. I would like to see her somewhere that interstates and traffic arn't a huge concern for her unless she's is going to see my brother. Malls and shopping are fine but you don't need all that on a daily basis. From what I read, Eureka seemed quaint. Is that true or is it just "old?" I was also wondering about Arnold, Affton and Sunset Hills. Sorry, one more...Is Kirkwood too much inside the city for someone not wanting to spend their daily errand running on interstates?

[aragx6]

^I actually think that when you live closer in to the city it's easier not harder to stay off the interstate because there's more side streets that go places instead of just country roads.

I don't know enough about South County and Jefferson County to speak specifically to areas she should look at, though Sunset Hills would probably offer well that mix between close to amenities but not far from your brother -- perhaps others can help you better with that question.

As for Eureka? I woudn't call it particularly quaint -- or necessarily old either. There's been a lot of development out that way in the last 10 years. I had a friend who bought a newer home out that way a few years back.

[moorlander]

Kirkwood/sunset hills would be best.

[showmestcharles]

Originally Posted by melissa0808

My mother is moving back to Missouri from Tennessee and my brother already lives in South County. He has suggested Fenton to her. She is single, mid 50's, likes the idea of parks and activities in the community and above all wants to feel safe. That general area on a map looks good because she would be close to my brother and I think easily get to I-44 W., which is the direction I live. Schools and travel to work are not an issue as we are grown and she is retired but I would like any info. on the Fenton and other areas near there that might work.

yes, Fenton is a good area

[showmestcharles]

Originally Posted by melissa0808

I was also wondering about Arnold, Affton and Sunset Hills. Sorry, one more...Is Kirkwood too much inside the city for someone not wanting to spend their daily errand running on interstates?

Arnold, Affton and Sunset Hills? Strange combination, considering Arnold is about 15 miles away. I'd say yes to Arnold, no to Affton, Sunset Hills and Kirkwood. While downtown Kirkwood is fine, it's easy to get turned around and end up in the ghetto. Affton and Sunset Hills aren't too bad now, but if she plans on staying for a few years she might not feel comfortable living there in 10 or 20 years and, like Kirkwood, it's easy to get turned around and end up in a bad area. Traffic is also a problem in Kirkwood, Affton and Sunset hills, while Arnold has no traffic, even the highways are pretty empty since it's, what, 10 lanes? It's bigger than 270 in many areas.

Stick to south of 270, anything inside of 270 is going downhill pretty fast.

[billiken]

What exactly is happening in Kirkwood that will make us all not what to live there in 10-20 years? I'd love to know, considering the price of real estate, the great schools, low crime, thriving downtown area, and high income levels. You talk in your other posts about checking out restaurants and stores to get a feel for the area--there are a lot of nice restaurants, new grocery stores, shiny new cars, families, etc.

[BoomBoxing]

He's clearly a crazy person.